ASK MONTY

QThe ivy in my neighbour’s wild garden is overpowering my fence.

How can I kill it off?

Carol Race, Derbs

AIvy causes very little harm and wildlife love it, so enjoy the benefits it brings to you. You’re within your rights to cut back growth that overhangs, but under no circumstances try to kill it.

QI have lost primroses in hanging baskets to an army of small white worms. What are they?

Michael Seagrave, West Sussex

AThese sound like vine weevil grubs. They will have been in the pots when you bought them. The way to deal with them is nematodes (Steinernema kraussei)

that can be watered on. These are most effective in late summer but can be applied in spring.

QI planted a ‘Mystic Fantasy’ dahlia but an early frost turned it black. How can I prevent this?

Sally Heavens, Lincs

ADahlias are tender so not frost hardy, and all will turn black and die back in frost. Next year plant your dahlias as normal and when the frost hits, dig up the tubers and store in a frostfree place. They will start to resprout in

March and April and should be planted out after the last risk of frost in May.

Write to Monty Don at Weekend, Daily Mail, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5TT or email monty.don@dailymail.co.uk. Please include your full name and address. We regret Monty can’t reply to letters personally.