Gardening: Your problems sorted, by Brian Kidd

This week we have everything from a shy camellia to a new arrival in Portsmouth.
Walnut tree.Walnut tree.
Walnut tree.

Q: I have missed you and The News as I’ve been in lockdown. My camellia seemed to have unopened blooms this year. Is there anything I could have done? Maureen, Petersfield, by email.

A: This was caused by dry conditions at the root during August and the autumn. Camellias produce a thick mass of fibrous roots and it is difficult to get the root ball wet once it dries out. Try to get a container with a tiny hole and put it on to the soil so it can keep dripping for about a week in August, even if the weather is wet. This will do the trick.

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Q: We have a poinsettia and it has produced about 10 side shoots. How do we take cuttings? RH, by email.

A: Take cuttings 4in long in the third week of July. Remove bottom leaves, make a cut below the lowest node and insert into a pot of sandy compost. Water and keep indoors in the shade. Rooting takes place in five weeks.

As for your walnut seedlings… plant each into a three or four-inch diameter pot in any type of potting compost. Once the pot is full of root plant out in a large area of land where each one survive.

Walnuts will be ready to gather in about seven to 10 years. Believe me time does fly and we need more walnut trees.

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Q: I have just moved here and was given a copy of you gardening column by my neighbour. I have a huge container and want to plant some runner beans. Is it too late? Crystal, Fratton.

A: Welcome to Portsmouth, you should love it here. No, it isn’t too late. Keep reading The News as you are interested in gardening.

• Got a question for Brian? Click here and fire away.

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