From the Archives: Christmas
What can I do with my amaryllis bulb now that I’ve dipped it in wax? Are misshapen vegetables safe to eat? Are there any deer proof plants? Find out in this archive edition of GQT.
Peter Gibbs digs, rakes and mulches through the GQT archive to uncover some much needed gardening advice, providing you with knowledge to aid you in the new year.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and the perfect period to get ahead with maintaining you garden during the harsh winter months to come.
GQT’s various horticultural experts from over the years share their tips and knowledge on what to do with wonky veg, what to do with an Amaryllis bulb after it’s finished flowering, and which plants are deer proof.
Later, we listen back to when Chris Beardshaw visited Tenby Wells to learn all about mistletoe, its origins and the significance it has on the festive period.
Producer: Dom Tyerman
Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod
Executive Producer: Carly Maile
A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4
Last on
Plant List
Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided.
Q – How do I encourage Christmas cacti to flower? (00’45”)
Q – My amaryllis bulb has finished flowering. What should I do with it now that I’ve dipped it in wax? (02’50”)
Q – I've been advised that we should cut Helleborus right down in the early winter and then give them a good slug of fertiliser – is this true? (05’19”)
James Wong –
Dicksonia
Q – Do misshapen root vegetables indicate a problem in the soil? Are they fit to eat? (12’48”)
Q – I often get given pot plants at Christmas. What's the best way to deal with them in the new year, apart from the compost heap? (15’33”)
Bob Flowerdew –
Gardenia
John Cushnie –
Euphorbia pulcherrima, poinsettias
Feature – Chris Beardshaw visits Tenby Wells to learn all about Mistletoe and the significance it has on the festive period (19’00)
Q – Can the panel recommend plants which will not be eaten by deer? (25’42”)
Matthew Wilson –
Euphorbia, spurge
Euphorbia mellifera, canary spurge
Euphorbia characias subsp. Wulfenii, mediterranean spurge
Colletia paradoxa, anchor plant
Q – If I was to pull all the ivy out of a hedge, will the bush recover of its own accord? (29’38”)
Q – What’s infecting my Scots pine? (32’52”)
Q – What would the panel choose as a heritage tree or shrub for their own garden? (36’58”)
Christine Walkden
Pseudolarix amabilis, golden larch
Matthew Wilson –
Quercus robur, common oak
Apple Tree
Pippa Wilson –
Quercus robur, common oak
Eric Robson –
Sorbus aucuparia, rowan
Broadcasts
- Fri 27 Dec 2024 15:00BBC Radio 4
- Sun 29 Dec 2024 14:00BBC Radio 4
Six of GQT’s naughtiest gardening innuendos
When Gardeners' Question Time got mucky.
Podcast
-
![]()
Gardeners' Question Time
Horticultural programme featuring a group of gardening experts
