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 Can I sow sweet peas now? – Mrs D Slade, Stewarton
A
If you have an unheated greenhouse or a coldframe, then go ahead and sow now. Make sure you protect them from mice. As they grow, keep pinching them out to create strong plants.
Continue clearing up borders, adding
spent foliage to the compost heap.
Q You often talk of using mulch in your garden. What is this made from? – Bob Anderson, Kirkcaldy.
A I use anything, including leafmould, wellrotted manure or composted bark. To get the best out of mulch it needs to be at least 5cm thick and should be spread on damp soil. It breaks down slowly to add nutrients and improve the texture of the soil.
If you keep tender plants over winter, check the greenhouse heater is working.
Q I’ve bought my sister-in-law a phalaenopsis orchid and am now worrying about how to keep it alive until I hand it over on Christmas Day. – Laura White, Glasgow.
A Just water thoroughly, allowing the pot to drain, then place it in a bright, warm room. Water it again just before Christmas.
If you haven’t already sorted this year’s seed, then clean it now, label clearly and store in an airtight container.
Q I had a good crop of apples this year but now my tree needs pruning. When is the best time to do this? – I. Mickelson, by email.
A Do any pruning and shaping over the winter while the tree is dormant. Most trees should be pruned now, with the exception of ornamental cherries which should be pruned in early summer.
Water real Christmas trees, taking care not to get the fairy lights wet. Keep away from fires and radiators.
Q I bought a Christmas cactus last year and it was covered in bright flowers, but this year there are none. – L. Talbot, Perth. A Christmas cacti need eight weeks in a cool, dark situation to trigger flowering. In a normal, bright room the flower buds don’t form.
Refill bird feeders daily and put out water during icy weather.