Gardeners' Question Time

What's your recommended recipe for homemade seed compost? What makes a dog friendly garden? What is the most inappropriate piece of garden advice that you've received?Peter Gibbs and the panel offer advice to an audience of keen gardeners in the borough of Wokingham. Joining Peter are house plants expert Anne Swithinbank, garden designer Bunny Guinness, and proud plantsman Matthew Biggs.Later in the programme, for Plant Health Week, Kirsty Wilson visits the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to meet biosecurity officer Matt Elliot and discover how new pests and diseases are threatening our gardens — and what we can do to fight back.Producer: Matt Smith Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4Plant List Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided. Q - Do the panel have any favourite help or design features in their gardens made by their pets? (01'45")Q- Could you give me some top tips on growing Dahlias? (05'40")Q- How do you manage a wildflower area after the first year of flowering? (10’18")Feature – Kirsty Wilson and Biosecurity Officer of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh discuss how we can protect our plants from new pests and diseases (14'20")Q- My Fatsia Bush has flowered – do I prune it back or leave the fruits for the birds? (19'30")Q - Which exciting new plants should we be looking forward to growing in the south-east of England? (22'31")Bunny Guinness – Diospyros virginiana (F), common persimmon Diospyros 'Nikita's Gift' (F), Nikita’s Gift Persimmon. Salvia involucrata 'Hadspen', rosy-leaf sage ‘Hadspen’Matthew Biggs – Salvia officinalis 'Bicolor', sage 'Bicolor' Echium Echium wildpretii, tower of jewels Echium pininana giant viper's buglossAnne Swithinbank – Leonotis Leonurus, lion's tail Dictamnus albus, burning bush Eriobotrya, loquatQ - What is your recommended recipe for homemade seed compost? (28'00")Q - I have a small starter allotment; can the panel advise me on how to make the most of my small plot? (32'10")Bunny Guinness – Onion Garlic LettuceMatthew Biggs – Lettuce, fresh beetroot, fresh carrots, finger carrots Baby leaf Spinach radish courgettes French beans Runner beans Anne Swithinbank – Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum, florence fennelQ - What is the most inappropriate piece of garden advice that you've received, and did you follow it? (37'24")

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2025

Horticultural programme featuring a group of gardening experts.

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2025

What would be your top tips for creating compost? What's the best way to propagate Lamine raspberries? What could I grow in very dry soil? Kathy Clugston and a panel of plant and gardening experts return to Ridgewell, Essex and offer advice to an audience of keen gardeners. Joining Kathy are grow-your-own guru Bob Flowerdew, garden designer Bunny Guinness, and gardener Matthew Pottage.Later in the programme, avid urban gardener Martha Swales offers advice on how to grow edibles indoors. Continuing our 'Edible Essential Series'.Producer: Matthew Smith Assistant Producer: Rahnee PrescodPlant List Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided. Q - What can I plant in my hanging baskets that would give a bright full display and will also attract bees? (01'31")Bunny Guinness - Verbena officinalis 'Bampton', vervain 'Bampton'Matthew Pottage - Delosperma Lameranthus Q- My climbing rose refuse to flower consistently, should I dig it up and cut my losses or feed the ground? (04'59")Q- Will my two large Cycas revoluta plants recover from frost damage? (09'41")Q - What would be your top tips for creating compost? (13'36")Q- What's the best way to propagate raspberry 'Tulameen'? (22'48")Q - When should I cut back my Honeysuckles? And how hard should I cut them back? (24'48")Bunny Guinness - Lonicera japonica 'Halliana', hall's Japanese honeysuckleQ- What could I grow in very dry soil? (26'45")Matthew Pottage – Ascanthus, bear's breeches Ruscus aculeatus, butcher’s broom Hydrangea petiolaris, climbing hydrangeas Euonymus fortunei 'Kewensis', spindle 'Kewensis'Bob Flowerdew – Ficus carica (F), fig Vitis vinifera, grape vineBunny Guinness – Lavandula, lavender Q - We’ve removed a Conifer hedge and replaced it with a fence. What can I plant against it? (31'26")Matthew Pottage – Pileostegia viburnoides, climbing hydrangeaBob Flowerdew – Ribes rubrum, common redcurrant Ribes rubrum 'White Grape', white currents Ribes uva-crispa, gooseberry Lathyrus odoratus, sweet peaBunny Guinness – Ficus carica Little Miss Figgy ('Lmf01') (F), fig [Little Miss Figgy] Clematis armandi, armand clematisQ - As a legendarily useless gardener, I've always believed that gardening is a dark art into which I have not been initiated. What's the best way in? (36'14")

