Quick QUESTIONS
What is wrong with our pears?
Gilbert Taylor, by email I’m not surprised you describe the fruit as inedible because what you have found are extreme symptoms of pear scab, a fungal disease that affects the leaves and twigs as well as the fruit. It’s a close relative of the more familiar apple scab disease. Regrettably, there is no control and almost all common pear varieties are equally susceptible, although my tree of ‘Beurré Hardy’ is seldom affected.
Why is our philodendron dropping leaves?
Mike Wiltshire, Kidderminster, Worcestershire You’re concerned because some of the leaves on your plant have started to turn yellow. It’s a fine specimen of a variegated philodendron. I don’t think you need worry. Although the plant is called an evergreen, no plant retains all its leaves forever and from time to time some will turn yellow and drop.
Can we use pigeon manure on the allotment?
Rita Deans, by email You have received a load of pigeon manure, some hard and dried, some fresh, and you want to know what to do with it. Pigeon manure is particularly high in nitrogen, and, when fresh, can damage some plants. I suggest you divide it among the allotment holders to mix in their normal compost bins where it will make an excellent accelerator.
How can I keep seeds from my plants for next year?
Maxine Jones, by email The two enemies of stored seed are damp and heat. The best way to store them is in small paper packets in a screw topped glass jar and kept in a fridge. If you have some small sachets of silica gel drying crystals, put these inside the jar with the seeds.