My young rhododendron is struggling this year compared to last year. The buds appear then appear to rot. We put blood and bone and sheep pellets into the soil over winter. Any other suggestions?

Hi Wendy, rhododendrons like a slightly acidic soil, as their roots are very shallow they can turn up their toes if the soil gets too sweet and overloaded with nutrients. If you can, rake away any sheep pellets you can see and in autumn apply some acid food.