Charlie Wilkins Answers your gardening questions — Vines, lawns, petunias and weeds
Life & Style

Charlie Wilkins Answers your gardening questions — Vines, lawns, petunias and weeds

I am interested in growing vines against a warm, south-facing wall in the garden.

Which variety would you recommend seeing as it won’t be under cover?

It is possible to grow the variety Black Hamburg in a warm situation.

I am familiar with your area and a good crop is therefore more than possible.

Under glass, Black Hamburg has a superb flavour, thin skins, and it crops bountifully.

 

My lawn has gone dramatically off colour of late. I’m wondering if I could do some repeat feeding in the near future.

What do you suggest?

Summer rain and the unseasonal temperatures have played funny tricks on lawns everywhere.

Feeding now would be beneficial but do not overdo the application rate.

A final dressing can be applied during late September and this should see it through to spring.

Use any 3-in-1 commercial brand but avoid the likes of 10.10.20.

 

Petunia

All my lovely petunias were damaged in the rains of last week.

They look sick and covered in a mildew type of coating. Can anything be done to rescue them?

The very best approach would be to cut the plants back hard, watering immediately afterwards and then follow with a twice weekly feed using any liquid food.

The action might sound severe, but in a matter of two weeks or so new shoots will once again appear.

 

My brick drive is full of weeds again. I spent days pulling these out last month but now they’re back worse than ever. What can I do?

Get yourself a packet of Resolva and apply as directed. Do not exceed the dosage under any circumstances and keep away from plants that you want.