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Kathy Clugston and her panel of gardening experts are in Preston.

Kathy Clugston and her panel of gardening experts are in Preston. Christine Walkden, James Wong and Kirsty Wilson field the questoins.

The panellists are at the University of Central Lancashire this week, where Kathy speaks to Vice Chancellor Graham Baldwin and groundsman Dave Genther about the new roof garden they've planted there, to encourage pollinators and support student wellbeing.

Down in the hall, the panellists tell us how to grow cauliflower and beetroot in the shorter growing season up north. They also advise on how to get lots of flax seed on a budget, and explain how to keep auriculas alive over winter.

Away from the questions, Matthew Wilson heads to Kew Gardens and speaks to botanist Carlos Magdalena about the new waterlily they’ve discovered there - Victoria Boliviana.

Producer: Dominc Tyerman
Assistant Producer: Aniya Das

A Somethin' Else production for Â鶹Éç Radio 4

Available now

42 minutes

Last on

Sun 25 Sep 2022 14:00

Plant list

Questions and timecodes are below. Where applicable, plant names have been provided.

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Q – We were blown away by the taste of a homegrown cauliflower that a friend gave us. I’ve heard that cauliflowers are hard to grow, is that the case?

(4 minutes 38 seconds)

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Q - Could I please have some suggestions for a flower to grow through a Magnolia stellata?

(7 minutes 34 seconds)

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James –

Clematis armandii

Ipomea

Cup and saucer vine

Chinese bellflower

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Christine –

Dicentra scandens

Adlumia fungosa

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Q – I’m rubbish at growing beetroot, what advice can you give me?

(10 minutes 31 seconds)

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Q – I often have blight in my greenhouse. People have recommended pouring water on the floor of the greenhouse to keep it humid. Is this really a good idea?

(15 minutes 15 seconds)

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Feature – Matthew Wilson visits Kew Gardens and speaks to botanist Carlos Magdalena about the new waterlily they’ve discovered there - Victoria Boliviana.

(19 minutes 5 seconds)

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Q – I’m a textile artist and I’m interested in natural fibres. I tried to grow some flax from seed which didn’t grown well. Any tips?

(27 minutes 22 seconds)

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Q – I’ve grown auriculas from seed over lockdown. They are beautiful and I don’t want to lose them over winter. What should I do?

(31 minutes 5 seconds)

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Q – Why has my hydrangea not flowered this year? I’ve got lots of lovely green leaves but no flowers. It was moved to a larger pot this spring.

(33 minutes 24 seconds)

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Q – What’s the best value garden tool that you’ve ever bought?

(36 minutes 48 seconds)

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