Thompson & Morgan Facebook Q&A Session 23rd August 2013 - Your horticultural questions answered.

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Name: Lesley Gilbert

Question: I have noticed quite a significant problem this year with my runner bean flowers not setting. I noted on the RHS website that often this is due to bees not pollinating in the usual way and getting to the nectar without actually going inside the flower! I watched on my plants and almost all of them do exactly that - any thoughts? Thx Lesley

Answer: Hi Lesley, this is a bit of a nuisance but unfortunately there isn’t much you can do about the bees biting holes in the flowers. The only solution is to try growing self-setting varieties of bean which don’t require a pollinator, such as 'Firestorm', 'Snowstorm' or 'Moonlight'. I hope this helps, best of luck with your future crops.

Name: Ian Woodhams

Question: When feeding container plants, how much of the feed should be applied when using a concentrated mix? A good soaking until mixture starts to run through drainage holes or just a light application? The only advice I've ever read is how to mix the concentrate correctly, not how much to apply. Thanks in advance.

Answer: Hi Ian, the dosage recommended on the box is aimed at watering your plants as per normal - I normally allow about an inch or two of water to accumulate on the compost surface for each pot. It’s best to apply fertiliser to slightly damp compost otherwise it will run straight through the pot and be wasted. I hope this helps.