Former Gardeners’ World host Alan Titchmarsh has warned fellow gardeners not to make one common mistake when it comes to deciding where to grow certain plants.
Chatting on a recent episode of the Gardeners’ World podcast, the green fingered guru imparted his latest piece of horticultural advice, initially sharing his passion for growing an array of fruit and vegetables in his patch: “I’ve got apple trees hither and yon and crab apples too, (I’ve got) damsons, plums, old victoria plums that were even here when we came, and a pear (tree) or two.
“But the raspberries, and the gooseberies, and the strawberries are in fruit cages.”
However, while he explained his love of growing fruit and veg, he revealed that he often finds it puzzling that some passionate horticulturists aren’t more strategic when it comes to growing the trees.
The TV presenter added: “It’s just easier for them all to be in one place and within easy reach of the kitchen.
“It’s like a herb garden, somebody said they have a herb garden (and) ‘it’s right at the end of the garden’, well you’d never bother using it.
“That rainy day when you want a bit of rosemary for the roast lamb (you’d go) ‘oh I won’t bother, it’s a bit filthy’.”
Reiterating his advice in simple terms, he added: “Always grow things as near to the kitchen as you possibly can if they are edible.”
While Alan has become a household name down the years, it was almost five decades ago that the broadcaster made his first steps into the world of TV and radio.
It was back in 1977, on BBC Radio 4, that he was first heard on our airwaves and has become a prominent feature ever since.
But, he is possibly best known for his role hosting Gardeners’ World from 1996 when he took over from Geoff Hamilton.
The 75-year-old remained on the show until he eventually left in 2003, being replaced by Monty Don, who still hosts the show to this day.
With his days hosting Gardeners’ World behind him, Alan can now be seen every Sunday at 9.30am hosting Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh on ITV.
