Main content

Is it possible to grow edible watermelons in the UK? How do I revive my over-chitted potatoes? Kathy and the panel have the answers to this and more in this week's GQT.

Is it possible to grow edible watermelons in the UK? How do revive my red Duke of York potatoes after over-chitting them? How can I continue growing leeks while protecting them from leaf miners?

Kathy Clugston and a panel of keen gardening experts are in Fulham, West London to unearth the answers to the audience's gardening conundrums. On the panel this week are organic gardener Bob Flowerdew, pest and disease expert Pippa Greenwood, and curator of RHS Wisley Matthew Pottage.

Later, we immerse ourselves in the Sound of Blossom festival at Kew Gardens, where head kitchen gardener Helena Dove educates us on the life cycle of blossoms, and the benefits it has for insects and wildlife.

Senior Producer: Dan Cocker
Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Executive Producer: Carly Maile

A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

Available now

42 minutes

Last on

Sun 7 Apr 202414:00

Plant List

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

Q – Is it possible to grow edible watermelons in the UK? If so any tips on growing them? (2’25)

Q – Why does my Crassula ovata/money plant have brown marks on it? (7’01”)

Q – Will lupin aphids continue to attack if I move my lupins somewhere else? (10’44”)

Q – Can I make a cutting of my neighbour’s peony tree? If so, how long does it take to flower? (15’00”)

Feature – Head kitchen gardener at Kew Gardens, Helena Dove describes the life cycle of blossoms; and the benefits it has to insects and wildlife. (17’34”)

Matthew Pottage –

Cercissiliquastrum, judas tree

Cercischinensis 'Avondale', chinese redbud 'Avondale'

Cercischinensis, chinese redbud

Cercis chinensis Shirobana, chinese redbud

Pippa Greenwood –

Amelanchier

Apple blossom trees

Bob Flowerdew –

Viola odorata, sweet violet

Q – What’s wrong with my mimosa plant? (26’52”)

Q – How do revive my red duke of york potatoes after over chitting them? (31’30”)

Q – What can my grandma grow in her window boxes that are easy to maintain and colourful all year round? (33’43”)

Bob Flowerdew –

Viola Universal Plus Series, pansy universal plus series

Fragariavesca (F), alpine strawberry

Pippa Greenwood –

Thyme

Matthew Pottage –

Nerinesarniensis, guernsey lily

Narcissusbulbocodium 'Arctic Bells', daffodil 'arctic bells'

Echeveria elegans, Mexican snowball

Sedum sieboldii, October daphne

Q – How can I continue growing leeks and protect them from leaf miners? (37’05”)

Broadcasts

  • Fri 5 Apr 202415:00
  • Sun 7 Apr 202414:00

Six of GQT’s naughtiest gardening innuendos

Six of GQT’s naughtiest gardening innuendos

When Gardeners' Question Time got mucky.

Podcast