‘Conference’ call
QMy potted ‘Conference’ pear hasn’t fruited – is this because it was attacked by scale insects?
Mrs Euington, via email
AUnless the pest ate or crippled the blossom, it is more likely that the flowers failed to set because of frost.
This year, if there is a late frost, drape your tree in layers of fleece. Tackle pests with Bug Gun at 10-day intervals in July. Also, give it 10-day applications of Tomorite or another high-potassium feed from April to August.
Water freely and set your container on feet so excess water can escape.