Heart UK

Gardeners' Question Time

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

BBC Radio 4

Kathy Clugston hosts the second of the Gardeners’ Question Time Summer Garden Party specials from RHS Garden Wisley in Surrey.Joining Kathy are Pippa Greenwood, Matthew Wilson, Marcus Chilton-Jones and Dr Chris Thorogood, taking questions from an audience of keen gardeners gathered beneath the marquee at the Wisley Flower Show.The panel share the gardening lessons they wish they’d learned sooner, help a young gardener who has successfully grown a clementine from pips and work on solving the mystery of some unusually shaped cacti.There are also recommendations for planting up a sunny pergola, making the most of an unheated greenhouse through winter, and advice on how to treat against some unknown pests leaving marshmallow like residues on a well loved Hydrangea. And to conclude, the panel almost break into song as they are asked if there is any music that inspires them to garden.Producer: Alison Vernon-Smith
Assistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4* If listening on BBC Sounds and you wish to view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time website and open this week's episode page.

Summer Garden Party RHS Wisley: Show 2

Kathy Clugston hosts the first of two Gardeners’ Question Time Summer Garden Party specials from RHS Garden Wisley.Joined by James Wong, Matthew Pottage, Pippa Greenwood and Frances Tophill, Kathy takes questions from a packed marquee audience at the RHS’s flagship garden.Surrounded by the horticultural hubub amongst the garden's flower show, the panel discusses how to encourage flowers lower down a climbing rose, choosing plants for a recycled boat planter exposed to sea spray, and growing blueberries on alkaline soil. Plus, the panel investigate an unusually shaped butternut squash and reflect on the plants, gardens and memories they have found hardest to leave behind, and the opportunities that came from moving on.Producer: Matt Smith
Assistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4* If listening on BBC Sounds and you wish to view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time website and open this week's episode page.

Summer Garden Party RHS Wisley: Show 1

Kathy Clugston chairs Gardeners’ Question Time from Minstead Village Hall in the heart of the New Forest.
 
Joining Kathy are  plant pathologist Pippa Greenwood, head gardener at Birmingham Botanical Gardens Bethan Collerton, and garden writer and designer Matthew Wilson.  As well as being surrounded by roaming wild ponies, the panellists answer questions on drought-tolerant planting, climbing roses for dry shade, alternatives to traditional lawns and whether mulching still makes sense after an exceptionally dry summer.
 
They also suggest bedding and perennial planting combinations for a sunny farm shop border, discuss why weeds and brambles seem to thrive when other plants struggle, and reflect on the garden successes and failures that this year’s hot weather has revealed.
 
Also, Matthew Wilson  visits the site of one of the New Forest’s recent wildfires to meet Leanne Sargeant from Forestry England to talk about the impact the fires have had on the environment.Producer: Alison Vernon-Smith 
Assistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4* If listening on BBC Sounds and you wish to view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time website and open this week's episode page.Tickets are available for the BBC Radio 4 Gardeners' Question Time Summer Party 2026 held at RHS Garden Wisley on Saturday 5th September.
Information and ticket details can be accessed via: https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley/whats-on/gardeners-question-time-summer-garden-party

Minstead: Colourful Borders, Resilient Brambles and Parched Plants

Peter Gibbs hosts GQT from The Donkey Sanctuary near Sidmouth in Devon.Joining Peter are plantswoman Anne Swithinbank, pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood and the Royal Parks’ Head of Horticulture Matthew Pottage.Soundtracked by the braying of the sanctuary's donkey residents, the panel tackles questions on greening up a concreted-over garden, starting a new allotment during challenging drought conditions and improving the fruiting of a hardy kiwi. They also discuss drought-tolerant planting for clay soil, the prospects for a transplanted hibiscus, and whether changing weather patterns mean it is time to rethink when wildflower meadows are sown.Also, Matthew Pottage runs a special drought clinic, and the panel reveal which garden weed they would choose to champion.Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Assistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4* If listening on BBC Sounds and you wish to view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time website and open this week's episode page.Tickets are available for the BBC Radio 4 Gardeners' Question Time Summer Party 2026 held at RHS Garden Wisley on Saturday 5th September.Information and ticket details can be accessed via: https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley/whats-on/gardeners-question-time-summer-garden-party

The Donkey Sanctuary: Drought, Biodiversity and Resilient Planting

Kathy Clugston delves into the GQT archive to explore one of Britain’s most intriguing gardening phenomena: microclimates.Travelling across the British Isles, the programme uncovers how local conditions shape what gardeners can grow.  
We’ll hear stories from the subtropical gardens of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, to the urban heat islands of London and the dry conditions of East Anglia before ending up in one gardener's rather chilly frost pocket.Along the way, the panel suggests plants for coastal walls, city streets and challenging shade, explore exotic species thriving in unexpected places, and offer advice on everything from tropical-style planting to sweetcorn cultivation.Plus, a visit to St Michael’s Mount, and Derek Jarman's garden in Dungeness.Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Assistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4* If listening on BBC Sounds and you wish to view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time website and open this week's episode page.Tickets are available for the BBC Radio 4 Gardeners' Question Time Summer Party 2026 held at RHS Garden Wisley on Saturday 5th September.
Information and ticket details can be accessed via: https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley/whats-on/gardeners-question-time-summer-garden-party

From the Archive: Microclimate

Kathy Clugston and the panel visit Clarkston Halls near Glasgow.Joining Kathy are botanist James Wong, Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ Head Gardener Bethan Collerton, and Balmoral’s Head of Gardens Kirsty Wilson.The panel answers questions on overwintering anemone corms, revitalising a gloomy shaded corner beneath mature lime trees, and whether an unheated Scottish greenhouse is suitable for growing peaches.They also discuss a mysteriously weeping houseplant, what might be causing a Japanese maple to decline, and why healthy nasturtiums can sometimes produce plenty of leaves but no flowers.Plus, Kirsty shares some late-summer pruning tips, and the panel reveal the gardening advice they would give to anyone just starting out.Producer: Alison Vernon-Smith
Assistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4* If listening on BBC Sounds and you wish to view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time website and open this week's episode page.Tickets are available for the BBC Radio 4 Gardeners' Question Time Summer Party 2026 held at RHS Garden Wisley on Saturday 5th September.
Information and ticket details can be accessed via: https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley/whats-on/gardeners-question-time-summer-garden-party

Clarkston: Peach Tress, Pirate Sheds and Late Summer Pruning

Kathy Clugston hosts another Gardeners’ Question Time Postbag episode from The Hidden Gardens in Glasgow, a remarkable community green space created on a former industrial site in the heart of the city.Joining Kathy to delve into your questions are Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ head gardener Bethan Collerton, Balmoral’s head of gardens Kirsty Wilson, and botanist James Wong.As they explore this aptly named urban oasis, the panel considers how gardeners can make the most of even the most challenging spaces, from creating green roofs to choosing the right trees for compact gardens. They also weigh up the balance between encouraging wildlife and protecting prized plants, in a lively discussion sparked by a rose-munching garden visitor.Along the way, head gardener Paula Murdoch reveals how The Hidden Gardens has evolved from a former tramworks site into a haven for people, plants and wildlife, with wildflower meadows, sensory planting and inventive habitat features woven through the garden.Also, there's advice on designing a sensory school garden, creating a wildlife-friendly pond in the smallest of spaces, and why some plants refuse to behave as the gardening books suggest.Producer: Alison Vernon-Smith
Assistant producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4* If listening on BBC Sounds and you wish to view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time website and open this week's episode page.Tickets are available for the BBC Radio 4 Gardeners' Question Time Summer Party 2026 held at RHS Garden Wisley on Saturday 5th September.
Information and ticket details can be accessed via: https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley/whats-on/gardeners-question-time-summer-garden-party

Postbag: The Hidden Gardens, Glasgow

Peter Gibbs and the Gardeners’ Question Time panel visit the Lincolnshire village of Pinchbeck, a fenland landscape shaped by waterways and a long history of horticulture.On the panel are plantswoman Christine Walkden and garden designers Matthew Wilson and Bunny Guinness.The team tackles questions on choosing pond plants to support dragonflies, finding colourful plants for exposed, windy gardens, and why some gardeners struggle to grow much-loved astrantias. They also offer practical advice on improving courgette crops, planting around hydrangeas, and dealing with troublesome vine weevil.Water is a recurring theme throughout the programme. Bethan Collerton visits Winterbourne House and Garden to meet plant scientist Professor Jeremy Pritchard and uncover the remarkable ways plants depend on water, from photosynthesis and cooling to the internal hydraulic systems that keep them upright and growing.Back in Pinchbeck, the panel turns to a question many gardeners face during a heatwave - how often should we water our gardens? Christine shares her advice on watering deeply and effectively to help plants withstand dry conditions.Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Assistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4* If listening on BBC Sounds and you wish to view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time website and open this week's episode page.Tickets are available for the BBC Radio 4 Gardeners' Question Time Summer Party 2026 held at RHS Garden Wisley on Saturday 5th September.
Information and ticket details can be accessed via: https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/wisley/whats-on/gardeners-question-time-summer-garden-party

Pinchbeck: Awkward Astrantias, Watering Wisdom and Courgette Chaos

Kathy Clugston chairs this week’s Gardeners’ Question Time from Clarkston Halls in East Renfrewshire, home to one of Scotland’s oldest horticultural societies.Joining Kathy are Balmoral’s Head of Gardens Kirsty Wilson, ethnobotanist James Wong, and Birmingham Botanical Gardens’ Head Gardener Bethan Collerton.The panel tackles questions on reluctant camellias, fragrant planting for a windswept balcony, and how to transform a shady, moss-filled shared garden.Along the way, Bethan visits Glasgow Botanic Gardens’ magnificent Kibble Palace, where she joins Robert Jamieson to explore botanical links across the Commonwealth, from the Australian tea tree and towering tree ferns to remarkable araucarias from the South Pacific.Back in Clarkston, the team shares advice on improving the quality of greenhouse-grown grapes, caring for carnivorous pitcher plants, and choosing easy, quick-growing seeds for young gardeners.Producer: Alison Vernon-Smith
Assistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4* If listening on BBC Sounds and you wish to view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time website and open this week's episode page.

East Renfrewshire: Balcony Brilliance, Reluctant Camellias and Making The Most Of Moss

Recorded at the University of Birmingham’s magnificent Elgar Concert Hall, Kathy Clugston is joined by Bethan Collerton of Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Marcus Chilton-Jones of RHS Garden Bridgewater, and Dr Chris Thorogood from Oxford Botanic Garden.The panel tackles a wide range of audience gardening dilemmas, from reluctant peonies and coppiced hazel, to a struggling juniper bonsai and an overgrown black elder. They also discuss how to rescue a drought-stressed blueberry, and keep colour flowing through the garden into late summer.Later in the show, Bethan visits Winterbourne House and Garden to meet local beekeeper Jane Nimmo to discover more about the remarkable lives of honeybees, the challenges facing wild bee populations, and the simple things gardeners can do to help pollinators thrive.Producer: Alison Vernon-Smith
Assistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4* If listening on BBC Sounds and you wish to view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time website and open this week's episode page.

