Gardeners' Question Time
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139 episodes
My cherry tree blossoms in January. Is it confused? Should I lift my tulip bulbs? When is the best time to mulch? Peter Gibbs presents an archive show featuring the best snippets of springtime gardening advice from Gardeners’ Question Time in years gone by. While the panel discuss their top tips for planting house plants and the best way to spruce up a hanging basket in spring, Matt Biggs talks us through the history and popularity of daffodils. Senior Producer: Dan Cocker Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly Maile A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Will my blind daffodils ever flower again, or should I just discard them? Can I use old yule logs to line my plant beds or will the harvested fruit and veg become poisonous? How can I repel spiders from my garden without using chemicals? Peter Gibbs is joined by his enthusiastic team of horticultural experts as they dig through the GQT inbox and answer your gardening conundrums. On the panel this week are landscape architect Bunny Guinness, self proclaimed botanical geek James Wong and pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood. They visit the Horniman Museum and Gardens in Forest Hill, where head of horticulture Errol Reuben Fernandes gives the team a tour of their historical and extensive gardens. Later, Peter and the panel discuss whether there are house plants that can produce enough oxygen to purify air or if this is just a myth. Senior Producer: Dan Cocker Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly Maile A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Is ivy poisonous to most type of trees? Does the strain of F1 hybrid seeds deteriorate over time? What plants could I grow on my allotment that are low maintenance? Kathy Clugston and a panel of gardening experts are in Solihull to answer gardening queries from an audience of keen gardeners. On the panel this week are garden designer Bunny Guinness, self proclaimed botanical geek James Wong, and plantswoman Christine Walkden. Also, Matthew Wilson delivers a step by step guide on how to maintain a greenhouse during the spring. Senior Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly Maile A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Can a mixture of coca-cola and milk help revive a neglected plant? When should I start feeding my germinated seedling compost? How do you protect salvias during the winter? Peter Gibbs and a panel of horticultural experts provide some much-needed advice to an audience in the Vale of Pewsey. On the panel are pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood, house plant specialist Anne Swithinbank, and award-winning garden designer Chris Beardshaw. Later in the programme, regular panellist Dr Chis Thorogood takes us on an adventure deep into the jungle searching for a wild jade plant. Producer: Dominic Tyerman Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly Maile A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
How do I safely dispose of bamboo leaves? How can I stop the roots of my mulberry tree from invading my vegetable patch? If the panel were gifted a £50 garden centre voucher, what would they buy and why? Kathy Clugston and her arsenal of horticultural experts dig through the GQT inbox to answer your gardening queries. On the panel this week are garden designer Matthew Wilson and houseplant expert Anne Swithinbank. They visit Harlow Carr in Harrogate where head gardener Paul Cook gives a tour of their tranquil treasure trove and offers his own gardening tips and tricks. Woodlice - friends or foe? Kathy and panel set the record straight and debunk common misconceptions around these misunderstood animals. Senior Producer: Dan Cocker Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly Maile A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
When should I split and sew my snowdrops? What are the benefits of leaving loose leaves on our borders? What tips could the panel suggest for growing a giant award winning pumpkin? Kathy Clugston and a panel of keen gardening experts are in Balsall, West Midlands to investigate the audience's gardening conundrums. On the panel this week are garden designer Bunny Guinness, self proclaimed botanical geek James Wong, and plantswoman Christine Walkden. Later, James Wong takes a trip to Manchester's Chinatown to explore the wide variety of plants and shurbs they have on display, as well as the cultural significance of a Salix discolor in Chinese New celebrations. Senior Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly Maile A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
How do you grow celeriac? Is white vinegar and water good for cleaning greenhouses? How hardy is my Edgeworthia chrysantha 'Grandiflora' and where’s the best place to plant it? Kathy Clugston and an eager panel of gardening experts are in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire to put an end to the audience's gardening grievances. On the panel this week are garden designer Matthew Wilson, houseplant expert Anne Swithinbank, and curator of RHS Bridgewater Marcus Chilton-Jones. Later, Matt Biggs travels to Dungeness to meet with head gardener Johnny Bruce, who gives him a tour of late director Derek Jarmon's magnificent garden. Senior Producer: Dan Cocker Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly Maile A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Which plants should I avoid that are prone to spreading across chalky grassland? Any tips on growing tropical canna plants in the warmest corner of my garden? What’s the panel’s oldest and favourite gardening garment? Peter Gibbs and a panel of horticultural