Dig It - Discussions on Gardening Topics

This month, Peter Brown is joined by new co-host David Thomas as they dig into one of the hottest UK summers on record, the impact on gardens, and how the recent rains have helped. They discuss major gardening news stories—from early harvests and dragonfly spotting to Bath’s literary blooms (Britain in Bloom) and a Tree Preservation Order-protected grapefruit tree in Battersea. Discover what’s on at this month’s flower shows, plus practical jobs for the garden, from sowing spinach to watering tea bushes. The Dig It Top 5 strawberries are revealed, and there’s plenty of planting advice for...

In this edition of DIG IT Peter Brown and Chris Day chat with Matthew Biggs, best known for his appearances on the long running BBC Radio 4 programme Gardeners' Question Time. He shares his special story, which is packed with anecdotes, wisdom, solace and plant stories from his amazing career which started at Pershore College of Horticulture and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and into writing, TV and so much more.

Plants mentioned: Apple Cordons, Apple varieties ‘Scrumptious’ and ‘Reverend W Wilks’ (cooker). Beetroot, Redcurrants, packets of annual seeds, Tomatoes, Alpines, Hanging baskets and Herbs

People mentione...

After three UK heatwaves so far this summer, our plants and gardens have enjoyed a much-appreciated spell of wet weather. In this edition of DIG IT Peter Brown and Chris Day (for the final time), explore the latest gardening news stories, what’s on’s and tasks to be getting on with this month.

What’s on

14th – 17th August: Southport Flower Show, Victoria Park, Southport.

15th – 17th August: RHS Garden Rosemoor Flower Show, Torrington, Devon.

29th – 31st August BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, Audley End House, Essex.

If you are out an...

In this edition of DIG IT Peter Brown and Chris Day chat with renowned Welsh vegetable grower and exhibitor Medwyn Williams, MBE and FNVS. A hobby that went completely out of control is how Medwyn describes his journey to growing amazing vegetables and a modest humble beginning saving seeds from leeks and carrots in the 1970s to his prolific online business today. Medwyn has won 13 Gold medals through the years at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, so he certainly knows his onions!

Plants mentioned: Beetroot, Broad beans, Carrots (‘Sweet Candle’, a Japanese bred variety being one of Medw...

Our gardens are growing apace this month and there's plenty to be getting on with as Dig It's Peter Brown and Chris Day tackle those essential tasks, plus a round-up of July’s events and garden news stories from around the UK.

What’s on

1st - 6th July: RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, Hampton Court Palace, London.

11th - 13th July: The Norfolk Garden Show, Norfolk Showground, New Costessey, Norwich.

16th - 20th July: RHS Flower Show Wentworth Woodhouse, South Yorkshire. On the 17th July Chris Baines will be givi...

In this edition of DIG IT Peter Brown and Chris Day chat with Chris Baines who is recognised as one of the UK's leading independent environmentalists and greatest pioneers in wildlife gardening. His best-selling book, How To Make A Wildlife Garden was published back in 1985 and has been in print continually ever since. Chris’s ethos is simply to encourage us all to think more about wildlife and give it a helping hand in our gardens!

People and places: Key Inspiration from Christopher Lloyd (Great Dixter Garden) and Dame Miriam Rothschild (passionate about getting wildflowers on motorway ve...

After the driest spring in over 60 years, our gardens have been amazing these past months. In this edition of DIG IT, Peter Brown and Chris Day guide us through the month of June looking at the events, topical gardening news and tasks to keep our gardens colourful and productive.

What’s on

Saturday 7th June Royal Windsor Flower Show, Windsor Great Park, Windsor.

7th - 8th June London Open Gardens, Multiple locations, London.

12 - 15th June BBC Gardeners’ World Live, NEC, Birmingham.

20 - 22nd June Blenheim Palace Flower Show, Blen...

