Gardeners' Question Time

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

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

Do I need to worry that I don't have slugs in the garden? How do I stop my buddleia from growing out of control? Is there a ground cover that can prevent weeds from growing in my yard?Kathy Clugston is joined by experts Matthew Wilson, Anne Swithinbank and Pippa Greenwood as they navigate this year's Chelsea Flower Show. While enjoying the various exhibitions through out the Chelsea grounds, the panel also dip into the GQT inbox to answer some of your horticultural queries.
 Throughout the programme we hear from roving reporter Peter Gibbs, as he speaks with the founders of She Grows Veg, Lucy Hutchings and Kate Cotterill, about the rise in popularity of heirloom vegetables. And later he gets tips on how to create a child-friendly garden by speaking to garden designer Harry Holding. Producer: Dom Tyerman Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 24 May 2024

Any tips on how I can successfully grow heavy potatoes in a bucket? Is there any way to get rid of slugs without killing them? Do you recommend the use of Coir in compost and how would you use it? Peter Gibbs and his team of horticultural experts are at Trinity College in Oxford for this week's episode of Gardeners' Question Time.Joining Peter to resolve the audience's horticultural dilemmas are passionate plantswoman Christine Walkden, garden designer Chris Beardshaw, and Head of Oxford Botanical Gardens Dr Chris Thorogood. Later in the programme, Chris Beardshaw speaks with head gardener of Trinity College Kate Burtonwood to discuss the potential trials and errors of redesigning their north lawn border. Producer: Dan CockerAssistant Producer: Rahnee PrescodExecutive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 17 May 2024

What suggestions do the panel have to attract new gardeners to our community allotment? Should I replace my drought damaged slow growing conifers? What evergreen hardy plants for some winter interest can I have in my tropical themed garden? Peter Gibbs and his team of scholastic horticultural experts are at the University of Reading for this week's episode of Gardeners' Question Time.Joining Peter answer the audience's gardening conundrums are passionate plantsman Matthew Biggs, garden designer Juliet Sargeant, and self proclaimed botany geek James Wong.Peter Gibbs speaks with Professor Sarah Dance about Reading University’s study into meteorology and their on-going research into predicting weather forecasts weeks in advance. Producer: Dominic TyermanAssistant Producer: Dulcie WhadcockExecutive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 10 May 2024

What's the difference between anvil secateurs and bypass secateurs? What should I do with well-used compost? If you could design a gardening utopia, what would you include? Peter Gibbs and his team of horticultural experts have packed up the wellies and travelled to Manchester for the RHS Urban Gardening Show. While exploring the exhibitions, they dig through the GQT inbox to answer your gardening queries. On the panel this week are self-proclaimed botanical geek James Wong, house plants expert Anne Swithinbank, and Curator of RHS Bridgewater Marcus Chilton Jones.The GQT team are also joined by 'unusual houseplant' specialist Jacob James, 'Cloud Gardener' Jason Williams and landscape designer Conal McGuire, who provide some insightful knowledge on how we can create greener and more eco-friendly spaces in urban environments.Senior Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
 Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 3 May 2024

How do I get rid of Honey Fungus? If you were sent to a desert island, what plant would you take and why? What “idiot proof” fruit could anyone grow on their allotment? Kathy Clugston and her premier league panel of gardening experts are back in Fulham, West London to prune the answers to the audience's gardening conundrums. On the panel are organic gardener Bob Flowerdew, pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood, and curator of RHS Wisley Matthew Pottage.Later, Fulham resident Matthew Pottage explores the grand gardens of Fulham Palace - where head gardener Lucy Hart shares some insight on the rich history of the grounds. Senior Producer: Dan Cocker Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 26 April 2024

What are the pros and cons of using ramial wood chips in my soil? What Moroccan style shrubs could I grow that would survive the British weather? How do I prune my blueberry bushes so they can bear more fruit? Kathy Clugston and a panel of experts are in Upton-By-Chester to answer queries from an audience of keen gardeners. On the panel this week are garden designer Bunny Guinness, houseplant expert Anne Swithinbank, and curator of RHS Bridgewater Marcus Chilton-Jones.Later, James Wong speaks to 'The Cloud Gardener' Jason Williams about ginnel gardening and how you can get creative with limited amount of space.Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 19 April 2024

