GARDEN GURU

Q This year my runner beans produced a lot of lush greenery but only a few flowers and two beans. What did I do wrong? B. T. Dean A I suspect the reason for your poor yield was our exceptionally hot, dry and long summer. It’s difficult to predict if we’ll face similar conditions next year, but I’d suggest planting beans in a traditional bean trench filled with organic matter. Mulch around the base of plants to lock in moisture, and water regularly in the growing season, especially during dry spells. Q My Christmas cactus hasn’t flowered for five years. Is there anything I can do? Kim Rayner A You should be able to encourage it to flower next Christmas. In mid-spring, feed with a liquid fertiliser, increase watering and repot if necessary. In autumn, place in a cool, dark spot where ten hours of darkness a night will help buds to form. It can then be placed in a bright position, out of direct sunlight. Q What’s the best way to look after old, wooden-handled garden tools? Joe Chequer A With good care, gardening tools will last a lifetime. Wood can crack due to weathering, so treat handles with linseed or walnut oil to provide a protective layer and prevent the wood splintering. Clean soil off blades after use by scrubbing in soapy water – a wire brush is ideal for removing caked-on dirt. Restore blunt cutting edges with a flat hand file.