experts provide some much needed advice to an audience in Pewsey. On the panel this week are pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood, house plant specialist Anne Swithinbank and award winning garden designer Chris Beardshaw. Later in the programme, regular panellist Kirsty Wilson explores the history of the thistle plant as well as its significance to Scotland's national rugby union team, as this year's Six Nations Championship continues. Producer: Dominic Tyerman Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly Maile A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Kathy Clugston navigates the murky waters of the GQT archives in search of some Pond and Bog related advice throughout the years. Water is the giver of plant life and nourisher of wildlife, but how do we ensure that we’re using it correctly? The GQT team have sorted through the archives in search for some questions and answers from the past. The programme's horticultural experts share their knowledge on what to do if your pond liner breaks, how to remove bird poo from the surface of your pond, and what sort of plants you could plant in bogs and ponds to increase biodiversity? We also listen back to when pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood visited the Exbury Gardens dragonfly pond to learn more about these little creatures. Producer: Dan Cocker Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly Maile A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Is it possible to use too much manure? What can I do to protect my larger plants from being damaged by builders? What’s the panel’s favourite plant with a rude name? Kathy Clugston is in Masham, North Yorkshire for this week's programme along with a panel of horticultural experts, including garden designer Matthew Wilson, houseplant expert Anne Swithinbank, and curator of RHS Bridgewater Marcus Chilton-Jones. Later, Matthew Wilson pays a visit to Rudding Park's kitchen garden where he speaks to kitchen gardener Emma Pew and head chef Callum Bowmer about what benefits of growing fresh produce directly on the hotel grounds has on their guests and visitors. Senior Producer: Dan Cocker Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly Maile A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Could the panel share some gardening tips for wheelchair users? How do I start growing mulukhiyah in my garden? Which hedges could I grow that are resistant to ermine moths and offer privacy? Peter Gibbs is joined by his eager team of horticultural experts as they dig through the GQT inbox and answer your gardening queries. On the panel this week are landscape architect Bunny Guinness, head gardener of Horatio’s Garden Ashley Edwards and curator of RHS Wisley Matthew Pottage. This week they visit Ham House and Garden in Richmond where head gardener John Myers gives them a tour of their unique horticultural treasure trove. Later, Peter and the panel discuss the fundamentals of a kitchen garden and give tips on non-typical fruit and vegetables you could grow in your garden. Senior Producer: Dominic Tyerman Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly Maile A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Is it better to propagate house plants in water or straight into soil? Is crop rotation necessary? What could I grow under my row of standard Bay Trees? Kathy Clugston is in Chess Valley, Hertfordshire for this week's programme, along with her panel of horticultural experts = proud plantsman Matt Biggs, grow your own guru Bob Flowerdew, and pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood. Later, Juliet Sargeant transports us all the way to Zanzibar, East Africa, as she gives us a masterclass on the wide variety of spices the island has to offer and how you could potentially grow them in your own garden. Senior Producer: Dan Cocker Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock Executive Producer: Hannah Newton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
How do you propagate and grow Bog Myrtle? What South African or exotic plants could we grow in our garden? What can I plant in the windiest part of my garden that can survive harsh conditions? Peter Gibbs and his team of gardening experts start the new year by exploring the serene and charming Sheffield Botanical Gardens, answering your horticultural queries from the GQT inbox. Peter’s joined by garden designer Juliet Sargeant, botanical expert James Wong and Curator of RHS Garden Bridgewater Marcus Chilton-Jones. Leading Peter and the panel around the gardens is Programme Manager Ian Turner. Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Hannah Newton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
When should I prune raspberry canes? How do I prep the lawn for winter?Why have my leeks turned pink inside? Kathy Clugston and her panel of gardening experts are in Sarratt, Hertfordshire for this week’s episode. Joining Kathy on the panel are plantsman Matt Biggs, grow your own guru Bob Flowerdew, and pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood. And GQT regular Anne Swithinbank chats to Charles Dowding to find out his best tips and tricks for composting. Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock Senior Producer: Dan Cocker Executive Producer: Hannah Newton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Kathy Clugston is visited by the ghosts of GQT Christmases Past, Present and Future for an archive edition of the show. The panellists of past and present, share their knowledge on how to encourage the growth of moss in our gardens and answer gardening conundrums for the likes of Mary Berry and Anita Anand, who ask about indestructible plants that can survive harsh treatment and how you can maintain poinsettias during the festive period. And later, we hear from three of GQT's wise men - James Wong, Marcus Chilton-Jones and Peter Gibbs - who'll be hoping to inspire you with the jobs they'll be getting on with this Christmas. Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Hannah Newton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
