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’m confused about planting roses. Should the graft union be above the soil or below? – James Sinclair, Arbroath.
A Roses do best when planted deeply, with the graft union buried beneath the soil. Mulch with compost and water well.
Sow tomato seeds now on a warm windowsill, spreading seed thinly over the surface of a small pot of compost, cover with a plastic bag until the seedlings start to show.
Q I’ve got an evergreen ceanothus that’s outgrown its spot. Can I prune it? – Mrs Dawn Morrison, Larbert.
A It’s best not to, but if you need to restrict the growth then wait until it has flowered in summer and then cut back the branches. Don’t prune into old wood as it may not regrow.
Spread fertiliser containing sulphate of potash around the base of fruit trees and fruit bushes.
Q Last year I grew pot marigolds that had a red centre and red on the backs of the petals. I’d like to grow them again but can’t remember the variety. – Audrey Niven, Beith.
A These sound like Calendula ‘Indian Prince’, a very attractive form of pot marigold. Grow in flower borders or among salads to brighten up the veg patch and attract pollinators.
Wipe the leaves of indoor plants and move to positions where they will get more light.
Q I’m growing potatoes for the first time. How do I chit them? – Maurice Gray, Tayport.
A Place in empty egg boxes then set in a cool, bright position – a porch or unheated conservatory – and plant them out once they start to sprout.
Snip last year’s heads from hydrangeas but otherwise leave the shrubs unpruned to preserve this year’s flowers.
Q Some of my winter bedding plants are covered in a grey substance, what is it? – Lucy Adamson, via email.
A This is a fungal condition called grey mould and it is very common during spells of cold, wet weather. Remove and dispose of all affected plants to prevent it from spreading.
Hardy fuchsias that appear to have been killed off by cold weather will regenerate, so don’t be tempted to remove them.