A LITTLE KNOW-HOW GOES A LONG WAY

Soil & climate

Practical ideas for growing more confidently at home.

Soil & climate

Adjust your care to heat, rain and your own microclimate.

Soil & climate

Texture, drainage and organic matter are your starting points.

A regional starting point

Location does not tell us the exact soil in your garden or pot. These descriptions are broad context, not soil-test results.

Red soils occur regionally, but purchased mixes and urban fill differ. Add mature organic matter where appropriate.

Elevation moderates temperatures, but summer heat and rainy periods still matter. Observe your balcony microclimate.

Sandy and clayey patches both occur. Assess the actual soil rather than assuming all coastal soil is sandy.

Warm humid conditions; northeast-monsoon rain can affect autumn planting. Choose locally suitable varieties.

Alluvial soils occur in the wider plains, but urban fill varies. Check compaction and drainage in your own bed.

Hot summers and cool winters create strongly different growing seasons. Protect tender plants during extremes.

Alluvial soils are common in the wider region. Texture, drainage and organic matter vary by site.

Humid summers and a rainy monsoon, with a milder winter growing window. Avoid stagnant water around containers.

Coastal soils vary widely; salt exposure and heavy rain may affect pots. Do not infer salinity without testing.

Warm humid coastal conditions and heavy monsoon rainfall. Maintain airflow and protect drainage outlets.

Black and mixed soils occur across the wider region. Container drainage and your own soil texture matter more than a city label.

Warm dry months, a distinct monsoon and milder winter nights. Shelter containers from prolonged heavy rain.