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My roses are in need of a little TLC, what would you suggest?

Roses are not as tricky to grow as people think! The most popular types - bush, hybrid teas, floribundas and climbers will benefit from an early March pruning. Cut out dead, diseased, damaged, rubbing or crossing stems. For bush hybrid teas and floribundas prune back the remaining stems by half to two thirds. Generally the thinner the stem the harder it should be pruned. Climbing roses produce their flowers on sideshoots formed from a permanent framework of branches. So after cutting out dead and dying shoots, prune back these sideshoots by approx. two thirds. After pruning feed with a granular rose fertiliser to ensure a mass of perfect blooms. Mulch the soil with composted bark or well rotted manure. You may also want to spray with an insecticide and or fungicide to protect against any future problems. Hopefully, this will give your roses the best start and encourage healthy, plentiful blooms.

I want to plant a privet hedge at the front of my house. Am I right that Oct/Nov is a good time? Also what advice on initial plant size can you give. I have read you can buy from 20cm up to 90cm, from pots or bare root? Our soil has quite a clay element will they take?

November through to February is a good time to plant bare root privet, whereas any time of the year is suitable if potted. I wouldn't recommend planting privet less than 40cm. To help improve your soil mix in a tree and shrub compost. Our bare rooted privet will be available from the mid to end of November in various sizes (40cm to 80cm approx.)

my indoor ornage tree is looking very sad, some of the inside leaves have fallen off and some leaves feel stickky to touch. What do you think the problems is and can it be saved?

We suspect you have a scale insect which has a liking for citrus. These secret sticky substances called honeydew, which if left uncontrolled will develop into a sooty mould (black smudges) on the leaves of the plant.
You can treat this problem in several ways; Provado Ultimate Bug Killer - ready to use, it will kill the scale on contact and with its systemic action will also give future protection. However, it is not recommeded for citrus on the manufacturers label as the cost of collecting data required for regstration in the UK is prohibitive, though it is widely used on citrus abroad! If used we are obliged to recommend that no fruit should be eaten from the plant for 12 months.
An organic alternative is Growing Success 'Fruit & Bug Killer', which is safe for all edible crops.
Finally, after spraying with either of the above products wipe off the honeydew using a plant leaf wipe or warm water and a cloth. A regular mist spray with water will help prevent further infestation. Don't forget to feed regularly and repeat when necessary.

I have a well established pond housing Koi and Sturgoen. The Koi have started to jump and leap out of the water and yesterday I found one of my large Koi on the lawn. Why do you think they are doing this?

Hi David
Your fish are probably spawning, increasing their energy levels. In addition to this the water is warmer and there's an abundance of natural food sources in and around their living environment. If things don't settle down don't hesitate to contact me again.

I have an area of garden to lawn but am unsure if its too late in the season to lay turf. Please can you advise.

You have plenty of time. September is probably the best month so I would suggest you start preparing now. Remove any weeds, stones etc. rake and level. Add a layer of top soil and mix in a fish, blood and bone mix to give added nutrient to the soil. Walk over the prepared area to settle or use timbers (if available) before laying your turf. We are suppliers of quality turf and soil improvers. Please contact me if you require further information.

Some of my neighbours have beautiful Photinia Red Robin with striking scarlet tipped branches. Mine are rather spindly and seem to lack the vibrant colour. Help!

The answer lies in late summer pruning. Even though the tips of the branches look amazing, cut this seasons growth back (which make great displays when collected in a vase) and you will reap the rewards next year.

The leaf of my Red Romano potato plants went from green lush to yellow slush literally overnight. When lifted the potato looked fine but during cooking the skins split and the potato turned mushy. What went wrong, can you help?

Sue, you've most likely encountered 'potato blackleg' This rot attacks the stems of the potato at ground level making them go black and stops food reaching the leaves. They quickly go yellow and die. The disease enters the potato tuber, making them slushy. This is a classic symptom of being too wet.

I'm having trouble with cats coming into my garden and messing up my flower beds. Are there any organic solutions available? I've tried all the traditional solutions!

Why not try the Pest Patrol, available from Raglan Garden Centre. It's an effective motion activated water spray for deterring pests around the pond and garden.

If a bird or animal breaks the Pest Patrol sensor a 5 second jet of water is emitted and a clicking sound is activated, deterring the most persistent of pests.

Pest Patrol can direct a jet of water up to 10 meters and protect an area of up to 90 square metres.

Available now for just £45.99