ADD SOME “GREEN”

We all know how wonderful plants can be - they give us more oxygen, cleanse the air around them and make the space they grow in look so much prettier! So, isn't it time you got down to growing your "green fingers" and started growing a plant? You can get your parents involved too!

Things you need:

- A plant pot (of suitable size)

- Gardening soil (you can find this in nurseries, or from your own or a friend's garden)

- Plant seeds or a small plant

- Pebbles and other small decorative items

- Lots of patience!

Set up your Green Corner:

First things first:

Decide on where you are keep your plant - your room, balcony or elsewhere? This will help you decide on the size of your pot, and the type of plant you should buy. Start with small, easy-to- grow plants like Money Plants or Cactus.

Do your research:

Whichever plant you decide to buy, do some background reading on how it should be planted, how often it needs to be watered. etc. You could refer to books in the library or talk to some- one who is familiar with gardening.

Prepare your plant pot: You can buy pots in plastic, terracotta, or ceramic. If you don't want to buy one, use discarded bottles or utensils. Make sure it's sturdy and has me holes at the bottom for drainage. Paint your pot with bright colours and decorate it. Put in some big pebbles at the bottom, and fill it loosely with gardening soil until the top, but don't pack it too tight. Water the soil, and plant your seeds or sapling.

And now, put in the finishing touches: Once your plant is planted and you have put it in the space chosen, add some nice decorative touches - place the pebbles on the top of the soil, and add other things like little flags next to the plant.

Taking care of your plant: Ensure that your plant has sufficient sun-light. If you are keeping it in a corner that doesn't get much light, move it to a sunny corner for a few hours every day. Water your plant only when the soil is very dry, and depending on the nature of the plant. For instance, cactus plants don't need much water, even if the soil is dry.

With time, your plant will grow nice and strong. Once you are confident, you can get more and place them in other parts of the house. You could also keep a variety of plants in a stand or table and add a truly "green" touch!