Gardeners' Question Time

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Rating
4.7
from
252 reviews
This podcast has
75 episodes
Language
Publisher
Explicit
No
Date created
2009/07/31
Latest episode
2026/04/17
Average duration
43 min.
Release period
7 days

Description

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

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Podcast episodes

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Bolton
2026/04/17
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 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. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qp2f/episodes/guide
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Edgworth & District
2026/04/10
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 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. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qp2f/episodes/guide
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Postbag Edition: Mary Berry's House
2026/04/03
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 Smith A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
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Vale of Glamorgan
2026/03/27
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 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. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qp2f/episodes/guide
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From the Archives: Water
2026/03/20
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 Norton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
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Sully & District: Blooming Cacti, Shallow Depth and Signs of Spring
2026/03/13
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 Norton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
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Hertfordshire
2026/03/06
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 Prescod 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.
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Postbag Edition: Ninewells Community Garden
2026/02/27
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
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Chaldon
2026/02/20
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 Smith 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.
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Tyne Valley
2026/02/13
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 Cocker Assistant Producer: Suhaar Ali A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4 To view the plant list, please go to the Gardeners' Question Time and open this week's episode page.
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Kimpton
2026/02/06
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 Norton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
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Postbag Edition: Seaton Delaval Hall
2026/02/04
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 Ali A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.
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Clara Vale
2026/02/04
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 Ali A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
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Caterham
2026/01/23
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 Norton A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4.
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Firth of Tay
2026/01/12
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 Prescod A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
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Podcast reviews

Read Gardeners' Question Time podcast reviews


4.7 out of 5
252 reviews
texas photos 2025/01/14
One of my favorites!
I live in the U.S. but absolutely love the humor and great gardening info. Always save it for a time I can listen uninterrupted!
Gaels123 2024/06/02
Always pleasant
I always enjoy seeing this podcast pop up in my feed. Lots of good gardening information and fun pleasant humor and interesting topics. Although I liv...
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WCS60 2024/02/25
My favorite calming podcast!
I live in the Southern US, and I love to garden…but I listen just as much for the gentle humor and kindness of the show. I learn so much, and it is a ...
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MilaMalakoff 2023/03/20
I love Fridays Even More Now Because Friday is a GQT Day!!
I was a novice gardener in 2016, and found this podcast to get some advice on pretty much everything gardening. Now I have listened to this show relig...
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Wigglestemgardens 2022/11/25
So informative and enjoyable
I love the variety of information and honestly, the company they provide as I drive to work. Funny and always teaching me little tricks to use in my ...
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SCGA Health 2022/08/10
A must listen podcast for growers
I so enjoy GQT! I’m an avid listener and I have picked up so many gardening tips that we don’t get here in the States. As a flower farmer in my suburb...
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HelenAtChateau 2021/09/27
My favorite gardening podcast
I listen to many but this one is my favorite!
100flowerzzz 2021/04/21
Such great company
This podcast is such a wonderful addition to my listening library. Can’t say enough good things about it. Upbeat, funny and informative. Bravo!
Heatherdavids 2021/02/07
Learned so much from this podcast
A friend who knows more about gardening than I do told me she learned a lot from this podcast and now so have I. It keeps me company outside as I gar...
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Agatha Fan! 2021/01/18
Gardeners’ must!
Fun Entertaining Informative Enlightening Motivating!
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