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The cause of the splits is invariably irregular watering. When the tree suddenly gets a hefty drink following a period of drought, the apples quickly expand, which often leads to the skin cracking. The fruit usually produces a corky, scab

When apple trees are in flower, the sawfly, Hoplocampa testudinea, lays its eggs in the developing fruit. In June, the larvae tunnel their way under the skin of the fruit and into the core, causing the apples to fall. When they're ready, they tunnel

Monty Don takes you through the process of planting early potatoes with suggestions for soil conditioning and spacing.springMore advice on growing potatoesBlog on growing potatoesChitting potatoes video projectGrowing potatoes in a binGrowing

Apple sooty blotch is caused by an overwintering fungus, which is typically found on trees or branches growing in shade and damp. It creates a splatter of dark, sooty spots all over the skin of the fruit, although the flesh isn't affected at all

Wasps love feeding on soft, juicy fruit. They can break through the skins of grapes, peaches and plums, and quickly nibble out sizeable cavities, but fruit with tougher skins such as apples and pears must first be broken open by pecking birds before

Apple and pear scab is most prevalent in mild, damp seasons. The fungus overwinters on fallen leaves in the form of spores, which can be splashed by rain or carried in the wind to infect newly emerged shoots in spring. Overwintering can also occur

White, waxy, sap-feeding aphids colonise cracks, crevices and pruning cuts on the bark of apple trees in the second half of spring. They then spread to new growth and create soft swellings. If the bulges split open in frosty weather, infections

Box - Buxus sempervirensCrab apples - Malus 'Golden Hornet'Stub wireSecateursPliersDecember1 hourSoak the Oasis in water and cut it to fit the pots. If they are going to sit on a precious surface, line them first with a sheet of plastic.Push the Oasis

be affected. The spores are transmitted three ways: via insects, when infected fruit touches other fruits, and by wind and rain.Tree fruit becomes inedible and rather unsightly when a small brown spot gradually encompasses the whole apple, pear or plum

Left unchecked, canker can gradually spread to affect whole branches and sections of trees. Severely-infected old trees may be beyond rescue, while young trees are vulnerable to infection, particularly where other susceptible trees are growing