Gooseberry bushes are often attacked by sawflies at this time of year,
reducing the bushes to leafless stalks. Examine them regularly and pick off
the grubs; wear stout gloves or gauntlets if the bushes are thorny.
- Check cordon tomatoes in the greenhouse and pinch out any small sideshoots
that develop in the leaf axils (the points where the leaves join the main
stem). This ensures the tomato plants put all their energy into producing
top-quality fruit, rather than unwanted leafy growth. It is also important
to keep the compost consistently moist (but not waterlogged) and apply a
liquid tomato fertiliser each week.
- Support tall broad bean plants with short canes and soft twine, or they may
flop over once the first pods appear. They also need plenty of moisture in
dry weather.
READER'S QUESTION
I want to keep cats off my new vegetable patch without harming them. What
should I do?
H Smith, Barnstaple
An effective way to deter them is with cat-repellent rods. These are pushed
into the ground and release a scent of citronella, which cats hate. A single
rod will protect a 3ft square area for a month; they cost £8.99 for eight
from Green Gardener (01493 750061,