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 been given a tulbaghia. Can I leave it outdoors all year round? – Danny Maguire, Maybole.

A You could try covering it with a very thick layer of mulch and crossing your fingers, but if you want to be certain of its survival then it would be best to lift in and overwinter it in an unheated greenhouse or coldframe.

Hoedry days betweento removerows in weeds.the veg Leave patch the on weeds to dry out on the surface of the soil. Q Do I need to remove the dead flower heads from rhododendrons? – Mrs Gail Davidson, Clydebank.

A Removing the flowerheads prevents seed production and directs all the energy back into the plant. It’s not essential, but you will get better flowers next year if you take off this year’s old flowers.

Keep sowing lettuce and radishes for a continuous supply of salads. Q Can I turn the side shoots on tomatoes into new plants? – Colin Weaver, via email.

A The side shoots, pinched out from between the stem and a branch, will root easily and make new plants, but because they are getting off to a late start, the fruit that grows on them may not have a chance to ripen.

Cover cabbages and kale with fleece to prevent cabbage white butterflies from laying their eggs. Q Why have many of the annuals that I sowed in May failed to germinate? – Mhairi White, Moffat.

A I suspect that dry weather has been the problem. If the seeds dried out, even for a short spell, then germination would have failed. It’s an issue that has affected both gardeners and farmers this year.

Support branches on plum trees that are showing signs of bearing a very heavy crop. Left alone, the branches may snap off. Q How often should I water a cactus plant? I’ve had it for six months and am giving it a little water once a month. – J. McArthur, via email.

A Your plant will be getting very thirsty. It’s best to give it a good soaking once a week, letting the water drain away completely.

Water hanging baskets daily, and twice

a day during hot spells.