Monsooncare for those green babies

Premila Balaji tells why last month’s unexpected rainfall was a damp squib for those maintaining a backyard of plants and what care needs to be taken during such times

November was a washout for Premila Balaji. The garden enthusiast, who has been nurturing her backyard with a variety of flowers, vegetables and fruits, did not predict the rains to be so heavy that it would knock down the precious tomatoes and marigolds.

“I could save only 50 percent of my plants and I cannot say they are doing great,” says Premila. The cauliflower that she has been caring for from the seed stage was badly damaged. “This was disappointing as it does not generally happen during winters. Last year, my cauliflowers were a hit and even my neighbours got a share of them,” says the senior citizen who is a member of Chennai Organic Terrace Gardeners.

The papaya tree also met with a similar fate. Due to too much water, she suspects the roots suffered a fungal infection.