BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Podcast

Immediate Media
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Feb 17, 2026 • 42min

How we're shaping the future of the natural world, with Dr Tony Juniper

As we look for ways to spend more time in nature, how can we build a deeper and more meaningful relationship with the natural world? What does it mean to connect with nature, why does it matter and how have we drifted away from it? Chair of Natural England, Tony Juniper is one of the UK’s most influential environmental thinkers and campaigners. Combining scientific insight, policy expertise, and a passion for the natural world, he'll discuss how reconnecting can change not just the way we live, but the world we’re shaping for generations to come. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Feb 14, 2026 • 8min

Sowalong - Chilis, with Claire Vennis

A lively guide to starting chilli plants early, with clear reasons for sowing between January and March. Practical tips on selecting varieties by flavour and heat. Step-by-step sowing, germination and potting techniques are covered. Advice on hardening off, outdoor planting timing and colourful ornamental fruit choices.
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Feb 12, 2026 • 32min

How natural play impacts kids' immune systems, with Marja Roslund

Two-year study reveals the startling impact that playing in nature has on children's immune systems, and their likelihood of developing allergies and diseases such as asthma and diabetes. Researcher Marja Roslund talks about the dramatic changes they measured in children's ability to fight off illnesses and the reduction in harmful bacteria found in their gut, after they rewilded the children's daycare centres, bringing in soil, plants and even a section of forest floor. She also explains the causal link between the explosion in allergies and conditions such as asthma and diabetes, and the changes we can make to make a difference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Feb 10, 2026 • 29min

Gardens and gardening for health, with Richard Claxton

 We all know deep in our bones that gardening is good for us, but increasingly this is no longer a thing we just have to have faith in. The scientific evidence is mounting up that gardening can have transformative effects for our minds and bodies, helping us to make us fitter, less stressed and happier to boot. GP, Therapeutic Horticulture Advocate and Chief Executive of the National Garden Scheme Dr. Richard Claxton is at the forefront of this new scientific approach to gardening and health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Feb 7, 2026 • 8min

Sowalong - Lettuce, with Kay McGuire

Lettuce is the backbone of every good salad. It’s also one of the most popular crops to grow, because it’s easy and quick, and thanks to its size, can be grown pretty much anywhere – from the veg plot to pots on a balcony or windowsill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Feb 5, 2026 • 42min

King Charles's philosophy of harmony

In this episode, we speak to Melissa Simpson, Head of Horticulture for The King’s Foundation, His Majesty’s nature and sustainability charity. She reveals how they implement His Majesty’s Harmony philosophy at his gardens at Highgrove, Dumfries House and the Castle of Mey. Melissa shares how his ideals inform how the gardens and wildlife are managed, and how it impacts the people who work at and visit the gardens. Plus, she shares clever organic tricks we can all adopt. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Feb 3, 2026 • 42min

How soil holds the key to improving your health, with Sam Ratanji

 We talk a lot about healthy soil, mulching it, feeding it, protecting it, but what if the health of our soil isn't just about thriving soil organisms and thriving plants, but thriving people too? Nutritionist Sam Ratanji delves into the remarkable parallels between the soil microbiome and our own bodies.Exploring how soil life affects flavour nutrition and even elements of our own wellbeing and uncover the small changes that every gardener can make to support richer soil and richer health too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Jan 31, 2026 • 11min

Bird Watching with Nadeem Perera - Buzzard

Large loud white and grey bird with a sharp yellow beak and the confidence of someone who owns the entire coastline. Sharp minded messy comedic and fearless. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Jan 29, 2026 • 42min

Reduce menopause symptoms naturally, with Dr Nadira Awal

Menopause expert Dr Nadira Awal shares how to alleviate menopause symptoms such as brain fog, sleepless nights, joint pain and anxiety, using gardening. She also reveals why daily exposure to daylight is so crucial for menopausal women and avoiding broken bones later in life. Plus how handling soil can act as a natural antidepressant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Jan 27, 2026 • 30min

Make your own herbal teas and tinctures, with Frances Tophill

Drawing on her love of growing vegetables, edibles and herbs, join Frances as she talks about some of her favourite plants for teas, tinctures and balms. Discover when and how to harvest plants for health and wellbeing as well as the joy of sharing this process with others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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