Lee Connelly, the Skinny Jean Gardener, wants to get kids out in the garden and shares his passion for growing plants and engaging with nature. In this edition of DIG IT Peter Brown and Chris Day chat with Lee on his mission to get children gardening as part of National Children’s Gardening Week this month!

Plants mentioned: Cress, Chilli peppers, Daffodils, Jasmine, Onions, Potatoes, Radish Strawberries, Tomatoes and Wildflowers.

People and products mentioned: Dale Connelly, Jimmy Doherty (Jimmy’s Farm), Jamie Oliver, Micheal Perry (aka Mr Plant Geek), Matthew Biggs, Jim Buttress, Chris Collins, BBC...

May in the Garden 2025 short notes v2

It’s May and as the saying goes, “N'er cast a clout till May is out”. A proverb which reminds us about the fickle British weather and its ability to bathe us in warmth one day and bring chilly winds the next! Peter Brown and Chris Day discuss what gardening tasks need to be done in one of the busiest months in the gardening calendar, plus a round-up of events and topical news stories.

What’s on

2 - 4th May: BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair, Beaulieu, New Forest...

In this edition of DIG IT Peter Brown and Chris Day chat with Stuart Lowen, the Marketing Manager at Ball Colegrave, a leader in all areas of floriculture excellence. Stuart gives us the latest news from the seasonal plant industry, hanging basket advice, plus new bedding plants to look out for this summer.

The Blue Flag winner in 2024 was Lantana Passion Fruit, a trailing spreading variety with a long flowering season of fruity, coloured flowers.

The Tree of Life display at Ball featured Petunia Bee’s Knees.

Mad About Mangave ® Praying Hands, a uni...

After one of the driest March’s in years, our gardens are certainly providing some amazing tree blossom, shrub and bulb colour. DIG IT’s Peter Brown and Chris Day delve into the latest news, events and gardening advice for the month ahead.

5th April: The Forde Abbey Spring Plant and Gardening Fair at Forde Abbey and Gardens in Somerset.

5th - 6th April: Cornwall Garden Society Spring Flower Show at Royal Cornwall Show Ground near Wadebridge.

5th - 6th April: Great Dixter Annual Plant Fair at Great Dixter Garden, Rye in East Suss...

In this edition of DIG IT, Peter Brown and Chris Day chat with Jonathon Jones OBE on all aspects of trees from the famous Tregothnan Estate in Cornwall. Jonathon discusses how a revolutionary new app – Tremap is changing the way we can record, map and share details of  trees worldwide using GPS on our smart phones.

Plants mentioned: Araucaria Araucana (monkey puzzle tree), Camellia sinensis (tea), Casuarina equisetifolia (She-oak or whistling tree), Grevillea robusta, Griselinia littoralis, Honeyberry (Lonicera caerulea), Magnolia campbelli (the flamingo of the flower world), Montrey Cupressus, Olea (Olive tree), Lagerstroemia indica (myrtle tree), Podocarpus, Pop...

March in the Garden 2025 SHORT NOTES

Spring is in the air! DIG IT’s Peter Brown and Chris Day guide us through the month of March looking at events far and wide to visit, including the US and Australia, the latest news stories and the jobs to be getting on with in the garden.

What’s on

1st March: The Alpine Society’s Early Spring Show at Chelmsford City Racecourse, Chelmsford, Essex.

1 - 9th March: Philadelphia Flower Show, Pennsylvania Convention Centre, US.

15th March: Orchid and Terrarium Workshop Day at Buc...

After a chilly January in the UK, the days are starting to lengthen and there’s signs of life as bulbs are pushing through the soil. DIG IT’s Peter Brown and Chris Day discuss news, events and gardening tasks for the gardening month ahead.

What’s on

Saturday 1st February Buckingham Garden Centre’s Grow & Grow Day, 10am-4pm.

Saturday 1st February to Sunday 2nd March: Peruvian Orchid Spectacular at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in London.

The Plant Fair Roadshows are back in full swing with the first event of the y...

