Gardeners' Question Time Crossed Wires Podcast Festival: Back to Basics
Jul 11, 2025
Join botanist and houseplant expert James Wong, award-winning garden designer Matthew Wilson, and alpine plant specialist Bethan Collerton as they dive into the essential skills of gardening. They share insights on health and safety in the garden and how to combat common woes like slug infestations. James highlights easy-to-grow plants from Sheffield’s Winter Garden, perfect for novices. The panel also discusses overrated plants and their diverse preferences, all while maintaining a light-hearted and engaging atmosphere.
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Importance of High-Vis Safety Gear
- Always wear high-vis clothing when gardening for safety and visibility.
- Being visible prevents accidents even during routine tasks like trimming hedges or roses.
Growing Wildflowers From Seeds
- To grow wildflowers in grass, scarify the soil heavily in late summer to expose soil.
- Sow wildflower seeds in October, ideally with yellow rattle to reduce grass vigor and aid growth.
Reviving Parched Cacti
- Soak completely dried out cacti by submerging the pot in water, even adding washing-up liquid to aid absorption.
- After soaking, allow cactus soil to dry significantly before watering again to prevent rot.