I’m climbing the wall over winter jasmine

My winter jasmine climber seems to be struggling, even though we’ve had plenty of rain and the wall has no eaves. Any idea why? – James, via email DAVID: Climbers often have to cope with poor soil at the base of a wall. And even if your house has no eaves you will still have a “rain shadow” where the rain barely lands.

Plant climbers 30-45cm from the wall so roots can access rainwater better.

Try compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil, and carefully transplant the roots further out if needed.

If it still struggles, it needs you to step up the watering.