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The mullein moth caterpillars in my garden are still small, but they're guaranteed to increase in size by the day. These little critters - welcomed by wildlife enthusiasts and hated by gardeners - munch their way through verbascum, figwort

The caterpillars of the oak processionary moth are a real pest, but I couldn't contemplate killing them. I find myself in this situation regularly. So many so-called pests are creatures I'm quite happy to live alongside and I do so without a second

by leek moth. More and more gardeners have been asking about this small but potentially devastating pest at recordings of Gardeners’ Question Time, and at talks I have given.The caterpillars of the moth cause horrible, discoloured patches on the leek

to attract moths. In turn, the moths pollinate the plants. I know a number of people who won't grow night-scented plants because they can't abide moths, and the thought of attracting them in is unthinkable. But I'd say give them a try, because in my

for codling moth larvae. Once they’ve been removed, everything else goes in – even the odd bit of grass.The apples need to be broken up before being squashed, and I copy Eric’s method of freezing them solid, then defrosting them thoroughly. Freezing breaks