Potting Shed

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.

How do I stop my soil from drying out quickly? Even after heavy rain it is bone dry within hours. – Gerry Mackay, by email

Working in plenty of organic matter and mulching regularly will help to retain moisture and will also replenish nutrients that are being washed out by the rain.

How do I encourage the few broad-leaved helleborines in my garden to spread? – Jackie Lawson, Glasgow

This native orchid grows extensively across Glasgow, favouring scrubland and undeveloped building sites. The best thing you can do to encourage them is to leave part of the garden to grow wild.