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2025

Why are my potatoes so floury? How do you banish lace bugs for good? And what mysterious plant has the panel stumped?Kathy Clugston and a team of gardening experts explore the various locations of Belfast Botanic Garden. All while digging into the GQT postbag to answer your gardening conundrums.On hand with their wisdom and wit are ethnobotanist James Wong, garden designer Neil Porteous, and Kirsty Wilson, Head of Gardens at Balmoral. Guiding them through the garden’s hidden corners and floral highlights is Garden Supervisor Colin Agnew.Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 20 April 2025

What unorthodox advice have you heard as a gardener? What fruit and veg can I grow in a sodden patch? If you could take one bag of seeds to a desert island, what would it be?Kathy Clugston and the Gardeners’ Question Time team return to Bradford, West Yorkshire, to unearth the answers to your gardening dilemmas. Kathy is joined by garden designers Marcus Chilton-Jones, Matthew Pottage and Juliet Sargeant.Later in the programme, we dig into the first edition of our brand-new Edible Essentials series. Ecological home grower and community gardener Poppy Okotcha shares her go-to spring checklist for growing delicious, sustainable crops.Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2025

Why are my blueberry plants experiencing blueberry dieback? How can we prevent or treat an infestation of whitefly in an eco-friendly manner? Which plant have you been most tempted to steal and why?Peter Gibbs and a panel of plant and gardening gurus offer advice to an audience of keen gardeners in Twyford, Reading. Joining Peter are house plant expert Anne Swithinbank, garden designer Bunny Guinness, and proud plantsman Matthew Biggs.Later in the programme, we hear from GQT's Kathy Clugston who visits a garden designed for individuals with no sense of smell.Producer: Matt Smith Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2025

How do I keep my gladioli coming back?  Why are my hellebores covered in black spots? Why do my courgettes go mouldy so quickly?Kathy Clugston and a panel of plant and gardening experts are offering advice to an audience of keen gardeners in Ridgewell, Essex. Joining Kathy are grow-your-own guru Bob Flowerdew, garden designer Bunny Guinness, and gardener Matthew Pottage.Later in the programme, we hear from Peter Gibbs about the increasing number of sponge cities in the UK.A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2025

What’s the best time to sow and harvest up north? Why won't my Buddha's hand plant produce fruit? Can nematodes get rid of codling moth? Kathy Clugston and the Gardeners’ Question Time team head to Bradford, the UK’s City of Culture 2025, to tackle your trickiest gardening dilemmas. Kathy is joined by garden designers Marcus Chilton-Jones, Matthew Pottage and Juliet Sargeant.Later in the programme, Juliet visits a hidden gem transformed by the Lister Community Action Group. Discover how volunteers have breathed new life into a once-forgotten ginnel, turning it into a vibrant community oasis.Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 21 March 2025

What’s soil type works best in terrariums? Want plants could I use to absorb the damp patches in my garden? Which unloved flower has a place in your garden?Kathy Clugston and her team of gardening experts visit the Clandeboye estate in Bangor, where they tackle some head scratching gardening dilemmas. Joining her are ethnobotanist James Wong, garden designer Neil Porteous, and Head of Gardens at Balmoral Kirsty Wilson.Later in the programme, Neil Porteous takes us on a fascinating journey through the Belfast Botanic Gardens, uncovering the rich history of the shamrock. From ancient legends to its deep connection with St Patrick’s Day, discover how this little green plant became one of Ireland’s most powerful symbols.Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 14 March 2025

