QUESTION

WE’VE discovered a patch of yellow winter aconites in our new, small garden. We want to build up the numbers but don’t know how.

Ms J. Patel, Berkshire. AConiTes are good at spreading without help. Allow your plants to develop their seed pods, after flowering. if you brush over the leaves with your hands, seeds will scatter, expanding the clump. Aconites can be lifted when in bloom or soon after. Use a small fork to dig out the tubers. Those will easily break into pieces. Carefully replant, leaving stems and pods undamaged.