The second instalment of the Root Awakening column for the month of April 2009 was published on 18 April 2009, Saturday. This week, answers to two gardening questions from Straits Times Life! readers were given.
The first question touched on the type of soil that is suitable for the growing of frangipani inside containers. As frangiplani plants are sensitive to wet feet, they need to be potted up inside a well-draining and fertile soil mix. An easy to concoct mixture is good quality burnt earth and compost. The compost serve as a source of organic matter that also helps to provide nutrients and retain moisture. Burnt earth can help to keep the soil porous and ensure good water drainage.
The second question dealt with the growing of herbs at home. Herbs are sun-loving plants and in an apartment, they need to be grown in a location where they can receive direct or filtered sunshine for at least 6 hours daily. The minimum for some herbs is about 4 hours. Other than that, they also prefer to be grown inside well-draining and fertile soil. Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, sage and thyme, are sensitive to wet feet and good drainage of the soil is absolutely essential.
