Dig It - Discussions on Gardening Topics
82 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratingsChris Day and Peter Brown from Buckingham Garden Centre talk about their gardening experiences, what to do in the garden, seasonal gardening advice and interviews with horticultural experts.
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Episodes
June '22 in the Garden
June 01, 2022 03:10 - 45 minutes - 104 MBAs we garden into June, so the priorities of tasks change with maintenance, planting and sowing still important along with tasks to keep our gardens moving onwards and upwards, including wildlife ponds, pondwater coverage tips, tomato growing and some essential pruning. After a busy May, Dig It hosts Peter Brown and Chris Day look at some of the topical news stories, happenings at the garden centre and around the UK. What’s on this month Wednesday 1st June – 31st August The Bugs Matter Sur...
How to be a Better Wildlife Gardener
May 15, 2022 03:10 - 1 hour - 161 MBHow to be a better wildlife gardener In this podcast Peter Brown and Chris Day chat with gardening expert and nature lover Martin Fish. Topics covered include invaluable advice on developing a wildlife friendly garden, lawn meadows, managing wildlife and how best to achieve the right balance of potential pests and wildlife, his thoughts, and observations on the new trends in re-wilding and his take on ‘No Mow May’. We also discover how Martin started in horticulture, his nursery growing d...
May '22 in the Garden
May 01, 2022 03:10 - 39 minutes - 89.3 MBDig It hosts Peter Brown and Chris Day tackle the merry month of May with a look at some of the topical national horticultural news stories, including the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show, plus there’s gardening tasks galore to be getting on with as well as developing your flower gardens. What’s on this month No Mow May Wednesday 11th at 4pm and Saturday 14th May at 3pm FREE Masterclass Growing Perfect Perennials. Thursday 12th May World Topiary Day. Share your creations at hashtag #World...
Cottage Garden Perennials with Rosy Hardy
April 15, 2022 06:57 - 47 minutes - 108 MBFrom peeking over hedgerows to see flowers from a different viewpoint and scrumping apples on a horse, leading nursery expert Rosemary Hardy’s love of plants and gardening blossomed from a very young age. Rosemary chats to Peter Brown and Chris Day about the development of the nursery from a walled garden just down the road to their current beautifully nurtured 13-acre Hampshire Nursery in Freefolk. Painting with plants is Rosemary’s mantra and we find out about the fascinating perennial fl...
April '22 in the Garden
April 01, 2022 03:10 - 43 minutes - 98.5 MBApril is a busy month in the garden and after a relatively mild and dry March there’s plenty to be getting on with. Dig It hosts Peter Brown and Chris Day look at some of the topical news stories including the new listings of poisonous plants (potentially toxic to humans and our pets) from the HTA, the peat-free debate continues, the seaside town of Morecambe receives a 12-acre wildflower meadow as part of The Eden Project’s National Wildflower Centre, plus events and those essential gardeni...
Swards of Grass
March 15, 2022 09:30 - 1 hour - 166 MBIn this episode we talk to David Hedges-Gower, the UK's leading lawn expert. who has more than 36 years of lawn and turf experience. Dig It hosts Peter Brown and Chris Day learn how our lawns have evolved over the years, share practical advice on sowing and growing a new lawn from seed, the types of lawn seed available, the importance of feeding, aeration, scarification and irrigation, the process of overseeding, lawn troubleshooting, plus a look at those essential tasks to keep your lawn lo...
March '22 in the garden
March 01, 2022 04:10 - 41 minutes - 95.9 MBMarch in the Garden As we celebrate our first year of Dig It, Peter Brown and Chris Day look at some of the topical news stories including changes in the garden centre world, a university led community gardening study and a new autumn plant fair. In the podcast we prepare the greenhouse for spring, start plants from seed indoors and out, share hints on spring bulbs and how to help our hedgehogs. In the news GCA winners of awards New GC Chairman Tammy Woodhouse from Millbrook Garden Ce...
Composting
February 15, 2022 04:10 - 1 hour - 172 MBHome Composting with Rod Weston In this podcast Peter and Chris chat with Rod Weston, a composting expert and pioneer in spreading the message of the value of composting techniques to amateur and professional gardeners. Rod explains the composting process from start to finish and the best approach to ensure great composting results. Rod discusses options for composting where space is limited, and we are guided on some of the best compost equipment on the market. Rod also highlights some of ...
