Your Garden In Monsoon

By Staff

Tuesday, December 16, 2008, 11:43

The sky is darkening, clouds envelope the sun causing the shadow to sweep, little water drops free from the confines of clouds fall on the thirsty expecting earth. The monsoon has arrived. Along comes the many pleasant and many unpleasant aspects of the season. As the monsoons drive you crazy with its affects on your home, clothes, car and yourself, your home garden only seems to be welcoming the rain with open arms. This gives you a chance to groom your garden, as it requires special care during the rains.

The monsoon is a good time for garden and landscape planting. With the higher humidity, cloud cover and rainfall, plants have an easier time getting established after planting. All sizes of trees and shrubs can be planted during the rainy season if you give careful attention to watering. To be sure water will penetrate the root ball, thoroughly hydrate the roots. Just prior to planting, water the pot until water runs out the drainage holes. Herbs can be planted in the garden during the rainy season but will do best with some afternoon shade. Mint, thyme, oregano, chives, sage and rosemary can all be successfully planted now. Basil can also be planted and can be continually harvested until it freezes back in the winter.

Water stagnation is another aspect that should be taken care of. Be careful to check your drainage system in the compound and garden so that it doesn"t turn into a breeding place for mosquitoes. Water also shouldn"t be allowed to stagnate in the garden as it can make plants rot easily. In the case herbicides and pesticides, it doesn't matter how carefully you apply these products in a small garden. One heavy rain will wash the herbicide off the area you treated, and spread it all over the garden. Also, the roots of one vegetable can easily extend to the next row, where the chemical is. A non labeled plant will be injured or killed if it contacts the chemical; it will certainly make the crop inedible.

Some important factors to be taken care for your garden at the time of monsoons to help you make the best of the season and to bring the best out of your garden:

Spiders are better than any chemical insecticide deterrent, encourage them as they eat away various insects, thus protecting your plants.

Crumble a piece of rich chocolate cake with your hand. When a handful of soil, crumbles in your hand just as the cake did, your soil is ready for seeds or transplants.

The peony is a beautiful flower and attracts ants as well as humans. It's a good thing, too, because the ants keep all harmful insects away from the plant

If your gardenia leaves are turning yellow, mix a cup of rotted manure or cottonseed meal into the top layer of soil and keep moist

When you see mushrooms growing in your compost pile you know you've done something right.

Check your yard and garden, including potted plants or any object that may hold stagnant water where mosquitoes can easily breed

If you should happen upon an earthworm, consider yourself lucky. Earthworms are a gardener's friend. They not only aerate the soil by tunneling down about five feet, they also fertilize it. They lay their eggs near the top of the soil. The new worms emerge as tiny pieces of thread and are very hard to see. They instantly go to work and care for themselves and your garden.

Hair is a great source of nitrogen for your garden. Add it to your compost heap. Kept moist, hair disintegrates quickly and has 28 times more nitrogen than manure.

Frogs and especially toads are a gardener's best friends. They are voracious insect eaters. Encourage them with moving water - a small stream or pond.

You have ready a lush, green garden that blossoms beautifully in the rain. A well kept garden is a pleasure for you and an envy of your neighbors. A nice garden also serves as a fine venue for your picnic,barbecue party or just a cozy stroll amongst the exotic flowers with a special person in your arms.

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Article Published On: Tuesday, December 16, 2008, 11:43 [IST]

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