Gardeners’ World host Monty Don was forced to share an urgent warning with fans after making a big discovery in his garden
14:38, 28 Feb 2026Updated 14:39, 28 Feb 2026
Monty Don warned of rhubarb leaves being poisonous to dogs(Image: BBC)
Monty Don made his return to the BBC with the latest instalment of Gardener’s World, but as the programme commenced, he felt compelled to issue viewers with an urgent caution.
With Spring approaching, the cherished horticulturist showcased early-season produce, particularly rhubarb.
Throughout the segment on the BBC show, the 70 year old was filmed working in his garden and harvesting the robust vegetable stalks from the ground, whilst disclosing that he’s cultivated his plant for 36 years.
Whilst Monty advised viewers: “Never cut it, you always pull rhubarb,” he delivered a critically important message regarding the foliage on the plants.
The gardening expert cautioned: “Of course, you don’t eat the leaves, and in fact, rhubarb leaves are poisonous for dogs. “Not that I’ve ever known a dog want to eat a rhubarb leaf, but if you find your dog eating it, stop it.”
Monty Don’s dog Ned makes regular appearances on the show (Image: BBC)
As Monty outlined the hazards of the rhubarb foliage, his endearing golden retriever, Ned, featured on screen with his eyes shut as the BBC presenter positioned the basket of vegetables beside him.
According to Rover.com, rhubarb foliage contains soluble oxalate crystals, which pose two primary health risks for canines, including a reduction in calcium levels, as the chemical compound attaches itself to the calcium within the dog’s system.
It can additionally trigger kidney failure, as soluble oxalate crystals build up in the kidney and harm the organ.
Monty Don warned dog owners(Image: BBC)
Warning signs to watch for include drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. More severe symptoms include tremors, weakness, bloody urine, and potential kidney failure.
Addressing his 1.5 million followers on Instagram, the presenter shared a sweet clip of his golden pooch who had a ball in his mouth as he avoided handing it over, which, according to the host, was a very normal thing to take place in their house.
Taking to the caption, Monty wrote: “It’s tragic how much pleasure this endless game gives Ned (and me).” But while he may have thought it was tragic, his followers felt very differently as they flooded his comments with glee.
You can catch up on Gardeners World on BBC iPlayer
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