Birmingham: Bonsai, Black Elder, Blueberry and Bees

Gardeners’ Question Time visits the stunning Springfields Festival Gardens in Spalding, 15 acres of beautifully designed and diverse planting, created for visitors of all ages to explore and enjoy.Peter Gibbs is joined by a panel of horticultural experts - Matthew Wilson, Christine Walkden and Bunny Guinness - to answer questions from an enthusiastic audience of local gardeners. Together, they tackle a wide range of gardening dilemmas, from reviving a pot-bound olive tree to dealing with ants that have taken up residence in an exotic potted palm.The panel also offers practical advice on watering seedlings effectively, encouraging a mature philadelphus to flower, and successfully overwintering hollyhocks.Also, Grow Your Own expert Julia Parker shares her top tips for successional planting, helping gardeners enjoy a continuous harvest throughout the growing season.Producer: Dominic Tyerman 
Producer: Matthew Smith
Producer: Rahnee Prescod 
Assistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.

Spalding: Ant Infestation, Pot-Bound Olive Tree and Watering Seedlings

Kathy Clugston and the panel are in Edgbaston at the University of Birmingham’s beautiful Winterbourne House and Garden, an Arts and Crafts era gem packed with horticultural interest.Joining Kathy to answer questions from a keen audience of local gardeners are Bethan Collerton, Marcus Chilton‑Jones and Dr Chris Thorogood. The team tackle everything from leggy tomatoes, to the challenge of designing a cohesive border that spans both sun and shade.There’s practical advice for dealing with the devastation caused by box tree moth, creative planting ideas for Japanese‑inspired gardens using unusual and architectural plants.Also, Bethan takes a walk around the Winterbourne grounds with head gardener Paul Cooke to discover how Gertrude Jekyll’s influence continues to shape the garden today.Producers: Alison Vernon-Smith
Assistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4* If listening on BBC Sounds and you wish to view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time website and open this week's episode page.

Winterbourne House and Garden: Tomatoes, Topiary and Japanese Gardens

In this special episode, Kathy Clugston and Peter Gibbs dip into the archives to celebrate the life and work of Matthew Biggs. Matt spent four decades doing what he loved most - sharing his extraordinary knowledge of the natural world with anyone who would listen. And through the power of radio, listen they did!In this episode you'll hear Matt in his own words - from his very first appearance on Gardeners' Question Time in 1994, to the remarkable final broadcast he made just weeks before his passing.Alongside clips of Matt's encyclopaedic and witty gardening advice, you'll hear from friends, colleagues and fellow horticulturalists who knew and loved him, as well as messages from listeners, whose lives he touched in ways that go far beyond gardening. Producers: Matthew Smith, Rahnee Prescod and Dan Cocker 
Assistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

From the Archives: A Tribute to Matthew Biggs

Peter Gibbs and the GQT panel visit the Queen Elizabeth II Garden in Regent’s Park, London, tackling gardening challenges in tough conditions.Pippa Greenwood, Matthew Pottage, Bunny Guinness and Head Gardener of Regents Park Fiona Packe answer questions on creating a sensory hedge in rubble, choosing resilient perennials, and finding long-flowering wildflowers for shade. They also offer advice on rescuing a struggling lavender hedge and planting to support bats.Plus, the panel discuss managing unseasonal growth in perennials and diagnose a problem with a young monstera sharing practical tips for gardeners indoors and out.Producer: Dan Cocker Alison Vernon-Smith and Matthew Smith
Assistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4*If listening on BBC Sounds and you wish to view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time website and open this week's episode page. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002xpc6

Postbag Edition: Regents Park

Peter Gibbs and the GQT panel visit the charming village of Harmondsworth, just moments from the bustle of Heathrow.Peter is joined by James Wong, Frances Tophill and Bunny Guinness as they tackle horticultural conundrums, submitted by an audience of local gardeners. From growing citrus trees from supermarket fruit pips to distinguishing wild geums from their cultivated cousins, the panel share practical advice and horticultural insight. There’s guidance on reusing compost, choosing hydrangeas for tricky shady spots and selecting the right planting choices to create year-round impact on a patio.Later in the show, Frances explores the benefits of horticultural therapy with a local practitioner, Hardip Singh Lawana MBE, uncovering how gardening can support wellbeing and bring people together.And to finish, the panel reveal which weeds they’d be, with answers ranging from charming to mischievous.Producer: Dan Cocker, Rahnee Prescod and Alison Vernon-Smith 
Assistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4* If listening on BBC Sounds and you wish to view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time website and open this week's episode page.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qp2f/episodes/guide

Harmondsworth - Citrus, Geums and Patio Planting

Peter Gibbs and the Gardeners’ Question Time panel visit Diss, on the Norfolk–Suffolk border, where heavy clay soils meet some of the driest conditions in the country; a combination that keeps gardeners firmly on their toes.Peter is joined by Bob Flowerdew on his home turf, alongside Christine Walkden and Bunny Guinness as they answer questions from a live audience. They advise on improving your strike rate with cuttings, diagnosing sooty mould on camellias, and deciding whether a bay tree is best kept in a pot, or given room to roam.Along the way, the panel also explore how to turn a tired lawn into a stylish, drought‑resistant gravel garden, debate whether lavender really needs feeding, and suggest small spring‑flowering trees that can deliver a real seasonal show.Later in the show, Bob shares hard‑won lessons from gardening in East Anglia, offering practical tips on coping with drought and making the most of every drop of water.Producer: Matt Smith 
Producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4* If listening on BBC Sounds and you wish to view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time website and open this week's episode page.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qp2f/episodes/guide

Diss: Gravel Gardens, Camellia Care and Ways to Weather Drought

Gardeners’ Question Time returns to the iconic RHS Chelsea Flower Show Bandstand.Recorded in the dappled shade of plane trees and surrounded by colour and spectacle, Kathy Clugston is joined by Bunny Guinness, Matthew Pottage and Dr Chris Thorogood to tackle questions taken live from the audience, as well as a few familiar voices spotted among the Chelsea crowds.Topics include how to recreate the Chelsea Show Garden look on a modest budget, how to rescue a struggling acer and which plants will thrive on an exposed rooftop terrace.The panellists also offer practical advice on reviving an unhappy olive tree, planting for waterlogged ground and supporting pollinators with the best bee‑friendly plants.Along the way, there are design tips on balancing bold colour schemes and plenty of inspiration drawn straight from the show gardens themselves. Expect expert guidance, seasonal know‑how and lively horticultural debate — all set against one of gardening’s most celebrated backdrops.Producers: Matt Smith
Dan Cocker 
Rahnee PrescodAssistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4* If listening on BBC Sounds and you wish to view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time website and open this week's episode page.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2026 - At the Bandstand

Kathy Clugston and Peter Gibbs are at the Chelsea Flower Show for a special postbag episode of Gardeners' Question Time.From the showground of the world’s most celebrated horticultural event, they're joined by a stellar panel - former Chelsea exhibitor and medal-winning designer Matthew Wilson, one of the world's leading authorities on plant pests and diseases, Pippa Greenwood, and making her press-day debut at Chelsea with GQT, Head Gardener at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Bethan Collerton.As Kathy and the panel roam the show gardens answering questions submitted by listeners, they catch up with several garden designers behind this year’s show, including Frances Tophill (The RHS and The King’s Foundation Curious Garden), Sarah Fisher and Janice Molyneux (The Sightsavers Garden) and Patrick Clarke (The Children’s Society Garden). They explore the ideas, craftsmanship and planting inspiration behind their Chelsea creations, from sensory container gardens to spaces designed for well-being and connection.Meanwhile, Peter takes the roving reporter mic inside the Great Pavilion, discovering the science behind our gardens, speaking to exhibitors, and uncovering the latest innovations in horticulture and biodiversity research.The panel tackles everything from gardening in challenging coastal conditions, to choosing the right trees for privacy and produce, as well as tips on drying flowers for wedding confetti, and solving the mysteries of struggling container plants and stubborn succulents. Producers: Dan Cocker, Matt Smith and Rahnee Prescod
Assistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4* If listening on BBC Sounds and you wish to view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time website and open this week's episode page.

Chelsea Flower Show 2026 - Postbag

In a special Gardeners’ Question Time episode to mark Mental Health Awareness Week, the programme is at the Serge Hill Project, an inspirational garden that promotes working with nature to radically transform people's health and well-being.
 
Renowned landscape architect Tom Stuart-Smith, and Tom’s partner, psychiatrist, and psychotherapist Sue Stuart-Smith, join regular panellists Pippa Greenwood, Christine Walkden, and Anne Swithinbank to answer listener questions. The programme also features a generous and brave final appearance from GQT panellist Matt Biggs. 
 
Matt has been a GQT panellist since 1994, and has been battling cancer for six years. Tragically, Matt’s cancer has now entered its end-stage. Matt wanted to record this programme, knowing it would be his last appearance on Gardeners’ Question Time, surrounded by his longtime friends and GQT colleagues. 
 
Listeners will hear questions answered by the GQT panel of gardening experts, but they will also hear about Matt’s journey from initial diagnosis to his current mental and physical condition. At times Matt’s words are upsetting, raw, and honest, however it is Matt’s wish that his story is told partly as advice for other sufferers and also to serve as inspiration to all listeners.
 
Producers: Dan Cocker, Matt Smith and Rahnee Prescod
Assistant Producer: William Norton
 
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
 
* If listening on BBC Sounds and you wish to view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time website and open this week's episode page.

Serge Hill Project

Peter Gibbs and Gardeners’ Question Time panel visit visit Pulham Market.Peter is joined by Bob Flowerdew, Christine Walkden and Bunny Guinness to answer questions on growing fruit in pots and choosing shrubs for deep shade, and discuss which farmyard manure is best to use on the allotment.Along the way, the panellists explore the challenges of quince blight, champion strawberries grown in buckets, and share suggestions for gardening activities that are accessible and engaging for people with limited mobility.Also, James Wong visits Kew Gardens to witness the spectacular (and pungent!) flowering of the Titan Arum, one of the rarest and most extraordinary plants in cultivation.There are also practical tips for sowing carrots successfully and advice on whether a well‑travelled oleander can finally be planted out.Producer: Matt Smith
Assistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4* If listening on BBC Sounds and you wish to view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time website and open this week's episode page.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qp2f/episodes/guide

Pulham Market

Kathy Clugston guides us through the GQT archives to hear how our panellists and experts, old and new, advise on delivering dazzling displays of summer colour.Along the way, the gardeners explore how thoughtful structural planting underpins great colour all season long, explain why deadheading matters, and reveal the origins of the Chelsea chop. They also advise on watering in hot weather, compost mixes for long-lasting displays, and the surprising relationships between insects and plants. So if you're anti-Ant, hear how Dr Chris Thorogood gives some positive PR to these charming creatures often mislabelled as 'pests'. Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Assistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

From The Archives: Summer Colour

Peter and Gardeners’ Question Time panel visit the historic Great Barn in Harmondsworth.Beneath the medieval beams, Peter is joined by Bunny Guinness, Francis Tophill and James Wong as they tackle a wonderfully wide‑ranging set of questions from the audience that are as thought‑provoking as they are informative.Are plants conscious? Why do camellia buds turn brown and drop? And which plants might humans take to grow on another planet?Along the way, there’s practical advice on organic ways to keep vine weevils at bay, how to dry lilac flowers, and what to grow in pots in a narrow alleyway with limited light. Later in the show Chris Beardshaw talks all things pruning - why, when and how.Producer: Dan Cocker
Assistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4* If listening on BBC Sounds and you wish to view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time website and open this week's episode page.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qp2f/episodes/guide