How do you successfully prolong the life of an orchid? What can I do to keep my indoor tropical plants in good condition during the winter? What plant do you consider to be overlooked and underrated? Peter Gibbs is in Wildmoor Heath, Berkshire for this week's programme, with his panel of horticultural experts including garden designer Matthew Wilson, proud plantswoman Christine Walkden, and passionate plantsman Matthew Biggs. Fitting with the recent cold weather, James Wong is joined by Head of Arboretum and Temperate Collections Tony Hall and Arboretum Supervisor Rebecca Lane, as they give him a tour of Kew Gardens' brand new Winter Gardens Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Hannah Newton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
What’s the best way to stop woodlice from hiding under my pots? How can I encourage my hibiscus plant to flower abundantly? What can I do to get my gardening mojo back? Joining Kathy Clugston to answer these questions and more in front of a live audience in Bearwood are Head of Oxford Botanical Gardens Dr Chris Thorogood, houseplant expert Anne Swithinbank, and landscape designer Matthew Wilson. Also on the programme, Matthew Biggs meets up with author of the first ever Bats in the Garden book, Shirley Thompson MBE, to debunk common misconceptions about bats and shares how they can benefit our gardens. Producer: Dan Cocker Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock Executive Producer: Hannah Newton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
How do I make my cactus healthier? Which 1930’s style plants could I grow indoors? How do I prune mistletoe? Peter Gibbs and his panel of horticultural experts are at Cambridge University Botanic Gardens for this week’s postbag episode of Gardeners’ Question Time. Joining Peter on a tour of the gardens are Head Gardener of Horatio’s Garden Ashley Edwards, ethnobotanist James Wong, and garden designer Bunny Guinness. Alongside the questions, the Head of Horticulture at Cambridge University Botanic Gardens, Sally Petitt, gives the pane a tour of the greenhouses and gardens on the historic site. Producer: Dominic Tyerman Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.
Could you suggest some bat friendly plants that will keep them happy? Is it too late to re-pot my five-year-old daffodils? How can I improve the quality of my clay soil and what can I grow on it? Peter Gibbs and his team of horticultural experts are in the market town of Wokingham for this week's episode of Gardeners' Question Time. Joining Peter to dig into the audience's queries are garden designer Matthew Wilson, proud plantswoman Christine Walkden and passionate plantsman Matthew Biggs. Later in the show, Kirsty Wilson gets into the community spirit as she visits Greyfriars Biophilic Garden in Glasgow for a quick tour of their 56 show-stopping plots. Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Hannah Newton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Kathy Cluggston and her team of horticultural experts are in Freshwater on the Isle of Wight, inspired by the poetry of former local Alfred, Lord Tennyson. Joining Kathy on the panel today are grow-you-own guru Bob Flowerdew, pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood, and curator at RHS Wisley Matthew Pottage. Producer: Dominic Tyerman Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Hannah Newton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.
I’m having no luck growing chillies from seed. What am I doing wrong? Which plants would the panel recommend to bring fragrance and colour? Which way should a fig tree face to produce the most fruit? Ready to answer all these questions and more, Kathy Clugston and her team of experts have been invited to the House of Lords for this week’s programme. Joining Kathy to offer their best horticultural tips and tricks are Head of Oxford Botanical Gardens Dr Chris Thorogood, garden designer Matthew Wilson, and plantswoman Christine Walkden. Among the questions, Kathy chats to Baroness Fookes about the importance of gardening today. Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Senior Producer: Dan Cocker Executive Producer: Hannah Newton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
I’ve got bags of used compost, what do I do with it? Which fruit and veg would the panel recommend for novice gardeners to grow? Is gardening an art or a science? Ready to answer all these questions and more, Kathy Clugston and her team of experts are in Warley Woods, Smethwick for this week’s episode of GQT. Joining Kathy to offer their best horticultural tips and tricks are Head of Oxford Botanical Gardens Dr Chris Thorogood, houseplant expert Anne Swithinbank, and landscape designer Matthew Wilson. Anne Swithinbank visits gardener Charles Dowding to find out all there is to know about the no dig approach. Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock Producer: Dan Cocker Executive Producer: Hannah Newton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
