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 Most years, I get a nice crop of apples from the dwarf tree that I have in a large pot, but this year a lot of the fruit is cracked. What has gone wrong? – J. McGinnis, Elderslie.

A It’s the hot summer that’s to blame. At some point, the container must have dried out and then when it was watered the fruit has swollen quickly and the skins have cracked open. Regular watering is the key.

Continue to deadhead dahlias to prolong flowering.

Q We have a large Pieris in the front garden that is now too large for its position. I want to move it, but my wife is scared this will kill it so wants to prune it. – Ian Sinclair, Biggar.

A Even a large Pieris will have shallow roots so should move successfully. Cut the top growth by around half then dig out a large root ball before replanting in a semi-shaded spot, adding lots of organic matter to the soil. Keep it well watered and it should recover.

Place slug traps around winter brassicas and salads.

Q My Japanese quince has produced lots of little, gold fruits. Can I eat these? – Siobhan Harris, Chryston.

A The fruits of Chaenomeles japonica are edible if cooked, when they make delicious quince jelly. If you don’t have enough of them, add some cooking apples to the pan.

Cut down asparagus foliage when it turns brown and mulch the crowns.

Q Can I save the seeds from the giant oriental poppies that grow in my garden? – David Kerr, Kilmarnock.

A You can or alternatively you can just scatter them around the borders now and see what pops up next year.

Wallflower sown in the summer should be moved to their flowering positions now.

Q Can I replant last year’s tulip bulbs into pots again? – Diane Drummond, Blairgowrie.

A You can, but the chances are the flowers and stems will be smaller. If you want a really good show, then start with fresh bulbs and plant last year’s in an area of rough grass. Do this every year and you’ll end up with a tulip meadow.

Plant material infected by disease should not be added to the compost heap. It should go into a green-waste bin.