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 The narrow space down the side of my house doesn’t get much light. What can I grow there? – Andrew Kennedy, Stranraer
A Foliage plants, including hostas, ferns and fatsias all do well in these sorts of conditions and would make the space feel lush and interesting.
Instead of trying to improve damp
areas of the garden, plant candelabra primulas and other bog plants.
Q Can you recommend a Japanese maple with really good colour? I want to grow one in my front garden with maximum impact. – Mrs C. Whitley, Moffat. A Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’ is as rich and vivid as its name implies. The purple foliage turns deep red in autumn. To get the best from it, plant in a sheltered spot where the foliage won’t get scorched by sun or wind.
Cover sweet pea seeds with small-mesh
wire netting to prevent mice from raiding the pots.
Q Can I prune back a strawberry tree? Mine grows next to my shed, which needs to be painted this year. – Mike Docherty, by email. A Yes, you can, Arbutus unedo can be pruned without causing it any harm and if you remove the lower branches you will expose the attractive bark.
Hoe off annual weeds the moment they
start to appear and dig perennial weeds out by the roots.
Q I have a bare patch under some hazel trees where I can’t get anything to grow. What do you suggest? – Leanne Phillips, Cupar. A Have you tried growing Euphorbia amygdaloides? This useful spurge is evergreen and in spring produces acid yellow flowers that create a bright splash of colour.
If you are concerned about the health
of a mature tree, have it checked out by an expert. Some trees will drop a limb without warning.
Q Novelty plants. Yes or no? – Tom Michie, Ellon.
A Dyed flowers, glittery heathers, amaryllis bulbs dipped in wax are weird but if they spark an interest in growing I’m all in favour.
Cover the vegetable patch with heavy
duty black polythene to start warming up the soil in preparation for sowing.