Tune in to this growing trend
There’s a fantastic selection of gardening podcasts packed with interesting tips and inspiration for amateurs and professionals alike, says LOUISE MIDGLEY
WHETHER you want to discover how to grow your own, keep your houseplants alive or just listen to the sage words of consummate horticultural professionals, a relevant podcast can be downloaded to your phone or tablet and listened to while you’re on the go (with earphones) or just taking a break. Here are some highly recommended ones to keep on your radar.
ON THE LEDGE
Hosted by freelance writer Jane Perrone, these informative podcasts focus on indoor gardening, covering the world of houseplants.
Perrone, who has been enamoured by houseplants since she was a child, uses her expertise to cover a wide range of topics that include pests and diseases, styling and propagation, chats to other horticultural experts and helping to fix listeners’ plant problems.
● janeperrone.com
DOBBIES GARDEN CENTRES
Dobbies launched its new podcast series during this year’s Royal Horticultural Society’s National Gardening Week.
The podcasts share practical tips from spring gardening to grow your own and children’s activities.they are aimed at seasoned gardeners and novices, who have spaces from small and large gardens to balconies, patios and windowsills.
● dobbies.com
NATIONAL TRUST PODCAST
A 20-minute podcast from the National Trust will transport you through some of the UK’S greatest landscapes, gardens and walks.
The episode How Gardens Heal is hosted by music journalist Alice Vincent, who found solace in her tiny balcony garden when faced with heartache.
She shares her tips on how to transform even the most unlikely spaces, such as concrete areas and windowsills, into beautiful ‘micro-gardens’. She also talks about the positive effect gardening had on her wellbeing.
● nationaltrust.org.uk/podcasts
THE PLANT BASED PODCAST
Now in its third series, this light-hearted podcast celebrates places and people worldwide with a true passion for plants.
It goes beyond the garden and focuses on a wide range of topics that include plant-based diets, clothes made from plants and the medicinal and wellbeing benefits of plants.
Hosts Michael Perry and Ellen Mary meet a different guest in each episode.their entertaining style and infectious love of plants has been a big hit for listeners of all ages with interests beyond gardening.
Guests in the latest series include Liz Earle, creator of the world-famous plant-based skincare range, as well as naturalist, television presenter and author Chris Packham.
● theplantbasedpodcast.net