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Chris Beardshaw demonstrates a method for training greenhouse tomatoes, intended to increase fruiting yield.summerMore on growing tomatoesRead Kate Bradbury's blog on the dos and don'ts of growing tomatoesGrow tomatoes from seedGrow tomatoes outsideGrow

Leaves and sometimes stems are marked by dark blotches caused by a fungus. The spores overwinter on fallen leaves, stem lesions and bud scales, and reinfect the plant the next spring when there's a flush of new foliage. If these leaves are then infected, they too eventually turn ...

's not confirmed how the virus is spread, but sap-sucking insects, nematodes and gardening tools, such as pruning knives, are likely contenders.Canna leaves develop pale spots and streaks, as well as a distorted, crinkly look, while flowers may also become

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 out of the apples, creating a ...

by hand any affected leaves and shoots. pearsspring to autumnMore advice on growing pearsTreating apple and pear scabPreventing pear wasp damageDealing with codling moth on fruit treesMonty's favourite fruit varieties

, pyracantha, sorbus all year roundMore common garden pestsAphidsWhiteflyLeaf miner flyEuonymus scale

. Space plants out to ensure good air circulation, and water early enough in the day to allow the leaves to dry out before nightfall. Also remove any garden debris that might harbour the fungus.lettucessummer to autumnMore common fungal problems

with copper fungicide every 10 days or so. They don't provide 100 per cent protection, but an attack will be slowed down and you should get a ripe crop.potatoes, tomatoessummer, autumn, winterMore advice on growing potatoesAdvice on earthing up potatoes

to other plants. Carry out repeated, preventative spraying the moment the first batch of tomatoes starts to set. Use fungicide containing copper. They don't provide 100 per cent protection, but an attack will be slowed down and you should get ripe tomatoes

The fungus that causes this problem spreads rapidly in the warm, humid conditions of a greenhouse. It usually becomes apparent on the lowest tomato leaves from early or midsummer, which develop yellow blotches on the upper leaf surface. The leaves eventually turn brown and wither...