The Great Barn: Chillies, Camellias and Consciousness

Kathy Clugston and the Gardeners' Question Time panel visit the outskirts of Bolton in Lancashire.  Kathy is joined by RHS Bridgewater Curator Marcus Chilton-Jones, Garden Designer Matthew Wilson and Plantswoman Christine Walkden.The panellists tackle what to do about an overwhelming stash of black plastic pots, advise on why a listener's new compost bin is lacking in worms, and suggest plants for shady clay areas beneath mature beech trees. Other questions cover planting for waterlogged borders, homemade foliar feeds for seedlings, and opening a wildlife-focused garden for the National Garden Scheme.Later in the programme, Bunny Guinness shares spring propagation tips, including softwood and basal cuttings and using an aeroponic propagator.Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Assistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4* If listening on BBC Sounds and you wish to view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time website and open this week's episode page.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qp2f/episodes/guide

Bolton

Kathy Clugston and the Gardeners' Question Time panel visit the picturesque Lancashire village of Edgworth, nestled on the edge of the West Pennine Moors.This week, the team are being hosted by the Edgworth and District Horticultural Society. Kathy is joined by Matthew Wilson, Christine Walkden and Marcus Chilton‑Jones, answering questions from an enthusiastic local audience.The team shares practical advice on topics from choosing the best potatoes to grow for chips, to bee‑friendly planting in boggy conditions, and share reflections on the sentimental value of well‑loved gardening tools.Later in the programme, Matthew Pottage delivers a timely spring masterclass on dividing grasses and perennials.Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Assistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4* If listening on BBC Sounds and you wish to view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time website and open this week's episode page.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qp2f/episodes/guide

Edgworth & District

Peter Gibbs and the GQT panel have traded parks and community gardens for a visit to the Oxfordshire home of Dame Mary Berry. On this week's panel are Matthew Pottage, Christine Walkden and Bunny Guinness.Among today’s questions, the panellists troubleshoot evergreen roses plagued by black spot, unravel the mystery of why clematis keep failing on one side of a small London garden, and help a listener planning a late‑August wedding by suggesting plants that peak at the tail end of summer.Later in the programme, Mary shares her own gardening triumphs, from peaches ripened under winter covers, to treasured raised beds of herbs, strawberries and asparagus.Producer: Dan Cocker
Assistant Producer: William Norton
Producer: Matt SmithA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Postbag Edition: Mary Berry's House

Kathy Clugston is joined in the Vale of Glamorgan by Bethan Collerton, Anne Swithinbank and Chris Beardshaw, where they tackle horticultural conundrums from a live audience. inspired by the region’s famously fertile landscape - from the mysteries of the old‑fashioned mangelwurzel, to advice for struggling houseplants, and recommendations on how to manage a towering six‑foot cactus. The team also shares practical advice on reviving a neglected greenhouse, caring for a long‑loved pot‑bound rhododendron, and encouraging lemons and limes to ripen in coastal South Wales.Later in the show, Pippa Greenwood offers timely spring guidance on staying ahead of slugs and other emerging pests, helping gardeners protect tender new growth as the season gets underway.Producer: Rahnee Prescod Assistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4* If listening on BBC Sounds and you wish to view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time website and open this week's episode page.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qp2f/episodes/guide

Vale of Glamorgan

Kathy Clugston steers the ship through the deep waters of the GQT archive where a variety of panellists, old and new, discuss solutions to a variety of water related gardening challenges.They debate the question of rainwater vs tap water for plants, restoring waterlogged clay soil and alternatives to water butts in narrow terrace gardens. There's also advice on flood‑damaged garden recovery and recommendations for trees for flood‑prone & drought‑prone parkland.Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Assistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

From the Archives: Water

What climbing plants thrive in shallow soil? How can you coax your Christmas cacti into a dazzling display? What’s your favourite first sign of spring? Kathy Clugston brings a hand‑picked panel of horticultural experts to Sully, Wales, where they tackle a lively audience’s gardening questions with insight, warmth and plenty of good humour.Joining Kathy are garden designer Chris Beardshaw, houseplant specialist Anne Swithinbank, and Bethan Collerton, head gardener at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Together, they share their practical know‑how, creative ideas, and passion for all things green.Pippa Greenwood meets Samantha Smith from the Horticultural Trades Association to explore the new Simpler Recycling initiative, and what it means for clearing out old pots, containers, and other garden clutter.Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Junior Producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Sully & District: Blooming Cacti, Shallow Depth and Signs of Spring

This week, the GQT team are in North Hertfordshire, where Peter Gibbs is joined by Bunny Guinness, Juliet Sargeant and Bob Flowerdew to tackle a fresh crop of horticultural conundrums.
 
The panellists delve into the challenges of taming coarse grasses in would‑be meadows, ponder why one listener’s tomatoes are thriving better outdoors than under glass, and offer practical  approaches to managing soil health and watering, to keep a community allotment productive with less labour.They also discuss the secrets behind successfully rehoming family rhubarb from the Yorkshire Triangle, explore how to rejuvenate a towering Mahonia, and end the show with novel ways to encourage members to join the local gardening society.
 
Also, Matthew Biggs celebrates the spring magic of our native bluebells, and advises us on the careful stewardship of these beautiful but delicate plants.Producer: Matthew Smith
Junior Producer: Rahnee PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.* If listening on BBC Sounds and you wish to view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time website and open this week's episode page.

Hertfordshire

Kathy Clugston and GQT team have packed their wellies for a trip to the Ninewells Community Garden in Dundee.Kathy is joined by Matthew Pottage, Neil Porteous and Kirsty Wilson to explore the grounds whilst delving into the GQT Postbag together. Among todays questions, the panellists break down which leaves are better to compost than others, tackle a listener’s battle against tomatoes with tough skins, and debate the long‑term impact of weed‑suppressing membranes on soil health. They also explore the ins and outs of olive tree care, suggest the perfect daisies to plant in a pair of cherished old police boots, and consider which dramatic grasses can bring structure and movement to a no‑mow lawn rooted in very sandy soil.
 
Later in the show, Garden Facilitator at Ninewells Community Garden, Mary Colvin, leads the team on a tour of the vibrant community garden, sharing how gardening and green spaces can boost wellbeing, support recovery, and promote a holistic approach to health.Producer: Dan Cocker 
Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Postbag Edition: Ninewells Community Garden

Peter Gibbs and the GQT team are in Chaldon.Peter's joined by Anne Swithinbank, Pippa Greenwood and Matthew Pottage.This week the panel take on a wide range of gardening dilemmas, from how to reach into borders without treading on emerging plants, to which colourful plants thrive in shady, chalky soil. When it comes to growing veg, the team also has answers on whether leaving weeds in place can help crops during extreme heat, and tips on non‑chemical approaches to protecting cabbages and sprouts from hungry pests.The panellists also discuss how their plant recommendations have changed over the years, and which plants they now avoid altogether!Later in the show, we hear from Peter’s visit to RHS Wisley where he spoke with RHS Chief Horticultural Advisor, Guy Barter, and Botanist and Taxonomist, Dr Kálmán Könyves to follow up on last year’s Daffodil diaries scheme.Producer: Matthew SmithAssistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.* If listening on BBC Sounds and you wish to view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time website and open this week's episode page.

Chaldon

Kathy Clugston and the GQT team are in Tyne Valley, Newcastle.Kathy's joined by Dr Chris Thorogood, Bethan Collerton and Matthew Wilson, who tackle a variety of questions from troubled Aspidistra, yellowing Choisya and planting for winter colour. The team also discusses beech hedges, how to tackle the issue of invasive Japanese knotweed and unlikely exotics thriving in northern gardens.Later in the show, Bunny Guinness enlightens us on the benefits and use cases of grow lights within greenhouses. Producer: Dan CockerAssistant Producer: Suhaar AliA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4To view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time and open this week's episode page.

Tyne Valley

Peter Gibbs and the GQT team are in Kimpton, Hertfordshire.He's joined by Bob Flowerdew, Bunny Guinness and Juliet Sargeant.With questions submitted from the local audience in Kimpton Memorial Hall, the panel take on a wide range of horticultural challenges, from alternatives to Valentine’s Day roses, to selecting shrubs for a north‑facing chalk‑clay garden and innovative ways of harvesting horseradish.The panellists also advise our questioners on how to grow figs in containers, prune winter honeysuckle and propagate daphne, and they tell us how best to manage the surprise appearance of fairy rings in a lawn.Alongside these questions, Marcus Chilton Jones, Curator at RHS Bridgewater shares the Do's and Don’ts of winter pruning. Producer: Matthew Smith
Assistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Kimpton

Kathy Clugston and the GQT team visit the Seaton Delaval Hall in Newcastle, to answer questions from the GQT postbag.Today, the panel helps choose roses for a shaded memorial bed, investigates the sudden collapse of a once‑glorious wisteria, and unpicks the mystery of a white flag iris that decided to flower again in autumn, but this time in blue.Kathy is joined by Matthew Wilson, Bethan Collerton and Dr Chris Thorogood.Alongside these questions, Sarah Peilow, Head Gardener at Seaton Delaval Hall takes us on a tour of the Parterre and the South East Garden.Producer: Dan Cocker
Assistant Producer: Suhaar AliA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.

Postbag Edition: Seaton Delaval Hall

How can I lighten my orchids? Is there a reliable mix of weed suppressants and fertilisers for growing edibles? Why have the leaves of my Camelia started turning yellow?This week on Gardeners’ Question Time, Kathy Clugston and a hand‑picked panel of horticultural experts head to Clara Vale to tackle the green‑fingered queries of a live audience.Joining Kathy are garden designer Matthew Wilson, botanist Dr Chris Thorogood, and allotmenteer Bethan Collerton, who bring their combined expertise, practical know‑how and good humour to the discussion.Later in the programme, Peter Gibbs visits the renowned Snowdrop Collection at RHS Wisley, where he meets fellow Galanthaphile and Snowdrops expert Jessica Jansdotter.Producer: Dan Cocker
Junior Producer: Suhaar AliA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Clara Vale

Is it too late to plant daffodil and tulip bulbs? What are the best ideas for planting under a shaded tree? How to maintain a lawn that is regularly used for football? This week on Gardeners’ Question Time, Peter Gibbs and a hand‑picked panel of horticultural experts head to Caterham to tackle the green‑fingered queries of a live audience.Peter is joined by Pippa Greenwood, Matthew Pottage and Anne Swithinbank.Alongside these questions, we hear from Bethan Collerton  who visited Wrexham to find out more about the RHS 'It's Your Neighbourhood' Scheme and how it has benefited the community and the gardeners involved.Producer: Matt Smith
Assistant Producer: William NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.

Caterham

Do the panel have any unusual gardening habits? Can I grow a Walnut tree in Dundee?Kathy Clugston heads to the stunning Firth of Tay with a hand-picked panel of gardening experts, ready to answer questions from an enthusiastic, plant-loving audience.Joining Kathy are garden designers, botanists and allotmenteers Matthew Pottage, Kirsty Wilson and Neil Porteous, bringing their wealth of knowledge and practical tips to the discussion.Also, Bunny Guinness shares her gardening resolutions for the year ahead, offering inspiration for anyone planning a fresh start in their own green spaces.Senior Producer: Dan Cocker
Junior Producer: Rahnee PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Firth of Tay

How do I maintain a hot compost bin? Do Begonias have a finite life? How do I successfully grow a pineapple?Kathy Clugston and a panel of hearty horticulturalists venture to the Sefton Park Palm House in Liverpool, while digging into the GQT postbag, to solve your trickiest gardening conundrums.Joining Kathy to explore this historic palm house are botanist James Wong, proud plantswoman Bethan Collerton, and  head of RHS Bridge Water, Marcus Chilton Jones. They're also joined by head gardener of Sefton Park, Colin Hughes.Producer: Rahnee PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Postbag Edition: Sefton Park Palm House

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 PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

From The Archives: Seasons Greetings

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 PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Wrexham County Borough: Rose Cuttings, Begonias and Hydrangeas

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 PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.

