Monty Don advises against adding meat, fats, or cooked materials to compost, stating, “Don’t add meat, fats or cooked material. Particularly cooked starches like potato or rice or pasta.” This guidance is crucial as these items can attract rats, which are drawn to the heat generated by rotting vegetation in compost heaps. Alan Titchmarsh, another gardening expert, noted, “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.”

Understanding the dynamics of compost is vital for any gardener. Monty Don emphasizes that compost enriches soil life, stating, “The real secret of compost is life to soil. Because compost is made by the material being digested by bacteria and fungi and nematodes and the worms and beetles and bugs, you make it work like a recipe that you know just works and works over time.” This highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced compost heap to ensure healthy soil and plants.

In addition to composting, Monty Don has shared his expertise on growing sweet peas, a popular flower known for its strong scent and vibrant colors. He recommends that gardeners should aim to plant sweet peas by the second week of April for optimal growth. He warns, “If you don’t start your sweet peas by the second weekend in April, then it’s almost not worth it.” This timeline is crucial for ensuring that the plants have enough time to flourish throughout the growing season.

To maximize the flowering period, Monty Don suggests sowing sweet peas in at least two or three batches. This staggered planting approach allows for a continuous display of blooms, enhancing the garden’s aesthetic appeal. Each sweet pea seed should be given adequate space to grow, with a maximum of three seeds in a three-inch pot, ensuring that they have the room they need to thrive.

Moreover, Monty Don emphasizes the significance of rich, moisture-retentive soil for sweet peas. This type of soil not only supports healthy growth but also helps in retaining the necessary moisture for the plants. Additionally, he advises gardeners to pinch off the first sets of leaves on sweet peas, a technique that encourages more flowers to develop later in the year, further extending the blooming period.

As the gardening season begins, Monty Don’s insights into composting and sweet pea cultivation provide essential guidance for both novice and experienced gardeners. By following these practices, gardeners can create a thriving environment for their plants while effectively managing pests. The importance of these gardening tips cannot be overstated, as they contribute to a successful and sustainable gardening experience.

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In a notable development, Monty Don filmed a segment for Morning Live on March 10, 2026, marking his return to the show after a three-month break. This appearance comes just days before the new series of BBC Gardeners’ World, which is set to air on March 13, 2026.

During the segment, Helen Skelton, a presenter on Morning Live, shared her Mother’s Day gift ideas, highlighting various products that cater to different preferences. Among her picks was the Eurohike React 20 Daypack, which has a recommended retail price (RRP) of £40, but is available for members at £20.

Skelton, who grew up on a dairy farm in Kirkby Thore, Cumbria, expressed her personal connection to the gifts she recommended, stating, “The irony of my Mum taking these pics is not lost on me!” This sentiment reflects her appreciation for family and the significance of Mother’s Day.

In addition to the Eurohike Daypack, Skelton showcased other items, including 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, which retails for £29 and is available for £26 to members.

Monty Don, known for his expertise in gardening, mentioned, “What we’re filming today, we’ll go out next Friday,” indicating the timely nature of the content being produced. He also noted, “We started filming last week and so we have already been filming for about half an hour this morning,” highlighting the ongoing production efforts.

Don’s beloved dog, Ned, will also feature in the upcoming series of Gardeners’ World, much to the delight of fans. His presence adds a personal touch to the gardening show, which has garnered a loyal following over the years.

The new series of Gardeners’ World will be available on BBC One and iPlayer, ensuring that viewers can easily access the latest gardening tips and advice.

As the excitement builds around the return of Monty Don and the upcoming series, viewers are eager to see how these developments will unfold. The combination of Skelton’s Mother’s Day suggestions and Don’s gardening insights promises to engage audiences in a meaningful way.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding any additional surprises planned for the new series, but the anticipation continues to grow as fans look forward to the return of their favorite gardening show.

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