Gardening: Your problems solved, by Brian Kidd (July 26)

Q: Little bees are removing sand from the mortar between the bricks on my bay. HC, Copnor.

A: They are wild bees and excellent pollinators so let them get on with it. In October they will no longer visit so that would be a good time to repoint the bay. They will not be interested in the new mortar only the sand in the old pointing. Don’t try to kill them, we need bees of all types and would not survive without them.

Q: I’m growing Petita half-sized cucumbers and am amazed at the taste. They’re in growing bags and I can’t top dress them as you suggest as the compost washes off the top of the bag. VM, Milton.

A: Glad you enjoy them, I wouldn’t grow any other. Remove the bases in two seed trays and put the frames over the growing bag. Push them down firmly. The trays’ sides will stop the compost running out. Use a rose on the watering can.

Q: My bottle brush shrub needs pruning, when is the best time to do this please? DL, Stubbington.

A: Prune it really hard right now. All the new growth will have flowers next June. Take this opportunity to prune out every seed ‘cone’. You will be delighted at how it regrows. Water well afterwards.

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