How do you keep a bonsai tree thriving? Should you risk moving a well-established shrub rose? And what’s the one plant you simply couldn’t live without?Kathy Clugston and the GQT team are back in Walsall, ready to tackle your most pressing horticultural dilemmas. Joining her are garden designers Bunny Guinness, Matthew Wilson and Marcus Chilton-Jones.Later in the programme, Marcus Chilton-Jones visits Walsall Arboretum's oldest and most remarkable hawthorn tree. Joined by Claire Turner and Josh Madders, he uncovers the fascinating history of this ancient survivor and the secrets behind its resilience.Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2025

What’s the best way to propagate Heuchera? How do i minimise the growth of my Wisteria and maximise flowers? Are there any low skilled gardening jobs that I could do? Kathy and a team of experts return to The Hanneys where they solve more gardening problems. Joining Kathy to answer the questions are fanatical plantswoman Christine Walkden, dedicated botanist Dr Chris Thorogood, and passionate plant expert Matthew Biggs.Later in the programme, Matt Biggs Hardwood cuttings, an easy and reliable method of propagating plants.Producer: Dominic Tyerman Producer: Matthew Smith Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 28 February 2025

How do we get rid of red ants? Rainwater or tap water? How can I stay motivated in the garden when it's wet and windy?Kathy Clugston and her team of gardening gurus visit Walsall to solve some horticultural problems. Joining Kathy to answer the questions are garden designers Bunny Guinness, Marcus Chilton Jones and Matthew Wilson.Later in the programme, Peter Gibbs visits RHS Wisley where  principal scientist Kálmán Könyves educates him on their Daffodil Diaries initiative. A strategy which logs where, what and when rare and endangered narcissi bloom.Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 21 February 2025

Snowdrops - do you mulch, feed, or leave them alone? What's the difference between anaerobic digestion and aerobic digestion? How do I get rid of apple maggots? Peter Gibbs and the GQT team of experts return to Shepton Mallet to solve various gardening conundrums. On the panel this week are house plant guru Anne Swithinbank, pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood, and garden designer Matthew Wilson.Later in the programme, Anne Swithinbank and Dominic Weston discuss all things snowdrops ahead of Shepton Mallet's upcoming snowdrop festival. Producer: Daniel Cocker Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
 Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 14 February 2025

Peter Gibbs guides us through the GQT archive, which includes some much needed advice on how to make your garden more wildlife friendly. The GQT team have pruned through 77 years of questions and answers to reveal useful advice provided by our various horticultural experts. This includes tips on how to attract bats to the garden, advice on rabbit proof plants and the benefits of snakes in the gardenLater, we listen back to when Kirsty Wilson visited Glenarm Castle and discussed how we make our gardens to safe for hedgehogs.Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 7 February 2025

Is gardening a solitary or a social activity? What could I grow up a garage wall? What do the panel expect to see in open gardens?Kathy and a team of experts visit The Hanneys to solve gardeners' problems. Joining Kathy to answer the questions are fanatical plantswoman Christine Walkden, dedicated botanist Dr Chris Thorogood, and passionate plant expert Matthew Biggs.Later in the programme, Matthew Pottage and GQT producer Dominic Tyerman visit the Sydney Botanic Gardens in Australia to understand the wide appeal of living wall gardens, as well as provide tips for making your own.Producer: Dominic Tyerman Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 31 January 2025

Any tips on combating garlic rust? How should I spread mushroom compost in my garden? Which plants do you predict will make a renaissance?Peter Gibbs and a team of experts visit the market town of Shepton Mallet to solve gardening conundrums from an audience of gardeners. In the hot seats this week are house plant guru Anne Swithinbank, pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood, and garden designer Matthew Wilson.Later in the programme, Matthew Wilson travels to Bath to meet with Britain In Bloom champions Steve Brook and Barry Cruz. He gathers some useful tips and tricks for snagging the title of champion. Producer: Daniel Cocker Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
 Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 24 January 2025

What vegetables could I grown that aren't native to the UK? Are there any punk-ish plants that thrive in a hot and humid room? Which plant would make a great building structure? Peter Gibbs and a team of gardening experts explore the various locations of the beautifully brutalist Barbican Centre in London, all while digging into the GQT postbag to answer your gardening conundrums.Joining Peter are ethnobotanist James Wong, garden designer Juliet Sargeant and Head Gardener Matthew Pottage. Leading them around various locations is the Barbican Centre's Head Gardener Marta Lowcewicz.Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 17 January 2025

