The Gardening Year

Watch out for

Aphids: Squash by hand or spray with a strong jet of water; use insecticidal soap if infestation is severe.

Powdery mildew: Improve airflow by spacing plants; apply a sulphur-based fungicide or neem oil at first sign.

Slugs and snails: Use beer traps, copper tape barriers, or iron phosphate-based slug pellets around the base.

Root rot: Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering; repot in fresh compost if root damage is visible.

Red spider mites: Increase humidity around the plant and spray with water or horticultural oil to dislodge mites.