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.

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Pullto allow away frost the to dead reach leavesthe crownfrom rhubarband mulch with compost of manure. Q Many of the leaves on my lilac trees have turned brown. Patches appear in the middle of the leaves and then fall away, leaving a hole. – Mr Tom Spires, Cheshire.

A Sounds like fungal leaf disease, most prevalent during spells of damp weather. Remove and dispose of affected leaves, including those that have fallen, then thin out any congested branches in late winter to achieve good airflow through the trees.

Stake Brussels sprouts to prevent them being blown over. Wind-loosened roots can cause sprouts to open. Q How can I prevent the birds that come to my feeders from flying into my kitchen window? – Mrs Mandy Clark, Duntocher.

A Hang something shiny, such as a wind chime or an old Christmas decoration, in your window to prevent birds coming too near.

Pot up hippeastrums now to enjoy their flowers at Christmas. Plant with the shoulders of the bulbs exposed, water in, then place on a cool windowsill. Q How do I grow Halloween lanterns? – Louis MacDonald, Stenhousemuir.

A Sow the seeds in small pots in April and plant out in May into a large patch of ground that’s had lots of manure or compost added. Keep plants moist and once the pumpkins are almost ready, set them off the soil on half bricks. ‘Racer’ is a good variety for carving.

Lift turnips now and store in a cool, frostfree shed. Q The cyclamens I planted in pots a few weeks ago are now covered in grey mould. – Anna Hutchison, Stewarton.

A Pick off and destroy all affected leaves and flowers unless the whole plant is badly affected, in which case there is no choice but to remove it. Overcrowding and persistent wet allow grey mould to flourish.

Clean fallen leaves and moss from greenhouse gutters and wash out water butts to prevent a buildup of bacteria.