Dundee: Amaryllis, Monkey Puzzles and Australian Plants

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 PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

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

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 NortonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Henley-on-Thames

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 PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Chirk: Pickled Onions, Tall Perennials and Picky Pests

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 PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

St Mary's Walthamstow

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 PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Postbag Edition: Bicton Park Botanical Gardens

Might our otherwise polluted River Thames have a positive impact on my garden? Why has there been so much whitefly this year? Do the panel have a favourite garden they’ve visited?Peter Gibbs and a panel of green-fingered gurus head to the Phyllis Court Club in Henley-on-Thames, where a lively audience of passionate gardeners awaits answers to their most pressing plant problems.Joining Peter are pest and disease specialist Pippa Greenwood, head gardener Matthew Pottage, and the ever-enthusiastic plantswoman Christine Walkden.Later, Johnny ‘Hot Stuff’ Mayard discusses how he grows chillies in his polytunnel that are used for his hot sauce.Senior Producer: Dan Cocker
Junior Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Assistant Producer: William Norton 
Assistant Producer: Suki GlocklingA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Phyllis Court: White Fly, River Thames and Favourite Gardens

Which seeds would you take to a desert island? How can I improve my success planting bulbs? Which easy-to-grow plants have you managed to kill?Peter Gibbs and a panel of gardening experts are in Two Dales to share their top horticultural advice. Joining Peter are garden designer Bunny Guinness, RHS curator Marcus Chilton-Jones, and alpine specialist Bethan Collerton.Later in the programme, Marcus stops to chat to Steve Porter, Head of Gardens and Landscape at Chatsworth House about the history of camellias and how best to grow them. Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Producer: Matt SmithA Somethin' Else Production for BBC Radio 4Plant List:Q — 2 minutes, 45 seconds
Which easy-to-grow plant have you managed to kill?Marcus Chilton-Jones
Swiss cheese plant
Mother in law’s tongueBethan Collerton—
GorseBunny Guinness—
Bacchia
Pelagonium Q —  4 minutes, 41 seconds
 I've got a prickly pear cactus and  the outer surface layer appears to be getting eaten in patches. Why?QM
I want to re-plant a board backed by a 6ft wooden fence. What would the panel recommend?Bethan Collerton—
Evergreen ferns
Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’
Brunnera macrophylla ’Silver heart’Bunny Guinness—
Lavender
Yew 
Allium ‘Globe master’
Hydrangea seemanniiMarcus Chilton-Jones —
Physocarpus
Camellia
Lobelia
cotinus
Hydrangea seemanniiQ 15 minutes, 30 seconds
Cornus kousa ‘green sleeves’ 
Cornus kousa ‘milky way’Bunny Guinness —
Cornus mas ‘Cornelian cherry’Q -- 25 minutes, 37 seconds
 Could the team advise how to improve my  success rate of my bull planting? Q -- 30 minutes, 30 seconds
How should I prune a Victoria plum tree?QF 37 mins 25
Which two packets of seeds would you take to a desert island?Bethan Collerton—
Courgette
RiceBunny Guinness—
Edamame 
FigMarcus Chilton-Jones —
Tomatoes
Sunflower

Two Dales

Peter Gibbs and the Gardeners Question Time panel visit the RHS Wisley Greening Skills Garden in Woking, an exciting new project designed to inspire and equip the next generation of horticulturists. No postbag edition  is complete without your questions, so the panel dip into the GQT inbox to answer your gardening conundrums. Joining Peter are head gardeners and garden designers Pippa Greenwood, Matthew Pottage and Matthew Biggs.Senior Producer: Dan Cocker
Junior Producer: Rahnee PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Postbag Edition: RHS Wisley Greening Skills Garden

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

From the Archives: Woodland

What trees are flood and arid proof that will still be here in a hundred years? How can I rejuvenate my gappy Heathers? What fast growing plants could we plant to hide a wall?Peter Gibbs and a proud panel of gardening experts venture to the Whitworth Institute in Darley Dale where they field questions from an eager live audience of gardeners. Tackling everything from hangry heathers to planting dilemmas, the panel includes head gardeners’ Bethan Collerton and Marcus Chilton Jones, and garden designer Bunny GuinnessLater in the programme, James Wong provides  some practical advice on how to keep your plants happy indoors this season. Senior producer: Matthew Smith 
Junior producer: Rahnee PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Darley Dale: Flood Proof Plants, Hangry Heathers and Fast Climbers

When do kiwis produce fruit in the UK? What plant cuttings are the panel most proud of propagating? Should we freeze our seeds in water before planting them in the ground?Kathy Clugston and a powerhouse panel of gardening experts return to the iconic Eden Project outside St Austell in Cornwall where they field questions from a green fingered live audience. Tackling everything from persistent pests to planting dilemmas, the panel includes houseplant specialist Anne Swithinbank, award-winning garden designer Chris Beardshaw, and horticulturalist Frances Tophill.Later in the programme, continuing our autumn feature series, Matthew Wilson provides an extensive guide to dividing your perennial plants.Senior producer: Dominic Tyerman
Junior producer: Rahnee PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

St Austell: Kiwis, Proud Plants and Frozen Seeds

Why do indoor cyclamen develop sticky leaves? What’s the secret to growing taller sweet peas? And how can we make our gardens more fungi-friendly?This week, Kathy Clugston and the Gardeners’ Question Time panel return to Claygate in Surrey, ready to tackle listeners’ gardening dilemmas. Joining Kathy are horticultural experts Bob Flowerdew, Juliet Sargeant, and Pippa Greenwood, bringing their deep knowledge and lively discussion to the table.Later in the programme, Bunny Guinness shares seasonal tips and practical advice to help you make the most of your garden as autumn sets in.Producer: Matt Smith 
Junior Producer: Rahnee PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.

Elmbridge: Friendly Fungi, Sticky Leaves and Stunted Sweet Peas

What is this mysterious vegetable growing in my vegetable patch? Can you identify this mysterious plum? How can I make my cottage garden look full of life?Kathy Clugston hosts a lively Potting Shed edition of Gardeners’ Question Time, recorded at the vibrant GQT Summer Garden Party held at RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Essex.Joining her is the show’s renowned panel of horticultural experts — Bob Flowerdew, Christine Walkden, James Wong, Bunny Guinness, Dr Chris Thorogood, Matthew Wilson, and Pippa Greenwood — ready to tackle gardening dilemmas from enthusiastic visitors.From tackling vine weevils and dealing with contaminated soil, to coaxing supermarket-bought pear trees into fruiting, the panel shares practical advice, clever solutions, and plenty of gardening wisdom throughout the programme.Junior Producer: Rahnee Prescod 
Assistant Producer: Suhaar Ali A Somethin Else Production for BBC Radio 4.

Summer Garden Party: Potting Shed

What can I plant in September for an autumn winter harvest? Do you have any horticultural heroes that inspired your career in horticulture? What easy flowers could be grown in pots and easily picked by children? Kathy Clugston and a distinguished panel of horticultural experts head to the iconic Eden Project in Bodelva, Cornwall, where they field questions from an enthusiastic live audience. Tackling everything from persistent pests to planting dilemmas, the panel includes houseplant specialist Anne Swithinbank, award-winning garden designer Chris Beardshaw, and allotment aficionado Frances Tophill.Later in the programme, Kathy visits the National Wildlife Centre to speak with Dan James, Director of Development, about their vital work in conserving the UK’s native flora and fostering biodiversity.Senior Producer: Dominic Tyerman
Junior Producer: Rahnee Prescod A Somethin' Else Production for BBC Radio 4.

The Eden Project

How do I get rid of fungus gnats? Is it bad to fertilise plants when water is scarce? What direction is best for gardens? Kathy Clugston chairs this week’s edition of Gardeners’ Question Time from Claygate in Surrey, where she’s joined by a panel of horticultural heavyweights including Bob Flowerdew, Pippa Greenwood and Juliet Sargeant.Later in the programme, Christine Walkden delivers a no-nonsense guide to watering, sharing practical tips to help your plants flourish whatever the weather.Producer: Matthew Smith
Assistant Producer: Rahnee PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Claygate Surrey

Our pear tree, which was once thriving has died, what should I do with it? Are weeds plants with attitude or is it the other way round? What are your thoughts on using a wound sealer after pruning?Join Gardeners’ Question Time for a floral-filled adventure at the Rutland Flower Show. This week, Peter Gibbs and a panel of passionate horticulturalists soak up the sights, scents and seasonal inspiration while digging into the famous GQT postbag, to solve your trickiest gardening conundrums.Joining Peter under the big top are proud plantswoman Christine Walkden, and top garden designers Matthew Wilson and Adam Frost - ready with expert advice, clever solutions, and a few laughs along the way.Senior Producer: Dan Cocker 
Junior Producer: Rahnee PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Postbag Edition: Rutland Flower Show

What can gardening clubs do to entice new members? How do the panel handle their plant addiction? If you were to have a plant superpower, which would it be and why? It’s party time in the garden once again! Gardeners’ Question Time returns with the much-anticipated GQT Summer Garden Party, recorded at the breathtaking RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Essex.This week, Peter Gibbs leads the horticultural festivities as a vibrant panel of plant pros take on questions from a crowd of passionate and curious gardeners. On the panel - proud plantswoman Christine Walkden, pest and disease detective Pippa Greenwood, and botanical explorers James Wong and Dr Chris Thorogood.Expect expert insights, surprising solutions, and a whole lot of garden inspiration in this special summer celebration of all things green and growing.Producer: Matthew Smith 
Assistant Producer: Suhaar Ali
Assistant Producer: Rocky Cocker
Junior Producer: Rahnee PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.

Hyde Hall: Latin Names, Water Butts and Plant Superpowers

Kathy Clugston and a crack team of top horticultural experts celebrate the return of the GQT Summer Garden Party in style — this year set against the stunning backdrop of RHS Garden Hyde Hall in the heart of Essex.Kathy is joined by an all-star panel, including visionary garden designers Matthew Wilson and Bunny Guinness, RHS head gardener Matthew Pottage, and the king of all things edible, Bob Flowerdew. Together, they tackle a lively mix of questions from an enthusiastic audience of budding green thumbs, sharing expert tips, clever tricks, and plenty of inspiration to get your garden growing.Senior Producer: Dan Cocker
Assistant Producer: Rocky Cocker
Assistant Producer: Suhaar Ali
Junior Producer: Rahnee PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Summer Garden Party

