Nature is largely dry in winter, and that affects everything. Water in household plant tubs dries out, and plants kept indoors, on the roof or in balcony tubs can become worn out at this time. So rooftop gardens, tubs and plants need regular care.

Here are ways to look after rooftop gardens, tubs and plants in cold weather.

Plants need sunlight in winter too, so let them get the morning sun. If it is very cold, bring small tubs indoors and put them back in the sun on the balcony the next morning. It is best not to overwater: the soil does not dry easily, and the roots may rot. Check the soil before watering. Extra dust can settle on plants at this time; wipe it off with a clean, soft cloth.

Use a spray to water indoor tubs. Many plants can die if the cold is severe; if that happens, you can prune the plant back a little, and when the cold eases it will put out new leaves and recover. Make fertiliser from discarded tea leaves, vegetable peelings and eggshells, which is very good for plants. If the leaves turn pale, hold off watering until the soil dries.

A rooftop garden brings a touch of calm to busy modern life. Almost any kind of plant can be grown on a roof, especially fruit trees; some people grow vegetables, and lovers of beauty plant flowers. So rooftop plants need special care to stay healthy. The best time to water is early morning or evening. Plants can be grown in clay tubs, plastic bottles or buckets. Nurseries sell seedlings, fertiliser, pesticides and other supplies suited to rooftop gardens.

It is best to garden on the roof using permanent beds, and better still if the roof has a waterproof layer. Make sure the main roof is not damaged by the garden. There are many plants that need little water. Bushy plants should not be planted. Weeds must be cleared regularly and pests kept under control. It is better not to use chemical fertiliser; use organic fertiliser instead, and choose plants according to the season.

Plants need extra care in winter. Excess dust makes them rough at this time. Plants do not need much water in winter, as the cool weather and fog reduce their needs; watering once a day is best. But the plants must be kept clean: gently wipe the leaves with a thin, small cloth, or remove the dust with a spray.

In winter you can cover the soil in tubs with dry leaves. Weeds should be cleared at the start of winter. Only organic fertiliser and vermicompost are good. If any part of a plant rots, the whole plant must be pulled out. Make sure water does not collect at the base of the plant.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.