Q. My jamun tree’s growth is very slow and it is not fruiting, although it is almost 10 years old. Please advise what should be done.

A. Black plum or java plum, locally known as jamun, is a small, purplish-black, one-seed fruit that grows on relatively bigger trees. It would have been much easier for me to respond if you had mentioned the city where this 10-year-old tree is being grown. The java plum thrives in the tropical region, with its growth slow during the winters. Thus, from Badin to Gilgit, and in every city in between, the impact of adding compost or continued watering of a jamun tree would vary drastically. However, I would still briefly summarise the issues or solutions that may change the fruiting status of your tree.

Hopefully, your tree is planted in a place that has maximum exposure to sunlight and enough aeration. Both these aspects ensure that the tree thrives and there are minimal chances of any diseases or pests inhabiting the tree, and thus be a reason of delayed fruiting. Watering regularly goes a long way in better tree growth, but overwatering can also result in root rot. Therefore, the soil should be well-drained and it is always better to maintain the nutritional status of the soil, by mixing it with compost and balanced fertilisers.

Q. How can I grow my money plant so it is taller and has bigger leaves?

A. There are a number of varieties of the money plant, or the pothos plant, as it is also known. There are pothos plants with large-sized leaves and others with smaller ones, while most of these leaves have shades of white and yellow going across the green. The shape and colour of a money plant leaf may primarily depend upon the original variety being grown.

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However, as a rule of thumb, the more growing space the roots of a plant get — in the form of a container or in open ground — the better it thrives. This means it will come up with bigger leaves! Similarly, the plant also needs a balanced feed of fertiliser for better growth.

Finally, avoid direct sunlight. There is also a popular belief that keeping the plant in indirect light helps to increase the leaf size of a money plant. Many other factors may also benefit the plant, including a vine supporting stick or trellis, regular pruning and better aeration of the leaves.

Q. I am a regular reader of your gardening column. But I mostly come across tips about flowers. I want to learn more about growing vegetables at home. 

A. It is always heartening to come across emails from those seeking advice about growing and producing their own fruits, herbs and vegetables. As far as your suggestion and query is concerned, I try to come up with a mix of topics. For instance, on the last Sunday of every month, this column features selected questions and tries to answer them.

Similarly, we try to share the major topics, including the life cycle — from seed germination to eventual harvest — of vegetables, herbs, flowers and fruits. The column also features articles on decorative ornamental plants and vines, pests and pollinators, organic pesticides and insecticides, and how to make different soil-boosting organic fertilisers at home. Finally, the columns also cover a variety of gardening-related activities, natural processes, gardening techniques and tips, and the means to support and sustain your plants.

You will soon come across a series of articles on growing cabbages at home, from sowing seeds to harvesting it, but it is likely to be followed by articles on other aspects of gardening mentioned above. Keep reading and gardening!

Q. Please can you tell me where to buy seeds for flowers and vegetables? They usually do not sprout. I also want sadabahar flower seeds.

A. You can easily get seeds from any of the plants or seeds stores in your vicinity. Similarly, many online sellers and local nurseries also sell seeds of herbs, fruits, vegetables and flowers of all kinds. As far as your concern of seeds not sprouting, I would suggest to always ask for fresh stock.

Instead of purchasing packed seeds yourself, one may inquire about the latest seeds availability from the seed sellers. It is also beneficial to seek other gardeners’ advice regarding the rating and feedback of the seeds sellers. Thankfully, many sellers tend to be ethical sellers, but not all. Thus, getting a peer review may go a long way!

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, September 29th, 2024