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’ve had an indoor cyclamen that’s been beautiful for many weeks. Should I now discard? – Audrey Phillips, Bridge of Allan.

A Reduce watering until all the leaves have fallen, when the corm will be dormant and shouldn’t be watered. Leave in a sheltered spot in a greenhouse or shed until August then repot and begin watering and feeding and it will bloom again.

If the weather is mild, continue planting

fruit bushes, bare root roses and trees.

Q I have a big problem with slugs, but I don’t want to use pellets in case they harm birds. – Mr E. Grier, Auchterarder.

A Barriers and beer are your best bet. Barriers can include grit and sand, copper tape and cuttings from prickly shrubs such as berberis. Coffee grounds can also be used. Traps involve filling small tubs with beer and sinking into the soil. Once the slugs climb in they can’t get out. Refresh the traps regularly, especially after heavy rain.

Prepare an order of seeds and dahlia

tubers from this season’s seed catalogues.

Q Can you recommend a clematis to grow through an apple tree? – Melanie Sharp, Bathgate.

A Avoid the Montana types which would overwhelm the tree. Summer-flowering, largeflowered varieties such as Clematis ‘Perle d’Azure’ work best, providing colour once the apple blossom has gone. It is best to plant the clematis at least a metre from the foot of the tree to avoid root competition, then train it in towards the trunk along a cane.

Harvest Brussels sprouts, leeks, green

cabbages and kale.

Q Have I missed the deadline for sowing sweet peas? – Charlie Thomson.

A No, you haven’t, but you will need to get a move on as there’s evidence sowing sweet peas by the end of December results in bigger, stronger, more disease-resistant plants with more flowers than those sown in spring.

Cut hazel stems and bring them indoors

where the catkins will open.

Q I’ve grown kale for the first time this year and now want to know how to cook it. – Emily McDonald, Portobello.

A Remove the central rib, cut the kale into strips and use in stir fries or marinate it with lime juice and herbs then add to salads.

On sunny days, open the vents and door

of the greenhouse to allow air to flow.