Home garden bedtime

 Ah, "home garden bedtime"! That's a lovely way to think about the end of the gardening day. As the sun begins to dip below the horizon here in Birkona, Chhattisgarh, there are a few things to consider to tuck your garden in for the night and prepare it for the day ahead:

**Things to Do as Your Garden Goes to Bed:**

* **Evening Watering (if needed):** If your plants are looking dry and the day has been particularly hot, a gentle evening watering can help them recover overnight. However, avoid watering too late in the evening, as this can leave foliage damp and increase the risk of fungal diseases, especially with the humidity we can experience here. Water at the base of the plants. * **Pest Patrol:** Take a quick stroll through your garden as dusk falls. Some pests become more active at night (like snails and slugs). You might be able to spot them and take action

before they cause too much damage. * **Tidying Up:** Remove any fallen leaves, dead flowers, or debris.

**Protecting Vulnerable Plants:** If there's a forecast for unexpected heavy rain or strong winds overnight, consider covering delicate plants or moving potted ones to a sheltered location. * **Checking Supports:** Ensure that climbing plants and those with heavy blooms are adequately supported to prevent damage during the night. * **Closing Greenhouses or Cold Frames:** If you have these structures, make sure they are properly closed to retain warmth and protect

plants from cooler nighttime temperatures or potential pests. * **Reflecting and Planning:** Take a moment to appreciate your garden as the day ends. This can also be a good time to mentally plan what tasks you'll tackle tomorrow.

**Things to Consider for a Healthy "Sleep":** * **Good Drainage:** Ensure your soil drains well. Soggy soil overnight can lead to root rot.

* **Mulch:** A layer of mulch helps to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature overnight. Just like us, plants benefit from a period of rest. The cooler nighttime temperatures allow them totranspire less and focus on other biological processes. By taking a few simple steps as your home garden goes to "bed," you're setting it up for a healthy and productive day ahead under the Birkona sun!

Is there anything specific you're wondering about regarding your garden at the end of the day? Perhaps you've noticed a particular issue in the evenings? Let me know!