Quick Qu estions
Why are my containergrown pansies yellowing?
Angela Wilson, by email Don’t rule out inadequate watering or a root problem, but if you find fuzzy, grey, fungal-like growth on the underside of leaves then it’s likely to be pansy downy mildew ( Peronospora
violae). Destroy the plants, and don’t grow pansies in the same containers in consecutive years.
Why have the top leaves of my strong growing tomatoes curled?
Miss K Dunn, Cambridgeshire It’s down to the hot weather last month. Despite what a lot of gardeners think, tomatoes don’t like it much ho er than 25C (77F) and it’s nearly impossible to apply sufficient water if you’re out at work during the day. Cropping shouldn’t be affected.
Do cabbage caterpillars eat kale?
Patricia Harding, Bedford The bad news is that they do but, in my experience, less so than with many other types of brassicas. Problems can be avoided by growing under bu erfly ne ing. It’s a bit late to sow now but you may just about get plants large enough to go through the winter. Alternatively, you may be able to buy transplants at a good garden centre.
Why is my tomato not producing flowers?
Ann Vinnicombe, by email Strongly-growing, overfed tomatoes or those in too much shade may fail to produce flowers. With cordon tomatoes untie and lay the stem along the ground and train up a new cane. Alternatively, allow a sideshoot to grow. If it flowers, retain it and cut out the main stem. Failing all else, replace the dud plant by training a shoot in from the adjacent flowering plant.