The Gardening Year

Watch out for

Powdery mildew: Improve air circulation and apply a suitable fungicide if infection is severe.

Bud blast: Avoid late pruning that encourages tender growth susceptible to frost; ensure good drainage.

Slugs and snails: Use physical barriers like copper tape or apply iron phosphate-based pellets around the base.

Vine weevil: Apply systemic insecticide granules to the soil in autumn to control larvae.

Phytophthora root rot: Plant in well-drained acidic soil and avoid overwatering to prevent root suffocation.