What’s the best way to protect my terracotta plant pots from frost? What should I do if I spot an Asian hornet in my garden? What tall plants can I grow that are resistant to snails? Kathy Clugston and her team of horticultural experts visit the peaceful, Mottistone Gardens on the Isle of Wight for a postbag edition of the programme, where they answering your questions from the inbox. Kathy's joined by organic gardener Bob Flowerdew, pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood, and curator of RHS Wisley Matthew Pottage. And taking our panel on a tour around the magical gardens while offering his own advice is Senior Gardener, Ed Hinch. Producer: Dom Tyerman Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Hannah Newton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Considering the climate, what type of produce should we grow in Cornwall? How can I reduce the number of woodlice in my shed? I’ve been asked to grow flowers for a wedding in June. What would you recommend? Kathy Clugston and her team of horticultural experts are in the coastal setting of Penzance for this week’s episode of Gardeners’ Question Time. Joining Kathy on the panel are houseplant expert Anne Swithinbank, self-proclaimed ‘botany geek’ James Wong, and garden designer Chris Beardshaw. Head Gardener at Trebah Gardens, Darren Dickey chats to James Wong about the wonderful array of ferns growing on the sub-tropical site. Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock Executive Producer: Hannah Newton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Can banana plants survive cold winters? How do I get my Aeonium Schwarzkopfs to branch? What’s the difference between a cold frame and greenhouse? Kathy Clugston and her team of horticultural experts are on the largest of England’s islands, the Isle of Wight, for today's episode of Gardeners' Question Time. Joining Kathy on the panel are pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood, organic gardener Bob Flowerdew, and curator of RHS Wisley Matthew Pottage Later Matt Biggs gives us a detailed explanation for why every gardener needs to have a Hoheria sexstylosa 'Stardust' in their gardens. Producer: Dom Tyerman Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Hannah Newton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Will my cuttings expire at the same time as the parent plant? How do I attract more wildlife to my pond? If the panel had £100 to spend on their garden per year, what would they buy? Kathy Clugston and her team of horticultural experts are in the subtropical terrain of Trebah Gardens, Cornwall for this week’s episode of Gardeners' Question Time. Joining her are self-proclaimed ‘botany geek’ James Wong, gardening writer Anne Swithinbank, and Trebah’s very own Head Gardener Darren Dickey. Entwined between the postbag questions, Darren takes the panel around the unique areas of Trebah Gardens, including a ‘bamboozling’ insight into their bamboo crops, a dip into their Water Garden, and a trip through Trebah’s famous Gunnera Passage. Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock Executive Producer: Hannah Newton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
How do I stop my dwarf apple tree from growing too tall? When is the best time to prune back my entwined climber plants? Do you have any top tips for gardening on a slope? Kathy Clugston and her team of horticultural experts are in the picturesque fishing village of Mousehole for today's episode of Gardeners' Question Time. Joining her are self proclaimed botanical geek James Wong, gardening writer Anne Swithinbank and garden designer Chris Beardshaw. Later in the show, Anne Swithinbank is joined by Senior Gardener Jack Beesley as they go against the tides to visit St. Michael’s Mount, where Anne takes peek behind the scenes of their breathtaking gardens. Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock Executive Producer: Hannah Newton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
How can I deal with garden thugs? Can you recommend a plant that thrives on getting its leaves picked? How can I mow the edges of my lawn? The GQT team are back to bring their botanical expertise to an audience of keen gardeners in South Somerset. Ready to offer their horticultural know-how are passionate plants woman Christine Walkden, experienced horticulturist Anne Swithinbank, and grow-your-own guru Bob Flowerdew. For tips and tricks on extending floral displays, GQT regular Matt Biggs hits the ’flower’ on the head with his masterclass on deadheading. Producer: Dom Tyerman Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock Executive Producer: Hannah Newton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Where’s the best place to ripen tomatoes? How do I get my cosmos plant to flower? What’s the best way to ripen harvested seeds? Kathy Clugston and the GQT panellists have taken a trip to one of the UK's most loved gardens, the breath-taking Great Dixter Gardens in East Sussex, to answer pressing horticultural queries sent in by our listeners. Ready and waiting with tips and tricks are garden designer Juliet Sargeant, expert plantsman Matt Biggs and curator of RHS Wisley, Matthew Pottage. Treating the team to a tour is the estate is head gardener, Fergus Garrett. Producer: Dom Tyerman Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Hannah Newton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
How should I integrate grasses into herbaceous borders? Should I persevere with my blueberry plant? How can we make our allotment open day a great success? This week, Peter Gibbs is in Charlton Adam to answer all these questions and more. Joining him are grow-your-own guru Bob Flowerdew, horticulturist Anne Swithinbank, and plantswoman Christine Walkden. Alongside the horticultural Q and A, we hear from GQT regular Pippa Greenwood who visits Fairweather’s Nursery to tell us all we need to know about growing agapanthus. Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock Producer: Dom Tyerman Executive Producer: Hannah Newton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
