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Peter Gibbs and the panel are in Eastbourne for the horticultural programme featuring a panel of gardening experts.

Peter Gibbs and the panel are in Eastbourne for this week's horticultural programme. Matthew Pottage, Christine Walkden and Ashley Edwards answer the questions.

On his way, Peter stops by the chalky cliffs of Beachy Head. He speaks with Tim Squire, Ranger for the Eastern Downs of the National Park, who tells him all about the unique chalk grassland of the area.

In Eastbourne, the panellists suggest some low-growing plants for a windy, coastal terrace, as well as what we can plant now that the weather is warmer than ever before. They also discuss how to water the garden in drought conditions.

Away from the questions Matthew heads over to Sienna Hosta nursery to speak with Chris Potts, who explains how they keep their hostas slug and snail free.

Producer: Dominic Tyerman
Assistant Producer: Aniya Das

A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Available now

42 minutes

Last on

Sun 7 Aug 202214:00
BBC Radio 4

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Plant List

Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided.

Q – What can I grow outside now that I couldn’t before, now that we have temperatures that reach 40 degrees?

(4 minutes)

Matthew –

Lagerstroemia indica, Crape myrtle
Albizia
Hedychium

Ashley –

Banana

Avocado

Fig

Callaloo

Tetrapanax papyrifer, Rice-paper plant

Q – I have an apple and a pear tree on my allotment. What can I grow underneath them?

(8 minutes 2 seconds)

Christine –
Cyclamen hederifolium
Cyclamen coum

Ashley –

Meadow plants

Matthew –

Comfrey

Phlomis russeliana

Q – Why am I not getting any cucumbers even though I’m getting loads of flowers?

(11 minutes 7 seconds)

Q – I have a mature Bottlebrush plant that is 8 feet (2.4m) tall. It overhangs a path - how much can I safely cut back, but still get flowers next year? It’s still in bloom now.

(13 minutes 5 seconds)

Feature – Matthew Pottage speaks to Chris Potts at Sienna Hosta nursery to find out how they manage to grow hostas without damage from slugs and snails.

(15 minutes 20 seconds)

Q – We have a 15x7m (49 x 23 ft) west-facing terrace on the 5th floor. It is exposed to wind, rain and salt. We’re not allowed any windbreaks or structures. Could you please suggest some low growing, sturdy, drought resistant plants that can grow in pots?
(20 minutes 55 seconds)

Ashley –

Trailing rosemary

Fennel

Christine –

Vaccinium
Pernettya
Gaulnettya
Dwarf pine
Teucrium
Senecio 
Phlomis

Matthew –

Astelia chathamica
Pittosporum

Phormium
Corokia × virgata 'Silver Ghost'
Beschorneria
Fascicularia bicolor

Q – Is there a difference between compost and soil conditioner and if so, what is it and which is best for what?

(25 minutes 42 seconds)

Q – This year my two established ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ peonies both only produced three flowers this year. Should I divide them and if so, when?

(29 minutes 35 seconds)

Q – How do I water the garden in drought conditions, without wasting too much water?

(31 minutes 46 seconds)

Q – You’ve finally been given an allotment and you find it overgrown, uncultivated and unloved. How would you clear the ground and prepare it for sowing and planting?

(36 minutes 10 seconds)

Broadcasts

  • Fri 5 Aug 202215:00
    BBC Radio 4
  • Sun 7 Aug 202214:00
    BBC Radio 4

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