Gardeners’ World host Monty Don was back on our screens on Thursday evening and fans were left disappointed as he unveiled his garlic crop
Alexandra Bullard and Natalie King
14:56, 27 Jun 2025
Gardeners’ World had a new time slot this week(Image: Ben Montgomery, Getty Images)
Green-fingered enthusiasts received their dose of Gardeners’ World a day early last Thursday night, as the iconic Glastonbury Festival kicked into gear. In the latest episode, Monty Don charmed viewers by demonstrating the ins and outs of harvesting elephant garlic.
The garden guru approached a bed brimming with the oversized garlic variety, ready to pluck from the soil. Monty, speaking directly to BBC audiences, clarified that despite its name, elephant garlic actually belongs to the leek family and boasts a larger size and milder flavour compared to traditional garlic.
Guiding fans through the harvest process, he emphasised the importance of gently lifting the bulbs out with a fork to preserve the roots. Monty explained: “It stores very well, it’s easier to use, and it doesn’t dominate in the way that garlic can do.”
However, the gardening experience wasn’t without its hiccups, as Monty unearthed a number of rotted regular garlic bulbs, remarking on camera, “That’s no good. Interesting.”
Monty Don revealed to viewers that his garlic had rotted(Image: BBC)
Upon discovering yet another decayed specimen, Monty labelled it “completely horrible” and lamented, “Look how that’s rotted. The cloves are in there, but I don’t think they would keep.”, reports the Express.
Monty furrowed his brow in concern, saying: “No, no, no. What I am asking myself is why this garlic from a very reputable supplier, for the first time ever since I’ve grown garlic, is no good. It’s rotting. It’s difficult to see if there’s a virus or a fungal problem. But the elephant garlic in the same bedding and in the same growing conditions is untouchable.”
Monty revealed he wouldn’t be planting in that particular bed for the next three years due to the rotting garlic, which led to quite a stir among viewers.
Viewers sympathised with Monty’s garlic fail(Image: BBC)
One mentioned on X, “Oh a garlic fail for @TheMontyDon Disaster! #GardenersWorld.”
Another shared their dismay with, “Disappointing garlic.”
A third expressed their concern: “That was worrying about @TheMontyDon’s garlic #GardenersWorld.”
A fourth quipped with a touch of humour, “Maybe a vampire is buried under that bed. #gardenersworld.”
Gardeners’ World is available to watch on BBC iPlayer