BBC Gardeners' World sees schedule shake-up as Monty Don left disappointed

Gardeners' World fans were in for a treat as the show aired on Thursday, a day ahead of its usual schedule, to make way for the Glastonbury Festival coverage. In the latest episode, Monty Don demonstrated how to harvest elephant garlic, explaining to viewers that despite its name, it's actually a type of leek and boasts a milder flavour than traditional garlic.

The green-fingered guru, aged 69, approached a bed of the oversized plant, declaring it was ripe for picking. He advised BBC viewers to always use a fork when lifting the garlic to preserve the roots, essential for storage, reports the Express.

Monty shared further advice, noting, "It stores very well, it's easier to use, and it doesn't dominate in the way that garlic can do."

READ MORE: ITV Lorraine show 'hijacked' as host Ranvir Singh makes special announcement

READ MORE: ITV This Morning star 'having a year off' as they detail being left 'exhausted'

However, the episode took a turn when he discovered some of the regular garlic bulbs had succumbed to rot. He remarked, "That's no good. Interesting."

Upon unearthing another spoiled clove, Monty described it as "completely horrible" and added "Look how that's rotted. The cloves are in there, but I don't think they would keep."

Puzzled by the unexpected decay, Monty wondered: "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 his decision to avoid planting in that particular garden bed for the next three years after showing his garlic crops succumbing to rot.

The response from viewers watching at home was swift, with several taking to X to express their reactions to Monty's gardening mishap.

One viewer sympathised on Twitter, "Oh a garlic fail for @TheMontyDon Disaster! #GardenersWorld."

Another joined in with a sigh, "Disappointing garlic."

A third shared their concern, tweeting "That was worrying about @TheMontyDon's garlic #GardenersWorld."

A fourth found humour in the situation, jokingly tweeting "Maybe a vampire is buried under that bed. #gardenersworld."

Gardeners' World is available to stream on BBC iPlayer