•Clear old crop residues, weeds; dig soil 3-4 inches deep to loosen and aerate, exposing it to sunlight for 2 days to kill pests.
•Improve drainage by mixing sand, gravel, or perlite into the soil to prevent waterlogging while retaining moisture.
•Add 30-40% vermicompost or well-rotted cow dung manure for fertility, providing NPK and increasing water retention, crucial for March-April heat.
•Include a handful of neem cake as a natural pesticide and fertilizer, protecting against termites and fungi; wood ash can add potassium and deter pests.
•Mix cocopeat to keep soil light, retain moisture longer, reduce pot weight for rooftop gardening, and balance pH with lime or gypsum.
