Q. We are unable to grow grass in the shade of the big trees, such as Aegle marmelos (Bael fruit), in our Nazimabad garden in Karachi. Is there some special kind of grass that we can grow there, one that will grow in shade with little sun? Is there some kind of fertiliser the grass there needs? And, if so, where can we get it?

A. Grass needs at least six hours of direct sunlight each day for it to grow well. Areas that are densely shaded by trees will not support green lawns. Perhaps you can consider laying gravel in the area, interspersing it with small, possibly raised, beds in which shade-loving plants — ferns being a prime example — will flourish.

Q. Can white daisy flowers be grown in Karachi? Are seeds and plants available here? I love these flowers and would like to have some in my garden.

A. Presumably you mean the white daisies that blanket the Murree Hills in summer. Unfortunately, these Ox-eye daisies (Leucanthemum vulgare) will not grow in the hot, humid heat of Karachi. There are, however, various kinds of white Chrysanthemums you can grow and these should be easy to find in nurseries later in the year. If you are happy with small lawn-type daisies, Bellis, you should be able to find some in local nurseries right now.

Q. I want to make a small lawn in front of my one kanal house in Bahria Town, Islamabad. There is a water tank underneath the lawn area. Please tell me how thick a layer of sand, cow manure or any other material is required to grow grass on. Also, which type of grass is best for this location?

A. Soil should be at least six inches deep to allow for healthy development of grass roots. A mix consisting of 50 percent sweet earth, 25 percent river sand and 25 percent old, well-rotted, organic manure is recommended. Desi grass or Dacca grass should meet your requirements.

All your gardening queries are answered here

Q. Is the Karachi climate suitable for growing Stevia? Where can I obtain its seed or seedlings?

A. Used as a substitute for sugar, Stevia rebaudiana is worth trying in Karachi but only, I would think, over the cooler months. Ask your local seed store if they can track down seeds for you, or search for a reputable online seed seller within the country.

Q. I planted tomatoes in my back garden last summer. The plants grew very well and had huge tomatoes on them, but the tomatoes did not turn red. Can you advise please? I live in London, England.

A. Different varieties of tomatoes take different lengths of time from seed sowing to crop harvesting. Some varieties are ripe within just 60 days from seed sowing; others can take almost twice as long.

I suspect that you grew a variety that needed maybe 100 days from seed sowing to ripening of the fruit as, even in British weather, tomatoes can successfully be grown outside.

Next time, read the details on the packet in full, before buying, and only select a variety that has the potential to ripen in less than 80 days. Additionally, sow seeds undercover, if possible, in early spring and certainly no later than mid-April, if you want the best chance of obtaining a decent crop.

Q. I am a novice gardener and live in Defence, Karachi. Can Hyacinths and Tulips be grown here? And if they can, when do I plant them? Also, there used to be a lot of roses in my garden but they seem to die off in the summer. Is there any way in this climate that they can be saved so that they will bloom again the following year?

A. You will be delighted to know that both Hyacinths and Tulips can be grown in Karachi. Their bulbs are usually available in garden supply stores during late autumn to early winter which, as it happens, is also the right time to plant them. Hyacinths do very well and their flowers are reasonably long lasting. Tulip flowers, beautiful as they are, only last for a few days, as they are not really comfortable in the Karachi climate. For full information on growing and caring for roses, please study the following links to 2 recent columns devoted to growing and caring for the Queen of flowers. www.dawn.com/news/1601739/gardening-rose-the-queen-of-flowers and www.dawn.com/news/1602829/gardening-roses-by-any-other-name.

Q. Do I need a real pond to grow water lilies in or can I grow them in a container. My parents are having a bathroom re-modelled and will be throwing out the bathtub. My idea is to grow water lilies in it. Is this possible?

A. A wonderful idea and a great big yes!

Please continue sending your gardening queries to zahrahnasir@hotmail.com. Remember to include your location. The writer does not respond directly by email. Emails with attachments will not be opened

Published in Dawn, EOS, March 21st, 2021