When is right time to get a bigger pot?

How do I know when a plant needs re-potting? – Jon Cooper, Bromley, Kent DAVID: Plants that live in their containers long-term do need occasional re-potting.

Generally, it will become obvious when the roots fill the container and the plant is starting to struggle.

You should look out for lots of roots coming through the drain hole, matted roots near to the soil surface or more roots than soil when you lift the plant out of its pot.

Usually, early to mid spring is the best time to re-pot.

Bare, boring walls, or a solitary brown shed, can bring your whole garden down – so why not transform them? Climbing plants can turn that unused corner into a breathtaking feature.

Nothing says English cottage garden like a beautiful wisteria or climbing rose, framing windows and doorways and adding barrels of colour and character to your home.

And there are plenty of other great climbers to choose from that will match any taste and available space.

You don’t need to limit your canvas either – climbers can lend a lift to a fence, pergola or archway too.

They won’t give instant cover – most take several years to become really established, though some types of ivy can be faster. So a climber won’t help if you need instant impact.

You’ll also need to give some thought to which climber suits your spot. Some plants are vigorous and more suited to a large and open wall.

Being against a wall means they will get a very specific amount of light, so sun-loving and more tender plants will want a south or west-facing wall to absorb the sun’s heat in the day.

Those walls also work well for

Jasmine or rose give great fragrance, and wisteria is a classic