Are there any indoor plants that give out more moisture than others? How long does an average “short-lived” perennial live? What plants are resistant to shot hole disease?  This week, Peter Gibbs and a panel of gardening experts visit the beautifully restored Finsbury Circus Gardens – a green oasis in the heart of London, with roots stretching back to Roman times and now reopened to the public.Joining Peter are garden designer Bunny Guinness, botanist Dr Chris Thorogood, and grow-your-own guru Bob Flowerdew. They're also joined by members of the City Gardens Management Team – Jake Tibbetts, Jessica Beatty, and Ed Freeman – to explore the newly renovated grounds and celebrate the space’s rich horticultural history.The panel tackles a thorny crop of questions from the GQT postbag, offering expert tips on topics including how to prevent shot hole disease, successful techniques for growing Pak Choi, and the fascinating science behind a fern’s life cycle.Senior Producer: Matthew Smith
Junior Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4Plant List 
Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided. Q – What plants are resistant to shot hole disease? (04’09”) Jake Tibbetts –
Pinus parviflora 'Zelkova'
Zelkova serrata, japanese zelkova
Toona sinensis, chinese cedarChris Thorogood –
Styphnolobium
Aesculus parviflora, bottlebrush buckeye
StewartiaQ –    Can you recommend plants to go under and around the tree which has very dry soil? (07’25”) Ed Freeman –
Pachysandra
Polystichum, shield fern 
Polypodium, polypody
Asperula, woodruff
Brunnera macrophylla, Siberian bugloss
Asplenium scolopendrium, hart’s tongue fern Bunny Guinness –
Daphne laureola, spurge laurel 
Crinum × powellii, swamp lilyQ – Could the panel recommend fruit trees that are resilient and adaptable to the changing climate? (12’54”) Bob Flowerdew –
Prunus armeniaca, apricotBunny Guinness –
Amelanchier alnifolia, alder-leaved serviceberry
ApplesJake Tibbetts –
Mulberries
Pears
Pyrus communis (F), common pearQ – How do you encourage ferns to germinate? (17’55”) Q – How long does an average “short-lived” perennial live? (20’52”) Dr Chris Thorogood –
Arum italicum marmoratum, Italian arum 'Marmoratum'Bunny Guinness –
Matthiola incana, brompton stockQ – Could you advise on how to fill a big dip in our lawn and some ideas on something more interesting? (23’13”)Q – Why have the 50 bulbs I’ve planted failed to sprout any buds? (27’53”) Dr Chris Thorogood –
Angelica gigas, purple angelicaJessica Beatty –
Hyacinthoides non-scripta, bluebell 
Narcissus, daffodils
Galanthus nivalis, snowdrops
CrocusBunny Guiness –
Allium 'Globemaster', allium 'Globemaster'Q – How do I stop Pak Choi going to seed before they have hearted up? (33’06”)Q – Are there any indoor plants that give out more moisture than others? (34’58”)Bunny Guinness –
Ficus pumila, creeping fig
Rosa Basanti ('Ruicl0062a'PBR)Bob Flowerdew –
Plumbago, leadwortDr Chris Thorogood –
Bromeliads Q – Why haven’t my healthy 4-year-old bird of paradise hasn't flowered yet? (37’49”)

Postbag Edition: Finsbury Circus Gardens

If you could have a garden gnome what would it be doing? What tools should I have on my first allotment? Any tips on growing carrots on a sandy soil? Peter Gibbs and a panel of green-fingered gurus head to the lush landscapes of Bracknell Forest, where a lively audience of passionate gardeners awaits answers to their most pressing plant problems. Joining Peter are pest and disease specialist Pippa Greenwood, head gardener Matthew Pottage, and the ever-enthusiastic plantswoman Christine Walkden.Later in the show, Pippa Greenwood takes us behind the scenes at Heathrow Airport, where she meets Kelvin Hughes from the Animal and Plant Health Agency. Together, they uncover the fascinating work being done to safeguard the UK’s biodiversity from invasive pests and diseases hidden in overseas plants and produce.Senior Producer: Daniel Cocker
Junior Producer: Rahnee PrescodA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4Plant List 
Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided. Q – If you were forced to have one garden gnome, what would that garden gnome be doing?  (01’38”) Q – Do the panel have any advice on growing carrots in sandy soil? (05’47”) Q – Are the panel opposed to the use of decorative wood chips in borders? (07’56”) Q – Can they explain how buddleia can grow in church roofs and railway sidings and not come to much in my garden? (11’36”) Matthew Pottage –
Buddleja davidii 'Black Knight', butterfly bush 'Black Knight'Feature – Pippa Greenwood meets with Kelvin Hughes with the Animal and Plant Health Agency to discover how Heathrow Airport protect the UK's biodiversity from overseas produce and plants. (18’31”)Q – What could we grow in our south-west facing garden that will provide vibrant colours during the summer? (24’06”) Matthew Pottage –
Aesculus 
Aesculus parviflora, bottlebrush buckeye
Eucryphia
Eucryphia lucida, leatherwood
Eucryphia lucida 'Pink Cloud', leatherwood ‘Pink Cloud’
Hydrangea quercifolia, oak-leaved hydrangea
Hydrangea quercifolia Snowflake ('Brido') (d), oak-leaved hydrangea [Snowflake]
Hydrangea quercifolia Ice Crystal ('Hqopr010'PBR), oak-leaved hydrangea [Ice Crystal]
Hydrangea quercifolia 'Harmony', oak-leaved hydrangea 'Harmony'Christine Walkden –
Desfontainia
OsmanthusQ – I’ve just taken on an allotment in the last year, and I'd like to know what are the top five low-cost items you'd recommend? (28’20”) Q – Is there an aesthetically please alternative to steaks and pea netting that I could use whilst my plants establish? (31’14”)Q – What plant would you like to be remembered by? (36’03”) Christine Walkden –
Soldanella hungaricaMatthew Pottage –
Araucaria Araucana, monkey puzzle treePippa Greenwood –
Magnolia stellata, star magnolia

Bracknell Forest: Garden Gnomes, Carrots and Tools

Why have my magnolia leaves turned brown? How do I care for a tamarisk?  Why is growing poppies so difficult?
 
Kathy Clugston and the panel are in South Staffordshire offering their top gardening tips. Joining Kathy to share their best horticultural advice is plantswoman Christine Walkden,  RHS Bridgewater curator, Marcus Chilton-Jones and gardener Matthew Biggs.
 
Meanwhile James Wong visits the Carbon Garden at Kew Gardens to learn about the importance of carbon in our ecosystem, low emission gardening and carbon-resilient trees.A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

South Staffordshire

How important is health and safety in the garden? What disease has been growing on my tomatoes? What would the panel say was their most overrated plant?Kathy Clugston hosts Gardeners' Question Time, recorded live at the Crossed Wires Podcast Festival.Joining her on the expert panel are botanist and broadcaster James Wong, award-winning garden designer Matthew Wilson, and alpine plant specialist Bethan Collerton. Together, they tackle a lively array of gardening questions from an enthusiastic audience.Later in the programme, James Wong takes a trip to Sheffield’s Winter Garden, where he shares his top picks for easy-to-grow plants - perfect for beginners looking to cultivate greenery both indoors and out.Producer: Dom Tyerman
Junior Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Executive Producer: Carly MailePlant List 
Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided. Q – How important is health and safety in the garden? (01’27”) Q – What are the ideal conditions for growing wildflowers from seeds? (04’10”) Q – What’s the best method for watering a very parched, dried out cacti? (07’57”) Q – Why have my wisteria stopped flowering? (11’31”) Feature – James Wong provides an essential list of plants you can grow indoors and outdoors. He’s visiting the Sheffield Winter Gardens (16’11”)James Wong –
Dichondra
Strelitzia nicolai, white bird of paradiseQ – How do I stop slugs from eating my hostas? (24’05”) Q – What would be your recommendations for plants that can survive harsh weather in coastal regions? (24’44”)Bethan Collerton –
Armeria maritima, thriftMatthew Wilson –
Griselinia littoralis, new zealand broadleaf
Hippophae rhamnoides, sea buckthorneJames Wong
Griselinia littoralis, new zealand broadleaf
Quercus ilex, holm oak
Tamarisk
Trachycarpus fortune, chusan palmQ – What disease has been growing on my tomatoes? (29’17”) Q – I’d like to grow my Jasmine against a fence, do I hack it right back, start again or plant is as is? (32’44”) Q – What would the panel say was their most overrated plant? (36’37”) James Wong –
Geranium Rozanne ('Gerwat'PBR), cranesbill [Rozanne]Matthew Wilson –
Heucheras

Crossed Wires Podcast Festival: Back to Basics

Can I grow fruits or vegetables in a flat with no balcony? Could garlic help stop slugs from eating my Hostas? Why did you become gardeners?Kathy Clugston is joined by a panel of much-loved gardening experts in the picturesque village of East Horsley, Surrey, to answer listeners’ horticultural dilemmas and offer practical, down-to-earth advice. On the panel this week are botanist and broadcaster James Wong, plant health specialist Pippa Greenwood, and award-winning garden designer Juliet Sargeant.Later in the programme, Pippa Greenwood explores the growing threat of Colorado beetles to UK biosecurity in conversation with Tracy Wilson, Import Specialist at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).Producer: Matthew Smith
Junior Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4Plant List 
Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided. Q – Can you suggest a suitable hedge that can be kept slim but tall to go between a six-foot fence and a path?  (01’31”) James Wong –
Trachelospermum jasminoides, star jasmineJuliet Sargeant –
Muehlenbeckia complexa, necklace vine
Osmanthus delavayi, delavay osmanthus
Osmanthus heterophyllus, holly olive
Elaeagnus × ebbingei Q – How do I encourage my 100-year-old rhododendrons to flower? (05’35”) Q – Is there a way for me to grow fruits or vegetables in a flat with no balcony? And if yes, what would you recommend with limited space? (08’54”) Juliet Sargeant –
HydroponicsJames Wong –
Tomato 
Chilli
Basil
Thai Basil
Ocimum kilimandscharicum, camphor basil
Ocimum basilicum 'Christmas', basil ‘Christmas’
Curry Leaves
Mint LeavesPippa Greenwood –
ChilliFeature – Pippa Greenwood discusses the threat Colorado Beetles have on our crops with Tracy Wilson (15’02”)Q –   We have raised vegetable beds. I put a layer of mulch on them every autumn. Would it be a good idea to let a bed lie fallow occasionally? (19’49”) Q – What’s causing my Hydrangea petiolaris to die off? (24’05”) Q – What could I grow in a large rockery in our garden, that’s also difficult to kill? (28’31”)Q – Would wild garlic help stop slugs from eating my Hostas? (31’31”) Q – What possessed you to become the garden experts you are? And as a result. What advice would you give to up-and-coming young gardeners to continue? (36’00”)

East Horsley: Potato Beetle, Indoor edibles and Fallow Year

What causes onions to bolt? What do the team think about using crocs at the bottom of pots? How should I go about pruning my lilac tree? Kathy Clugston and a panel of esteemed gardening experts visit West Horsley, Surrey, to tackle common horticultural challenges and share practical solutions. Joining her are pest and disease specialist Pippa Greenwood, botanist James Wong, and award-winning garden designer Juliet Sargeant.Later in the programme, Bob Flowerdew wraps up our Edible Essentials series with a fool proof guide to feeding and watering your crops - ensuring a rich and rewarding harvest.Producer: Matthew Smith
Junior Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Executive Producer: Carly MailePlant List 
Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided. Q – My Ficus Ginseng has lost most of its leaves, what am I doing wrong? (01’35”) Q – What do the team think about using crocs at the bottom of pots? (06’41”) Q – Can the panel suggest shrubs that will flower late spring, early summer and thrive in chalky soil? (10’57”) Juliet Sargeant –
Philadelphus, mock orange
Philadelphus 'Manteau d'Hermine' (d), mock orange 'Manteau d'Hermine'
Weigela All Summer Red ('Slingco 1'PBR) (All Summer Series), weigela [All Summer Red]
Weigela All Summer Peach ('Slingpink'PBR) (All Summer Series), weigela [All Summer Peach]
Ceanothus, californian lilacPippa Greenwood –
Magnolia stellata, star magnolia
Mahonia, oregon grape
Syringa pubescens subsp. patula 'Miss Kim', lilac 'Miss Kim'
Deutzia × rosea 'Carminea', deutzia 'Carminea'James Wong –
Pittosporum tobira, japanese pittosporum
Wisteria Feature – Bob Flowerdew’s Edible Essential guide to watering and feeding crops (16’56)Q – What causes onions to bolt? (21’19”) Q – Can the panel advise on what I can plant on a north facing one-and-a-half-meter border adjacent my mixed hedge? (25’37”) Juliet Sargeant –
Euphorbia robbiae, mrs Robb's bonnet
Anemone hupehensis, japanese anemonesJames Wong –
Digitalis, foxglove
Primula vulgaris (Pr/Prim), primrose
Hyacinthoides non-scripta, bluebell
Hakonechloa, japanese forest grass
Ferns 
LilliesPippa Greenwood –
Hardy geraniums
Epimedium
Helleborus, helleboreQ – How should I go about pruning my lilac tree? (31’48”)Q – What plants would the panel take from your current gardens if you were moving to a much smaller garden with very poor soil and lots of builder’s rubble in it? (35’23”) James Wong –
Tree fernsJuliet Sargeant –
Iris germanica, bearded iris
Ficus carica (F), fig
Salvia 'Royal Bumble', sage 'Royal Bumble' 
Salvia 'Hot Lips', sage 'Hot Lips'
Salvia, sage
Salvia 'Amistad'PBR, sage 'Amistad'
Erigeron karvinskianus, mexican fleabanePippa Greenwood –
Aubrieta
Eryngium, sea holly

