A few changes can make your winter garden bloom. Star now.
Prepare for the winter flowering season
We can feel the mist as the celebratory season begins in India. With it comes some basic necessary chores at home. Winter in its full glory is yet set in, and before it does, our balcony plants may need a bit more than just redecorating. It needs a little attention to make the transition smooth. For gardeners in north India, this is an especially important time, as falling temperatures, cold winds and foggy mornings can affect everything – from flowering plants to delicate herbs. A few simple changes to watering, pruning, feeding, and plant placement can can make sure your garden is prepared for the cold months ahead. One of the most common mistakes gardeners make as the weather cools is continuing to water their plants as frequently as they did in summer. Lower temperatures and reduced evaporation mean that potting soil takes longer to dry out, increasing the risk of waterlogged roots and fungal disease. Check the top inch or two of soil before watering. If it still feels moist, wait another day. When you do water, do so thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain away. Morning is generally the best time, as it gives the soil and foliage an opportunity to dry before nightfall. Autumn is an excellent time to prepare a balcony garden for winter colour – particularly in north India, where many popular annuals thrive in the cooler months. Pansies, petunias, calendulas, dianthus, snapdragons and sweet alyssum can add colour to even a small balcony. Choose healthy seedlings and plant them in a well-draining potting mix enriched with compost. Make sure containers receive the amount of sunlight the plants require. Most winter annuals flower best with several hours of direct sunlight. Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving winter garden. Gently loosen the surface of the potting mix without disturbing shallow roots, and add a thin layer of mature compost or vermicompost. This replenishes nutrients and improves soil structure.