Is a polytunnel good for keeping weeds out? What type of wall would be more suitable for a lean-to greenhouse? What are the panel's gardening regrets?Kathy Clugston and a team of experts return to the windswept region of Midlothian, to solve the gardening questions of a green-fingered audience. Kathy is joined by ethnobotanist James Wong, garden designer Neil Porteous and Head of Gardens at Balmoral Kirsty Wilson.Later in the programme, James Wong learns about Royal Edinburgh Botanical Gardens 'Plants with Purpose' campaign, which uses horticulture to mitigate the effects of climate change on urban locations. Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
 Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 10 January 2025

What’s the secret to growing Snowdrops? Which single plant or gardening activity instils a feeling of wellbeing in people? What are the do's and don’ts of planting Acers? Kathy Clugston and a team of experts are in Bristol to answer gardening questions from a green fingered audience. Joining Kathy are garden designers Chris Beardshaw and Matthew Wilson, and house plants expert Anne Swithinbank.Later in the programme, if you're unsure of what do with your garden during the winter months, Matthew Pottage has an extensive list of jobs and tasks to help you get ahead in the new year.Producer: Daniel Cocker Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
 Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 3 January 2025

Peter Gibbs digs, rakes and mulches through the GQT archive to uncover some much needed gardening advice, providing you with knowledge to aid you in the new year.It’s the most wonderful time of the year and the perfect period to get ahead with maintaining you garden during the harsh winter months to come.GQT’s various horticultural experts from over the years share their tips and knowledge on what to do with wonky veg, what to do with an Amaryllis bulb after it’s finished flowering, and which plants are deer proof.Later, we listen back to when Chris Beardshaw visited Tenby Wells to learn all about mistletoe, its origins and the significance it has on the festive period.Producer: Dom Tyerman Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
 Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 27 December 2024

Where have all the worms gone in my garden? How do I use a glasshouse? Can plants survive without being watered for a month?Kathy Clugston and a team of gardening experts explore the 70 acres of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, all while digging the GQT postbag to answer your gardening grievances.Joining Kathy on this extensive tour are ethnobotanist James Wong, garden designer Neil Porteous, and Head of Gardens at Balmoral Kirsty Wilson. They're led around the garden by Head of Collections, David Knott.Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 20 December 2024

Lawns - to mow or not to mow? What could I use to make my pond visually pleasing and wildlife friendly? Will my two year-old fig tree produce more fruits if I feed it? Kathy Clugston and a team of experts board Brunel's SS Great Britain in Bristol to answer gardening questions from an audience of novice gardeners. Joining Kathy are garden designers Chris Beardshaw, Matthew Wilson and house plants expert Anne Swithinbank.Later in the programme, Matthew Wilson meets with head of research James Boyd, and head of interpretation and programming Iona Keen, to learn about the importance of Wardian cases to the horticultural industry.Producer: Daniel Cocker Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
 Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 13 December 2024

What would the panel plant in a garden for reflection? Are there any alternatives to perlite and vermiculite? Is the weather to blame for my shamefully small brassicas and tiny potatoes? Kathy Clugston and a team of experts are in Rosewell, Midlothian, to solve the gardening questions of the audience. Joining Kathy are ethnobotanist James Wong, garden designer Neil Porteous and Head of Gardens at Balmoral Kirsty Wilson.Later in the programme, James Wong meets researchers Dr Hannah Atkins and Sadie Barber to discuss the extensive process of naming plants. Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
 Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 6 December 2024

How can I stop my dog from digging holes in my garden? What conditions do walnut trees grow best in? If you could lose one pest from your garden, what would it be? Peter Gibbs and a team of experts are in Staffordshire, to solve the gardening conundrums of the audience. Returning to the National Memorial Arboretum with Peter are grow-your-own legend Bob Flowerdew, pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood and garden designer Bunny Guinness.Later in the programme, is your garden on an gradient? Garden designer Matthew Wilson provides tricks and tips on the best way to effectively garden on an incline.Producer: Dan Cocker
 Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
 Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 29 November 2024

