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on infected stems and branches. The most serious consequence of scab is reduced vigour of the trees caused by early leaf fall. This may limit the crop of fruit. The disease also causes scabs on the skins of fruit, although they are still edible. A preventative

and the taste doesn't suffer. The spots can be easily scraped off.A plethora of sooty, greenish or brown spots all over the fruit, which usually appear during cold, wet seasons, and particularly on shady parts of the tree.Good garden hygiene eases many fungal

Any tree fruit that has been wounded by insects or is split can be infected by this fungus. If the affected fruit is still on the tree, inedible and rotten, the fungus can even spread back into the spurs. Damaged, harvested fruit can also

The adult codling moths lay their eggs on or near developing fruit. These eggs hatch into small white caterpillars, which eat their way into the fruit and feed inside while it's developing. The caterpillars may be found inside the fruit at harvest

and fruit. Clear up infected, fallen leaves around trees. Cover fence or wall-trained trees with polythene sheet in January and February to prevent development of fungus. Alternatively, erect an open-sided 'tent' over bushes in the open garden. Mulch around

All plants need nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous to thrive, plus various trace elements. Without nitrogen the leaves turn yellow and growth is spindly. Potassium generates good flowering and fruiting and helps ripen wood. Plants lacking potassium

The evergreen foliage of the skimmia, pittosporum and ivy set against a backdrop of carex, provide year-round interest in this elegant container display. Red tulips add a splash of colour in spring, while skimmia berries provide autumn and winter interest.The addition of the bird...

Sweet ruby jewelsBy choosing your raspberry varieties carefully, you can enjoy the sweet, juicy fruits from late-June to late-September.See how to... make the most of summer raspberriesWhile you may need space to grow raspberries, you don't need

the emerging aphids. Don't wait for the symptoms to appear, as there's no point in spraying once the leaves have become puckered.blackcurrants, redcurrants, whitecurrants early to mid-winter, springCommon garden pests affecting fruit treesWolly aphids on apple

with pests and diseases.Caring for your apple treesPreventing apple and pear scab.Combatting apple sawfly.Treating apple sooty blotch.Dealing with canker.Choose fruit varieties to grow in your gardenBrowse our collection of deciduous trees