Gardening: Your questions answered by Brian Kidd (July 19)

Q: My dahlias are coming into bloom but something is eating the edges of the petals. GL, Havant.

A: This damage is caused by earwigs chewing the petals during the night. Use small flowerpots. Place half a sheet of newspaper in the bottom and put several of these, upside down in the border. Each morning, unfurl the newspaper and the earwigs will drop out. Give them a size eight!

Q: I have a strawberry bed which is under attack from vine weevil grubs. There are hundreds of adults and I will not use chemicals. BC, Rowlands Castle.

A: As you live in the sticks ask someone in the village if you can borrow a couple of bantams. Make a small, foxproof run and pop the chickens in there. Move it every other day. The bantams will eat the adults and hook out the grubs with their feet. Take the chickens back next year once the crop is in flower. Many smallholders do this.

Q: When should I stop pulling rhubarb? GS, Emsworth.

A: Stop now so new shoots can build up reserves in their roots. A good dollop of manure soaked with water is a good idea.

Q: As an avid gardener I read your warning about horsetail weed. Because it is rife at Waterlooville I now just have a lawn which is cut every week and all my flowers are in containers. I have even thought of moving away! LB, Waterlooville.

A: I thought our readers would like to read about your experience. Thank you.

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