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 Which are the best daffodils for growing in grass? I have a rough area of lawn and I want to plant spring bulbs. – J. Nicholson, Blantyre.

A Native daffodil, Narcissus pseudonarcissus is one of the best for growing in grass but the pure white Narcissus ‘Thalia’ can also look very effective, as can Pheasant’s Eye, Narcissus poeticus var. recurvus, which is the latest of all the daffodils to flower.

Scrub out the greenhouse, allowing it to dry thoroughly before closing up again.

Q I’ve just acquired some hens and I’m unsure about using their manure in the garden. – Linda Holden, Carlisle. A Chicken manure is very high in nitrogen, making it good for vegetables but in it’s raw state it is far too strong to be used. Compost it first, along with straw, turning regularly. It takes around a year for it to break down.

Line the sides and bottom of planting holes with chicken wire to prevent squirrels eating bulbs.

Q Where’s the best place to grow Nerines? – Mrs A. Anderson, Stonehaven.

A A bright, sunny spot. They like free-draining soil so add grit if your soil is on the heavy side.

Scrub bird feeders to prevent diseases from building up and restock with food.

Q I bought a new hydrangea last month but its leaves are showing signs of powdery mildew. – I. McArthur, by email.

A I suspect that your pot was allowed to dry out at some point before you bought it. Most good garden centres provide a guarantee for their plants, but if you don’t want to take it back then remove the affected foliage and add to your brown bin, not the compost heap and plant your hydrangea where there will be good air flow around it.

Once the skins on onions have had a chance to cure, string bulbs together and hang in a cool, dry shed or garage.

Q I have lots of Parsley in the garden. Will this survive the winter? – Beth Waters, Balloch.

A Parsley gets tough in its second year, which is why most people grow it as an annual. It is also fussy about temperature, but if you put a cloche over your plants they should be good for picking for longer.

Clean and service the lawnmower and

other tools you stored over winter.