When should we prune roses? What plants grow well in rubble and grass? What's infecting my Prunus avium?Peter Gibbs and a team of horticultural experts are led on a guided tour of Regent's Park in London, while dipping into the GQT postbag to answer your gardening conundrums.Leading the tour is head gardener and fellow GQT panellist Matthew Pottage, who's also joined by pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood and head gardener Ashley Edwards. Later in the programme, head gardeners Anna Rafal and Anne Tuomisto offer advice on pruning roses and designing a Mediterranean garden, as well as winter tidying with hibernating animals in mind.Producer: Dominic Tyerman Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2024

Do plants have feelings? When should I plant green manure? Why do leaves drop more in autumn than any other time of the year?Kathy Clugston and a team of gardening experts visit Birmingham Botanical Gardens to solve the gardening issues of the audience. On the panel this week are ethnobotanist James Wong, proud plantsman Matthew Biggs and garden designer Juliet Sargeant.Later, James Wong and Birmingham Botanical Gardens' Senior Nursery Horticulturist Bethan Collerton discuss some useful tips and tricks on how to protect your tender or less hardy plants during the winter months. Senior Producer: Daniel Cocker Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Assistant Producer: Suhaar Ali Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 15 November 2024

Do the panel have any idea of who or what has stolen our apples? When is the best time to plant my Prunus Incisa? How do I successfully grow fennel?Peter Gibbs and his team of gardening experts visit The National Memorial Arboretum, to solve the gardening queries of the audience. On the panel this week are grow-your-own legend Bob Flowerdew, pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood and garden designer Bunny Guinness.Later in the programme, Bunny discusses planting for remembrance with the National Memorial Arboretum's head of estates Andy Ansell, as they explore 150 acres of reflective spaces.Producer: Dan Cocker Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 8 November 2024

What plant have you killed the most? How do I encourage my pineapple lily to flower? What plant would you take with you to your island paradise?Kathy Clugston and her team of horticultural champions are in Hillingdon, to solve the gardening grievances of the audience. On the panel this week are proud plantsman Matthew Biggs, house plants expert Anne Swithinbank, and ethnobotanist James Wong.Later in the programme, Dr Chris Thorogood is on hand to sew the seeds of knowledge as he educates us on all things seedlings, tackling topics such as what they are, how they grow and how to encourage them to grow healthily.Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Assistant Producer: Daniel Pearce Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 1 November 2024

What plants would you recommend to entertain five to six year-olds? How do I successfully grow Japanese banana plants? Are rose fertilisers and tomato fertilisers the same thing? Kathy Clugston and her team of horticultural champions visit Birmingham Botanical Gardens to solve the gardening gripes of the audience. On the panel this week are proud plantsman Matthew Biggs, ethnobotanist James Wong and garden designer Juliet Sargeant.Later, Matt Biggs educates us on the life and legacy of renowned plant collector Ernest Wilson whose expeditions across Asia led to the introduction of over 2,000 plant species. Senior Producer: Daniel Cocker Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Assistant Producer: Suhaar Ali Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 25 October 2024

How do I stop badgers from eating my tulips? Any tips on changing a ripped pond liner? How do I effectively take cuttings from a plant? Kathy Clugston and her panel of horticultural heroes take a wander around Mires Beck Nursery in Hull, while dipping into the GQT postbag to answer your gardening grievances.Joining forces with Kathy are head gardener Matthew Pottage, garden designer Bunny Guinness and curator of RHS Bridgewater Marcus Chilton-Jones. The panellists are joined by various workers and volunteers from the nursery who share own tips and tricks on gardening challenges, such as planting trees from seed and planting native varieties.Producer: Dominic Tyerman Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileClick here for the Plant List: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0023yg4A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 18 October 2024

When is a seed ready to harvest? Which evergreen shrubs could I plant on the coast? Why are my greenhouse grapes going mouldy? Kathy Clugston and her panel of horticultural experts are answering questions from an audience of keen gardeners in Kingston upon Hull. Joining Kathy to plant some useful seeds of advice are proud gardener Matthew Biggs, garden designer Bunny Guinness and head gardener Matthew Pottage. They discuss the best time to use soil improver, how to see a eucalyptus tree through winter and their most creative ideas for attracting punters to open gardens. Later in the programme, Matt Biggs pays a visit to Stratford Fire Station to hear how they’ve transformed and rejuvenated their garden space.A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 11 October 2024

