Edinburgh gardener Alan got in touch with Sliced Bread, to ask if he really needs to be spending money on buying and applying plant food or fish, blood and bone meal to his roses and woody perennials?

He was keen to know what is in these commercial plant foods that come as a solid, liquid or granule, how often he is supposed to use them, whether they make as much of a difference as they claim, and if he can save money by making his own “mulch” out of fallen leaves?

Greg Foot investigates with the help of Gardener’s Question Time’s expert and botanist, Pippa Greenwood – as well as Head of Fertilisers from the Agricultural Industries Confederation Jo Gilbertson. They “dig in” to the claims on the packets, and try to determine if pricey plant foods are the best thing since Sliced Bread?

We are looking for more of YOUR suggestions of products to investigate. If you’ve seen an ad, trend or wonder product promising to make you happier, healthier or greener, email us at sliced.bread@bbc.co.uk OR send a voice note to our WhatsApp number, 07543 306807.

PRESENTER: GREG FOOT

PRODUCER: KATE HOLDSWORTH