GARDEN GURU

Q

I have a 1ft-tall, six-year-old oak tree that’s in a 2-litre pot. It doesn’t have many leaves and looks a bit sad. Should I move it to a large pot now or wait until autumn? Ann Jeffs

A

I’d pot it up now as it sounds as if it’s probably root-bound. Move it into a slightly larger container using loam-based compost, such as John Innes No3, adding some controlled-release fertiliser granules. Prior to potting, tease out some of the circling roots from the rootball to ensure they grow outwards.

Q

My Italian cypress trees look healthy but have strange, conker-like growths on them. What are they and are they harmful?

Pam Shallcross

A

I’m delighted to let you know that you don’t have anything to worry about. The strange growths that I can see in your photographs are actually its seed-carrying round cones. They’ll eventually drop to the ground of their own accord.

Q

I have several young avocado plants that are growing in pots outside. Can I leave them in place over winter or do they need to come indoors? Jean Taylor

A

Avocados originate from Central America and will turn up their toes at the mere mention of frost. Bring your plants indoors in late summer and stand them in a bright spot, where temperatures are in the region of 13C to 18C.