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.

Is there an easy way to prevent Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ from falling over? – Marjorie Henderson, Broughty Ferry

Support growth early in the season using a frame that the foliage can grow through. There is no way of staking it tidily once the flowers have already appeared.

I’ve got a mature azalea that is looking very sparse. Can I do anything to reinvigorate it? – Lesley Clark, by email

Feed and water it regularly and if this doesn’t work then prune it back hard after it flowers next year and it should bounce back.

Can I divide an asparagus fern? I’ve got several friends who have admired mine and I’d like to share it with them. – D Sullivan, Girvan

You can. Cut through the root using a sharp knife and repot the segments using houseplant potting compost.

My Victoria plum tree has such a heavy crop that one of the branches looks set to break off. How do I stop this from happening? – Andy Baker, Linlithgow

Use a long piece of wood to make a prop for the branch. You often see these used on mature plum trees.

Can you solve a mystery? Why is my hosta not eaten by slugs? – Dan Fraser, Banchory

Gritty soil, a healthy bird population, resident frogs or even a hedgehog could all be helping. Keep up the good work.

email your questions: ps@sundaypost.com