Q. Kindly guide me about the best indoor and outdoor plants to grow to help combat anxiety and depression? I live in Gulshan-e-Hadeed, Karachi.

A. Traditionally, many herbal remedies and plant extracts have been used to treat patients for centuries. Finding a cure for anxiety and depression through different extracts, infusion and teas from plant-based sources is also pretty common. You may come across a number of empirical medical studies being conducted on the relationship between plant-based medication and anxiety and depression. A few plants that you can grow in Karachi which are known to tackle anxiety and depression include lavender, chrysanthemum, rosemary, English ivy, jasmine (motia), snake plant and chamomile, among many others.

Similarly, adopting a hobby, especially gardening, will help reduce anxiety and depression. This will largely depend on your preference though. For instance, if acquiring health benefits inspires you, then you may plant fruits or vegetables through organic means. If beauty, colour and the smell of fragrant flowers motivates you, then I will suggest that you plant some seasonal flowers. Sometimes, even just walking barefoot on grass early in the morning helps to relieve one’s nerves.

All your gardening queries answered here…

Q. I enjoyed reading your article about plant pests in Eos a few weeks back. In it you had included a photograph taken by you of caterpillars eating away at lemon plant leaves. I just wanted to ask you if you have seen the butterflies that they finally went on to become? I loved your recommendation of not getting rid of many species. However, this particular caterpillar is special and must even be kept for the beauty it creates. I have kept some lemon plants for a butterfly to find and lay eggs. Hope you are encouraging them in your garden too.

A. Thank you so much for your appreciation. Firstly, I highly believe in nature and maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. My family is used to watching a number of colourful butterflies and beautiful small birds arriving at our place, especially during flowering, fruiting and harvesting seasons. I, however, don’t follow the butterfly-forming process of the caterpillar too closely. This beautiful butterfly’s image that you have shared with us seems like a citrus swallowtail. Most of the butterflies that I have seen near our lemon plants are usually vibrant orange in colour. The last part of your letter is very heartening to read. Keeping some plants in order to help these caterpillars is an absolutely amazing gesture from you for nature. Godspeed!

Q. Hello, I live on Jamshed Road, Karachi. My question is related to the kakri plant. As you can see in the picture, my kakri plant has recently sprouted and I have covered the seedling pot in a plastic bag. Now I want to know when can I transplant it into a bigger pot and what would be the ideal size of the pot for this plant. Also please share any care related to this plant.

A. Kakri, also known as Armenian cucumber, belongs to the gourd family, which grow on vines. Congratulations on successfully sprouting the seed. It is a summer plant, which grows very rapidly and is known for its massive yield. The plant should be transplanted only after it bears two to three true leaves. Ideally, the container size should be at least 10 inches. Before transferring it, keep in mind that this vine spreads quickly and vertically as well. Therefore, you should keep the container near some grill, trellis or trees where the plant can easily cling, creep and grow. Select a spot for your plant where there is plenty of sunlight from morning till noon.

Q. Can I grow Arabian jasmine from a cutting? I have a big plant in a big pot and I was wondering if I can make two or three smaller plants out of it?

A. Yes, you can do this. The ideal time for propagating an Arabain jasmine plant’s cutting would be from the month of December to around February. Some, however, prefer to propagate it during the months of July and August as well. Best of luck and happy gardening!

Please send your queries and emails to doctree101@hotmail.com. The writer is a physician and a host for the YouTube channel ‘DocTree Gardening’ promoting organic kitchen gardening

Published in Dawn, EOS, March 5th, 2023