Question time with Brian Kidd
Q: I read your article about camellias and didn’t realise how good they are in large containers. I intend buying some as my garden is solid chalk. Can you recommend a pink early-flowering type? GF, Portchester.
A: Camellias are wonderful in pots of acid compost. I like Donation. It flowers from February until May.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdQ: My beetroot don’t form round roots and have just thin foliage. PL, Fareham.
A: You may be trying the same variety each year which in poor or hot situations grow this way. It’s called bolting. Try Boltardy which is resistant to the problem.
Q: Slugs make holes in our hosta leaves. I will not use pellets. What can I use which is organic? SK, Emsworth.
A: Save eggshells and pop them in the oven when you are baking. Crush with a rolling pin and scatter around the hostas.
Got a question for Brian? Click here and fire away.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.