In this edition of DIG IT, Peter Brown and Chris Day chat with seedsman and passionate foodie Paolo Arrigo about Seeds of Italy, an importer for the prestigious seed producer Franchi Seeds. Paolo discusses the importance of regionality in food growing, how heritage seeds are now more important than ever and how the bureaucracy of the EU has caused issues for the vegetable seed market.

Plants mentioned Aubergine, Kale Cavolo Nero, Basil, Spinach, Baby Leaf Spinach, Swiss Chard, Tomato, Broad beans, Garlic, Lambs Lettuce (Corn Salad), Peas, Sweet Peas, Brussel sprouts, Parsnips, Swedes, Peppers, Holy trinity of...

Peter and Chris celebrate the start of the New Year in the garden with events, latest news stories and a look at those topical gardening tasks to get you out and about in the garden this January.

What’s On

Saturday 18th January: National Tulip Day, Meseumplein, Amsterdam, Netherlands. 1-5pm. Free entry.

Sunday 19th January: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, 2 – 3:30pm Discover the Botanic Gardens in British Sign Language (BSL) Tours are led by John Hope Gaterway. Ticket only.

Wednesday 22nd January: 11am - 12:30pm: Talk on RHS Hyde Hall through the...

In this edition of DIG IT Peter Brown and Chris Day chat with horticultural journalist, garden designer and broadcaster Naomi Slade. Naomi’s latest book, Chrysanthemum: Beautiful Varieties from Home and Garden, is a celebration of the ever so versatile Chrysanthemum. On the podcast we discover more about Naomi’s garden design journey, plus great advice on planting and her love of plants, including some recommendations for winter interest.

Plants mentioned: Apples, Cyclamen Florist types, Chrysanthemums, Dahlias, Daffodils, Elodea (Canadian Pondweed – now banned from sale), Herbs, Helleborus, Hardy Cyclamen Coum and C Hederifolium, Snowdrops (including Galanthus reginae-olgae 'Naomi...

In this month’s DIG IT Peter Brown discusses the latest news in the world of gardening, what’s on’s and as the winter kicks in, Chris and Peter look at those gardening tasks to keep your garden looking its best this month and beyond.

Places to visit:

Winter Flowers Week at the Garden Museum, London

National Memorial Arboretum mile long light trail

Alnwick Castle lights show

Cambridge University Botanic Garden Light show

Kew Gardens Lights Show

Plants Mentioned:

The Welsh...

In this edition of DIG IT we are delighted to welcome back Jekka McVicar, top organic herb grower, consultant, and Royal Horticultural Society Judge. Peter Brown and Chris Day chat with Jekka on issues affecting herbs, best growing practices, composts, tea infusions, plus we delve into Jekka’s latest fabulous book, 100 Herbs To Grow.

Plant mentions: Coriander, Basil, Bulbine frutescens (burn jelly plant), Lemon Verbena, Mints including Peppermint and Mentha spicata (Spearmint), Murraya koenigii (Curry tree), Nasturtium, Oregano, Rosemary, Horse Radish, Silybum marianum, Szechuan (Sichuan) Pepper, Rosemary, Thymes, Wild Rocket, Nasturtiums, Wild Strawberries and Winter Savory.

...

This month on DIG IT Peter Brown and Chris Day discuss the latest news in the world of gardening, what’s on’s and as the winter kicks in, a look at those gardening tasks to keep your garden looking its best this month and beyond.

Friday 8th November Final Gardeners’ World programme of the season.

15th November RHS Glow 2024 Rosemoor.

20th November RHS Glow 2024 Harlow Carr Garden

22nd November RHS Glow at RHS Wisley and at RHS Hyde Hall

26th November NGS Annual Lecture ‘Gardening for the future with Fer...

In this episode of DIG IT Peter Brown and Chris Day chat with Jonathon Jones, OBE and managing director of Tregothnan Estate in Cornwall, home of the amazing Garden, Camellias, magnificent trees and a Tea plantation stretching 29 miles long!

