Gardeners' Question Time

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Gardeners' Question Time is a long-running BBC Radio 4 programme in which amateur gardeners can put questions to a panel of experts.

[edit] History

The first programme was broadcast from the 'Singing Room' at the Broadoak Hotel, Ashton-Under-Lyne on April 9th 1947. Originally named 'How Does Your Garden Grow?' it was an offshoot of the wartime Dig For Victory campaign. On the first panel were Bill Sowerbutts [1], Fred Loads, Tom Clark and Dr E.W.Sansome.

[edit] Format

The programme typically comes from a village hall or other public venue somewhere in Britain, or occasionally further afield, such as in the Republic of Ireland or northern France. There are also regular editions in which the panel answer questions sent in by post or email. These editions are recorded in a specially adapted potting shed at Sparsholt College in Winchester, where the regular panel members also maintain a small demonstration garden.

Since 2001, GQT factsheets have been made available after each episode covering all questions and their answers given.

[edit] Panelists

Current chairman is Eric Robson and panelists include Matthew Biggs, John Cushnie, Bob Flowerdew, Pippa Greenwood, Bunny Guinness, Roy Lancaster and Anne Swithinbank.

Past participants have included Professor Alan Gemmell, Fred Loads, Bill Sowerbutts, Dr Stefan Buczacki, Jill Hicking, David Burges, Geoffrey Smith, Clay Jones and Daphne Ledwood.