Gardeners' Question Time

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

Plant List

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 –

Pippa Greenwood –

James Wong –

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 –

James Wong –

Pippa Greenwood –

Q – 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 –

Juliet Sargeant –

Pippa Greenwood –

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

Plant List

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 –

Christine Walkden

Marcus Chilton Jones –

Q – 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 –

Matthew Biggs –

Marcus Chilton-Jones –

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”)

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

Plant List

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 –

Q - 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 –

Christine Walkden –

Pippa Greenwood –

Q – 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")

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

A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Plant List

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 –

Matthew Wilson –

James Wong –

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 –

Matthew Wilson –

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

A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

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

A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Plant List

Q - What would be the best plants for a foliage border? (01'07")

Matthew Biggs –

Anne Swithinbank –

Matthew Wilson –

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 –

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 –

Pippa Greenwood –

Q - What could I plant in a bed that never sees any sunshine? (27'51")

Matthew Wilson –

Christine –

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")

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

A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Plant List

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 –

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 –

Kirsty Wilson –

James Wong –

Q - 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 –

Kirsty Wilson –

Neil Porteous –

Q - Can you recommend some plants that are showstoppers and conversation starters? (37'21")

Kirsty Wilson –

Neil Porteous –

James Wong –

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

A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Plant List

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?

Bunny Guinness –

Matthew Biggs –

Anne Swithinbank –

Q - 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 –

Matthew Biggs –

Anne Swithinbank –

Q - What is the most inappropriate piece of garden advice that you've received, and did you follow it? (37'24")

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

Plant List

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 -

Matthew Pottage -

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?

Bunny Guinness -

Q- What could I grow in very dry soil? (26'45")

Matthew Pottage –

Bob Flowerdew –

Bunny Guinness –

Q - We’ve removed a Conifer hedge and replaced it with a fence. What can I plant against it? (31'26")

Matthew Pottage –

Bob Flowerdew –

Bunny Guinness –

Q - 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")

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

A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4