Quick Questions
Can we use the ash from our open fire on the garden?
Alec Lord, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire Never apply coal ash to gardens. It contains many chemical nasties. Only wood ash from twiggy young growth has appreciable potassium (potash). It’s highly alkaline but can be thinly spread around the garden where it will have li le effect on pH generally, but don’t use it around roses, camellias or rhododendrons.
How should we prune our newly-planted beech hedge?
Shirley Barwell, Congleton, Cheshire In February, prune the sides of the hedge as necessary. You can also clip the sides in mid-summer if you want to encourage it to thicken out. Ideally, leave cu ing the top of the hedge until it reaches 20cm (8in) above the height you want. The exception is if the transplants are really straggly. You should reduce these in February to encourage branching from lower down.
How do I overwinter my begonia tubers?
Mr E Fisher, Corby, Northamptonshire Tuberous begonias need to be lifted before the first frosts. Dry them off and remove the foliage as it withers. Store the dry tubers in trays of barely-moist sand in a frost-free situation at about 7C (45C). Check the tubers occasionally over winter and water gently to prevent them shrivelling.
What are the bugs my friend found on their conservatory floor?
Mr D Polkden, Bexleyheath These are probably aphids or greenfly, with the most likely candidate being the large willow aphid. Small numbers of females survive over winter, usually on willows in sheltered situations. I guess a few thought a conservatory would be far more pleasant!