Gardeners' Question Time

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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