West Horsley

What's the best way to revive a dying bonsai tree? Do Peonies hate being moved? I am inundated with ants – how do I get rid of them?Kathy Clugston hosts BBC Radio 4's Gardeners' Question Time, joined by a panel of esteemed plant and gardening experts in Perton, Staffordshire. Sharing their horticultural wisdom are the passionate plantsman Matthew Biggs, head gardener Marcus Chilton-Jones, and renowned plantswoman Christine Walkden.Later in the programme, Matthew Biggs has a chat with David Austen Jr to explore his father’s remarkable legacy in rose breeding at their prestigious nursery. He also gets an exclusive glimpse at some of their latest, most exquisite varieties.Senior Producer: Daniel Cocker
Junior Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Executive Producer: Carly MailePlant List 
Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided. Q – What colour would you paint a garden fence to best show off and compliment the plants in it? (01’32”) Q – Why have my Peonies stopped blooming? Is it because I’ve moved them? (05’03”) Q –   Which plants would the panel recommend covering a roof of five feet by 10 feet with a depth of two and a half inches? (08’07”) Matthew Biggs –
Thymus vulgaris, common thyme
Thymus serpyllum 'Russetings', creeping thyme 'Russetings'
Campanula, bellflower
Campanula portenschlagiana, wall bellflowerChristine Walkden
Sempervivum, houseleek
Hylotelephium, sedum
Mentha requienii, corsican mintMarcus Chilton Jones –
Puschkinia
Allium schoenoprasum, chives
Ajuga repens, bugleQ – What are the panel's thoughts on reusing compost that's been used in pots for summer annuals? (10’53”) Feature – Matt Biggs speaks with David Austen Jr about his father’s legacy in breeding unique roses (15’01)Q – I wondered what was the best way to revive a dying bonsai tree? (19’26”) Q – How hard should I cut back our Ceanothus? (23’59”)Q – What can the panel recommend that's low maintenance and won't prickle anyone that I could plant in a two foot wide plot? (28’10”) Christine Walkden –
Cyclamen hederifolium, ivy-leaved cyclamen
Ajugas 
Lamiums
Heucheras
Thalamus
Aquilegia
Veronica, gentian speedwellMatthew Biggs –
Hedera (ivy)Marcus Chilton-Jones –
Lonicera, honeysuckle 
Dryopteris, wood fern
Nettles Q – I am inundated with ants – how do I get rid of them? (33’49”) Q – How do I stop bugs from getting into my plums? (37’25”)

Perton Staffs: Used Compost, Angry Peonies and Ant-tics

Why do my ferns have rusty spots? Any tips for stopping caterpillars eating my cabbages? Have you upcycled any objects in the garden?Peter Gibbs and a panel of plant and gardening experts are in Crowthorne, Berkshire and offer advice to an audience of keen gardeners. Joining Peter are pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood, head gardener Matthew Pottage and proud plantswoman Christine Walkden.Later in the programme, house plant expert James Wong visits the Of The Oak exhibition at The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, which celebrates the Lucombe oak and oak trees as a vital hub of biodiversity. He's joined by visual artist Ersin Han Ersin and arborist Cecily Withall.Senior Producer: Daniel Cocker
Junior Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Executive Producer: Carly MailePlant List 
Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided. Q – The council have recently cleared a raised flowerbed at the front of the Morgan Centre. It previously had in it a giant prickly pyracantha. What would the panel suggest? (02'02")Matthew Smith –
Callistemon rigidus, stiff bottlebrush
Alstroemeria Indian Summer ('Tesronto'PBR) (Summer Paradise - Summer Series), Peruvian lily [Indian summer]
Salvia nemorosa 'Caradonna', Balkan clary 'Caradonna'
Salvia rosmarinus Prostrata Group (Ro), rosemary Prostrata GroupQ - Why have my ferns developed rusty looking spots – is it caused by a disease? (06'31") Q – Any tips on growing miss Willmott's ghost? (09'08")Q – I have a bank of mature Heathers. Can I prune them as they're quite tall now or do I need to replace them as they get straggly? (13'13")Q- How do I stop caterpillars from eating my cabbages? (17’05")Feature – James Wong visits the 'Of the Oak' at The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, which celebrates the Lucombe oak. He's joined by Ersin Han Ersin and Cecily Withal (21’28”)Q - How do we encourage our Camellia to flower? (25'56")Q – I would like to plant some other more interesting climbing plants in a shady spot – what do the panel recommend? (29'13")Matthew Pottage –
Hydrangea petiolaris, climbing hydrangea
Hydrangea petiolaris 'Silver Lining'PBR hydrangea 'Silver Linng'
Hedera colchica 'Dentata Variegata' (v), ivy 'Dentata Variegata'Christine Walkden –
Ampelopsis quinquefolia, Virginia creeper
Dactylicapnos scandens, yellow bleeding heart vinePippa Greenwood –
Lonicera, honeysuckleQ – How often do Clematis Clematis’ flower? (34'02")Q – Can the panel recommend any other ways to repurpose objects? (36'26")Q – I’d like you to recommend plants for a red hot, south facing gravel garden? (36'25")

Crowthorne: Caterpillars, Rusty Spots and Up-Cycled Objects

How do I take care of a kokedama? How do you take care of a sedum living roof? Why won't my trollius flower? For the first time ever, GQT sets up shop at the heart of the iconic RHS Chelsea Flower Show, broadcasting from the charming bandstand. Kathy Clugston is joined by a panel of horticultural heavyweights, including Bunny Guinness, Matthew Wilson, and James Wong.Keep your ears pricked up for some familiar voices - among the questioners are none other than Scott Mills, David Tennant and Zoe Ball, each bringing their own garden problems to the table.Later, Peter Gibbs takes a tranquil detour to the stunning Songbird Survival Garden on Main Avenue. There, he chats with designer Nicola Oakey and dedicated volunteer Bee about how we can turn our outdoor spaces into welcoming sanctuaries for Britain’s beleaguered songbirds.Producer: Daniel Cocker
Producer: Dominic Tyerman
Producer: Matthew Smith
Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Assistant Producer: Suhaar Ali
Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4Plant List 
Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided. Q – I’ve got a floppy snake plant – is this because I’ve overwatered it? (01'17")Q - Why do the flower buds fall off my chameleon each year? (02'38") Q - Hello, it's David Tennant here. I've been gifted a beautiful kokedama. How do I water this? How do I not kill it? (05'26")Q – Could you recommend some pretty and low maintenance for flowers for window boxes? (07'34")Bunny Guinness –
Verbena officinalis 'Bampton', vervain ‘Bampton’
Polystichum setiferum, soft shield fern
Salvia rosmarinus (Ro), rosemaryMatthew Wilson –
Thymus vulgaris, common thyme
Thymus praecoxJames Wong –
Portulaca, porcelain 
Mesembryanthemum
Delosperma. Q- My trollius hasn’t flowered this year. What am I doing wrong? (12’58")Feature – Peter Gibbs visits the ‘Songbird Survival Garden” on main avenue, where he meets with designer Nicola Oakey and volunteer Bee (17’22”)Q - We've got a garden room with a sedum living roof – how do we look after it? (22'20")Q – Hello! Zoe Ball here! How do I stop squirrels from eating all my plants? (32'06")Q - My trachycarpus and dicksonia antarctica. They're getting thinner and thinner each year – how do I appropriately thin them out? (28'54")Q – Hi GQT, it’s Scott Mills. How do I stop my dog’s pee from ruining my lawn? (28'54")Q – I’d like you to recommend plants for a red hot, south facing gravel garden? (36'25")James Wong –
Hardy aloes
Aloe polyphylla
Eschscholzia californica, california poppy
Bunny Guinness –
Salvia confertiflora, sabra spike sageMatthew Wilson –
Rosa 'Sally Holmes' (S), rose 'Sally Holmes'
Dasylirion wheeleri, spoon flower
Aloiampelos striatula, striped-stemmed aloe 
Beschorneria yuccoides, yucca-leaved beschorneria

RHS Chelsea Bandstand Show

Kathy Clugston and a panel of green-fingered gurus, Kirsty Wilson, Pippa Greenwood, and Dr Chris Thorogood, explore the spectacular Chelsea Flower Show!Meanwhile on the vibrant main avenue, roving reporter Peter Gibbs explores gardens shaped by climate challenges. He steps into the thought-provoking Save for a Rainy Day Garden to chat with designer Baz Granger about clever water-saving ideas. Then, he ventures into the lush creativity of the Hospitalfield Arts Garden, where he meets celebrated garden designer Nigel Dunnett for a conversation on art, ecology, and sustainable planting.Producer: Dom Tyerman
Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod and Suhaar AliA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Postbag Edition: RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Kathy Clugston prunes through the extensive GQT archive, which includes some much needed advice on all things Foliage.With 77 years of experience in providing ample advice, our various GQT panellists are more than equipped to solve your gardening conundrums. They provide tips on the best plants for a foliage border, banana plants that can withstand the winter, and plants for a bed that never sees any sunshine. Away from the questions, Matthew Wilson heads over to Sienna Hosta nursery to speak with Chris Potts, who explains how they keep their hostas slug and snail free.Producer: Daniel Cocker
Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4Plant List 
Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided. Q - What would be the best plants for a foliage border? (01'07")Matthew Biggs –
Euonymus fortunei f. radicans 'Silver Queen', spindle ‘Silver Queen’
Euonymus fortunei var. radicans, wintercreeperAnne Swithinbank –
Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost'PBR , Siberia bugloss ‘Jack Frost’
Cornus canadensis, dwarf cornelMatthew Wilson –
Hosta, plantain lily
Hosta sieboldiana, siebold’s plantain lily
Hosta 'Big Daddy' (_sieboldiana_ hybrid) (v), plantain lily ‘Big Daddy’Q- Why isn't my Christmas berry 'Red Robin' in here a lovely bright colour, like others?  (04'22")Q- Can banana plants stay outside during the winter? (08'10")Matthew Pottage –
Musa acuminata 'Dwarf Cavendish', banana 'Dwarf Cavendish'Q – Why has my 12-year-old smoke bush has turned brown overnight? (11'19")Feature – Matthew Pottage speaks with Managing Director of Sienna Hosta Nursery Chris Potts about how they nurture their Hosta’s to be pest free (17'07")Q-   What type of ferns should I use in my fernery?  (22'40")Matthew Wilson –
Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance', copper shield fern 'Brilliance'
Polystichum setiferum (Divisilobum Group) 'Herrenhausen', soft shield fern 'Herrenhausen'
Matteuccia struthiopteris, shuttlecock fern Pippa Greenwood –
Primula vulgaris (Pr/Prim), primrose
Wild violetsQ - What could I plant in a bed that never sees any sunshine? (27'51")Matthew Wilson –
Pulmonaria 'Blue Ensign', lungwort 'Blue Ensign'
Dryopteris erythrosora 'Brilliance', copper shield fern 'Brilliance'
Matteuccia struthiopteris, shuttlecock fern 
Deschampsia cespitosa, tufted hair grassChristine –
Rheum palmatum, Chinese rhubarb
Heuchera, cora bells
Ligularia  Q- How do I properly mow my lawn without ruining the foliage surrounding it? (32'33")Q - What can I do to take care of my 3ft Poinsettias? (37'35")

