GARDEN GURU

Q I have an ongoing problem with badgers coming into my garden at night and digging up the lawn looking for worms and grubs. What can I do? Peter Federow

A It’s not easy to deter badgers. Firstly, you could try to make your lawn less appetising for them. Apart from worms, they forage for leatherjackets and chafer grubs. Use biological controls (greengardener.co.uk) to combat the pests. Letting the grass grow a little longer will also make it harder for badgers to find worms.

Q I bought a Kalanchoe blossfeldiana this time last year. It flowered beautifully. It’s quite a size now but doesn’t look as if it’s going to flower. Will it? Phil Lawton

A Probably not. This succulent needs special treatment to help it re-bloom. In early September, place it inside a cupboard for about eight weeks – it’s important to eliminate all light, so don’t even take a peek. The period of darkness will prompt buds to form and the plant can then be placed on a bright, but not too sunny, windowsill to flower.

Q Is it possible to grow blackberries in pots? Angie Cooke

A Yes. Over the past few years a number of compact varieties have appeared, such as trailing ‘Black Cascade’ and dwarf ‘Opal’. I’ve even grown taller ones, such as ‘Loch Maree’, up a wooden stake driven into an 18in pot.