01 - House Plants

Most house plants are now in their active growing phase. This is the perfect time to trim and fertilize.

• Gently prune weak and dead branches, always cutting just above a node
• Begin regular feeding, continuing through summer
• Turn soil once every two weeks and add organic manure

March is ideal for taking cuttings as almost anything you propagate now will root successfully before the heat sets in.

Spray NPK 20:20:20 once a week (a small pinch per litre of water). Water regularly, monitor for pests and diseases, and keep the soil aerated.

All fruit trees should have the soil dug around them to form deep basins. Add manure and irrigate generously.

This is also the right month to plant new trees, climbers, shrubs, and hedges.

02 - Indoor Plants

Be cautious with direct sunlight. Midday sun can scorch foliage.

A good routine is to place plants outdoors after sundown, leave them out overnight, allow gentle morning sunlight, and bring them indoors before the harsh midday heat.

Nurseries are well stocked now, making this a great time to expand your indoor plant collection.

Water slightly more than in winter, but always follow the golden rule:

• Touch the soil; if dry, water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom
• If unsure, wait another day

Use a sprinkler when possible so plants feel like it’s raining. Mist daily, wipe leaves gently with a soft cloth, and support them with your palm while cleaning.

Create an indoor jungle by maintaining humidity and keeping plants away from AC drafts and fans.

03 - Roses, Dahlias & Chrysanthemums

Roses are still in full bloom, enjoy them and deadhead regularly.

Dahlias continue to flower beautifully. Remove faded blooms daily, cutting from below the node to avoid visible bare stems.

This is a good time to plant chrysanthemum suckers in 4 to 6 inch pots. Keep them in shade and pinch the top growth to encourage bushier plants.

04 - Bulbous Plants

Now is the time to plant summer bulbs.

Highly recommended:

• Caladium
• Canna
• Coleus and Ipomoea as companions

Caladiums and Easter lilies are hardy and retain fresh foliage well into winter.

For garden beds, mix and match:

• Spider lilies
• Zephyr (rain) lilies
• Ginger lily
• Elephant ears
• Bird of paradise
• Canna

For containers, choose:

• Football lily (blood lily)
• Tuberose

From an aesthetic point of view, abundance always works. Plant bulbs in clusters rather than singly for maximum impact.

Choose bulbs that are large, heavy, and free from damage. Injured bulbs are prone to rot, while larger bulbs ensure better flowering.

Winter bulbs will now have finished flowering. Some, like lilliums, are difficult to carry over to the next season in Delhi unless stored in cooler mountain conditions.

05 - Vegetables

This month is ideal for sowing:

• Bitter gourd
• Bottle gourd
• Tinda
• Cucumber
• French beans
• Okra
• Watermelon

Spinach and coriander can still be grown successfully.

06 - Seasonal Flowers

Winter flowers are nearing the end of their bloom cycle. Continue:

• Regular watering
• De-weeding
• Deadheading

Removing spent flowers not only improves appearance but redirects energy into fresh growth.

If not done already, now is the time to sow summer flower seeds:

• Sada Bahar (Desi Sada Bahar for fuss-free gardening)
• Sunflowers (Teddy and Giant varieties)
• Portulaca

Also recommended: Cosmos, Celosia, Cockscomb, Gaillardia, Gomphrena, and Kochia.

07 - Herbs

Move parsley, celery, and rocket into semi-shade to extend their lifespan.

Herbs that thrive through the Delhi summer:

• Basil varieties
• Tulsi (Holy Basil)
• Chives
• Sage
• Lemongrass
• Mint
• Rosemary

Grow basil and tulsi in large, open-mouthed pots so seeds self-sow during the monsoon and you’ll never run short.

08 - Lawns & Hedges

Excellent time to repair bald patches or plant new grass.

Loosen soil, transplant grass roots from lawn edges at 2-inch gaps, feed with neem khali and bone meal (or well-sieved organic compost), and water regularly.

09 - Succulents

Move succulents and cacti into semi-shade. This is a great time to propagate by division or cuttings.

Water once a week and always from below as top watering leads to rot.