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 Can I cut back a fir tree? I planted it as a living Christmas tree a few years ago, but it’s too big now. – Donald Mathieson, Dunoon.
A They are best pruned in late winter, when the risk of fungal infection is low. When pruning, work slowly and maintain a balanced shape.
Containers left unattended during the holidays should be moved to a shady spot, soaked thoroughly and covered with a layer of mulch. Grouping together will help to create a moist microclimate.
Q Why have my dahlias failed to grow as tall as usual this year? They seem healthy, enough. – Meg Wilson, Auchterarder.
A A shortage of water or nutrients could be the cause or you may have planted some dwarf varieties without realising it.
When working in the veg garden, try to keep off the soil to prevent compression which can damage the structure.
Q Why has my spinach run to seed so quickly? It now tastes very bitter. – Alan Wallace, by email.
A Spinach bolts quickly in hot weather so in future grow some in a slightly shadier spot where it should keep cropping for longer. It grows well in the autumn, so sow some now too for a late supply.
Remove weeds between paving slabs as soon as they appear and brush sand into the gaps to help inhibit regrowth.
Q Can you name the climber I saw growing on a wall? It had leaves and thorns like a wild rose and huge blooms made of small, creamy white flowers with yellow centres. – Isabel Shaw, Larbert. A This sounds like ‘Kiftsgate’, the notorious rambling rose that can spread for 10m or more. It is glorious, but rampant, so don’t be tempted to take a cutting as it could devour your garden.
Keep removing courgettes while still small and place pumpkins on bricks so the skin can ripen in the sun.
Q Can I grow pea shoots from the dried peas in my kitchen cupboard? - Leigh Morrison, Banchory.
A Yes, you can. Just sow and grow in the normal way.
Plant out leeks and brassicas for winter cropping.