GARDENING: Brian Kidd solves your plant problems

Q: I bought five strawberry plants which are growing well but have not fruited. I have put the tips of the runners into three-inch pots in JI compost and they have three/four leaves. Will these fruit next year? TR, Waterlooville.

A: They will fruit in June next year provided the pots are full of roots by the end of October which is when you should plant them in well-prepared soil. Work in an egg cup of blood fish and bone fertiliser under each plant when planting.

Q: My mum has gone into a flat and is not allowed her dog which we have inherited. But it urinates on the lawn and we have brown patches. D and T, Eastney.

A: Keep half a bucket of water near the lawn. As soon as the dog has '˜been', pour two pints on the affected area. The grass will grow back where it is brown. 

Q: I planted some Duncan F1 cabbages from seed as you recommended and am wondering if the spare ones could be planted in containers which are 30in across? GS, Rowlands Castle.

A: Yes, plant three around the edge, equal distance apart. You may be surprised at how attractive they are when they produce a heart.

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