Gardeners' Question Time

BBC Radio 4
  • 4.8 (246)
  • HOME & GARDEN
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

A panel of horticultural experts answer gardening questions from a live audience. Recorded in a different location each week

  1. 5D AGO

    From The Archives: Seasons Greetings

    How do you remove mistletoe? How can you protect plants from frost damage? And why do brassicas develop clubbed roots? Kathy Clugston delves into the Gardeners’ Question Time archives to uncover timeless festive gardening wisdom. Drawing on decades of horticultural expertise, GQT panellists and chairs — past and present — share trusted, practical advice for every green-fingered dilemma. From tackling mistletoe to safeguarding plants against winter cold, their knowledge is as enduring and deep-rooted as the gardens they tend. Producer: Rahnee Prescod A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

    43 min

  2. DEC 22

    Wrexham County Borough: Rose Cuttings, Begonias and Hydrangeas

    Is there a foolproof way to take rose cuttings? Why have my hydrangeas turned from blue to pink? And do begonias have a lifespan limit? Kathy Clugston is in the vibrant Wrexham County Borough, where an enthusiastic audience puts their gardening dilemmas to an expert panel. Joining Kathy are celebrated garden designer and botanist James Wong, horticulturist Bethan Collerton, and Marcus Chilton-Jones, curator of RHS Bridgewater – the sharpest tools in the GQT shed. Later in the programme, Kirsty Wilson shares her top tips for growing holly successfully. Senior Producer: Dan Cocker Junior Producer: Rahnee Prescod A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

    42 min

  3. DEC 12

    Dundee: Amaryllis, Monkey Puzzles and Australian Plants

    What is the best way to take cuttings of a monkey puzzle tree? What plants that are grown in Australia and would thrive in Dundee? Why hasn’t my Amaryllis flowered? Kathy Clugston brings together a perfectly curated panel of gardening experts at the V&A Dundee to tackle these questions from an enthusiastic, plant-loving audience. Joining Kathy on the panel are garden designers, botanists and allotmenteers Matthew Pottage, Kirsty Wilson and Neil Porteous. Also, Matthew Pottage slips away for an exclusive look at the V&A Dundee’s fascinating exhibition Garden Futures: Designing With Nature, guided by curator James Wylie. Senior Producer: Dan Cocker Junior Producer: Rahnee Prescod A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.

    43 min

  4. DEC 5

    Waltham Forest: Coriander, Sow-By-Date and Perennials

    How do you grow coriander successfully from seed? Do seeds have a sow-by-date? And will your treasured perennials thrive in the challenging Scottish climate? Kathy Clugston hosts from the beautiful St Mary’s Church in Walthamstow, where a lively audience puts their gardening dilemmas to an expert panel. Joining Kathy are renowned garden designer and botanist James Wong, horticulturalist Matthew Biggs, and allotment enthusiast Frances Tophill, ready to share their knowledge and practical advice. Later in the programme, Anne Swithinbank offers her essential tips on preparing your garden to withstand the winter months ahead. Producer: Matthew Smith Junior Producer: Rahnee Prescod A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

    42 min

  5. NOV 28

    Henley-on-Thames

    What’s the strangest thing wildlife has whisked away from your garden? How can I prevent codling moth from spoiling apples? And how do I make reliably nutritious compost using horse manure? Peter Gibbs and a panel of green-fingered experts return to Henley-on-Thames, where a lively audience of passionate gardeners awaits answers to their most pressing horticultural dilemmas. Joining Peter are pest and disease specialist Pippa Greenwood, head gardener Matthew Pottage, and the ever-enthusiastic plantswoman Christine Walkden. Later in the programme, Bunny Guinness offers her expert advice on creating your very own dead hedge. Senior Producer: Dan Cocker Junior producer: Rahnee Prescod Assistant Producer: Suki Glocking Assistant Producer: William Norton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

    42 min

  6. NOV 21

    Chirk: Pickled Onions, Tall Perennials and Picky Pests

    Why are my herbaceous perennials growing so tall? What is the best type of onions to grow for pickling? Why do pests prefer my burgundy blooms over the rest? Kathy Clugston and an esteemed panel of gardening experts are in Wrexham to answer the questions of a green fingered audience. Joining Kathy on the panel are garden designers, botanists and alotmenteers Marcus Chilton-Jones, Bethan Collerton and James Wong. Bethan Collerton visits Wales in Bloom winners Nichola Ellis and Craig Youens for some insight on how they’ve achieved such an accolade on behalf of Wrexham. Senior Producer: Dan Cocker Junior Producer: Rahnee Prescod A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

    43 min

  7. NOV 14

    St Mary's Walthamstow

    Kathy Clugston and an esteemed panel of gardening experts are in St Mary's Church in Walthamstow to answer the questions of a green fingered audience. Joining Kathy on the panel are garden designers, botanists and alotmenteers James Wong, Matthew Biggs and Frances Tophill. Later, Matthew Pottage provides a list of thriving trees that are sweeping the streets of London. Producer: Matthew Smith Junior Producer: Rahnee Prescod A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

    42 min

  8. NOV 7

    Postbag Edition: Bicton Park Botanical Gardens

    What’s the optimal size for a new greenhouse? How do I get cedar of Lebanon seeds to germinate? How do I revive a dried out compost heap? Kathy Clugston and a panel of passionate horticulturalists are outside Exeter to soak up the sights, scents and history of Bicton Park Botanical Gardens while digging into the GQT postbag, to solve your trickiest gardening conundrums. Joining Kathy under the big top are houseplant specialist Anne Swithinbank, award-winning garden designer Chris Beardshaw, and horticulturalist Frances Tophill - ready with expert advice, clever solutions, and a few laughs along the way. They're also joined by head manager of Bicton House, Edward Lister, to tour the 60 acres of land. Senior Producer: Dominic Tyerman Junior Producer: Rahnee Prescod A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

    42 min
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4.8
out of 5
246 Ratings

About

A panel of horticultural experts answer gardening questions from a live audience. Recorded in a different location each week

Information

  • Creator
    BBC Radio 4
  • Years Active
    2009 - 2025
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (C) BBC 2025
  • Show Website
    Gardeners' Question Time

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