From the Archives: Foliage Frenzy

How can you get a second season out of tulips grown in pots? What is the most natural and cost-effective way to add nutrients to my soil? How do you garden with hedgehogs in mind?Kathy Clugston and her team of gardening experts return to Bangor, Northern Ireland where they solve some gardening dilemmas. Joining her are ethnobotanist James Wong, garden designer Neil Porteous, and Head of Gardens at Balmoral Kirsty Wilson.Later in the programme, continuing our Edible Essential Series is Bob Flowerdew, who provides the top fruits and vegetable to add to your shopping list this season. Producer: Bethany Hocken
Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock
Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4Plant List 
Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided. Q- What should I do with my phalaenopsis orchid? (01'24")Q- How do I look after auriculas during the summer? (05'02")Q- How can you get a second season out of tulips grown in pots? (06’57")Q- I’ve killed four Japanese acers over the years – what am I doing wrong? (19'30")Feature – Bob Flowerdew’s edible shopping list. What fruit and veg you should grow this season (14'41")Bob Flowerdew –
Asparagus officinalis, asparagus 
Ribes nigrum, blackcurrant 
Chillies 
Allium sativum, garlic 
Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus, globe artichokes
Helianthus tuberosus, Jerusalem artichokes 
Allium cepa, onions 
Solanum tuberosum, potatoes 
Raphanus sativus, radish
Rubus idaeus, raspberries 
Ribes rubrum, redcurrants 
Rheum rhabarbarum, rhubarb 
Allium cepa var. aggregatum, shallots 
Fragaria × ananassa, strawberries
Zea mays var. saccharate, sweetcorn Q- My soil is very much depleted of nutrients. What is the most natural and cost-effective way to remedy this? (18'44")Q – What shrubs could I grow in containers that are exposed to extreme winds and sea salt? (23'36")Neil Porteous –
Grevillea rosmarinifolia, rosemary grevillea
Euphorbia stygiana subsp. Santamaria, 
Ozothamnus rosmarinifolius, sea rosemaryKirsty Wilson –
Phormium tenax, New Zealand flax
Hakonechloa macra, Japanese forest grassJames Wong –
Pinus pinea, stone pineQ - How do you garden with hedgehogs in mind? (29'38")Q - I’m just about to dig out an area for a large pond. What plants do the panel recommend I use to get me started? (31’20")James Wong –
Soleirolia soleirolii, mind-your-own-business
Nymphaea, waterliliesKirsty Wilson –
Iris pseudacorus, yellow iris
Hosta, Plantain lily
Astilbe, astilbe
Meconopsis, Himalayan poppy
Cyperus alternifolius L., umbrella plantNeil Porteous –
Eryngium, sea holly
Eryngium pandanifolium, pandan-like-leaved eryngoQ - Can you recommend some plants that are showstoppers and conversation starters? (37'21")Kirsty Wilson –
Nepeta 'Blue Dragon', catmint 'Blue Dragon'Neil Porteous –
Vitex lucens, puririJames Wong –
Mahonia, oregon grape
Daphne

Bangor: Second Chance, Shopping Lists and Hedgehog Gardens

What's your recommended recipe for homemade seed compost? What makes a dog friendly garden? What is the most inappropriate piece of garden advice that you've received?Peter Gibbs and the panel offer advice to an audience of keen gardeners in the borough of Wokingham. Joining Peter are house plants expert Anne Swithinbank, garden designer Bunny Guinness, and proud plantsman Matthew Biggs.Later in the programme, for Plant Health Week, Kirsty Wilson visits the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh to meet biosecurity officer Matt Elliot and discover how new pests and diseases are threatening our gardens — and what we can do to fight back.Producer: Matt Smith
Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4Plant List 
Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided. Q - Do the panel have any favourite help or design features in their gardens made by their pets? (01'45")Q- Could you give me some top tips on growing Dahlias? (05'40")Q- How do you manage a wildflower area after the first year of flowering? (10’18")Feature – Kirsty Wilson and Biosecurity Officer of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh discuss how we can protect our plants from new pests and diseases (14'20")Q- My Fatsia Bush has flowered – do I prune it back or leave the fruits for the birds? (19'30")Q - Which exciting new plants should we be looking forward to growing in the south-east of England?
(22'31")Bunny Guinness –
Diospyros virginiana (F), common persimmon
Diospyros 'Nikita's Gift' (F), Nikita’s Gift Persimmon.
Salvia involucrata 'Hadspen', rosy-leaf sage ‘Hadspen’Matthew Biggs –
Salvia officinalis 'Bicolor', sage 'Bicolor'
Echium
Echium wildpretii, tower of jewels
Echium pininana giant viper's buglossAnne Swithinbank –
Leonotis Leonurus, lion's tail
Dictamnus albus, burning bush
Eriobotrya, loquatQ - What is your recommended recipe for homemade seed compost? (28'00")Q - I have a small starter allotment; can the panel advise me on how to make the most of my small plot? (32'10")Bunny Guinness –
Onion
Garlic
LettuceMatthew Biggs –
Lettuce,
fresh beetroot, 
fresh carrots, 
finger carrots
Baby leaf
Spinach
radish
courgettes
French beans 
Runner beans Anne Swithinbank –
Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum, florence fennelQ - What is the most inappropriate piece of garden advice that you've received, and did you follow it? (37'24")

Wokingham Borough: Pet Friendly Gardens, Homemade Compost and Silly Advice

What would be your top tips for creating compost? What's the best way to propagate Lamine raspberries? What could I grow in very dry soil? Kathy Clugston and a panel of plant and gardening experts return to Ridgewell, Essex and offer advice to an audience of keen gardeners. Joining Kathy are grow-your-own guru Bob Flowerdew, garden designer Bunny Guinness, and gardener Matthew Pottage.Later in the programme, avid urban gardener Martha Swales offers advice on how to grow edibles indoors. Continuing our 'Edible Essential Series'.Producer: Matthew Smith 
Assistant Producer: Rahnee PrescodPlant List 
Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided. Q - What can I plant in my hanging baskets that would give a bright full display and will also attract bees? (01'31")Bunny Guinness -
Verbena officinalis 'Bampton', vervain 'Bampton'Matthew Pottage -
Delosperma
Lameranthus Q- My climbing rose refuse to flower consistently, should I dig it up and cut my losses or feed the ground? (04'59")Q- Will my two large Cycas revoluta plants recover from frost damage? (09'41")Q - What would be your top tips for creating compost? (13'36")Q- What's the best way to propagate raspberry 'Tulameen'? (22'48")Q - When should I cut back my Honeysuckles? And how hard should I cut them back?
(24'48")Bunny Guinness -
Lonicera japonica 'Halliana', hall's Japanese honeysuckleQ- What could I grow in very dry soil? (26'45")Matthew Pottage – 
Ascanthus, bear's breeches
Ruscus aculeatus, butcher’s broom
Hydrangea petiolaris, climbing hydrangeas
Euonymus fortunei 'Kewensis', spindle 'Kewensis'Bob Flowerdew –
Ficus carica (F), fig
Vitis vinifera, grape vineBunny Guinness –
Lavandula, lavender Q - We’ve removed a Conifer hedge and replaced it with a fence. What can I plant against it? (31'26")Matthew Pottage –
Pileostegia viburnoides, climbing hydrangeaBob Flowerdew –
Ribes rubrum, common redcurrant
Ribes rubrum 'White Grape', white currents
Ribes uva-crispa, gooseberry
Lathyrus odoratus, sweet peaBunny Guinness –
Ficus carica Little Miss Figgy ('Lmf01') (F), fig [Little Miss Figgy]
Clematis armandi, armand clematisQ - As a legendarily useless gardener, I've always believed that gardening is a dark art into which I have not been initiated. What's the best way in? (36'14")

Braintree: Indoor Gardening, Rich Compost and Propagating

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

Postbag Edition: Belfast Botanic Garden

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

West Yorkshire: Unorthodox Advice, Edible Essentials and Sodden Patches

Why are my blueberry plants experiencing blueberry dieback? How can we prevent or treat an infestation of whitefly in an eco-friendly manner? Which plant have you been most tempted to steal and why?Peter Gibbs and a panel of plant and gardening gurus offer advice to an audience of keen gardeners in Twyford, Reading. Joining Peter are house plant expert Anne Swithinbank, garden designer Bunny Guinness, and proud plantsman Matthew Biggs.Later in the programme, we hear from GQT's Kathy Clugston who visits a garden designed for individuals with no sense of smell.Producer: Matt Smith
Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod 
Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Twyford: Blueberry Dieback, Anosmia and Itchy Fingers

How do I keep my gladioli coming back?  Why are my hellebores covered in black spots? Why do my courgettes go mouldy so quickly?Kathy Clugston and a panel of plant and gardening experts are offering advice to an audience of keen gardeners in Ridgewell, Essex. Joining Kathy are grow-your-own guru Bob Flowerdew,  garden designer Bunny Guinness, and gardener Matthew Pottage.Later in the programme, we hear from Peter Gibbs about the increasing number of sponge cities in the UK.A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Ridgewell

What’s the best time to sow and harvest up north? Why won't my Buddha's hand plant produce fruit? Can nematodes get rid of codling moth? Kathy Clugston and the Gardeners’ Question Time team head to Bradford, the UK’s City of Culture 2025, to tackle your trickiest gardening dilemmas. Kathy is joined by garden designers Marcus Chilton-Jones, Matthew Pottage and Juliet Sargeant.Later in the programme, Juliet visits a hidden gem transformed by the Lister Community Action Group. Discover how volunteers have breathed new life into a once-forgotten ginnel, turning it into a vibrant community oasis.Producer: Bethany Hocken
Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Bradford: Buddha's Hand, Yorkshire Climate & Upcycled Ginnels

What’s soil type works best in terrariums? Want plants could I use to absorb the damp patches in my garden? Which unloved flower has a place in your garden?Kathy Clugston and her team of gardening experts visit the Clandeboye estate in Bangor, where they tackle some head scratching gardening dilemmas. Joining her are ethnobotanist James Wong, garden designer Neil Porteous, and Head of Gardens at Balmoral Kirsty Wilson.Later in the programme, Neil Porteous takes us on a fascinating journey through the Belfast Botanic Gardens, uncovering the rich history of the shamrock. From ancient legends to its deep connection with St Patrick’s Day, discover how this little green plant became one of Ireland’s most powerful symbols.Producer: Bethany Hocken
Assistant Producer: Dulcie Whadcock
Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Clandeboye Estate

