Welcome to my potting shed! This is the column where I’ll share all my gardening hints and tips – and I’ll try to answer any queries you may have.

Q My primulas suddenly died off. They haven’t gone short of water, so what has killed them? – Claire Richardson, Larbert.

A Dig up some of the plants and you’ll probably find few roots but several white vine weevil grubs. Treat by watering in parasitic nematodes, which will kill off the culprits.

For late season colour, try Echinacea pallida, a tall, purple native of the American prairies. Even when flowers fade the seedheads remain attractive. Q I’ve been given an edible honeysuckle and I’d like to grow some more unusual fruits alongside it. What would you recommend? – Charlie Wilson, Cults.

A The Japanese wineberry (Rubus phoenicolasius) has delicious fruit and attractive red stems. Blueberry ‘Pink Lemonade’ is a sweet and striking alternative to the common blue fruits and you could even try growing your own cranberries.

Create nooks and crannies for insects to overwinter by building a bug hotel. Hollow stems, twigs and air bricks, piled in a quiet corner, makes a hibernation spot. Q I’ve just taken over a neglected allotment plot that’s covered in weeds. How do I kill these off without using chemicals? - Isla Sharp, Paisley.

A Cut off the top growth and dig out the roots, but disturbing the soil will bring lots of annual weed seeds to the surface, so tackle the job in stages, covering unused areas with old carpets or thick mulch to exclude light.

Dig up carrots and potatoes now before slugs get a chance to damage them. Q How do I get rid of an Acanthus that’s taken over the bed in front of my house? – G. Clark, via email.

A Acanthus can spring up from a sliver of root so you may have to sieve the soil to get rid of it. Be prepared for a long fight.

Take cuttings of Osteospermums and Pelargoniums to make new plants for next year. Q Have I left it too late to plant hyacinth for Christmas? – Jenny Anderson, Largs.

A No, September 24 is generally regarded as the last possible date for planting forced hyacinth to guarantee Christmas flowers.

Cut back climbing roses now, removing old or dead stems and tying new growth to supports.