Q&A with Glenys Woollard

Is it true that pruning citrus in winter will help counter lemon borer attack?

To some degree. Peak flying time for these native pests is from October to March, mostly in the early morning and early evening. As well as attacking citrus, lemon tree borer go for many other fruit trees and ornamentals, preferring to lay their eggs on fresh pruning scars or dead twigs around the outer parts of the tree. So although citrus don't usually need much pruning, it pays to remove dead or damaged wood.

How can I keep my New Zealand spinach (Tetragonia tetragoniodes) growing through the cold months?

With difficulty. This spinach is frost-tender so it will need extra protection, such as frost cloth stretched over a support or a cold frame. Or you could take cuttings, plant them in containers and shift them into a sheltered and sunny spot in winter. New Zealand spinach tends to re-establish itself once the weather warms up. If all else fails you can replant from seed in spring.

If you have a gardening question, email Glenys at glenyswoollard@clear.net.nz