Ask Gerry

My mangetout plants,although still cropping well,have contracted mildew.When finished cropping,can I put them on the compost heap?

I planted young pea plants in a raised bed and returned the next day to find most were eaten.I covered the remaing plants with plastic bottles for protection leaving the tops open for ventilation but still the plants were eaten.I thought at first it might be snails but there were no slime trails .Could the culprits be ants? I have lot of tomato plants I intend to plant in the bed and naturally I am a bit concerned. Any ideas?

Hi Gerry, I have been sowing peas for years and have never had a problem but this year I think they are being attacked by birds because all the little shoots coming up are being broken off and it looks like the pea itself is being eaten. I have put up CD's on twine to try and scare them off but nothing is working. They have my heart broke as they are pulling all of them up. What is your suggestion?