What do you do with lily stems once the flowers have fallen off? Any tips on growing chanterelle mushrooms? When's the best time to prune fig trees in the northeast? Peter Gibbs and his panel of horticultural experts take a visit to Henry Moore's Studio and Gardens, while dipping into the GQT postbag to answer your gardening conundrums. Joining forces with Peter are proud gardeners Matthew Biggs and Christine Walkden, and garden designer Bunny Guinness. The panellists are escorted around the seventy acres of outdoor studio space by Sebastiano Barassi, head of the Henry Moore Collections and Programme.Later in the programme, the panel discusses foreign seeds and the potential issues that planting them would have on our environment. Producer: Dan Cocker Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 4 October 2024

Any tips on setting up and maintaining a floating garden that produces tasty produce? Do the panel suffer from garden envy? How do I get rid of the mealybug infesting my cacti? Kathy Clugston and her team of horticultural champions are in Uxbridge, to solve the gardening grievances of the audience. On the panel this week are house plants expert Anne Swithinbank, proud plantsman Matthew Biggs, and ethnobotanist James Wong.Later, Matthew Biggs re-visits Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, where he meets Ginny Abu Bakr and Billy Styles to discuss how they’ve introduced gardening to patients receiving chemotherapy. Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 27 September 2024

Any tips on how to keep a Venus fly trap alive? How do I successfully grow a cucumber? What unusual fruit or vegetable do the panel think is underrated? Kathy Clugston and a panel of horticultural experts are in the hot seat, as they answer the gardening queries from an audience in Hull. On the panel are head gardener Matthew Pottage, garden designer Bunny Guinness and curator of RHS Bridgewater Marcus Chilton-Jones.Later, Hull-born panellist Matthew Pottage meets with Cllr Henry from Hull City Council, to learn more about their ‘Right to Grow’ initiative which allows people to grow on public land for the first time.Producer: Dominic Tyerman Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 20 September 2024

Kathy Clugston digs through the Gardeners' Question Time archive to root out some information on Soil, Compost, Mulch and more.Our various GQT panellists over the last 77 years have been no stranger to soil and compost related questions, from queries on how to create a workable soil in the garden to questions on the difference between compost and soil conditioner. For the first autumnal archive programme of 2024 we’ve raked through the extensive GQT archive and pulled out some of the best advice on these topics. We also hear from garden designer and lecturer Humaira Ikram, who explains the importance of understanding the PH level of your soil.Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin’ Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 13 September 2024

How can I control alexander plants? How can I encourage my gage trees to flower? What tips do the panellists have for increasing biodiversity?Kathy Clugston and her team of green-fingered experts are by the Suffolk Coast to share their advice with an audience of garden enthusiasts.On the panel are head gardeners Ashley Edwards and Matthew Pottage, and pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood.Meanwhile, Matthew Pottage explores the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney. He dons his hard hat to get up close with a particularly dangerous local pine and admires the wollemi pine, a living fossil thought to be extinct for two million years until a small population was discovered in the Blue Mountains of Australia in 1994.Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Senior Producer: Dominic Tyerman Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 6 September 2024

What can I use to stop mites from destroying my nine foot Schefflera? Why haven't we seen many bees this year? How do I remove fungus growing on my hawthorn tree?Peter Gibbs and his team of gardening gurus travel to Blenheim Palace in Woodstock for a postbag edition of GQT.While Head Gardener Andy Mills leads Peter and the panel around the historic grounds, they also rake through the GQT inbox to answer your gardening queries. On the panel this week are garden designer Chris Beardshaw, house plants expert Anne Swithinbank and pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood.Later in the programme, the panellists receive a surprise question from English fashion and textile designer Dame Zandra Rhodes, who asks what she should do about her dying hydrangeas. Senior Producer: Dan Cocker Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
 Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 30 August 2024

