RECENT wet and mild weather has exacerbated the moss problem on many lawns. Not only have gardeners been experiencing the rapid spread of this creeping menace, but also, because of very heavy rainfall, have been afflicted increasingly with a green slimy algal growth as well.

Both are predominantly problems of acid soil conditions, although moss does colonise alkaline land as well. The other contributing factor to their rapid progress is a compacted soil surface, or, on some occasions, poor general drainage conditions.

This is the most frequent cause of moss and algal invasion, for few grasses prosper in very wet conditions, yet mosses and algae enjoy them. Major drainage works should always be attended to before a lawn is laid, so if some areas are permanently wet, drastic action may be necessary.

If it is merely the surface that is not free-draining, following compaction by foot traffic, then the solution is simply one of aeration and the application and incorporation of sharp sand.

Remove the moss with a rake and then use a hollow-tined fork and insert it at regular intervals over the area affected. This will remove plugs of soil and leave narrow holes into which sharp sand can be dusted. There are also simple push along aerators which do the same sort of job and spiked rollers which can be fitted to the rear of a conventional mower. These are not as effective as the hollow-tined fork, but perfectly adequate.

Where shaded areas suffer from moss, this is virtually incurable, for moss grows better in the shade than grass. All that can be done is regularly to use a chemical moss killer and try to establish one of the shade-loving grass species.

Moss killers should be used with some reserve, for they are only temporary expedients. It is quite simple to kill moss, but preventing its re-occurrence is difficult. Improved drainage and altering the acidity of the soil will go a long way towards providing a solution. It is also important when moss is killed, that it is quickly replaced by grass. So, once you have cleared infested areas and put the soil in good order, sow a seed mixture immediately, taking care to ensure that the grass species used are the same or similar to those already present. Many garden centres and shops sell lawn patching kits.

Moss can be killed with a chemical moss killer. However, after it has taken effect, the dead moss must be removed. This can be done using a spring-tined lawn rake or an electric scarifying machines.

Moss can sometimes be controlled by the use of lawn sand. However, unless it states positively on the package that it incorporates a moss killer such as sulphate of ammonia, there is no guarantee that the moss will be destroyed, although the application of sand will certainly benefit the lawn.

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Q I planted a group of dwarf iris bulbs in late September, but with the mild autumn weather these are now shooting. What should I do?

A These dwarf irises are very hardy and despite showing through the soil should be perfectly alright. They are unlikely to make too much more growth or to try to flower until the days start to lengthen. So leave well alone.

Q I am very new to gardening and I have been told to place my unripe pears in a drawer to ripen. Will this work?

A They can be placed in a drawer or box, but if the pips are still white and the fruit immature, they may well shrivel rather than ripen. If a ripe banana is put with them in an enclosed place they will ripen quickly, the gases produced by the banana help to ripen the pears.