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 Why have small holes started to appear all over my grass? – Emily Lawrence, Kemnay.
A I suspect that blackbirds are the culprits. At this time of year they tug out moss to line their nests, leaving small bare patches in the lawn.
Keep an eye on seeds on windowsills, turning the trays frequently to prevent seedlings from becoming leggy.
Q I planted primulas in the autumn, but the leaves have disappeared. What’s caused them to fail? – Ronnie Tait, by email. A Bad weather can rot the leaves, pigeons may have pecked at them or vine weevil grubs could have eaten the roots. Dig up one or two and if the roots are still intact, then the plants may still recover.
Remove dead leaves from geums and other evergreen perennials.
Q I’ve tried growing alliums several times, but after the first year they just fizzle out. How can I persuade them to hang around? – Millie Clark, Linlithgow.
A Good drainage and sunshine are the key to success with alliums. Choose the sunniest spot in the garden and put a big handful of grit at the bottom of the planting hole. It also helps to give them a thick mulch of leafmould or compost in autumn.
Ground covered with black polythene should have warmed up sufficiently to plant out lettuces and other salads.
Q I’d like to grow a climbing rose over a pergola but we have two small children and my wife is worried about thorns. Is there such a thing as a thornless climber? – D Docherty, Bridge of Weir.
A There is. Zepherin Drouhin is a beautiful, deep pink climbing rose with large flowers, a wonderful scent and no thorns.
Check the stakes on bare root trees planted over the winter and firm in hedging that’s been raised by frost.
Q Can I transplant a witch hazel? We are having an extension built and I don’t want to lose the shrub. – Mrs Audrey Laing, St Andrews.
A Try to do it sooner rather than later, before it begins active growth. Move it with as large a rootball as possible, water it well on planting and keep watering.
Weed around shrubs, feed with general fertiliser and add a thick layer of mulch.