GARDEN GURU

Q I’d like to grow a Japanese maple in a pot. What type of compost do they need? Jackie Walton

A Japanese maples make excellent container plants and are best set in a 50-50 mix of ericaceous compost and soil-based John Innes No.3.

They look great in terracotta, stone or Oriental-style containers – go for one measuring between 12-18in, depending on the size of the rootball, and place it in dappled shade.

Q I have a pot-grown phormium that has brown spots on its leaves. What’s wrong with it?

Margaret Mullerworth

A Phormiums are generally trouble-free, but the plant in the photo you emailed looks like it has been infected by a fungal disease. I would suggest cutting off the worst affected leaves at the base and then encouraging healthy growth by mixing some controlled-release fertiliser granules into the compost. Put the pot in a sunny spot and water regularly.

Q I have a Bramley apple tree that was planted two years ago. Last year the crop was poor. What can I do to make it produce more apples?

Martin Clark

A ‘Bramley’s Seedling’ is selfsterile, with flowers that need to be cross-pollinated with pollen from the flowers of another apple variety to ensure good fruit set. Among perfect partners are Braeburn and Egremont Russet.