Search - Articles

are your best allies. Ladybirds can be bought as a biological control, and you can also buy ladybird houses to encourage these helpful creatures to take up residence in your garden. They need time to tackle the problem, so don't expect them to hoover up

to secure them.Provide supportChoose disease-resistant varieties to avoid blackspot, mildew and rust, though in warm and humid summers, even disease-resistant varieties can be affected. Rake up and remove fallen rose leaves to reduce the risk of reinfection

care not to crush the stem.Label, then water cuttings thoroughly and place a plastic bag over the tray or pot to prevent cuttings drying out. Keep compost well watered.AdamCheck leaves regularly for fungus mint rust, which appears as rusty spots

of them. Bare-root rose plantSpadeForkBamboo caneGranular fertiliser, such as chicken manureDecember - mid-March 20 minutes for each rose June - AugustDig out a hole in the soil to the depth of a garden spade and the same width. Put the soil to one side

, winter Common problems affecting treesRust on leavesLeaf miner flyNail gall on lime treesPeach leaf curl

-magnesium carbonate to the soil in autumn or winter to remedy the deficiency for next year.potatoes, apples, cherries, grape vines, tomatoes, camellias, rhododendronssummer, autumn, winterMore common plant problemsCanna virusRaspberry nutrient deficiencyHollyhock rust

the season.rosesall year roundMore common problems affecting rosesPreventing rose bloom ballingDealing with rose rustTreating rose powdery mildewRemoving rose leaf rolling sawfly

affect other plantsspring, summerDealing with other problems affecting rosesPreventing rose bloom ballingDealing with rose rustTreating rose blackspotRemoving rose leaf rolling sawfly

or lightly shaded, sheltered spot against a fence or wall.AdamGive your roses a boost with a slow-release fertiliser in March and again in July.More advice on growing rosesAdvice on dealing with rose rust.How to prevent rose bloom balling.Taking rose cuttings

vegetables, you will get a heavier crop if you grow leeks in a well-lit position, with soil that has been improved by the addition of plenty of organic matter. Leek seedsMulti-purpose compostPots or seed traysGarden forkStringBroom or large dibberWatering can