Question
Hi, I live in France, and I have two plants giving me cause for concern.  The first is a jasmin (nudiflorum) planted to grow up the north west facing wall of my house.  I have two plants, and on both some of the leaves have started to curl and turn brown.  The soil is quite clay-ish, and although we had a lot of wet weather when I first planted, we are in the middle of a very hot, dry spell, so I am watering every day.  I am worried that I am over / under watering, but I don't know which.  Also, there is a layer of limestone gravel around each plant - could I be washing out something into the soil which the plant doesn't like?
My second problem is a strawberry plant, grown in a pot.  All the other plants  are fine, but this one suddenly developed a lot of dead dry leaves, and some very lumpy, deformed fruit.  I have isolated it, and it appears to be surviving, but I don't know what caused the problem.  Is it safe to put it back with the other plants if it recovers and the fruit return to normal, or should I get rid of it if the fruit continue to be misshapen?
Many thanks for your advice,  Katy.

Answer
Hi Katy

The jasmin is finicky.  Going from wet to hot and dry could be the main reason.  Try to water deeply about once or twice a week, not every day.  This will allow for time for the root system to adjust and put out new roots.  Also, mulch around the base of each plant.  The root system make be getting too hot and that may be affecting its ability to take up water and support the new growth.

On the strawberry--- several things could be the cause.  Check the leaves for spider mites.  These will be very small but highly active bugs.  You may need a magnifying glass to see these on the underside of the dried up leaves.  They will also get on the fruit and cause the deformed shape.  If you do find mites, you will need to treat with neem  or an insecticidal soap to keep the fruit edible.  I hope this helps fix the problems. Good Luck.