Presenters

Born in Fishpool, Notts, Martin comes from a mining background, but his early discovery of gardening and the great outdoors in his grandma's garden sent him down the garden path, rather than down Blidworth pit!

He left school at 16 to become an apprentice gardener on the Newark Parks Department and studied horticulture at Brackenhurst College, Southwell.

He joined John Stirland, answering Nottinghamshire's gardening questions on BBC Radio Nottingham's phone-in, in 1993 – the start of the double act!

Martin in his garden

When it comes to music, Martin wouldn't be much use to you in a pub quiz because he can never remember the names of the songs.

He does however like most popular music, especially from the '60s – he's a big Heartbeat fan!

When not on air, digging, planting or pruning Martin spends a fair amount of time in front of a computer screen writing features for gardening magazines and local newspapers. 

Martin also keeps chickens, has kept pigs and enjoys a few pints of real ale to help expand his waist-line.

He also loves growing fruit and vegetables and takes great pride in providing fresh produce for the family. Fortunately his wife Jill is a great cook so it all gets put to good use.

John and Martin's directory

Recommended weblinks for gardening in Nottinghamshire and beyond.

Martin and John can be heard answering your questions every Thursday on BBC Radio Nottingham with Frances Finn (09:00 - 12:00) and co-presenting the Gardening Hour every Sunday (09:00 - 10:00). They are also BBC East Midlands Today's gardeners.