Latest news with #Tat
Daily Record
13 hours ago
- Climate
- Daily Record
Gardening hack using 1 item will keep rose bushes blooming for longer in summer heat
Roses need special care once the temperature starts to rise. Expert shares the simple mulching hack that will keep rose bushes blooming for longer in summer heat Roses require extra attention during the scorching temperatures beyond mere watering, making it crucial to get them ready in June for a blooming summer. With rising heat, roses are prone to losing moisture swiftly through transpiration and soil evaporation, leading to their petals wilting. Failure to safeguard your roses can abruptly curtail their flowering as intense heat causes blooms to fade and shed. Nonetheless, Tat, a horticulturist and the brains behind 'Roses In Houston,' has divulged an optimal method to maintain rose hydration without incessant watering. Tat highlighted a common misconception, stating: "We all hear this advice to water, water and water during summer. But what if there is no rain and water restrictions in place? Does that mean it's the end of rose- gardening and we should call it quits?" Tat, however, recommends mulching as the superior approach to keep roses adequately watered, which involves covering the topsoil surrounding the plants with material for protection, reports the Express. Continuing her guidance, Tat shared: "Put on multiple layers of mulch (about two inches) at the base of your roses. Mulch helps retain moisture so that water and moisture won't escape from soil too fast after watering." She emphasised her preference for an eco-friendly option, adding: "I prefer all-natural, no-dye version of mulch like hardwood and cedar so when they break down, it's better for the soil." Mulching roses aids in reducing evaporation, thereby helping the soil retain more moisture and ensuring the roses stay hydrated throughout the summer. Mulch also provides insulation to the soil, preventing it from overheating, thus keeping the plant roots cool and undamaged regardless of the external temperature. Hardwood is particularly effective at retaining water and is often considered the best mulch to use if you need to keep roses hydrated for extended periods without watering them. If you're planning a holiday or anticipate hose restrictions in your area this summer, then hardwood mulch might be a good option. However, cedar mulch not only retains some water but also contains oils that act as natural pest repellents, which can help deter ants, aphids, rose slugs and spider mites from feasting on your rose petals. If you'll be home and able to water your roses regularly this summer, then consider using cedar mulch to help maintain their health. Regardless of how you choose to mulch your roses, ensure to water them deeply a few times a week during the summer to guarantee they continue to bloom throughout their growing season. The optimal time to water roses is early in the morning before 9am or late in the evening after 6pm when the sun has not risen, to minimise evaporation and help prolong the flowering period of the roses.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Why Tata Motors didn't rebrand ‘Harrier' EV: Company eyes 50% EV share
Based on an interaction conducted by Arpit Mahendra. Tata Passenger Electric Mobility has further expanded its lineup of electric cars with the highly-anticipated launch of the electrified version of its popular nameplate, the Harrier. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now With the launch of the Harrier EV, the company's stable now consists of six models including the likes of Nexon EV and Punch EV. We recently spoke with Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director of Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, who explained the arrival of the electrified Harrier, explaining its significance, technology, and market positioning. Chandra highlighted the rapid growth of the SUV segment, which now accounts for over 50% of the total passenger vehicle market in India. Within this, the large SUV segment (vehicles over 4.5 metres long and priced above Rs 20 lakh) has become a sizable category, clocking around 25,000 units a month. This segment, he noted, is typically composed of customers who are upgrading; thus seeking enhanced performance, features along with spacious cabins and premium technology. That said, the Harrier EV will be competing in this segment. Tata Harrier EV - Positioning and targeted customers When asked about the positioning of the Harrier EV, especially in relation to the ICE Harrier, Chandra said the EV version is targeted at a more discerning audience: young professionals, tech-savvy individuals, and those open to exploring new technologies. 'These might be people upgrading from a segment below or even coming down from more expensive cars because of the value this product offers,' he explained. On that note, he further pointed out that 'This car delivers nearly 40-45% better torque and acceleration than what a typical car would be giving in this segment in the ICE world'. While most ICE-powered SUVs offer around 350 Nm of torque, the Harrier EV churns out 500 Nm and achieves 0-100 kmph in just 6.3 seconds. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It also features dual motors powering all four wheels, making it Tata's first all-wheel-drive EV. On the technology front, he highlighted that the Harrier EV is the first car in the industry to feature a Samsung Neo QLED screen , offering a 'superior' picture quality. Besides that the SUV also features an industry-first 540-degree camera system, which not only offers a 360-degree view but also lets drivers see what's underneath the car. Tata Harrier EV: Why 'Harrier' EV? Interestingly, despite the all-new EV platform and significant changes under the skin, Tata decided to retain the 'Harrier' nameplate. Chandra revealed that this was a matter of internal debate. 'There was all the reason to go with a new top hat and a new name. But Harrier is strongly associated with the JLR architecture and has established a premium brand image. We wanted to piggyback on that strength,' he said. That said, Tata's new EV platform will also be used for other models in different shapes and styles in the future, he confirmed. Tata Sierra design explained: Glass panels but no safety compromises! | TOI Auto TPEM aiming for 50 percent market share in the EV segment Looking ahead, Chandra stated that while the overall market for electric vehicles is still small, has significant ambitions. The company expects 30% of its passenger vehicle volumes to come from EVs by 2030, compared to the current 11-12%. At an industry level, he expects EV penetration to reach 15-20%. Tata Motors currently enjoys over 10% EV market share in India and remains committed to retaining the top spot. 'We are very particular about that. In the mid-to-long term, we are taking actions to ensure 50% market share,' he said. He further broke down the EV market into three segments: entry, mid, and premium. The entry segment consists of city-oriented cars like the Tiago and Punch EVs, while the mid segment - featuring models like the Nexon EV and Curvv EV, is where most of the action happens, accounting for about 6,000–6,500 units per month. That said, he explained that it will be possible to capitalize on the company's wide portfolio when the market grows further. Discover everything about the automotive world at Times of India.
