Down To Earth

There are many insects that are seen in the garden occasionally,but the white ant is perennial and one that causes maximum damage.

There are many insects that are seen in the garden occasionally,but the white ant is perennial and one that causes maximum damage. It feeds on any part of the plant and attacks the roots as well. However,gardeners can easily spot them as the ants are visible above the ground and often form mud tunnels on the trunk of the trees (in the picture). To get rid of them remove the mud clinging to the trunk with the help of a broom and treat the tree with chlorpyrifos,made by dissolving the chemical at one milliliter to a liter of water. Apply the solution uniformly and in case of lawn treatment start from one end of the lawn,inward from the periphery,and keep pouring the solution while walking slowly.

Now that the rains have started,what precautions do you recommend for the garden?

Saroj,Chandigarh

The first and foremost precaution is to check that there is no water stagnation in any part of the garden. The drainage should be complete. In case of any snapping of the branch,it should be cut smooth with the help of a pruning saw. The cut end should be smeared with a disinfectant.

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I have two Amrapali mango trees in my garden,which are bearing for the first time. When should I pluck the fruit?

Savita,Chandigarh

The best time to pluck Amrapali mango is the first week of August,when it is in its prime.

Can I plant mango and litchi now? If not,then when is the best time to do so?

Manish,Panchkula

Wait for another 15 days and then plant mango. Litchi should preferably be planted in the month of October,when the weather has sufficiently cooled down.

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I want to sow mint in my garden. What is the best location and how fast does it grow?

Kuldip,Panchkula

Semi-shade is an ideal location for mint and there should be a water source nearby,where there is no problem of standing water.

(For gardening queries ASK DR GREEN at satishnarula@yahoo.co.in)

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