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

A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Plant List

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 –

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 –

Christine Walkden –

Q – 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 –

Matthew Pottage –

Pippa Greenwood –