Do grass snakes have any benefit to my garden? How do I stop my autumn raspberries from getting maggots? What I can plant between now and next June that will flower in time for my daughter’s wedding? Kathy Clugston and a panel of experts are in the hot seat as they answer the gardening queries from an audience in Southwold. On the panel are head gardeners Ashley Edwards and Matthew Pottage, and pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood.Later, Matthew Pottage sneaks away to Wootens of Wenhaston Plantsman Nursery in Darsham, where he meets co-owner Jill Stafford to discuss Pelargoniums and how there's a variety for everyone.Producer: Dominic Tyerman Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 23 August 2024

How do I get red cedar root balls to spread? What gardening task do the panel find daunting? What are the panel’s thoughts about composting organic materials?Kathy Clugston and her team of horticultural experts travel to the University of Exeter for a postbag edition of GQT. While Curator of Horticulture Anthony Cockell leads Kathy and the panel around the grounds, they also dig through the GQT inbox to answer your gardening queries. On the panel this week are garden designer Chris Beardshaw, grow your own guru Bob Flowerdew, and proud plantswoman Christine Walkden.Later in the programme, the panellists discuss the University of Exeter's national collection of Azaras, share tips on how they can add structure to the garden and provide a sensory experience.Senior Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
 Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 16 August 2024

Kathy Clugston presents another special potting shed edition of the programme, with GQT's panel of experts taking questions from visitors at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.The panel answer questions ranging from how to get rid of woolly aphids and how to get rid of bamboo, to what's the best way to unclog a pond. Later in the programme, Dulcie Whadcock speaks to Jodie Bryan from Cayley Brothers to discuss how their campaign 'project mushroom' aims to ease anxiety around growing mushrooms at home.Producer: Dan CockerAssistant Producer: Rahnee PrescodExecutive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 9 August 2024

When does manure become well rotted? Where should I start when designing a flowerbed in my garden? What can I do to encourage my dahlias to sprout flowers? Kathy Clugston and the GQT team of horticultural heroes are on hand to tackle the gardening queries of an audience in Exeter City. Kathy is joined by garden designer Chris Beardshaw, grow your own guru Bob Flowerdew and proud plantswoman Christine Walkden.Later in the programme, Assistant Producer Rahnee Prescod meets with community projects manager of YMCA Exeter Sam Thomas, to discuss how gardening therapy provides an escape for young adults experiencing homelessness. Producer: Bethany HockenAssistant Producer: Rahnee PrescodExecutive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 2 August 2024

How wide should a garden path be? How do I get rid of bindweed? Should I be concerned by my garden soil's high lead content? Peter Gibbs and his team of horticultural heroes are on hand to tackle the gardening queries of a hopeful audience in Hexham. The panellists are garden designers Matthew Wilson and Bunny Guinness, and house plants expert Anne Swithinbank. Later in the programme, Matthew Wilson shares some of his garden designing expertise by providing a plant structuring masterclass to aid your next garden design project.Producer: Dan CockerAssistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 26 July 2024

Kathy Clugston sows the seeds of knowledge on the topics of lawn care and grasses, with help from the extensive GQT Archive.Now that we’re well into the summer season, grass maintenance and lawn care have become top priority for most gardeners.GQT’s various horticultural experts from over the years share their tips and knowledge on how to restore patchy lawns, what variety of bamboo would thrive in small gardens, and how to get rid of moss without damaging the healthy plants around it.Later, we listen back to when Anne Swithinbank met with ornamental grass guru Neil Lucas, to discuss if there’s truly a variety for everyone. Producer: Dan Cocker
Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 18 July 2024

Is it worth using arborist mulch in the garden? Please could you advise on how to maintain large camellias? My wisteria has barely flowered this year, what’s gone wrong?Peter Gibbs and his team of horticultural experts have packed up their windbreakers and travelled to Raby Castle, Park and Gardens in County Durham for a postbag edition of GQT. While head gardener Tim Marshall leads Peter and the panel around the gardens, they also dig through the GQT inbox to answer your gardening queries. On the panel this week are passionate garden designers Matthew Wilson and Bunny Guinness, and house plant expert Anne Swithinbank.Later in the programme, the panellists discuss the benefits of encouraging birds into the garden to tackle box blight and other garden pests. They also share useful tips on how to prevent box tree caterpillars from spreading.Senior Producer: Dan Cocker Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
 Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 12 July 2024