February in the Garden
February 01, 2022 23:40 - 50 minutes - 115 MBFebruary in the Garden show notes Peter and Chris look at some news stories of the moment. We delve into some of the plants and gardening tasks requiring attention this month and as the gardening season starts in earnest. Peter and Chris select some suggested events for you, including the Garden Centre’s Graft and Grow Day on Saturday 5th February. News stories discussed National Garden Scheme raises over three million pounds for charities in 2021. The Ripple Africa Christmas tree campai...
Heritage and Heirloom Seeds
January 15, 2022 04:10 - 51 minutes - 118 MBExploring the Heritage Seed Library Chris and Peter discover how the Garden Organic’s Seed Heritage Library is helping to ensure older, traditional seed varieties are maintained for future generations. We chat with Catrina Fenton, who is the Head of the Heritage Seed Library on it’s history, the fascinating processes of open pollination, seed capture, the work of the seed guardians and the workings of the library today in conserving and helping to protect varieties for the future. Seed va...
January in the Garden
January 01, 2022 04:10 - 49 minutes - 113 MBJanuary in the Garden In this episode Peter Brown and Chris Day welcome 2022 and the promise of a new gardening year! We chat to Andrew Peck, MD of Malvern Garden Buildings and discuss the massive rise of interest in outdoor rooms whether for business (home offices) or for pleasure. Andrew chats about the evolution of garden buildings from the humble shed (and who doesn’t love their sheds!) to more sophisticated buildings such as the Breeze House. In today’s everchanging world with home wor...
Houseplants with Jane Perrone
December 15, 2021 04:10 - 1 hour - 182 MBCelebrating Houseplants with Jane Perrone In this Dig It podcast we celebrate indoor gardening as we chat with top gardening journalist Jane Perrone about her lifelong passion for growing houseplants and how this has developed into one of the most popular gardening podcasts - On the Ledge. Jane provides great advice on growing indoor plants from keeping them healthy, selecting plants for the home, stories from Jane’s On the Ledge podcast, trends on what we are purchasing at the Garden Cent...
December in the Garden
December 01, 2021 04:10 - 48 minutes - 112 MBDecember in the Garden In this episode Peter Brown and Chris Day herald the start of Advent by talking about the popular festive favourite, the Poinsettia and its special day in December. We chat to Pam Haigh, the UK general manager of the charity Ripple Africa in Malawi, a charity the Garden Centre is keen to support in its epic work in planting trees - over 17 million trees to date - in Malawi. It may be December but there are some gardening tasks to be getting on with including defrost...
Trees For Small Gardens
November 17, 2021 04:10 - 1 hour - 158 MBIn this special Dig It podcast we talk to Nick Dunn, managing director and top tree nurseryman of Frank P Matthews. Founded in 1901, Matthews are one of the UK's leading ornamental and fruit tree grower supplying trees to the Garden Centre trade. We discover the processes of growing in the field, containerising, budding and grafting, popular tree favourites, new trees coming to the market, top tips on growing them and much more. Nick brings his unique insight on trees and his words of wisdom...
November in the Garden
October 27, 2021 03:10 - 1 hour - 145 MBNovember in the Garden In this episode Peter Brown and Chris Day discuss topics including the new RHS planet friendly campaign, Malvern Garden Buildings collecting a well-deserved Gold Medal at Chelsea for their Houseplant themed Green Room and the Queen’s green canopy scheme in conjunction with the Woodland Trust. They also discuss essential jobs this month in the garden including final lawn mows and pruning for new hedges. Masterclass at Buckingham Garden Centre on Wednesday 10th Novembe...
Growing Apples
October 13, 2021 03:10 - 56 minutes - 130 MBApple growing and Orchards with Mike Jones In this episode Chris Day and Peter Brown chat with local apple enthusiast Mike Jones. We learn about his apple growing journey from childhood memories to establishing a successful and productive 11-acre community orchard in North Buckinghamshire where they grow of plums, apples, pears and quince. Apples mentioned: ‘James Grieve’ , ‘Bramley Seedling’, ‘Laxton’s Superb’ and ‘Howgate Wonder’ Recommendations for Cider apples in North Bucks: ‘Winter G...
