YOUR GARDEN: Q&A ASK THE EXPERT

I HAVE found a C-shaped, white grub with brown head and tiny legs in a border that I recently cut out of the lawn. Is this a vine weevil? - Helen Partridge, Southport, Lancs

NO. This is a chafer grub that lives in the soil, usually under old grass and overgrown gardens, and feeds on the soil. They're similar in appearance to vine weevils but they have legs.

By digging the new border you are exposing the grubs and leaving them open to attack by predators. Birds and foxes will both feed on them.

By May the grubs will have grown into an adult bug and be ready to emerge.

IS it too late to sow courgette seed? - Reg Coates, Retford, Notts

SOW courgette seeds within the next couple of weeks starting them off in individual pots on the windowsill indoors.

As the weather improves place them outside during the day and when all risk of frost is past plant them out. Courgettes are large plants and should be planted 3ft apart.

I'D like to buy a magnolia tree. Is it a good time to plant one? - Louise Mathews, Sutton, Sussex

PLANTS that are sold in containers can be planted at any time of year providing that the soil isn't frosted or waterlogged and there isn't a drought forecast.

For magnolias to thrive moisture is an important factor. The ideal soil is cool with plenty of moisture available in summer when the plant is actively growing - so no south-facing hot spots for these plants.

Dig in plenty of organic matter when planting and put down a deep layer of mulch afterwards to help conserve moisture and keep the roots cool.

Avoid planting in a frost pocket or exposed position.

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