Dig It

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...

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...

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 a...

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 (...

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...

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...

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 menti...

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...

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...

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 B...

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 jell...

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...

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 agriculturi...

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....

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:...

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 - 29t...