Gardeners' Question Time

Might our otherwise polluted River Thames have a positive impact on my garden? Why has there been so much whitefly this year? Do the panel have a favourite garden they’ve visited?Peter Gibbs and a panel of green-fingered gurus head to the Phyllis Court Club in Henley-on-Thames, where a lively audience of passionate gardeners awaits answers to their most pressing plant problems.Joining Peter are pest and disease specialist Pippa Greenwood, head gardener Matthew Pottage, and the ever-enthusiastic plantswoman Christine Walkden.Later, Johnny ‘Hot Stuff’ Mayard discusses how he grows chillies in his polytunnel that are used for his hot sauce.Senior Producer: Dan Cocker Junior Producer: Rahnee Prescod Assistant Producer: William Norton Assistant Producer: Suki GlocklingA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Which seeds would you take to a desert island? How can I improve my success planting bulbs? Which easy-to-grow plants have you managed to kill?Peter Gibbs and a panel of gardening experts are in Two Dales to share their top horticultural advice. Joining Peter are garden designer Bunny Guinness, RHS curator Marcus Chilton-Jones, and alpine specialist Bethan Collerton.Later in the programme, Marcus stops to chat to Steve Porter, Head of Gardens and Landscape at Chatsworth House about the history of camellias and how best to grow them. Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Producer: Matt SmithA Somethin' Else Production for BBC Radio 4Plant List:Q — 2 minutes, 45 seconds Which easy-to-grow plant have you managed to kill?Marcus Chilton-Jones Swiss cheese plant Mother in law’s tongueBethan Collerton— GorseBunny Guinness— Bacchia Pelagonium Q — 4 minutes, 41 seconds  I've got a prickly pear cactus and  the outer surface layer appears to be getting eaten in patches. Why?QM I want to re-plant a board backed by a 6ft wo

Peter Gibbs and the Gardeners Question Time panel visit the RHS Wisley Greening Skills Garden in Woking, an exciting new project designed to inspire and equip the next generation of horticulturists. No postbag edition is complete without your questions, so the panel dip into the GQT inbox to answer your gardening conundrums. Joining Peter are head gardeners and garden designers Pippa Greenwood, Matthew Pottage and Matthew Biggs.Senior Producer: Dan Cocker Junior Producer: Rahnee PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Is it possible to grow mushrooms on a living log? How do we control the spread of alder beetles in our garden? How can I remove wild garlic from a woodland garden?Kathy Clugston delves into the rich Gardeners’ Question Time archives to unearth timeless wisdom on gardening in woodland conditions.Drawing on decades of expertise, GQT panellists and chairs - past and present - offer trusted advice for every green-fingered challenge. From ethical ways to tackle moss and effective methods to control alder beetles, to planting schemes that gently deter unwanted wildlife, the team’s knowledge is as deep-rooted as the trees themselves.Later, grow-your-own guru Bob Flowerdew rounds off our autumn feature series with a comprehensive guide to allotment tasks that will help ensure a plentiful harvest.Producer: Rahnee PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

What trees are flood and arid proof that will still be here in a hundred years? How can I rejuvenate my gappy Heathers? What fast growing plants could we plant to hide a wall?Peter Gibbs and a proud panel of gardening experts venture to the Whitworth Institute in Darley Dale where they field questions from an eager live audience of gardeners. Tackling everything from hangry heathers to planting dilemmas, the panel includes head gardeners’ Bethan Collerton and Marcus Chilton Jones, and garden designer Bunny GuinnessLater in the programme, James Wong provides  some practical advice on how to keep your plants happy indoors this season. Senior producer: Matthew Smith
 Junior producer: Rahnee PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

When do kiwis produce fruit in the UK? What plant cuttings are the panel most proud of propagating? Should we freeze our seeds in water before planting them in the ground?Kathy Clugston and a powerhouse panel of gardening experts return to the iconic Eden Project outside St Austell in Cornwall where they field questions from a green fingered live audience. Tackling everything from persistent pests to planting dilemmas, the panel includes houseplant specialist Anne Swithinbank, award-winning garden designer Chris Beardshaw, and horticulturalist Frances Tophill.Later in the programme, continuing our autumn feature series, Matthew Wilson provides an extensive guide to dividing your perennial plants.Senior producer: Dominic Tyerman Junior producer: Rahnee PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Why do indoor cyclamen develop sticky leaves? What’s the secret to growing taller sweet peas? And how can we make our gardens more fungi-friendly?This week, Kathy Clugston and the Gardeners’ Question Time panel return to Claygate in Surrey, ready to tackle listeners’ gardening dilemmas. Joining Kathy are horticultural experts Bob Flowerdew, Juliet Sargeant, and Pippa Greenwood, bringing their deep knowledge and lively discussion to the table.Later in the programme, Bunny Guinness shares seasonal tips and practical advice to help you make the most of your garden as autumn sets in.Producer: Matt Smith Junior Producer: Rahnee PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.

