* Are there any special bougainvilleas which should be grown in pots?
PS Sandhu, on E-mail
No, you can grow almost all varieties in pots. It is regular pruning that keeps it in the pot for many years. You should know when to prune. It also depends upon the variety you have.

* I want to grow vegetables on my roof top. How should I prepare the soil?
Veena Chauhan, on E-mail
Prepare soil as if you are preparing it for other pot plants, that is, one part each of soil, sand and well-rotten farmyard manure. In case the soil is already light, that is sandy, then add soil and manure in equal parts.

* Which plants can be grown in pots/big pots — vegetables, fruits or medicinal plants? Which ones can be easily maintained?
Navneet, on E-mail
Depending upon the size of the pot, you can grow any plant for a few years, but then they outgrow the pot and need to be planted in the garden. Herbs, few perennial vegetables, bulbous ornamentals and evergreen indoor plants can be carried over for a longer period. Specificity to hardness also depends upon whether it is for stressed water or weather conditions.

* Which flowers can be planted this time of the year?
Anil Aggarwal, on E-mail
Right now, you can go for permanent flowering shrubs and can plant almost all kinds. You can get the plants from any private or government nursery. These are also available at the Chandigarh co-operative Kitchen Gardening Society in Sector 23.