Gardening: Your horticultural headaches eased, by Brian Kidd (April 12)
Brian Kidd delves into his inbox to answer readers’ question.
Q: We have a camellia called Debbie which we bought as our daughter shares that name. My husband wants to keep a round shape and we don’t want it to grow too large. Can he use the hedge trimmer? DL, Cosham.
A: Yes, but do it as soon as the flowers fade. Next year’s flowers will be good as the flowers grow on wood produced after pruning.
Q: My broad beans are looking sad with brown and black marks on the leaves. Is this a disease? BV, Paulsgrove.
A: No, it’s cold winds. Providing shelter would help. However, there’s plenty of time for new leaves to grow.
Q: My begonia semperflorens seedlings don’t seem to be growing. HL, Southsea.
A: These concentrate on making new roots. Once they’ve done this, they romp away as it gets warmer. Try not looking at them for three days and you will notice a difference. A weak feed of liquid tomato fertiliser will help them.
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