English Cider
October 06, 2021 03:10 - 1 hour - 142 MBEnglish cider interview with Michael Jones In this podcast Peter Brown chats with local apple enthusiast Michael Jones about his passion for producing cider from an 11-acre community orchard in North Buckinghamshire. In the podcast we learn that cider is basically fermented apple juice however the process from apple to bottle is far from simple! You need plenty of buckets, different apple varieties and the necessary kit, but it’s fun and you are always learning from the process. From selec...
October in the Garden
September 29, 2021 03:10 - 57 minutes - 131 MBOctober in the Garden Show Notes In this autumnal edition of Dig It, Peter Brown and Chris Day discuss the recent September Chelsea Flower Show and how a change of season has created a very different event. Elsewhere the demise of the front garden and the lawn, the concerns over our failing tree population and how moths are being affected by the change from sodium to LED street lights. The Dig it team also look at those vital tasks for the month including making leafmould, protecting tende...
Bulbs for Spring
September 15, 2021 03:10 - 1 hour - 144 MBShow Notes for Spring Bulbs with Ian Clark In this podcast we talk to Ian Clark, Business Manager from Taylors Bulbs. Our chat covers the history and overview of Taylors Bulbs, a look at the commercial aspects of growing bulbs in the field and how spring bulbs continue to rise in popularity with gardeners. Ian discusses the best ways of growing bulbs, how bulbs can help and encourage wildlife into the garden and the best bulbs for indoor forcing and scent. New bulb introductions are discu...
September in the Garden
September 01, 2021 03:10 - 49 minutes - 114 MBSeptember in the Garden Show Notes September is the month of mellow mists and fruitfulness and in this month’s Dig It podcast Peter Brown and Chris Day look at how the gradual change in seasons is beginning to affect what we harvest, plant and sow in our gardens. Sowing a new lawn, a look at the best edible flowers and how to get the best from your green waste are discussed. Plus, a look at the different cyclamen options available at the Garden Centre, keeping hydrangeas in tip top colo...
Wildlife in the Garden
August 11, 2021 03:10 - 1 hour - 138 MBWildlife in the Garden Show Notes In this episode we chat with Ed Turpin, Community Wildlife Officer East (Buckinghamshire and East Berkshire) from the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT). As concerns over preserving our wildlife become more important, we talk to Ed about his role as a wildlife officer. We chat about the impact of global warming on our precious wildlife habitats and we also touch on the big peat debate and how we need to change our compost buy...
August in the Garden
July 28, 2021 05:10 - 42 minutes - 96.3 MBAugust in the Garden Show Notes In this episode Chris and Peter discuss National Allotments week and their drive towards sustainability helped by using water butts and mulch to conserve water. Find out about National Plum Day, Pershore and the Vale of Evesham including the Victoria Plum and how it grows and fruits on North facing walls. We discuss Waspinators and wasp traps to keep the wasps away from your Tea and cake! They also share the difference between High Tea and Afternoon tea...
Celebrating Roses
July 14, 2021 03:10 - 1 hour - 172 MBIn this podcast we chat with James Taylor, Nursery Manager and Jo Davey, Marketing Manager from Whartons Nurseries. We look at how roses continue to be admired and prized as our No. 1 favourite flower in the UK. James explains the production journey of a rose from propagation in the field to bringing the finished rose bushes to the Garden Centre. Jo gives us advice on growing roses, dealing with disease and how the new varieties of roses are making an impact in our gardens. We find out from ...
July in the Garden
June 30, 2021 03:10 - 50 minutes - 116 MBJuly in the Garden Show Notes Products mentioned Cottage Delight Sticky Wings and Rib Sauce Plant fertilisers and organic sprays: Vitax Q4, Vitax Blood, Fish and Bone, Tomato feed Sulphate of Potash, Vitax Plant Guard Organic for controlling pests and diseases – available in store. Plants mentioned: Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla mollis), Clematis montana, Trachelospermum jasminoides, Hardy geraniums, Mock Orange (Philadelphus) Pyracantha, Apples, Pears, Hellebores, Thyme, Ivy (Hedera), Engli...