People mentioned: Tea expert Chris Bond, authors Peter Blake and John Shepherd. The Ken Thomas Charitable Trust, a bursary opportunity set up for agriculturists to help fund their trips. Lord and Lady Falmouth, Plant hunter William Lobb, Dr. Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward (Wardian Case inventor), Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, Tremap Partners, Conifer Conservation, Sir Thomas Johnstone Lipton, Country Life...

October is a wonderful month in the garden - crisp blue skies and fantastic autumn colour to enjoy. DIG IT’s Peter Brown and Chris Day look at the month as far as places to visit, what’s in the world of gardening news and timely tasks to be getting on with - so not quite the month to take your foot off the pedal!

What’s on

5th & 6th October, 10am-4pm: Buckingham Garden Centre’s Apple Weekend. Apple identifying with Gerry Edwards, apple pressing and juicing with the Mid Shires Orchard group, a Heritage...

In this edition of DIG IT, Peter Brown turns the microphone around and chats with Chris Day about his life and times working with plants, garden centres, radio, people in horticulture, and even a few greenhouses! From a humble apprentice at Rochfords to plant publicity manager at Buckingham Garden Centre, Chris spills the beans on some of his gardening wisdom along the way.

Plant mentions: Aloe Vera, Aspidistra, Basil, Beloperone guttata (shrimp or prawn plant!), Cymbidiums, Sweet peas, lawn turf, Kentia palms, Melon, Pineapple, Tomato, Cucumber, Snake plant, Mother-in-Laws (Sansevieria), African Violets (Saintpaulia), Poinsettias, Phalaenopsis (M...

As autumn approaches DIG IT’s Peter Brown and Chris Day provide a monthly round-up to the latest horticultural events, the gardening stories making the headlines and a look at those garden tasks requiring our attention.

What’s on

3 - 8th September RHS Garden Wisley Flower Show, Wisley, Woking, Surrey.

13 - 15th September The Harrogate Autumn Flower Show, Newby Hall, Ripon, North Yorkshire

27 - 29th September Malvern Autumn Show. One of the UK’s biggest annual harvest season celebrations, held at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern Hills, Herefordshire.

5 - 6th Oct...

Spreading the gardening word with Dave The Plantman

DIG IT hosts Peter Brown and Chris Day chat with top all-round horticulturalist and internet sensation Dave The Plantman. Dave has been creating daily 90 second videos since April 2023 and has a huge 360k following, including a younger gardening audience on TikTok hungry for advice. Dave shares his knowledge in a unique style with his signature thumbs up and ‘interesting fact’ tagline. A lively chat filled with fun anecdotes and plenty of common-sense gardening is guaranteed! 

Plant mentions: Agapanthus, Astilbe, Buddleja (butterfly bush), Carnivorous plants, Coffee plant, Cordyline, Tomat...

Summer gardening reaches it’s peak this month as Peter Brown and Chris Day discuss the latest stories in the world of horticulture, must-visit events and a run-down of those essential tasks to keep your garden productive and colourful in the weeks to come.

What’s on

31st July - 4th August: RHS Garden Hyde Hall Flower Show, Essex.

2 - 3rd August: Taunton Flower Show, Somerset.

Until 4th August: 2024 Big Butterfly Count – have you got involved yet? There’s still time!

3 - 11th August...

In this edition of DIG IT Peter Brown and Chris Day chat with special guest Andrew Mikolajski. Andrew, a well-known horticulturalist, and prolific author of over 40 gardening books, including his latest, ‘Who Ate My Plants’. Andrew discusses the ongoing battle gardeners have with garden pests and diseases.

Plant mentions: Grow as many varieties and species – native and non-native from the Northern Hemisphere as you can to increase insect biodiversity of wildlife to help attract predators. Marigolds as a companion planting with Tomatoes and the pairing of alliums with roses. Check vegetable seed packets for disease resilience. Lavender, Penste...

