PLANT CARE :
Hoeing :
Hoeing or forking is an operation in which the surface soil around the plant, is loosened with a hoe (khurpi) or a fork and is turned inside out. The hoeing may be up to 7-15 cm (3-16in.) depth. The object of hoeing is to keep the soil porous so that light, air and water may reach the roots better, to improve moisture-retention capacity and to remove weeds. Hoeing has to be done carefully so that the surface or stem roots are not damaged. Hoeing should be done when soil is moist or dry but not wet and soggy. The best procedure for hoeing is to water the plants in the morning, hoeing them in the evening and then watering in the morning. An interval between hoeing and watering helps in the aeration of roots and absorption of water from a greater depth. Sudden exposure to heat during the hot sunshine period or to cold at night may cause damage to the roots.
Weeding :
Removal of weeds is called weeding. Weeds, besides competing with the garden plants for nourishment, are also sometimes hosts to pests and diseases, which are transferred from them to the garden plants. They should, therefore, be removed as soon as they appear.
Stopping :
means pinching of a growing shoot of a plant. Stopping also includes removal of side shoots growing from the axis of the leaf joint with the main shoot as in balsam, larkspur, or tomato, in order to let the energy of the plant be diverted fully to the flower stem. Stopping may be done more than once in a season, depending on the growth of plant and its variety. It is better not to stop more than one or two big shoots and 3-4 small shoots at a time in a plant.
Disbudding means removal of all but one or two selected buds on a stem. Plants which have large and decorative flowers need more disbudding than those with small and medium flowers. Chrysanthemum, dahlia and carnation require heavy disbudding, while roses need comparatively less of it.

Dead heading :
Removal of withered flowers from the plant is called dead heading. Flower are produced in nature for producing seeds and as soon as seeds are produced the natural function of the plant having been over, it dies or rests. Therefore, a garden plant should not be allowed to seed except for purposes of collection of seed. Removal of withered, dried flowers is thus to prevent the plant from seeding.

GROOMING AND CARE :
By the removal of dead flowers, the flowering period can be extended. Also, the removal of shoot tips encourages a neat and attractive plant, while supporting and training stems also creates a neat appearance. From early autumn to late spring, the Pink Jasmine (Jasminum polyanthum) creates a wealth of white or pale-pink flowers, usually trained around a large hoop of pliable canes, or a green plastic loop.
When young plants have shoots 10-18 inches long, insert the support into the potting soil. Pliable canes are just pushed into it, while plastic loops are attached to the rim. Carefully cult and train shoots around the support, taking care not to bend or kink them. Repeat this task several times throughout summer, and regularly feed the plant to encourage growth.

Cleaning Leaves :
Proprietary, ozone-friendly sprays are available, and these are ideal for large-leaved plants, while hairy-leaved types and bristly cacti can be cleaned with a small soft brush. Support large leaves with one hand and gently wipe a damp cloth or spray with one hand and gently wipe with a damp cloth or spray with a leaf-cleaner. Do not do this when the plant is in strong sunlight. Clean plants with many small leaves by gently swirling them in a bowl of clean water, allowing excess to drain, and dry in gently warmth but away from direct and strong sunlight.

Remove dirt and dust from bristly cacti, as well as hairy-leaved plants, by using a small, soft brush. Blowing strongly on leaves while brushing also helps to remove dirt.

Looking After Flowers :
Decaying flowers left on plants encourage others to rot, and the decay may then spread to soft leaves. Also, the removal of dead flowers encourages the development of others. Pull off the stems of cyclamen flowers that have faded and started to wither. Hold the stem firmly and tug sharply, so that it comes away from the plant's base. Do not just remove the flowers.

Pinch off dead flowers from azaleas. Do not leave parts of flowers, as this encourages the onset of decay around soft shoots. Hold the shoot firmly while carrying out this task.

Slightly woody stems, such as those on azaleas, are best trimmed with sharp scissors, cutting back to a leaf-joint. This encourages bushiness and the development of sideshoots.

Encourage young plants to form a bushy base by nipping back young shoots to leaf-joints. If this job is neglected. Plants become bare at their bases and unappealing.