What is this mysterious vegetable growing in my vegetable patch? Can you identify this mysterious plum? How can I make my cottage garden look full of life?Kathy Clugston hosts a lively Potting Shed edition of Gardeners’ Question Time, recorded at the vibrant GQT Summer Garden Party held at RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Essex.Joining her is the show’s renowned panel of horticultural experts — Bob Flowerdew, Christine Walkden, James Wong, Bunny Guinness, Dr Chris Thorogood, Matthew Wilson, and Pippa Greenwood — ready to tackle gardening dilemmas from enthusiastic visitors.From tackling vine weevils and dealing with contaminated soil, to coaxing supermarket-bought pear trees into fruiting, the panel shares practical advice, clever solutions, and plenty of gardening wisdom throughout the programme.Junior Producer: Rahnee Prescod Assistant Producer: Suhaar Ali A Somethin Else Production for BBC Radio 4.

Horticultural programme featuring a group of gardening experts.

How do I get rid of fungus gnats? Is it bad to fertilise plants when water is scarce? What direction is best for gardens? Kathy Clugston chairs this week’s edition of Gardeners’ Question Time from Claygate in Surrey, where she’s joined by a panel of horticultural heavyweights including Bob Flowerdew, Pippa Greenwood and Juliet Sargeant.Later in the programme, Christine Walkden delivers a no-nonsense guide to watering, sharing practical tips to help your plants flourish whatever the weather.Producer: Matthew Smith Assistant Producer: Rahnee PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Our pear tree, which was once thriving has died, what should I do with it? Are weeds plants with attitude or is it the other way round? What are your thoughts on using a wound sealer after pruning?Join Gardeners’ Question Time for a floral-filled adventure at the Rutland Flower Show. This week, Peter Gibbs and a panel of passionate horticulturalists soak up the sights, scents and seasonal inspiration while digging into the famous GQT postbag, to solve your trickiest gardening conundrums.Joining Peter under the big top are proud plantswoman Christine Walkden, and top garden designers Matthew Wilson and Adam Frost - ready with expert advice, clever solutions, and a few laughs along the way.Senior Producer: Dan Cocker Junior Producer: Rahnee PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

What can gardening clubs do to entice new members? How do the panel handle their plant addiction? If you were to have a plant superpower, which would it be and why? It’s party time in the garden once again! Gardeners’ Question Time returns with the much-anticipated GQT Summer Garden Party, recorded at the breathtaking RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Essex.This week, Peter Gibbs leads the horticultural festivities as a vibrant panel of plant pros take on questions from a crowd of passionate and curious gardeners. On the panel - proud plantswoman Christine Walkden, pest and disease detective Pippa Greenwood, and botanical explorers James Wong and Dr Chris Thorogood.Expect expert insights, surprising solutions, and a whole lot of garden inspiration in this special summer celebration of all things green and growing.Producer: Matthew Smith Assistant Producer: Suhaar Ali Assistant Producer: Rocky Cocker Junior Producer: Rahnee PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.

Kathy Clugston and a crack team of top horticultural experts celebrate the return of the GQT Summer Garden Party in style — this year set against the stunning backdrop of RHS Garden Hyde Hall in the heart of Essex.Kathy is joined by an all-star panel, including visionary garden designers Matthew Wilson and Bunny Guinness, RHS head gardener Matthew Pottage, and the king of all things edible, Bob Flowerdew. Together, they tackle a lively mix of questions from an enthusiastic audience of budding green thumbs, sharing expert tips, clever tricks, and plenty of inspiration to get your garden growing.Senior Producer: Dan Cocker Assistant Producer: Rocky Cocker Assistant Producer: Suhaar Ali Junior Producer: Rahnee PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Horticultural programme featuring a group of gardening experts.

