This May Day we’re embracing new growth in the garden — even from the unexpected plants that pop up on their own! Nick Turrell from the RHS Gardening Advice Team will be shining a spotlight on one so-called ‘weed’ that’s actually packed with nutrients — a perfect addition to your summer salads. Liz Mooney from the edibles team at RHS Garden Wisley is back to share her top tips for growing beans — whether broad, runner, or French. And horticulturist Alessandra Sana will be diving into the crowning jewel of any summer pond: the glorious, timeless waterlily.
Host: Guy Barter
Contributors: Nick Turrell, Liz Mooney, Alessandra Sana
Links:
How to grow broad beans
How to grow runner beans
How to grow French beans
How to grow waterlilies
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28:36
Spring in Full Swing
Spring is stretching its limbs, and the garden is stirring to life. As the days grow longer and begin to warm, there’s a tangible energy in the air – a heady mix of birdsong, budding leaves, and the unmistakable scent of fresh soil and blossoms. This week horticulturist Liz Mooney will be sharing her expert tips on getting the best from beetroot, turnips and parsnips – perfect for anyone looking to grow a productive plot from the ground up. The RHS Gardening Advice Team will also be joining us to answer your most frequently asked questions this month, and Elizabeth Medal of Honour winner Clare Hermans will be sharing her enduring fascination with Madagascan orchids and the stories behind these rare and remarkable plants.
Host: Gareth Richards
Contributors: Liz Mooney, James Lawrence, Chris Taylor, Nick Turrell, Clare Hermans
Links:
Previous episode on growing potatoes with Liz Mooney
Previous episode on growing tomatoes with Liz Mooney
RHS Gardening Advice
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36:10
Earth Day Special
As gardeners, we understand the deep connection between people and the planet. The choices we make in our own green spaces – no matter how small – can ripple outward, creating real impact. This Earth Day, ecological home grower Poppy Okotcha invites us into her world of regenerative gardening. Dr. Hayley Jones explores how welcoming all creatures – even the less popular ones – can nurture a thriving, balanced ecosystem. And campaigner Russell Ball shows us simple, powerful ways to give our urban trees the care and attention they deserve.
Host: Jenny Laville
Contributors: Poppy Okotcha, Dr Hayley Jones, Russell Ball
Links:
A Wilder Way: How Gardens Grow Us
Poppy Okotcha
RHS Slugs: Friend or Foe?: Know Your Slugs and Learn to Live With Them
How to stop slugs and snails: what works?
Slugs and Snails advice
Strangling Tree Ties #FreeTheTree
Fund4Trees
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34:45
Dark Corners, Bright Ideas
We start this week with a journey back in time, exploring some of the oldest and most resilient plants on the planet: ferns. Gardener, botanist and author Ben Dark has been uncovering some surprising stories about these living fossils as part of his sweeping journey – 2.5 billion years deep – into the fascinating history of plants. Ferns thrive in damp, shady garden corners — but they’re not the only ones. Horticulturist Alessandra Sana faced this exact challenge when she took on the north-facing wall of RHS Wisley’s walled garden. She shares her go-to plants and creative inspiration for transforming those tricky, low-light spots into lush, green sanctuaries. And finally, we cross the Atlantic to hear from John Sonnier, Head Gardener at the British Embassy in Washington, D.C. His pioneering sustainable gardening practices have just earned him the prestigious Elizabeth Medal of Honour from the RHS.
Host: Guy Barter
Contributors: Ben Dark, Alessandra Sana, John Sonnier
Links:
The Grove: A Nature Odyssey in 19 ½ Front Gardens
Shade planting: annuals, bulbs and perennials
What can I grow in a dry shady spot?
Sustainable planting combinations: shade collection
RHS People Awards
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36:14
The Gardener’s April Checklist: Spuds and Summer Bulbs
April is in full bloom, and with it comes a gardener’s to-do list bursting with promise! This week, Liz Mooney from RHS Garden Wisley shares expert tips on growing a bumper potato crop, while Guy Barter reveals how to plant summer bulbs for a dazzling display. Plus, we celebrate horticultural excellence with Victoria Medal of Honour recipient Martyn Rix, reflecting on a lifetime dedicated to plants.
Links:
How to grow potatoes
RHS People Awards
RHS Grow Your Own
'Gardening with the RHS' offers seasonal advice, inspiration and practical solutions to gardening problems. Trusted gardening professionals give you the latest horticultural advice, scientific research and tried and tested techniques to bring out the best in your garden.
Topics covered include: growing your own vegetables, flowers, garden design, lawn care and gardening with children. Plus expert masterclasses in topics ranging from cottage garden plants, growing orchids, to pest control and eco-friendly gardening.
Plus we’ll have behind the scenes reports from the country’s most prestigious flower shows. There’s something in these podcasts to interest every gardener, whatever your level of expertise.
For more info see www.rhs.org.uk/podcast
A Pixiu production.
UK