Gardening: Your questions answered by Brian Kidd (Oct 4)
Brian rides to the rescue with gooseberries, rhubarb and a ray of sunshine.
Q: Can you explain how to prune gooseberry plants please? I have read about it in a book but don’t understand what the author means when he talks about ‘current year’s growth’. SP, Clanfield.
A: Pruning can be done right now. Leave all the thick dark brown and black wood but all the side branches should be cut back by one third. Finally, remove any shoots which are touching the ground – just cut them back by about six inches. Add a top dressing of rotted manure four inches deep to ensure you have huge berries next summer.
Q: When can I dig out and replant my rhubarb plant? I want to move the row because the stems are not as good as they used to be. FR, Havant.
A: Try to do this after the first frosts of the year or very early in November. Incorporate a good amount of well-rotted manure. You can buy this at your garden centre.
Q: I have a narrow border about two feet wide with a leylandii hedge which was here when we moved. I keep it strictly in shape. The hedge looks boring so I planted begonia semperflorens as you recommended. They are fab! What can I plant for a spring display, not bulbs? FS, Bedhampton.
A: Think no longer. Plant wallflower Golden Bedder eight inches apart. The effect will be a great ray of sunshine next spring. Cheap too.
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