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Q. What would the panel use to replace a Privet hedge infected with Honey Fungus?

A. Bunny – I would go for a Yew, Taxus baccata. They can be quite slow to develop but will grow more quickly if watered in dry periods.  Try planting them in a double staggered rows with four to the metre. Alternatively, you could try Choisya ternata for quick results.

Matthew – The main issue is that the mycelium will still be in the ground. Honey fungus will strike a weak plant, so anything you use must be strong and healthy. You could try Leylandii for rapid growth, or perhaps the Thuja.

Bob – The soil will now be so poor that I would suggest using a fence. 

Q.  I have a bed of eight-year-old Blackcurrants. Could the panel explain how to prune them and how to increase fruitfulness?
A. Bob – Remove the plants and replace them. It is almost certain that they will have the big bud mite and reversion.
Bunny – wait until they have fruited and take off the whole twig. Make sure you don’t pick them too early.

Q.  Do the panel have any planting suggestions for an exposed and windswept garden? 
A.   Bunny – You will need to start with a shelterbelt. You could use Hedgerow, Field Maple, Hawthorn and Hollies. It will lift and filter the wind up to twenty times the height of the belt.
Matthew – You could take inspiration from the moors and use plants such as Heather. Try the Blue Arrow or Blue Star varieties of Juniper. Pinus mugo is very sculptural and looks windswept. There is a native variety of Molinia which grows amongst Heather.  
Bob – Invest in a polytunnel and you will be able to grow whatever you want all year round

Q. I would like to use my compost for seed and vegetable growing. How should I prepare it?
A. Bob – It is too rich to use for seeding. You need poor compost otherwise the strong nutrients can prevent germination. If you dry the compost off and sieve it, you could use it for potting up.
Bunny – It is much more cost effective to buy seeding compost.

Q. I cannot grow a firm, waxy new potato. Could the panel suggest a variety that will produce results and suggest why I haven’t been successful in the past? 
A. Bob – I am not fond of waxy potatoes, so I would go for flavour. Dunluce is my favourite. Elizabeth or Charlotte would give you a more waxy potato.
Matthew – don’t grow them in the ground.  Big containers produce a much better crop.

Q. I am working on a project to plant in 4m (13ft) by 1m (3ft) raised beds on a north-facing slope. Could the panel suggest some attractive, long-lasting edibles?
A. Bunny – Spinach, Lettuces, Rhubarb and Artichokes would all work in shady areas. You could use wigwams to take climbing French Beans or Tomatoes. Kales such as the Cavolo Nero would work and you could try Brussel Sprouts.
Matthew – You could grow in 1ltr pots elsewhere and then transplant substantial plants into the garden.
Bob – You should definitely try the Tayberry as it was developed in Scotland and produces huge, delicious berries. You could also plant Asparagus.