[Yorky]

First of all, the strawberry fruits seem few and far between. I changed the compost in March this year, water them when its dry and and give them an occasional fee with tomato feed but still the yield is poor.

The cherry tree flowered for the first time this year so was looking forward to some fruit but noticed recently that the leaves are curling and on close inspection they are infested with copious numbers of black mites or flies.

Photos of both at http://photobucket.com/growing_fruit

Has anyone any suggestions on these problems?

[michael brenock]

Cherry has black cherry aphid, can do a lot of damage if not controlled either by spraying with a strong jet of water from hose or with a sprayer using wash-up liquid at frequent intervals, the strawberries may be getting too much nitrogen that produces too much foliage. The plants need Phosphates and Potassium to encourage fruit bud production> if they are young plants they may have missed out on fruit bud formation at the time of transplanting, by the root disturbance, so grow them on and next year you may have an abundance of flower buds and then fruit.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

[Yorky]

Thank you for yoyr reply, Mr Brenock. The plants are in their second season. I changed the compost this year as I was told it would be 'spent' ; do you mean I should leave the compost and plants in-situ to avoid disturbing the roots?

I've been feeding weekly initially with 'castings tea' from the wormery and subsequently with tomato feed .