This month on DIG IT Peter Brown and Chris Day discuss the latest gardening news, what’s on’s and as the peak gardening season is well underway, a look at those tasks to keep your garden looking its best this month and beyond.

What’s on

2 – 7th July: RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival is held in the grounds of Hampton Court Palace, Richmond.

12th July and 4th August: The Big Butterfly Count 2024.

17 – 21st July: RHS Flower Show Tatton Park in Cheshire.

20th July: Great Dixter Summer Plant Fair at Gr...

Flowers are big business in Britain over 50% of British households bought cut flowers in 2022. However, according to Defra, only 14% of cut flowers sold in the UK are grown in Britain. In this edition of Dig it Peter Brown and Chris Day chat with Jessica Naish who runs a successful local flower farm in Buckingham. In the podcast we discover how Jess has developed her flower farm, plus the practicalities of growing a wide range of cut flowers from the field to the vase.

Flowers mentioned: Amaranthus caudatus (Love Lies Bleeding), Centaurea cyanus (Cornflowers), Cosmos, Dahlias, Godetia, Larkspur...

June is here and with it brings the sun and fun in the garden! In this month’s Dig It, Peter Brown and Chris Day discuss the latest gardening news stories, events, and those all-important gardening tasks, plus celebrating DIG IT’s inclusion into the Rephonic top 15 gardening podcasts!

What’s On

3 - 9th June British Flowers Week celebrating the variety and skills of the nation’s flower growers.

8th June: Royal Windsor Flower Show in Windsor Great Park, Windsor.

8 - 9th June: London Open Gardens event.

13 - 16th June...

In this episode of Dig It Peter Brown and Chris Day chat with Huw Richards. Huw’s mission is simple - to help as many people as possible to grow their own food. He documents his productive garden through his hugely popular YouTube Channel. He’s just published a new book with Sam Cooper, The Self-Sufficiency Garden book, which focuses on the growing and cooking side of grow your own.

Plants mentioned: Apples, Asparagus, Basil, Basil Mint, Beetroot, Beans, Blackcurrants, Carrots, Comfrey and Nettle Tea, Courgettes, Garlic, Gooseberries, Garden peas, Leeks, Nasturtiums, Onions, Pea shoots, Padron Peppers, Pota...

May is the month our beds, allotments and containers explode with colour and energy.

What’s on

3rd - 4th May Toby’s Garden Festival at Powderham Castle, Kenton.

3rd - 5th May BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu.

9 – 12th May RHS Malvern Spring Festival, Three Counties Showground, Malvern.

12th May Borde Hill Specialist Spring Plant Fair, Haywards Heath.

17th - 26th May Floralies Internationales, Vendee, France.

20th May World Bee Day

21st - 25th May RHS Chelsea Flower S...

In this edition of Dig It, Peter Brown and Chris Day chat with Barry Smith, Head Gardener at the National Trust’s Stowe Landscape Gardens, near Buckingham. Barry has been at Stowe for over 40 years and head gardener for over 25 so he knows this garden with immense passion and understanding. Stowe, a world-famous 18th century garden was created by such luminaries as Charles Bridgeman, William Kent and Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. For over 300 years these spectacular gardens have been welcoming tourists far and wide.

Plants mentioned: Roses, annuals (bedding), Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), Pinus (pine), Honeysuckle, wildflowers, Snake’s head Fri...

Many of our gardens are enjoying much earlier blooms this spring due to the mild and damp weather conditions. Peter Brown and Chris Day bring us the latest gardening news, what’s on’s and topical gardening advice for the busy month of April.

What’s on

6th -7th April: Cornwall Garden Society Spring Flower Show at Royal Cornwall Show Ground near Wadebridge, features a Grow Your Own space and Tipi Talks as well as dazzling displays and exquisite exhibits.

