GARDEN GURU

Q I’ve been using carnivorous Q plants to control pests in my greenhouse. How do I look after them over winter? Margaret Malone

A Venus fly traps, pitcher A plants and sundews can all withstand temperatures down to minus 10C and are happy to be stored in a cold greenhouse. Allow the compost to almost dry out before watering (use rain water). If you have a heated greenhouse, move the plants to a garage window or cool porch.

Q Over the past few years, brown patches have appeared in my leylandii hedge. I was told the damage was caused by aphids and had them treated by a professional outfit. However, there has been no improvement. Any suggestions?

Barry Munn

A The images you sent to me show small webs in the hedge, which points to it being attacked by conifer mites. These tiny sap-suckers are difficult to control but I would suggest spraying with winter tree wash during a dry spell. In spring, let predatory mites reduce their numbers – sachets containing tiny creatures known as amblyseius can be placed in the hedge once temperatures reach 10C (nematodesdirect.co.uk).

Q I want to start a vegetable Q patch and wondered how I could protect it from foxes. John Murphy

A Use netting and cloches to cover vegetables, and erect temporary shelters around fruit bushes.