

Gardeners' Question Time
BBC Radio 4
A panel of horticultural experts answer gardening questions from a live audience. Recorded in a different location each week
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 24, 2025 • 42min
Two Dales
Join garden designer Bunny Guinness, RHS curator Marcus Chilton-Jones, and alpine specialist Bethan Collerton as they dive into humorous plant mishaps and survival tips. They discuss the art of bulb planting success, share favorite low-maintenance plants, and reveal which seeds they'd take to a desert island. Marcus also chats about the fascinating history of camellias at Chatsworth House. With practical advice and lively banter, this trio offers a treasure trove of horticultural insights!

Oct 17, 2025 • 43min
Postbag Edition: RHS Wisley Greening Skills Garden
Join experienced horticulturist Matthew Pottage, plantsman Matthew Biggs, and pest expert Pippa Greenwood as they explore the innovative RHS Wisley Greening Skills Garden. They discuss the garden's role in training future horticulturists while tackling listener queries, from troubleshooting droopy courgettes to managing pesky woolly aphids. Discover ecological insights on mast years and practical tips for composting and caring for plants in this engaging conversation packed with expertise.

Oct 10, 2025 • 43min
From the Archives: Woodland
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

Oct 3, 2025 • 42min
Darley Dale: Flood Proof Plants, Hangry Heathers and Fast Climbers
Join horticultural experts Marcus Chilton-Jones, an RHS curator; Bunny Guinness, a garden designer; and Bethan Collerton, an alpine specialist, as they tackle pressing gardening questions. They discuss flood and drought-resistant trees, offering suggestions like liquidambar and Mediterranean oaks. Learn rejuvenation tips for gappy heathers and fast-growing climbers to cover walls. The trio also shares insights on creating perennial displays and demystifying gardening myths, making for a vibrant and informative discussion.

5 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 42min
St Austell: Kiwis, Proud Plants and Frozen Seeds
Join horticulturist Anne Swithinbank, award-winning designer Chris Beardshaw, and expert Frances Tophill as they tackle a live audience's burning gardening questions. Discover how kiwis bear fruit in the UK and the best practices for propagating tricky plants. The panel shares their proudest moments in plant propagation, debunk myths about freezing seeds in ice cubes, and offers tips on dividing perennials for autumn. Plus, learn how to revitalize your outdoor space with wind-tolerant grasses and clever recycling of garden materials!

Sep 19, 2025 • 42min
Elmbridge: Friendly Fungi, Sticky Leaves and Stunted Sweet Peas
Join gardening gurus Bob Flowerdew, an organic gardening specialist; Pippa Greenwood, a savvy plant pathologist; and Juliet Sargeant, an innovative garden designer, as they tackle issues like the mystery of sticky indoor cyclamen leaves caused by aphids. They also delve into tips for growing taller sweet peas and how to create a fungi-friendly garden. Plus, Bunny Guinness shares essential autumn gardening advice. Tune in for insightful discussions that will help you elevate your gardening game!

Sep 12, 2025 • 43min
Summer Garden Party: Potting Shed
In this lively discussion, horticultural experts Christine Walkden, James Wong, Bunny Guinness, and Pippa Greenwood tackle fascinating gardening dilemmas. Walkden shares tips on modernizing cottage gardens with bold plantings, while Wong demystifies supermarket-bought pear trees and volunteer squash. Guinness offers advice on transforming mature gardens and selecting pergola plants. Greenwood dives into the nuances of pruning and propagating Sparmania, ensuring listeners leave with actionable wisdom and a renewed passion for gardening!

Sep 5, 2025 • 42min
The Eden Project
Join houseplant expert Anne Swithinbank, garden designer Chris Beardshaw, and horticulturist Frances Tophill as they delve into the evolution of the Eden Project. They discuss seasonal gardening strategies, effective planting tips, and the management of unusual garden worms. The trio also shares personal anecdotes about their inspirations in horticulture and care techniques for plants facing challenges. With a focus on creativity, they highlight engaging gardening projects for families and the importance of integrating wildflowers into urban spaces.

13 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 43min
Claygate Surrey
In a delightful discussion, horticultural experts Bob Flowerdew, a fruit and veg guru, Pippa Greenwood, a plant pathologist, and garden designer Juliet Sargeant unravel the secrets of gardening on clay soil. They tackle pressing questions like eradicating pesky fungus gnats and the best practices for watering during droughts. The panel shares personal stories about cultivating delicious homegrown produce and the benefits of south-facing gardens, all while addressing how to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change.

10 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 43min
Postbag Edition: Rutland Flower Show
The discussion dives into the fate of a once-thriving pear tree and the personality of weeds. Listeners get practical tips on growing fruit trees and managing slug infestations while enjoying laughter and expert advice. The panel debates the use of wound sealers in pruning and shares insights from the vibrant Rutland Flower Show. There's a spotlight on artisanal gardening crafts and the joy of harvesting rhubarb, all wrapped in a community spirit that celebrates the joy of gardening.