What type of plants could I grow to use as flavouring in my gin? What's eaten the heads of my daffodils? What hardy exotic plants could I grow in my garden? Peter Gibbs and his league of horticultural experts are in Reading for this week's episode of Gardeners' Question Time.Joining Peter to unearth answers to the audience's gardening conundrums are passionate plantsman Matthew Biggs, garden designer Juliet Sargeant and self proclaimed botany geek James Wong.Later in the show, we hear from Chris Beardshaw who shares advice on the best type of pots to put your plants in during the spring.Producer: Dominic TyermanAssistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 12 April 2024

Is it possible to grow edible watermelons in the UK? How do revive my red Duke of York potatoes after over-chitting them? How can I continue growing leeks while protecting them from leaf miners? Kathy Clugston and a panel of keen gardening experts are in Fulham, West London to unearth the answers to the audience's gardening conundrums. On the panel this week are organic gardener Bob Flowerdew, pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood, and curator of RHS Wisley Matthew Pottage.Later, we immerse ourselves in the Sound of Blossom festival at Kew Gardens, where head kitchen gardener Helena Dove educates us on the life cycle of blossoms, and the benefits it has for insects and wildlife.Senior Producer: Dan Cocker Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 5 April 2024

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 MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 29 March 2024

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 MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 22 March 2024

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 MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 2 February 2024

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 MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 19 January 2024

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 HockenAssistant Producer: Rahnee PrescodExecutive Producer: Hannah NewtonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2023

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

Transcribed - Published: 10 November 2023

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 TyermanAssistant Producer: Rahnee PrescodExecutive Producer: Hannah NewtonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 27 October 2023

What’s the best way to grow swedes? Why doesn’t my hydrangea come to flower? Are artificial plants acceptable or downright outrageous?This week, the GQT panellists are in Earlsdon to answer these questions and more in front of a live audience. Ready to share their insightful advice on all your plant predicaments are plant pathologist Pippa Greenwood, grow-your-own guru Bob Flowerdew, and conversant horticulturist Anne Swithinbank.Alongside the questions, regular panellist Matthew Wilson visits GQT Producer, Dan Cocker to dig up all there is to know about weeds.A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 14 April 2023

What should I plant on the roof of my houseboat? Should I grow lilies in containers or flowerbeds? What is the worst gardening idea you’ve ever had?The GQT panellists are back in North Shropshire to answer these questions and more in front of a live audience. Ready to share their insightful advice on all your plant predicaments are landscape architect Bunny Guinness, horticulturist Christine Walkden, and garden designer Matthew Wilson.Alongside the questions, GQT Assistant Producer Rahnee Prescod chats to London Terrariums founder Emma Sibley about the history and creation of these pocket-sized jar-dens.Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Hannah NewtonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2023

Peter Gibbs takes a look through the GQT archives for top tips on sustainable gardening.Over the years the GQT panellists have shared plenty of knowledge on how to be a green gardener. They look at everything from how to make your driveway more environmentally friendly, to efficiently collecting rainwater at home.We also hear Hafsah Haferji's "how-to" on companion planting, and head back to RHS Wisley with Matthew Pottage and Environmental Researcher Tijana Blanusa to learn how trees help us with carbon capture.Producer - Hannah Newton Assistant Producer - Bethany HockenA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 7 January 2022

Peter Gibbs and the team are at Herstmonceux Castle, East Sussex. Juliet Sargeant, Matt Biggs and Matthew Pottage are this weeks' panellists, ready to answer your gardening questions.Led by Herstmonceux's head gardener Guy Lucas, the team explores the castle grounds and learns about the sustainable gardening practices adopted in recent years.The panellists also tackle questions from listeners, including suggestions for what to plant around a thatched cottage, and when to prune plants that are still in flower in the winter.Producer - Jemima Rathbone Assistant Producer - Aniya DasA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2021