Charlie Wilkins answers your gardening questions – Goldfish, climbing ivy and cat repellent
Life & Style

Charlie Wilkins answers your gardening questions – Goldfish, climbing ivy and cat repellent

Now that the cold winds of May have gone, is it warm enough to start feeding my goldfish? I discontinued the feeding on your advice last November.

"Off you go with any brand of fish food. However, every now and again give them a treat with some chopped worms, hard-boiled egg yolk, or ant eggs if you can source these.

All these help with their digestion"

Filtered picture of Green Common Ivy
I have heard that cuttings of ivy taken from the top of a wall (where they tumble down the other side) will never be capable of climbing. Is this true?

"This is indeed a fact. They will root and grow but they will not be capable of clinging to any surface.

Mind you, when this happens they are ideal for window boxes and the like for they drape elegantly downwards."

Cat-n

Do cat and dog repellents really work? I’ve tried them all but they don’t seem to work. Any advice?

"Can’t help I’m afraid as I have the same problem with cats.

Everything I have tried failed to protect seedlings and cutting interference."