GARDEN GURU

Q How can I remove and prevent powdery mildew on apple trees?

John West

This common fungal disease A attacks the young shoots and foliage of apple trees. Reduce problems in the future by raking up and destroying leaves this autumn and cutting off the worst-affected shoots.

In spring, remove any new leaves that look infected and water the tree well during dry spells.

My everlasting sweet pea

Q has grown rapidly but produced only three flowers last summer. How can I encourage it to deliver more blooms?

Veronica Copplestone

The everlasting sweet pea A

(Lathyrus latifolius) will flower poorly if set in shade or soil that’s excessively dry or waterlogged – if any of this strikes a chord, consider moving it to a better position or growing it in a pot. Cut all stems back to ground level this autumn.

I’d like to create a gravel

Q garden. Should I spread gravel directly on to the soil or cover the ground with landscape fabric first?

Stephen Henderson

Laying gravel on to bare soil A

will allow perennials to selfseed and take root. However, walking on the surface will result in the gravel working its way into the soil and the gravel will need topping up annually. Covering with fabric first will reduce selfseeding (from desirable plants and weeds), but it’s a pain to cut through the material when you want to plant something.