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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