Dig It

In the episode we learn more about Apples and Orchards. Claire is Chairperson of Mid Shires Orchards Group and shares some of her amazing knowledge on varieties, rootstocks, the different types of Apples and what happens at Woughton on the greens community orchard. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode we suggest places somewhere to visit: Ashampstead Early Snowdrop and Plant Fair : A brand new early Snowdrop & Plant Fair in the heart of the Berkshire Downs that takes advantage of the increasingly early snowdrop season. Or you could go online and join the Wildlife and Gardening virtual symposium where you can learn about the latest research related to nature-friendly gardenin...

The last episode of the year, so David and Peter say thank you and share a few things about the events of 2025. We also update you on Christmas Opening times . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Episode Peter Chats with Pam Haig from Ripple Africa . Ripple Africa have been working in Mwaya and surrounding areas in Malawi since 2003, helping communities to achieve a sustainable future by giving a helping hand rather. We learn of the deforestation issues facing Malawi, its consequences and how their tree planting program has helped reforest large areas. Since 2004 Ripple Africa has...

With the heating going on indoors, we also chat about houseplant winter care — how to stop your plants drying out when the radiators fire up, simple ways to boost humidity, and why a quick “seasonal reset” can save your favourite foliage. With National Robin Day coming up, Peter and David talk about how to help garden birds through winter, from offering high-energy food to keeping bird feeders cle...

In this episode David and Peter talk about Christmas! How to care for your cut Christmas tree, or if you have a live one the best temperature and how to look after it during the festive period. We discuss the joys of the Amarylis bulb and how to get them to last more than one year. And the other Christmas favourite the Poinsettia, where to position it and what it needs to do well. Peter talks abou...

In this episode David and Peter chat about the recent rain and the problems this has caused across England including Monmouth . It's National Tree Week this week so get out and plant a tree! This event is organised by the National Tree Council and it's partners. Oxford University Parks Arboretum Explorer Map Launch and Tree Planting , Thursday, November 27 @ 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm, Join Oxford Universi...

In this episode Pauline and Peter talk about Hedging. Our Hedging business , was started by John Brown on a small plot of Land in Harrow on the Hill, but due to a lack of space the business was moved to our present location by his son Richard back in 1970. With a vast range of Hedging, Fruit and Ornamental trees on offer and being one of the oldest Mail Order specialists in the country in this epi...

In this episode of Dig it we chat about RHS Chelsea 2026 and some of the show gardens planned for next year. The Philadelphia flower show 2026 celebrates 250 years of American independence at it's 197th show. Urban farming and Food insecurity is discussed in an article in the Guardian by David Farrier, that provides some interesting facts about where we are now and how, with a growing population,...

In this Episode Peter and David discuss the upcoming RHS Glow Gardens, and Blenheim and Waddesdon winter lit gardens. We discuss some jobs for the week and what you can plant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode David tells uu about cropping his Christmas potatoes, Peter discovers what his compost heap has been up to and we go through a few jobs. The Garden Museum in London has a new exhibition on showing works by Rory McEwan one of the 20th century’s most celebrated botanical artists. We discuss the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire We discuss compost heaps and how long they ta...

This week, join us for a deep dive into all things autumn, from the vibrant colours of the season in the Forest of Dean and Winkworth Arboretum to historic harvests and innovative allotments. Discover the origin of the Bramley apple at Nottingham’s Workhouse and Infirmary , where children's yoga adds a modern twist to the Apple Day celebrations. We'll explore the story of Buckland Abbey's reported...

In this episode of Dig It Peter chats with David Gale about fertilisers. David is an industry expert and has had a long, varied and successful career. From organising fertiliser trials to moving on to reformulating some of the most popular fertilisers on the market, for example Phostrogen , to teaching many, many workers in Garden Centres and Big Sheds the benefits and advantages of feeding your p...

In the new weekly format David and Peter chat about the fact its rained, splitting Rhubarb, then suggest shows to Visit – The National Garden Alpine show in Harlow Carr, Yorkshire   The Apple and Harvest Show, Ely   Plants Discussed: Alpines, Cyclamen, learn more with the RHS Alpine Master class series - www.youtube.com/watch?v=REWSjG5LRNk&t=36s   Growing Hops- The Guardian...

In this Episode David and Peter discuss the impact of the lack of recent rain, on their lawns and gardens how quickly lawns green up after the rain and how to care for your lawn in winter. How the show is moving to a weekly format. Our new email for you to send questions and comments to is digit@hedging.co.uk . Lots of topics covered this week from Northampton’s escaped ring necked Parakeets to Ap...

Peter speaks with Gerry Edwards about apples and where they came from. Gerry tells us what to bring in to the Garden Centre for apple identification during our Apple Weekend and how he goes about identification. Why not come along and meet Gerry on the 27th and 28th of September! They discuss how they have evolved, which country grows the most apples and the many varieties available. Gerry gives u...

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...

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...

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 Ga...

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 thr...

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 Costesse...

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 gi...

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,...

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 Straw...

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...