In his advice on composting, Don emphasizes the importance of avoiding certain materials that can attract pests. He strongly advises against adding meat, fats, or cooked materials to compost heaps. According to Don, “Don’t add meat, fats or cooked material. Particularly cooked starches like potato or rice or pasta.” This guidance is vital, especially as spring marks the start of the breeding season for many rats, which are drawn to the heat generated by rotting vegetation in compost heaps.

Alan Titchmarsh, another gardening authority, supports this notion, stating, “The place they love more than anywhere else in the garden is the compost heap. Mainly because of the heat generated by all this rotting vegetation.” This highlights the need for careful management of compost to maintain a healthy garden environment.

Monty Don also discusses the significance of rich, moisture-retentive soil for growing sweet peas. He recommends that gardeners begin sowing sweet peas by the second week of April for optimal growth. He notes, “If you don’t start your sweet peas by the second weekend in April, then it’s almost not worth it.” This timing is crucial for ensuring that the plants thrive and produce vibrant flowers.

To maximize the flowering period, Don suggests planting sweet peas in at least two or three batches. Each sweet pea seed should have enough space to grow, with a maximum of three seeds in a three-inch pot. This spacing allows for healthy growth and prevents overcrowding, which can hinder development.

Furthermore, Don advises gardeners to pinch off the first sets of leaves on sweet peas. This technique encourages more flowers to bloom later in the year, enhancing the overall beauty of the garden. Sweet peas are celebrated for their strong scent and vibrant colors, making them a popular choice among gardeners.

As the gardening season unfolds, Monty Don’s insights serve as a valuable resource for both novice and experienced gardeners. By following his recommendations on composting and sweet pea cultivation, gardeners can create a thriving environment that not only deters pests but also promotes healthy plant growth.

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On March 10, 2026, Helen Skelton, a presenter on Morning Live, showcased various Mother’s Day gift ideas during the show. This segment comes as Monty Don, a well-known gardening expert, filmed a special segment for the program, marking his return to television after a three-month hiatus.

Skelton, who grew up on a dairy farm in Kirkby Thore, Cumbria, shared her personal picks for Mother’s Day gifts on Instagram. Among her recommendations was the Eurohike React 20 Daypack, which has a recommended retail price (RRP) of £40 and a member’s price of £20. Other highlighted items included the Columbia Women’s Benton Springs Half Snap Fleece, priced at £45 RRP and £40.50 for members, and the Acai Women’s Quilted Sling Bag, with an RRP of £29 and a member’s price of £26.

Monty Don, who is set to return to BBC Gardeners’ World with a new series airing on March 13, 2026, expressed his excitement about filming again. “What we’re filming today, we’ll go out next Friday,” he stated, indicating the quick turnaround for the segment. He also mentioned, “We started filming last week and so we have already been filming for about half an hour this morning.”

Don’s return to the show is highly anticipated by fans, especially with his dog Ned set to feature prominently in the new series. The combination of Don’s gardening expertise and Skelton’s engaging presentation style is expected to attract a wide audience.

Helen Skelton’s light-hearted approach was evident when she remarked, “The irony of my Mum taking these pics is not lost on me!” This personal touch adds a relatable element to the Mother’s Day gift ideas she presented.

As the segments unfold, viewers can expect a blend of practical advice and personal anecdotes, enhancing the viewing experience on Morning Live. The show continues to be a platform for sharing valuable insights and fostering community engagement around various topics.

Both Skelton and Don’s contributions to the program highlight the importance of connecting with audiences through relatable content and expert knowledge. With the upcoming airing of Gardeners’ World on BBC One and iPlayer, fans are eager to see what new gardening tips and ideas will be shared.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any additional segments or features that may be included in future episodes of Morning Live. However, the current developments indicate a strong focus on seasonal themes and audience engagement.

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Alan Titchmarsh and his wife Alison are currently navigating difficulties with the sale of their Hampshire home, having recently reduced the asking price by £450,000. The couple originally listed their Grade II-listed, five-bedroom property in Holybourne for just under £4 million, but the market has proven challenging.

After moving to Surrey in December to be closer to their two daughters, Titchmarsh expressed that it was a “wrench to leave the Hampshire property but admitted it was time to downsize.” The decision to sell has not been easy, and the couple is now facing the uncertainty of attracting a buyer.

The new home features a one-and-a-half acre garden, which Titchmarsh describes as overgrown and overshadowed. He noted, “New gardens possess so many challenges,” as he begins the process of revitalizing the space. Titchmarsh is currently assessing which plants will be capable of flowering in the upcoming months of April, May, and June.

In preparation for the gardening season, Titchmarsh is monitoring the path of the sun, stating, “I am monitoring the path of the sun — at its lowest at this time of year — so that plants which require sun or shade can be catered for.” This meticulous attention to detail reflects his commitment to nurturing the new garden.

Additionally, Titchmarsh has found the best location for a greenhouse and has acquired planning permission for work in the conservation area surrounding his new property. This planning is crucial for ensuring that the garden can flourish in its new environment.

As he embarks on this new chapter, Titchmarsh will learn more about the potential of his new garden in the coming months. He remarked, “I will learn in April, May and June which shrubs and rhododendrons still have potential to flower,” indicating a hopeful outlook despite the challenges ahead.

While Titchmarsh’s gardening expertise may help him navigate the complexities of his new property, details remain unconfirmed regarding when the house will attract a bidder or if the price reduction will lead to a sale. The full extent of what will survive the winter in the new garden is also unverified.

Meanwhile, Titchmarsh’s popular Sunday morning magazine show, Love Your Weekend, returns to screens on March 8, continuing his long-standing presence in the gardening community, where he has presented the show for almost six years.

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Alan Titchmarsh, a well-known figure in gardening and television, has recently made headlines not only for his gardening advice but also for the sale of his Hampshire home. He has recommended that gardeners eliminate spent hydrangea blooms once they decline, a tip that resonates with many gardening enthusiasts.

In the real estate market, Titchmarsh’s home was originally listed for just under £4 million. However, he has since reduced the asking price by £450,000, bringing it down to £3.55 million. This significant price cut has raised questions about the current state of the property market, particularly in the affluent Hampshire area.

Alan and his wife Alison made the decision to move to Surrey in December to be closer to their two daughters. Their new home features a one-and-a-half acre garden described as woodland that is currently overgrown, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for Titchmarsh, who is known for his gardening expertise.

As spring approaches, Titchmarsh plans to assess plant recovery during April, May, and June. He has acquired the necessary planning permission for work in the conservation area surrounding his new property, indicating his commitment to maintaining the natural beauty of the landscape.

Despite the price reduction, Titchmarsh’s property listing has not yet attracted a bidder. The immediate trigger that will resolve the property-side uncertainty is the appearance of a bidder or the completion of a sale for the Holybourne house. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the reasons the listing has yet to attract a bidder.

In the gardening realm, Titchmarsh’s advice echoes sentiments shared by fellow gardening experts. One unknown source noted, “I get bigger hydrangea blooms every year thanks to one March task from Monty Don,” highlighting the importance of seasonal care. Both Monty Don and Titchmarsh emphasize that pruning hydrangeas must be executed cautiously because various hydrangea types flower at different periods.

As Titchmarsh navigates his new gardening project and the sale of his Hampshire home, observers are keen to see which shrubs and rhododendrons still have potential to flower. The coming months will be pivotal for both his gardening endeavors and the status of his property sale.

With a rich history in gardening and television, Alan Titchmarsh continues to be a prominent figure in both fields. His recent activities reflect not only his passion for gardening but also the complexities of the real estate market in which he finds himself.

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