Postbag Edition: Sefton Park Palm House

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