US equity futures and Asian shares declined while safe haven demand lifted US Treasuries
"I take to gardening at least two times a day in between work. It allows me to keep a motivated therapeutic routine while tending to plants and watching the seedlings grow," said Priscilla, a management professional. Priscilla shares that she started off with pothos plants, one of the easiest houseplants to take care of even if you are a person who forgets to water their plants. "Currently in my care are over 30 plants that include ivy, snake plants, a small palm and I also propagate a lot of money plants. I am excited to start a fresh batch of chilis and extend my balcony outdoor garden soon."
"In our consumerist society, we as human beings have stopped having the urge or the curiosity to know where our food comes from," said Hemant Julka, a co-founder of VeggiTech.
This is a golden opportunity to undertake a horticultural hobby and weave in some life lessons as well as be mindful and be present in the moment. "With instant gratification, children and youth are getting used to expecting things to be at a hand's reach. Nothing in life that matters is instant. Things take time - like building your education, learning a new hobby to self-improvement. Given the lockdown it's more important to use gardening as a tool for our children and the community, to take pleasure in the simple things: learn patience, dedication as you sow, water and clean, day after day waiting for your seedings to push through, coping with failure to finally succeeding to pick your own harvest," said Yazen Al Kodmani.
Tip#1 - Make sure the place you have chosen for planting the seeds is in the shade; also ensure the seeds are not old. The sowing depth should be no more than an inch.
Tip #2 - Ensure you keep the grow media (potting soil is good) moist (do not over hydrate the plant during the seed stage).
Tip #3 - Once the seeds germinate and are around 2-3 inches tall - transplant them into a pot or secure place where they become strong - potting soil with compost is ideal in this scenario (again in a shaded area) as the grow media.
Tip #4 - Try and grow plants that can be used as food - like herbs, leafy's and lettuces. These plants grow quickly (typically in weeks) and it's a great way to experience the circular economy (from your garden to your kitchen).
Tip #5 - Don't give up if your seeds don't make it to a plant; consider it as a learning experience and Nature is a patient teacher. Being with nature also has amazing benefits - both emotionally and physically and it is a great way for the family to bond together.
(By Hemant Julka, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of VeggiTech)
US equity futures and Asian shares declined while safe haven demand lifted US Treasuries
Passengers reaching their final destination without their baggage should contact the airport airline representative or contact their airline call centre, DXB said
Spot gold was trading at $2,384.14 per ounce at 9.25 am UAE time, up 0.17 per cent
Passengers already in Dubai and in transit will continue to be processed for their flights, the airlines said
The airline also suspended flights to Iran amid reports of an Israeli strike
Expect fair to partly cloudy conditions today with chances of fog and mist formation in some areas
Iran fired air defense batteries after reports of explosions near a major airbase at the city of Isfahan
Other requests include residents seeking assistance with cleaning mud accumulation, restoring damaged furniture