Saturday 13th April: Hanami Blossom Day at Brogdale Farm, Faversham, Kent. Open 10am-3pm...

The temperature rises in this edition of Dig It as Peter Brown and Chris Day chat with passionate chilli grower Jason Breed. Jason, a seed specialist from Moles Seeds, gives a full rundown of the growing of these popular fiery fruits, a look at what makes chillies so hot, plus some insightful advice on getting the best from your plants and using them in the kitchen.

Chilli peppers are varieties of the berry-fruit of plants from the genus Capsicum, which are members of the nightshade family Solanaceae, cultivated for their pungency. Chilli peppers are widely u...

The traditional starting point for many gardeners - Easter - falls early this year, so there’s much to be getting on with. Dig It’s Peter Brown and Chris Day bring us the latest events, news and topical advice for the month.

Plants mentioned: Forsythia, Snowdrops, Winter Aconites, Narcissi, Ulmus wredei, Buxus, Euonymus Jean Hugues and Green Spire, Daffodils, Dahlias, Gladioli, Freesia, Tuberous begonias, Sunflowers, Zinnia, and Cosmos. Veg plug plants, seeds of Cabbage, Tomatoes, Runner beans, Courgettes, Squashes, Rhubarb varieties Timperley Early, Glaskin’s Perpetual and Victoria. Onion Stuttgarter Giant, Hercules F1 and Centurion F1.

P...

In this edition of Dig It Peter Brown and Chris Day chat with orchid supremo Peter White. Peter began growing orchids in 1980 and he has received many awards including RHS Gold medals for his orchid displays at RHS shows and he is a qualified judge of the RHS Orchid Committee. He is currently involved in the breeding of miniature Cymbidium and miniature Phalaenopsis. Peter White is a popular speaker on orchid growing and has supported Buckingham Garden Centre over many years.

Plants mentioned: Cymbidiums, Phalaenopsis ‘Sogo Yukidian’, Kalanchoe, Echeveria, Streptocarpus, and Saintpaulia (African Violets).

People...

In this edition of Dig It Peter Brown and Chris Day chat with orchid supremo Peter White. Peter began growing orchids in 1980 and he has received many awards including RHS Gold medals for his orchid displays at RHS shows and he is a qualified judge of the RHS Orchid Committee. He is currently involved in the breeding of miniature Cymbidium and miniature Phalaenopsis. Peter White is a popular speaker on orchid growing and has supported the Garden Centre over many years.

Plants mentioned: Cymbidiums, Phalaenopsis ‘Sogo Yukidian’, Kalanchoe, Echeveria, Streptocarpus, and Saintpaulia (African Violets).

People...

It’s February and the garden is starting to awake. In this edition of Dig It Peter Brown and Chris Day bring us the latest events, plants and people making the headlines as well as some topical advice on getting the best from your garden this month.

What’s on

1st - 29th February: Snowdrop season at Waterperry Gardens featuring over 60 different snowdrop varieties. Gardens open 10am - 5pm.

3rd February: Graft and Grow Day at Buckingham Garden Centre and held in conjunction with The Mid-Shires Orchard Group, 10am - 4pm. Scion wood swap...

In this episode of Dig It Chris Day and Peter Brown chat with Val Bourne - a lifelong gardener and award-winning garden writer whose name will be familiar to readers of The Telegraph, Country Life, Gardens Illustrated, Amateur Gardening and Saga magazine amongst others. As well as writing and lecturing, Val is an organic hands-on gardener and by her own admission a committed plantaholic.

Plants mentioned: Agapanthus, Artemisia, Antirrhinums, Aquilegia, Aster, bee orchid, Daphne Bholua, Camassia, Cosmos, Foxgloves, flowering cherry trees, Dahlia, Dierama, Lonicera fragrantissima (winter honeysuckle), Hellebores, hardy ferns, Narcissi, Nasturtiums, Paeonia, Pears, Penstemons, Rose Champagne...