If you could have a garden gnome what would it be doing? What tools should I have on my first allotment? Any tips on growing carrots on a sandy soil? Peter Gibbs and a panel of green-fingered gurus head to the lush landscapes of Bracknell Forest, where a lively audience of passionate gardeners awaits answers to their most pressing plant problems. Joining Peter are pest and disease specialist Pippa Greenwood, head gardener Matthew Pottage, and the ever-enthusiastic plantswoman Christine Walkden.Later in the show, Pippa Greenwood takes us behind the scenes at Heathrow Airport, where she meets Kelvin Hughes from the Animal and Plant Health Agency. Together, they uncover the fascinating work being done to safeguard the UK’s biodiversity from invasive pests and diseases hidden in overseas plants and produce.Senior Producer: Daniel Cocker Junior Producer: Rahnee PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4Plant List Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided. Q – If y

Why have my magnolia leaves turned brown? How do I care for a tamarisk?  Why is growing poppies so difficult? Kathy Clugston and the panel are in South Staffordshire offering their top gardening tips. Joining Kathy to share their best horticultural advice is plantswoman Christine Walkden,  RHS Bridgewater curator, Marcus Chilton-Jones and gardener Matthew Biggs. Meanwhile James Wong visits the Carbon Garden at Kew Gardens to learn about the importance of carbon in our ecosystem, low emission gardening and carbon-resilient trees.A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

How important is health and safety in the garden? What disease has been growing on my tomatoes? What would the panel say was their most overrated plant?Kathy Clugston hosts Gardeners' Question Time, recorded live at the Crossed Wires Podcast Festival.Joining her on the expert panel are botanist and broadcaster James Wong, award-winning garden designer Matthew Wilson, and alpine plant specialist Bethan Collerton. Together, they tackle a lively array of gardening questions from an enthusiastic audience.Later in the programme, James Wong takes a trip to Sheffield’s Winter Garden, where he shares his top picks for easy-to-grow plants - perfect for beginners looking to cultivate greenery both indoors and out.Producer: Dom Tyerman Junior Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MailePlant List Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided. Q – How important is health and safety in the garden? (01’27”) Q – What are the ideal conditions for growing wildflowers from see

Can I grow fruits or vegetables in a flat with no balcony? Could garlic help stop slugs from eating my Hostas? Why did you become gardeners?Kathy Clugston is joined by a panel of much-loved gardening experts in the picturesque village of East Horsley, Surrey, to answer listeners’ horticultural dilemmas and offer practical, down-to-earth advice. On the panel this week are botanist and broadcaster James Wong, plant health specialist Pippa Greenwood, and award-winning garden designer Juliet Sargeant.Later in the programme, Pippa Greenwood explores the growing threat of Colorado beetles to UK biosecurity in conversation with Tracy Wilson, Import Specialist at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).Producer: Matthew Smith Junior 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 – Can you suggest a suitable hedge that can be kept slim but tall to go between a six-foo

What causes onions to bolt? What do the team think about using crocs at the bottom of pots? How should I go about pruning my lilac tree? Kathy Clugston and a panel of esteemed gardening experts visit West Horsley, Surrey, to tackle common horticultural challenges and share practical solutions. Joining her are pest and disease specialist Pippa Greenwood, botanist James Wong, and award-winning garden designer Juliet Sargeant.Later in the programme, Bob Flowerdew wraps up our Edible Essentials series with a fool proof guide to feeding and watering your crops - ensuring a rich and rewarding harvest.Producer: Matthew Smith Junior Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MailePlant List Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided. Q – My Ficus Ginseng has lost most of its leaves, what am I doing wrong? (01’35”) Q – What do the team think about using crocs at the bottom of pots? (06’41”) Q – Can the panel suggest shrubs that will flower late spring, early summer and

What's the best way to revive a dying bonsai tree? Do Peonies hate being moved? I am inundated with ants – how do I get rid of them?Kathy Clugston hosts BBC Radio 4's Gardeners' Question Time, joined by a panel of esteemed plant and gardening experts in Perton, Staffordshire. Sharing their horticultural wisdom are the passionate plantsman Matthew Biggs, head gardener Marcus Chilton-Jones, and renowned plantswoman Christine Walkden.Later in the programme, Matthew Biggs has a chat with David Austen Jr to explore his father’s remarkable legacy in rose breeding at their prestigious nursery. He also gets an exclusive glimpse at some of their latest, most exquisite varieties.Senior Producer: Daniel Cocker Junior Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MailePlant List Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided. Q – What colour would you paint a garden fence to best show off and compliment the plants in it? (01’32”) Q – Why have my Peonies stopped blooming? Is it b