Beautiful Bedding
June 15, 2021 14:48 - 1 hour - 138 MBShow notes for Bedding Plants with Stuart Lowen In this episode we chat with Stuart Lowen, Marketing Manager from Ball Colegrave. We look at how bedding plants have evolved over the years as well as examine many of the traditional bedding schemes we still enjoy in our gardens. Stuart explains how plant breeding has changed the way we grow one of our most loved summer plants, the Busy Lizzy or Impatien. Stuart provides an insight into how bedding plants come to the market place and the way t...
June in the Garden
June 01, 2021 15:30 - 51 minutes - 117 MBShow notes for June in the Garden As June arrives, Peter Brown and Chris Day look at the important tasks in the garden including vegetable planning and sowing, allotment hedging ideas, creative planter and basket tips as well as sowing for spring colour. There are two busy weeks of activities through the month, including a special week of gardening aimed specifically at children and featuring Peppa Pig and a themed week on growing for our mental and physical wellbeing. Our special guest i...
Growing Orchids
May 26, 2021 15:09 - 1 hour - 53.9 MBIn this episode we chat to top orchid expert Manos Kanellos and delve into why our love affair with houseplant orchids, especially the Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid) remains as popular as ever. We discuss the care of growing orchids, the process of getting these plants from the test tube to the plant bench at the Garden Centre and we find out more about the potential pitfalls of growing them. Manos also explains how the successful company Growth Technology has revolutionised the way we nurture, ...
May in the Garden
May 10, 2021 11:58 - 34 minutes - 80 MBMay in the Garden Show Notes May in the garden is certainly a busy month and keeps us gardeners busy. In this episode of Dig it Peter Brown and Chris Day look at how the late spring is affecting our gardens and how using specific plant fertilisers will help your plants recover and prosper this summer. How the gardening trade is coping with plant, gardening products and composts shortage is discussed as well as timely hints and tips on plant supports, choosing bedding plants, organic slug co...
April Gardening Tips
April 16, 2021 16:53 - 41 minutes - 95.3 MBChris Day and Peter Brown discuss some things to do in your Garden in April. Plant/Product mentions Tree, Shrub and Tree Planting Compost Roses Rose feeds - Top Rose Vitax Q4 Cosmos Sonata Antirrhinum (Snapdragons) Sunflowers Camellias, Pieris, Rhododendrons Ericaceous Feed Sequestrene Tonic Plant stakes - Poppy Forge Garden Canes Willow / Hazel sticks can be grown from bare-root plants established from November-March Bird Feeders / Bird food Sowing Cucumbers, Marrow, Tomatoes...
April in the garden
April 16, 2021 16:53 - 41 minutes - 95.3 MBChris Day and Peter Brown discuss some things to do in your Garden in April. Plant/Product mentions Tree, Shrub and Tree Planting Compost Roses Rose feeds - Top Rose Vitax Q4 Cosmos Sonata Antirrhinum (Snapdragons) Sunflowers Camellias, Pieris, Rhododendrons Ericaceous Feed Sequestrene Tonic Plant stakes - Poppy Forge Garden Canes Willow / Hazel sticks can be grown from bare-root plants established from November-March Bird Feeders / Bird food Sowing Cucumbers, Marrow, Tomatoes...
Growing Potatoes in Your Garden
April 16, 2021 16:52 - 1 hour - 61.4 MBAn interview with John Marshal, expert in growing potatoes and Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal winner. Plant/Product mentions Potato varieties mentioned: 'Apache', 'Arran Pilot', 'Charlotte', 'Duke of York', 'Highland Burgundy Red', 'Maris Peer', 'Rocket', 'Salad Blue' and 'Swift'. John's Desert Island Potatoes: Early variety 'Duke of York'; Second Early 'Pink Fir Apple' Main crop 'Maris Piper'. Other plants mentioned: Scented Tobacco Plant - Nicotiana. Sweet Potatoes. Yacon. Blight resi...
Dig It Introduction
April 16, 2021 16:37 - 22 minutes - 51.3 MBChris and Peter's first show, giving you a bit of background on who we are, our horticultural background and what to look forward to in our upcoming shows. Plant/Product Mentions Eleagnus ebbingei Antirrhinums Pinks and Carnations (in store only) Houseplants and Accessories Orchid Products Useful Links Amateur Gardening magazine Buckingham Nurseries Chiltern Music Therapy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.