Growing Guide for Native Indian Trees

Welcome to Your “Mytree” Journey.

Under the shade of a tree, I begin peeling away the layers of a seed, one after another, until I find nothing at its core. Yet that "nothing" is not a void. It is pure, abstract consciousness from which everything emerges.

Today, in your hands, you hold that same pure consciousness in the form of a tiny seed. One day, it will grow into a mighty tree, offering shelter, nourishment, and life to countless generations to come.

So, let us plant trees today, nurture them, and build a lifelong bond through MyTree.

Identify your seeds 

Step 1 – Before You Sow 

Some native seeds have a hard outer coat. To improve germination:

| Species | Pre-treatment 

• Karanj - Soak in clean water for 24 hours.
• Kanchan - Soak in warm water for 12–24 hours.
• Palash - Soak in water for 12–24 hours.
• Bahava - Soak in warm water for 24 hours (hot water poured over the seeds and allowed to cool works well. 
• Amla - Fresh seeds germinate best. If dry, soak for 12 hours before sowing. 

Step 2 – Selecting the Grow Bag 

Use any container with drainage holes. Recommended size:

1. ]8 × 10 inch grow bag
2. 10 × 12 inch nursery bag
3. A pot of at least 8 inches depth.

Larger containers encourage stronger root development. 

Step 3 – Preparing the Soil 

An ideal soil mix:

1. 50% garden soil
2. 30% well-decomposed compost or Vermicompost
3. 20% river sand or Coco-peat. 

The soil should be loose, fertile and well-drained. Avoid heavy clay soil that retains excess water.

Step 4 – Planting the Seeds 

1. Fill the grow bag with the prepared soil mixture.
2. Sow 2–3 seeds per bag to improve the chances of germination,
3. Plant the seeds 1–2 cm deep (larger seeds like Karanj may be planted up to 3 cm deep).
4. Cover lightly with soil.
5. Water gently until the soil is evenly moist. Do not bury the seeds too deep. 

Step 5 – Watering 

Water lightly every day during hot weather, or whenever the top layer of soil begins to dry. 

The soil should remain moist, not soggy. Avoid overwatering, as excess moisture may cause the seeds to rot. 

Step 6 – Sunlight 

Place the grow bag where it receives:

1. Morning sunlight
2. Bright indirect light for the first few weeks
3. Good air circulation
4. Once the seedlings are established, gradually expose them to full sunlight. 
   

Step 7 – Germination 

Approximate germination time: 

• Karanj: 10–20 days
• Kanchan: 10–20 days
• Palash: 15–30 days 
• Bahava: 15–30 days
• Amla: 20–45 days 

Nature works at its own pace. Be patient. 

Step 8 – Caring for the Sapling 

Once the seedlings develop 3–4 healthy leaves: 

• Retain the healthiest plant.
• Remove weaker seedlings carefully.
• Water regularly.
• Add a handful of compost every 30–45 days
• Keep the area weed-free.
• Rotate the pot occasionally so the sapling grows upright. 
• Protect young plants from grazing animals and strong winds. 

Step 9 – When Should You Plant It in the Ground? 

Allow the sapling to grow in the grow bag until it is approximately: 

• 45-60 cm ( 1.5 - 2 feet) tall 
• Has a strong stem 
• Has a well-developed root system 
• This usually takes 4–12 months, depending on the species and local climate. 

The best time to transplant is at the beginning of the monsoon (June to August), when regular rainfall helps the young tree establish itself.  

Avoid transplanting during peak summer or when the soil is very dry. 

Step 10 – Choosing the Right Place 

Plant your tree only where it has enough room to grow into its full size. Recommended spacing:
| Species | Mature Spacing | 

• | Karanj | 8–10 metres 
• | Palash | 8–10 metres 
• | Bahava | 6–8 metres 
• | Amla | 6–8 metres 
• | Kanchan | 5–6 metres 

Avoid planting:

• Too close to buildings
• Next to compound walls
• Under electric wires
• Near underground pipelines
• In places where future construction is planned 

Choose open spaces, farms, gardens, school campuses, community parks or village commons where the tree can thrive for decades. 

Incase you do not find a suitable space, you can donate it when it grows to 2-2.5 feet to a TSF plantation drives or any safe place such as school, old age home, orphan age where it can grow into a tree.

Step 11 – How to Plant in the Ground 

1. Dig a pit approximately 30 cm × 30 cm × 30 cm or according to the size of the root ball.

2. Mix the excavated soil with 5–10 kg of well-decomposed compost or farmyard manure. 

3. Remove the grow bag carefully without disturbing the root ball. 4. Place the sapling upright in the centre of the pit.

4.  Fill the pit with the prepared soil. 

5.  Press the soil gently to remove air pockets. 

6.  Water thoroughly.

7.  Spread dry leaves or mulch around the base to retain moisture. 

8. Stake the sapling if it is in a windy location. 

Step 12 – Nurturing Your Tree 

During the first 4–5 years, your tree will need your care.

✔ Water during long dry spells. 

✔ Add compost twice a year. 

✔ Mulch with dry leaves to conserve moisture. 

✔ Remove weeds around the base. 

✔ Protect the trunk from grazing animals. 

✔ Avoid using chemical fertilisers or pesticides.

Native trees become increasingly self-sufficient as they mature. 

Remember, this seed or sapling is a living connection between you and our Master Sri M. Do your best to nurture it and help it grow into a tree.

Your MyTree Promise 

One seed... 

becomes one tree. 

One tree... 

becomes shade for countless people. 

One tree... 

becomes a home for birds, butterflies and insects. 

One tree... 

helps cool our planet. 

Today, you have received a seed. 

Tomorrow, you can gift the world a forest. 

Plant it. Protect it. Nurture it.