What’s causing the leaves of my Fatsia Japonica to turn yellow and die? How can I make my five year old goji berry shrub look pretty? How do I encourage my fig tree to grow sweet tasting and nice sized figs?Kathy Clugston and her team of horticultural heroes are in Exeter for this week's episode of Gardeners' Question Time.Joining her to prune the audience's horticultural dilemmas are passionate plantswoman Christine Walkden, garden designer Chris Beardshaw, and "grow your own" guru Bob Flowerdew.Later in the programme, we go back to basics with Dr Chris Thorogood as he educates us on plant roots and how we can best protect them.Producer: Bethany HockenAssistant Producer: Rahnee PrescodExecutive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 5 July 2024

Kathy Clugston presents a special potting shed edition of the programme, with GQT's panel of experts taking questions from visitors at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.The panel answer questions on everything from how to maintain a bonsai tree to the best way to encourage a tomato plant to flower.Later in the programme James Wong re-visits The Glasshouse Project’s show garden where he speaks to commercial director Katie Whittingham and volunteer Reba about using horticultural therapy to help rehabilitate former prisoners.Producer: Dominic TyermanAssistant Producer: Rahnee PrescodExecutive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 28 June 2024

Can you suggest some plants that could withstand being in strong winds? What can I do to encourage more wildlife into my garden without it looking too wild? What gardening activity would you like to do on your 100th birthday? Peter Gibbs and his team of gardening experts answer the questions from the audience in Hexham Abbey.Joining Peter to unearth the horticultural dilemmas are passionate garden designers Matthew Wilson and Bunny Guinness, and house plant expert Anne Swithinbank.Later in the programme, Matthew Wilson is joined by local horticulturists Rachel Ryver and Kay Owen as they visit what remains of the Sycamore Gap and discuss what's being done to regrow the iconic tree.Senior Producer: Dan CockerAssistant Producer: Rahnee PrescodExecutive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 21 June 2024

Any top tips on growing good sized brassicas? Can I have some recommendations for a good compost mix for pots, which will sustain them all summer? What plants would you suggest I grow to encourage my two children to get stuck into gardening? Peter Gibbs and his team of gardening experts are in Central Oxford for this week's episode of Gardeners' Question Time.Joining Peter to resolve the audience's horticultural conundrums are passionate plantswoman Christine Walkden, garden designer Chris Beardshaw, and Head of Oxford Botanical Gardens Dr Chris Thorogood.Later in the programme, Dr Chris Thorogood clears up some of the common misconceptions we have about ants, and provides some insight on how beneficial they are to protecting the plants in our garden.Producer: Dan CockerAssistant Producer: Rahnee PrescodExecutive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 14 June 2024

Kathy Clugston lifts the lid on the GQT archive, in search for some advice on gardening in containers, pots and hanging baskets.Gardening in pots and containers has become more of a hot topic in recent years and the GQT panellists have dished out their fair share of advice on it.The programme's horticultural experts share their knowledge on the potted plants that can be grown on the roof of a narrow boat, the type of pot that can prevent frost damage to a plant, and whether liquid sheep manure is a sufficient feed for tomatoes and pot plants?Later we hear a fiery debate between Bill Sowerbutts and Dr Tom Rochford on the differences between houseplants and potted plants.Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
 Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 7 June 2024

My Fatsia plants had their stems nibbled by deer – will they recover, or should I buy new ones? Any tips on how I can get my eucalyptus plants to produce juvenile flowers? If you were building a scarecrow in your garden, what would you suggest dressing it in? Kathy Clugston and a panel of experts are in Cheshire West to answer queries from an audience of keen gardeners. On the panel are garden designer Bunny Guinness, houseplant expert Anne Swithinbank, and curator of RHS Bridgewater Marcus Chilton-Jones.Later, James Wong and head gardener of the Castlefield Viaduct Nancy Scheerhout discuss how the 'garden in the sky' was created, as well as how it's maintained.Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2024