Gardeners' Question Time

Join gardening experts Bob Flowerdew, a grow-your-own guru renowned for his composting skills, Bunny Guinness, a garden designer passionate about pollinator plants, and Matthew Pottage, head of horticulture at the Royal Parks. They dive into creating the perfect compost, propagating raspberries, and selecting resilient plants for dry soil. Insightful tips on indoor gardening for urban spaces are shared, along with the secrets to cultivating climbing roses and other stunning blooms that attract bees. A must-listen for aspiring green thumbs!

Why are my potatoes so floury? How do you banish lace bugs for good? And what mysterious plant has the panel stumped?Kathy Clugston and a team of gardening experts explore the various locations of Belfast Botanic Garden. All while digging into the GQT postbag to answer your gardening conundrums.On hand with their wisdom and wit are ethnobotanist James Wong, garden designer Neil Porteous, and Kirsty Wilson, Head of Gardens at Balmoral. Guiding them through the garden’s hidden corners and floral highlights is Garden Supervisor Colin Agnew.Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

What unorthodox advice have you heard as a gardener? What fruit and veg can I grow in a sodden patch? If you could take one bag of seeds to a desert island, what would it be?Kathy Clugston and the Gardeners’ Question Time team return to Bradford, West Yorkshire, to unearth the answers to your gardening dilemmas. Kathy is joined by garden designers Marcus Chilton-Jones, Matthew Pottage and Juliet Sargeant.Later in the programme, we dig into the first edition of our brand-new Edible Essentials series. Ecological home grower and community gardener Poppy Okotcha shares her go-to spring checklist for growing delicious, sustainable crops.Producer: Bethany Hocken Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

In this episode, garden designer Bunny Guinness, house plant expert Anne Swithinbank, and expert plantsman Matthew Biggs tackle blueberry dieback and eco-friendly pest solutions. They discuss the joys of creating pollinator gardens and the importance of gardening with kids. A unique segment covers a sensory garden tailored for those with anosmia, highlighting inclusivity in horticulture. Plus, amusing tales of plant theft provide a lighthearted touch, blending humor with the challenges and ethics of gardening.

In this lively discussion, Peter Gibbs, an insightful meteorologist, shares his expertise on how extreme weather influences gardening practices. He dives into the increasing popularity of sponge cities in the UK, highlighting their innovative designs for managing rainwater. Additionally, the panel tackles challenges like maintaining gladioli and managing black spots on hellebores, offering practical tips for thriving gardens. Their engaging banter and expert advice ensure that gardeners leave with fresh ideas to tackle climate change's effects on their blooms.

Join garden designer Marcus Chilton-Jones, Head of Royal Parks Matthew Pottage, and RHS Curator Juliet Sargeant as they tackle gardening questions from the vibrant city of Bradford. Discover the secrets behind nurturing a Buddha's Hand citrus plant and managing pesky coddling moths with nematodes. Hear inspiring stories of community-driven gardening, including the transformation of a neglected ginnel into a lively oasis. Plus, get expert tips for growing potatoes and insights on carving your unique gardening identity through social media.

Join ethnobotanist James Wong, renowned for his work on plants and culture, garden designer Neil Porteous, and Kirsty Wilson, the Head of Gardens at Balmoral, as they tackle intriguing gardening questions at Clandeboye Estate. Discover the best soil for terrariums, learn about cultivating shamrocks and their storied history, and explore clever solutions for managing damp patches in gardens. The conversation also touches on innovative gardening techniques and the importance of often overlooked plants, making for a rich horticultural journey.

Join Bunny Guinness, a seasoned garden designer, Matthew Wilson, an expert in landscaping, and Marcus Chilton-Jones, curator of RHS Garden Bridgewater, as they dive into sustainable gardening practices. They tackle pressing questions on keeping bonsai trees thriving and moving mature shrub roses. Marcus shares fascinating insights into the history and resilience of Walsall Arboretum's oldest hawthorn tree. The hosts also discuss their favorite plants, revealing personal stories and the deep connections we share with nature.

Dive into the world of gardening with expert tips on propagating Heuchera and managing Wisteria for optimal blooms. Discover creative enhancements for herbaceous borders, like the exotic Cunculus vulgaris. Learn practical methods for hardwood cuttings and gain insights into gardening in flood-prone areas, where plants like tulips and echinacea flourish. Enjoy light-hearted conversations about simple gardening tasks for beginners, making the journey enjoyable and accessible for everyone!

Bunny Guinness, a garden designer and regular contributor, joins Marcus Chilton Jones, curator at RHS Garden Bridgewater, and Matthew Wilson, an experienced garden designer. They tackle how to manage pesky red ants with creative solutions like using coffee residue. The discussion shifts to the benefits of rainwater over tap water for gardening and the emotional connection gardeners have with rare daffodils, highlighted by the Daffodil Diaries initiative. They also share tips for staying motivated during inclement weather and practical advice on nurturing various plants.