GARDEN GURU

Q My brother grew 20 ‘Sweet Candle’ carrots for exhibiting. Nineteen came out nice and straight, but one has mutated and looks like 11 carrots twisted together. Any idea why? Hugh Cairns

A Extensive distorting in carrots is usually a result of the roots coming into contact with stones, clods of earth or debris in the ground as they make their way downwards. I suspect your brother prepared the seed bed well, but he probably missed the odd stone. He can prevent this happening in future by cultivating the soil thoroughly to a depth equal to the length of the mature carrot.

Q I have a rose bush that is full of hips but no flowers. How do I get the flowers back? Bernie Maxwell

A I’m afraid you will have to wait until next spring or early summer for more flowers. In early spring, remove dead and damaged shoots and cut the bush back to half its size. Give it a dose of controlled-release rose food and water regularly.

Q Our radish, kale and cabbage crops have been ruined by flea beetles. What is the best way to keep our vegetables intact? Joan PJ

A Flea beetles are tiny beasts that feed on the leaves of many brassicas. The easiest way to prevent them peppering the foliage with tiny holes is to cover seedlings with insect-proof mesh. Alternatively, spray crops with an organic pesticide.