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 I have a 6ft conifer but it has begun to split apart. Should I cut off the branches which are separating off from the main tree? – Douglas Chalmers, via email.

A Do that and you’ll leave an ugly scar as conifers do not regrow from radical pruning. However you could tie in the wayward branches, using soft and flexible plastic ties.

Plant lily bulbs now for a colourful display in summer. Lilies like rich, free-draining soil and a sunny position. Q Can you tell me why sparrows eat my yellow crocuses but leave the purple ones untouched? – Martin Donaldson, Airdrie.

A It could be the taste or because yellow is an attractive colour to birds. Whatever the reason, sparrow populations are under threat and your yellow crocuses are helping to support these once-common creatures. Cover parts of the vegetable garden with a layer of black plastic or with cloches to warm up the soil. Q I have a witch hazel that’s started to stretch across the path. How and when should I cut it back? – Jennifer Murray, Ellon.

A Wait until the flowers have faded, then cut back all of last year’s growth to within a couple of buds of the main stem. Do this annually to keep your witch hazel in check.

Spike areas of lawn that are waterlogged or covered with moss in order to improve air supply to the roots.

Q My Corsican hellebore has seeded itself quite freely. Can I grow these seedlings on to produce more plants? – Mrs Cathy Stewart, Dalgety Bay.

A Yes, just dig them up and pot into good compost and keep in a sheltered spot until they are ready to go out into the garden. Helleborus argutifolius is not a long-lived plant so it is worth growing on seedlings regularly in order to have replacements for plants that are starting to fail.

Cut the stems of autumn-fruiting raspberries at ground level and trim the tips of summer-fruiting raspberries. Q Is it true that you can get orange snowdrops? – Tom Harrison, Alva.

A Yes, but don’t get your hopes up too high for a dayglo show. The effect is very subtle and in most cases lasts just as long as the flower is in bud.

Buy seed potatoes now and store in a cool, dark and frost-free place until ready to start chitting.