In this week’s episode of Ask The Gardener, I’m answering your gardening questions from across Ireland, from roses with blackspot to when to plant tulips and garlic.
You can watch the full video here:
Why do roses get yellow leaves with black spots? (Mary, Cork)
That’s classic blackspot, one of the most common rose problems in Irish gardens. It thrives in damp conditions and poor air circulation. Remove affected leaves, dispose of them (don’t compost), and give the plant a feed to keep it strong. Planting roses in sunny, airy spots and using resistant varieties helps reduce issues long-term.
Will small apples ripen if left on the tree? (Seán, Limerick)
Yes, if they’ve reached maturity, smaller apples will still ripen on the tree. Sunlight and time will help, but if they’re truly under-developed from lack of thinning or drought, they may stay small. Always check for firmness and taste, that’s the best sign of readiness.
When is the best time to plant tulips? (Anne, Galway)
Tulips prefer a cold spell before growth, so the best time is late October to November in Ireland. If planted too early while soil is warm, they risk shooting prematurely. Daffodils and crocus can go in earlier, but hold tulips back until we’ve had a few chilly nights.
Should I cut back my hostas now they’re yellowing? (Breda, Kerry)
Yes, once hosta foliage has collapsed and gone yellow, you can cut them back to ground level. Removing old leaves reduces the chance of slugs overwintering in the clumps. Add a layer of mulch afterwards to protect the crowns.
Is it too late to plant garlic this autumn? (Declan, Waterford)
Not at all! October to December is prime garlic-planting season in Ireland. Choose a sunny, free-draining spot and plant cloves individually, pointy side up, about 5cm deep. Autumn-planted garlic usually gives the strongest harvests.
How do I know when pears are ready to pick? (Niamh, Wexford)
Unlike apples, pears are best picked slightly under-ripe. Lift the fruit gently, if it parts easily from the spur, it’s ready. Allow them to ripen indoors for the sweetest results.
💜 My hydrangeas are brown and papery, should I cut them back? (Deirdre, Kerry)
Leave the old flowers on until spring. They give a bit of frost protection to the new buds forming lower down. In early March, cut back to just above a strong pair of buds.
🌿 How do I deal with moss in my lawn after all the rain? (John, Clare)
Moss thrives in damp, compacted, and shaded lawns. Scarifying in autumn or spring, improving drainage, and applying lime (if soil is acidic) will help. Long term, regular aeration and good feeding are the best defence.
🥬 Can I still sow vegetables in September? (Aoife, Meath)
Yes, there’s still time for hardy crops. Sow spinach, rocket, oriental salads, and overwintering broad beans. These will give you harvests through the colder months and a head start in spring.
🌳 My cherry tree leaves are full of holes, what’s wrong? (Michael, Waterford)
That’s usually shot hole disease, a fungal problem. It makes leaves look like they’ve been peppered with holes. The tree will drop its leaves soon anyway, but collect and dispose of fallen ones. In spring, a copper-based treatment at bud burst can help reduce recurrence.
Thanks again for all your questions it’s always a pleasure to hear from gardeners across Ireland. If you’d like your question answered in a future episode, just leave it in the comments below the YouTube video and don’t forget to mention your county.
You can also browse past episodes right here in the Ask The Gardener blog for more practical, seasonal tips.