Postbag Edition: Ninewells Community Garden

Postbag Edition: Ninewells Community Garden

From Gardeners' Question Time by BBC Radio 4

February 27, 2026 · 42 min

About this episode

The GQT team visits Ninewells Community Garden to answer listener questions and discuss various gardening topics.

Kathy Clugston and GQT team have packed their wellies for a trip to the Ninewells Community Garden in Dundee. Kathy is joined by Matthew Pottage, Neil Porteous and Kirsty Wilson to explore the grounds whilst delving into the GQT Postbag together. Among todays questions, the panellists break down which leaves are better to compost than others, tackle a listener’s battle against tomatoes with tough skins, and debate the long‑term impact of weed‑suppressing membranes on soil health. They also explore the ins and outs of olive tree care, suggest the perfect daisies to plant in a pair of cherished old police boots, and consider which dramatic grasses can bring structure and movement to a no‑mow lawn rooted in very sandy soil. Later in the show, Garden Facilitator at Ninewells Community Garden, Mary Colvin, leads the team on a tour of the vibrant community garden, sharing how gardening and green spaces can boost wellbeing, support recovery, and promote a holistic approach to health. Producer: Dan Cocker Assistant Producer: Rahnee Prescod A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4

People in this episode

Host: Kathy Clugston

Guests: Matthew Pottage, Neil Porteous, Kirsty Wilson, Mary Colvin

Topics covered

  • community gardening
  • composting
  • tomato care
  • soil health
  • olive tree care
  • planting daisies
  • no-mow lawns

Keywords

  • wellbeing
  • green spaces
  • health

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Postbag, olive trees, daisies, weed-suppressing membranes, grasses

Places: Dundee

More episodes of Gardeners' Question Time

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Gardeners' Question Time podcast page.