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 have a lovely Phlox that has a great smell and I want to make more of it. Can I divide it? - Cathy Mcallister, Cardross.

A A better way is to take root cuttings, severing one or two long roots, cutting them into short sections and laying on a tray of compost until they’ve started to develop roots. It’s best to wait until January to do this.

Cover ponds now to protect them from

falling leaves.

Q I’ve grown giant Gunnera for the first time with huge success but I’ve been told that it’s not fully hardy. Will it die off during the winter? – Tom Atkins, by email.

A Gunnera can be damaged by frost, but the easiest way to protect it is to cut off this year’s leaves and use them as a blanket over the crown of the plant. Secure in place with wire.

Sow green manure on veg plots that would otherwise stand empty. It helps cut down weeds and feeds the soil.

Q What has happened to my Achillea ‘Terracotta’? For the last couple of years it has it has been healthy but this summer it barely put on a show. – S. Mckinnon, Kinross.

A Look closely and you may find the centre is bare and the green foliage around the edge is undersized. This is a sign that your Achillea needs to be divided. Do this every couple of years and you’ll have lots of thriving plants.

Keep sowing winter salads in the greenhouse or cold frame.

Q How do I stop squirrels from digging up my crocuses? – Mr H. Allardyce, Kemnay.

A Squirrels have a fantastic sense of smell and will sniff out crocuses from patches where the earth has been disturbed. Cover the areas with mesh to prevent them getting at the bulbs until the soil settles.

Earth up celery leaving just a tuft of leaves visible at the top.

Q I’ve planted lily of the valley several times without success. How do I get it to grow? – P. Mccusker, Christon.

A Lily of the valley is a woodland plant that likes moist soil and partial shade. Give it a sheltered spot that doesn’t dry out.

Plant bulbs at three times their own depth. Tulips in particular have more chance of flowering in future years if planted deeply.