Q&A with Glenys Woollard - Gardening

Is pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) suitable for making a herb lawn?

Possibly, in lightly trafficked areas with adequate moisture. But pennyroyal can look scratchy at times, and seems to perform best within a regular lawn. Note that although it releases a pleasant minty aroma when stepped on, pennyroyal is no longer considered a safe culinary herb. It is a useful insect repellent, however - rub freshly-crushed leaves on your skin when out in the garden. Other aromatic herbs to consider for lawn include English chamomile (Anthemis nobilis) and creeping thymes.

How do I stop my broccoli from bolting?

Bolting is the horticultural term for premature flowering and going to seed, and this is more likely to happen when the soil warms up. Keeping the plants watered will help, along with mulch and a fortnightly liquid feed. Constant picking is also vital - pick early rather than waiting for larger heads to develop, and be sure to remove any flowering heads. Broccoli is more prone to white butterfly and other wildlife now, so it could be time for replacement.

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