How do you keep a bonsai tree thriving? Should you risk moving a well-established shrub rose? And what’s the one plant you simply couldn’t live without?Kathy Clugston and the GQT team are back in Walsall, ready to tackle your most pressing horticultural dilemmas. Joining her are garden designers Bunny Guinness, Matthew Wilson and Marcus Chilton-Jones.Later in the programme, Marcus Chilton-Jones visits Walsall Arboretum's oldest and most remarkable hawthorn tree. Joined by Claire Turner and Josh Madders, he uncovers the fascinating history of this ancient survivor and the secrets behind its resilience.Producer: Bethany Hocken
Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Walsall Arboretum: Bonsai Trees, Shrub Roses & Favourite Plants

What’s the best way to propagate Heuchera? How do i minimise the growth of my Wisteria and maximise flowers? Are there any low skilled gardening jobs that I could do? Kathy and a team of experts return to The Hanneys where they solve more gardening problems. Joining Kathy to answer the questions are fanatical plantswoman Christine Walkden, dedicated botanist Dr Chris Thorogood, and passionate plant expert Matthew Biggs.Later in the programme, Matt Biggs Hardwood cuttings, an easy and reliable method of propagating plants.Producer: Dominic Tyerman
Producer: Matthew Smith
Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Vale of White Horse: Heuchera, Waterlogged Gardens and Hardwood Cuttings

How do we get rid of red ants? Rainwater or tap water? How can I stay motivated in the garden when it's wet and windy?Kathy Clugston and her team of gardening gurus visit Walsall to solve some horticultural problems. Joining Kathy to answer the questions are garden designers Bunny Guinness, Marcus Chilton Jones and Matthew Wilson.Later in the programme, Peter Gibbs visits RHS Wisley where  principal scientist Kálmán Könyves educates him on their Daffodil Diaries initiative. A strategy which logs where, what and when rare and endangered narcissi bloom.Producer: Bethany Hocken
Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Walsall: Rainwater v Tap Water, Caffeinated Ants and Daffodil Diaries

Snowdrops - do you mulch, feed, or leave them alone? What's the difference between anaerobic digestion and aerobic digestion? How do I get rid of apple maggots? Peter Gibbs and the GQT team of experts return to Shepton Mallet to solve various gardening conundrums. On the panel this week are house plant guru Anne Swithinbank, pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood, and garden designer Matthew Wilson.Later in the programme, Anne Swithinbank and Dominic Weston discuss all things snowdrops ahead of Shepton Mallet's upcoming snowdrop festival. Producer: Daniel Cocker
Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod 
Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Shepton Mallet Snowdrop Festival: Anaerobic Digestion, Apple Maggots and  Pyramid Orchids

Peter Gibbs guides us through the GQT archive, which includes some much needed advice on how to make your garden more wildlife friendly. The GQT team have pruned through 77 years of questions and answers to reveal useful advice provided by our various horticultural experts. This includes tips on how to attract bats to the garden, advice on rabbit proof plants and the benefits of snakes in the gardenLater, we listen back to when Kirsty Wilson visited Glenarm Castle and discussed how we make our gardens to safe for hedgehogs.Producer: Bethany Hocken
Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

From the Archives: Planting for Wildlife

Is gardening a solitary or a social activity? What could I grow up a garage wall? What do the panel expect to see in open gardens?Kathy and a team of experts visit The Hanneys to solve gardeners' problems. Joining Kathy to answer the questions are fanatical plantswoman Christine Walkden, dedicated botanist Dr Chris Thorogood, and passionate plant expert Matthew Biggs.Later in the programme, Matthew Pottage and GQT producer Dominic Tyerman visit the Sydney Botanic Gardens in Australia to understand the wide appeal of living wall gardens, as well as provide tips for making your own.Producer: Dominic Tyerman 
Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

East and West Hanney

How do I get red cedar root balls to spread? What gardening task do the panel find daunting? What are the panel’s thoughts about composting organic materials?Kathy Clugston and her team of horticultural experts travel to the University of Exeter for a postbag edition of GQT. While Curator of Horticulture Anthony Cockell leads Kathy and the panel around the grounds, they also dig through the GQT inbox to answer your gardening queries. On the panel this week are garden designer Chris Beardshaw, grow your own guru Bob Flowerdew, and proud plantswoman Christine Walkden.Later in the programme, the panellists discuss the University of Exeter's national collection of Azaras, share tips on how they can add structure to the garden and provide a sensory experience.Senior Producer: Bethany Hocken
Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod 
Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Postbag: University of Exeter

My Fatsia plants had their stems nibbled by deer – will they recover, or should I buy new ones?  Any tips on how I can get my eucalyptus plants to produce juvenile flowers? If you were building a scarecrow in your garden, what would you suggest dressing it in? Kathy Clugston and a panel of experts are in Cheshire West to answer queries from an audience of keen gardeners. On the panel are garden designer Bunny Guinness, houseplant expert Anne Swithinbank, and curator of RHS Bridgewater Marcus Chilton-Jones.Later, James Wong and head gardener of the Castlefield Viaduct Nancy Scheerhout discuss how the 'garden in the sky' was created, as well as how it's maintained.Producer: Bethany Hocken
Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Cheshire West

Will my blind daffodils ever flower again, or should I just discard them? Can I use old yule logs to line my plant beds or will the harvested fruit and veg become poisonous? How can I repel spiders from my garden without using chemicals? Peter Gibbs is joined by his enthusiastic team of horticultural experts as they dig through the GQT inbox and answer your gardening conundrums. On the panel this week are landscape architect Bunny Guinness, self proclaimed botanical geek James Wong and pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood. They visit the Horniman Museum and Gardens in Forest Hill, where head of horticulture Errol Reuben Fernandes gives the team a tour of their historical and extensive gardens.Later, Peter and the panel discuss whether there are house plants that can produce enough oxygen to purify air or if this is just a myth.Senior Producer: Dan Cocker 
Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod 
Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Postbag: Horniman Museum and Gardens

Kathy Clugston navigates the murky waters of the GQT archives in search of some Pond and Bog related advice throughout the years.Water is the giver of plant life and nourisher of wildlife, but how do we ensure that we’re using it correctly? The GQT team have sorted through the archives in search for some questions and answers from the past.The programme's horticultural experts share their knowledge on what to do if your pond liner breaks, how to remove bird poo from the surface of your pond, and what sort of plants you could plant in bogs and ponds to increase biodiversity? We also listen back to when pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood visited the Exbury Gardens dragonfly pond to learn more about these little creatures. Producer: Dan Cocker 
Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod 
Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

From the Archive: Ponds and Bogs

Could the panel share some gardening tips for wheelchair users? How do I start growing mulukhiyah in my garden? Which hedges could I grow that are resistant to ermine moths and offer privacy?
 
Peter Gibbs is joined by his eager team of horticultural experts as they dig through the GQT inbox and answer your gardening queries. On the panel this week are landscape architect Bunny Guinness, head gardener of Horatio’s Garden Ashley Edwards and curator of RHS Wisley Matthew Pottage.
 
This week they visit Ham House and Garden in Richmond where head gardener John Myers gives them a tour of their unique horticultural treasure trove.
 
Later, Peter and the panel discuss the fundamentals of a kitchen garden and give tips on non-typical fruit and vegetables you could grow in your garden.Senior Producer: Dominic Tyerman 
Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Executive Producer: Carly MaileA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Postbag: Ham House and Garden

Could you suggest some bat friendly plants that will keep them happy? Is it too late to re-pot my five-year-old daffodils? How can I improve the quality of my clay soil and what can I grow on it?Peter Gibbs and his team of horticultural experts are in the market town of Wokingham for this week's episode of Gardeners' Question Time.Joining Peter to dig into the audience's queries are garden designer Matthew Wilson, proud plantswoman Christine Walkden and passionate plantsman Matthew Biggs. Later in the show, Kirsty Wilson gets into the community spirit as she visits Greyfriars Biophilic Garden in Glasgow for a quick tour of their 56 show-stopping plots. Producer: Bethany HockenAssistant Producer: Rahnee PrescodExecutive Producer: Hannah NewtonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Wokingham

I’m having no luck growing chillies from seed. What am I doing wrong? Which plants would the panel recommend to bring fragrance and colour? Which way should a fig tree face to produce the most fruit?Ready to answer all these questions and more, Kathy Clugston and her team of experts have been invited to the House of Lords for this week’s programme. Joining Kathy to offer their best horticultural tips and tricks are Head of Oxford Botanical Gardens Dr Chris Thorogood, garden designer Matthew Wilson, and plantswoman Christine Walkden. Among the questions, Kathy chats to Baroness Fookes about the importance of gardening today. Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Senior Producer: Dan Cocker 
Executive Producer: Hannah Newton 
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

House of Lords

What’s the best way to protect my terracotta plant pots from frost? What should I do if I spot an Asian hornet in my garden? What tall plants can I grow that are resistant to snails?Kathy Clugston and her team of horticultural experts visit the peaceful, Mottistone Gardens on the Isle of Wight for a postbag edition of the programme, where they answering your questions from the inbox.Kathy's joined by organic gardener Bob Flowerdew, pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood, and curator of RHS Wisley Matthew Pottage. And taking our panel on a tour around the magical gardens while offering his own advice is Senior Gardener, Ed Hinch.Producer: Dom TyermanAssistant Producer: Rahnee PrescodExecutive Producer: Hannah NewtonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Mottistone Gardens, Isle of Wight

What’s the best way to grow swedes? Why doesn’t my hydrangea come to flower? Are artificial plants acceptable or downright outrageous?This week, the GQT panellists are in Earlsdon to answer these questions and more in front of a live audience. Ready to share their insightful advice on all your plant predicaments are plant pathologist Pippa Greenwood, grow-your-own guru Bob Flowerdew, and conversant horticulturist Anne Swithinbank.Alongside the questions, regular panellist Matthew Wilson visits GQT Producer, Dan Cocker to dig up all there is to know about weeds.A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Earlsdon

What should I plant on the roof of my houseboat? Should I grow lilies in containers or flowerbeds? What is the worst gardening idea you’ve ever had?The GQT panellists are back in North Shropshire to answer these questions and more in front of a live audience. Ready to share their insightful advice on all your plant predicaments are landscape architect Bunny Guinness, horticulturist Christine Walkden, and garden designer Matthew Wilson.Alongside the questions, GQT Assistant Producer Rahnee Prescod chats to London Terrariums founder Emma Sibley about the history and creation of these pocket-sized jar-dens.Producer: Bethany Hocken
Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Executive Producer: Hannah NewtonA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

North Shropshire

Peter Gibbs takes a look through the GQT archives for top tips on sustainable gardening.Over the years the GQT panellists have shared plenty of knowledge on how to be a green gardener. They look at everything from how to make your driveway more environmentally friendly, to efficiently collecting rainwater at home.We also hear Hafsah Haferji's "how-to" on companion planting, and head back to RHS Wisley with Matthew Pottage and Environmental Researcher Tijana Blanusa to learn how trees help us with carbon capture.Producer - Hannah Newton
Assistant Producer - Bethany HockenA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

GQT From The Archives: Sustainability Special

Peter Gibbs and the team are at Herstmonceux Castle, East Sussex. Juliet Sargeant, Matt Biggs and Matthew Pottage are this weeks' panellists, ready to answer your gardening questions.Led by Herstmonceux's head gardener Guy Lucas, the team explores the castle grounds and learns about the sustainable gardening practices adopted in recent years.The panellists also tackle questions from listeners, including suggestions for what to plant around a thatched cottage, and when to prune plants that are still in flower in the winter.Producer - Jemima Rathbone
Assistant Producer - Aniya DasA Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4