Sometimes you need some inspiration for your garden! This list of gardening experts includes horticultural professionals, landscape architects, Master Gardeners, bloggers, YouTubers, organic gardeners, and gardening authors, as well as niche experts in specific areas of gardening skills.
Whether you’re a beginner gardener or an avid green thumb, chances are there are a few experts who you love to learn from. I like to use Pinterest to get new ideas, and I also love reading books and checking the websites and social media accounts of gardening experts.
Here is the list of gardening experts I’ve put together over the years. I also keep a list of my favorite gardening books as another wonderful source of inspiration. The list below includes gardening experts, renowned horticulturalists, biologists, designers, and permaculturalists.
List of top current gardening experts
- Kevin Espiritu: American gardening blogger and YouTuber behind Epic Gardening
- Laura LeBoutillier: American YouTuber behind Garden Answer
- Alys Fowler: British horticulturalist, gardening journalist, and urban garden/allotment expert.
- Mike McGrath: Expert in organic gardening, safe garden pest control, and composting;
- Ron Finley: Expert in organic food gardening;
- Tanya Anderson: Expert in growing and using organic produce;
- Lee Reich: Expert in growing fruit, edible landscaping, and weed-less gardening;
- Margaret Roach: Expert in organic gardening and garden journalism;
- Joe Lamp’l: Expert in backyard gardening;
- Melinda Myers: Gardening host, author, and columnist.
The big list of gardening experts
Here is a list of niche gardening experts recommended to me by friends and mentors. This list is by no means complete, but it is perhaps a good place to start when looking for gardening experts.
| Name | Known For | Visit Website |
|---|---|---|
| Adam Frost | Garden Design | http://adamfrost.co.uk/ |
| Adam Woodhams | Garden Better (BHG Australia) | https://www.bhg.com.au/garden-better |
| Alan Lodge | The Plants and Me | https://plants-uk.co.uk/pages/podcast |
| Alice Marcus Krieg | We Dig Plants | https://heritageradionetwork.org/series/we-dig-plants/ |
| Allan Savory | Holistic Land Management | https://savory.global/ |
| Alys Fowler | Television Host, Author | https://www.theguardian.com/profile/alys-fowler |
| Alys Hurn | Gardens Illustrated Podcast | https://www.gardensillustrated.com/podcasts/ |
| Amanda McNulty | Making it Grow, on NPR | https://www.npr.org/podcasts/406771069/making-it-grow-minutes |
| Andrew O’Brien | Gardens, Weeds, and Words | http://www.gardensweedsandwords.com/ |
| Andy Lopez | Invisible Gardener | https://invisiblegardener.com/ |
| Andy McIndoe | Garden Design, Shrubs, Garden Wildlife | http://www.andymcindoe.com/ |
| Annie Martin | Moss | https://www.mountainmoss.com/ |
| Arthur Kruckeberg | Botany, Native Plants | https://www.kruckeberg.org/our-story/ |
| Barbara W. Ellis | Organic Gardening | https://easternshoregardener.com/about/ |
| Ben Dark | The Garden Log | https://twitter.com/bensgarden |
| Bill Mollison | Permaculture | |
| Bill Thorness | Cool-Season Gardening | https://billthorness.com/ |
| Brooke Kornegay | Soul Soil: Where Agriculture and Spirit Intersect | https://www.soulsoilpodcast.com/ |
| C.L. Fornari | Author, Podcaster (Plantrama) | https://www.plantrama.com/ |
| Carly Cylinder | Floral Arranging | http://www.flourla.com/ |
| Carmen Devito | We Dig Plants | https://heritageradionetwork.org/series/we-dig-plants/ |
| Carol J. Michel | Garden Humor | https://caroljmichel.com/ |
| Catherine Kleier | Botany, Science of Gardening | https://www.nationalgeographic.org/find-explorers/catherine-kleier |
| Charles Sadler | In the Landscape | https://kinggardeninc.com/in-the-landscape |
| Charlie Dobbin | The Garden Show with Charlie Dobbin | https://www.zoomerradio.ca/shows/the-garden-show/ |
| Charlie Ryrie | Flowers | http://www.cutflowergarden.co.uk/ |
| Charlotte Petts | Growing Wild | https://www.radioreverb.com/shows/growing-wild/ |
| Chris Collins | The Organic Gardening Podcast | https://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/ |
| Chris Sabbarese | Green Industry Leaders Network | https://greenindustryleadersnetwork.simplecast.com/ |
| Chris VanCleave | Rose Chat Podcast | http://www.redneckrosarian.com/ |
| Chris Young | The Garden Podcast (RHS) | https://www.rhs.org.uk/about-the-rhs/publications/podcasts/thegardenpodcast |
| Christy Wilhelmi | Gardenerd | https://gardenerd.com/ |
| Chrys Gardener | Gardening, Educator | https://chrysgardener.com/about/ |
| Ciscoe Morris | Gardening with Ciscoe | https://www.ciscoe.com/media/radio.html |
| Colah Tawkin | Black in the Garden | |
| Costa Georgiadis | Gardening Australia | https://www.abc.net.au/gardening/podcast/ |
| Craig LeHoullier | Heirloom Tomatoes | https://www.craiglehoullier.com/ |
| Danielle Sherry | Let’s Argue About Plants | https://www.finegardening.com/series/fine-gardening-podcast-lets-argue-about-plants |
| Darryl Cheng | Houseplants | https://www.houseplantjournal.com/ |
| David Holmgren | Permaculture | https://holmgren.com.au/ |
| David Hurrion | BBC Gardener’s World | https://www.davidhurrion.com/ |
| David Maxwell | Gardeners’ Corner (BBC) | https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007b5wg |
| David R. Mellor | Lawn Care | https://www.davidrmellor.com/ |
| Debra Prinzing | Slow Flowers, Sunset Magazine | https://www.debraprinzing.com/ |
| Dusty Hegge | Grow Well | https://dustyhegge.com/ |
| Edward Smith | Container Gardening | |
| Ellen Mary | The Plant Based Podcast | https://theplantbasedpodcast.net/ |
| Ellen Zachos | Author, Podcaster (Plantrama) | https://www.plantrama.com/ |
| Emily Murphy | Pass the Pistil & Grow What You Love | https://passthepistil.com/ |
| Eric Toensmeier | Forest Gardens, Carbon Sequestration | http://www.perennialsolutions.org/ |
| Erin Benzakein | Flowers, Flower Farming, Cut Flowers | https://www.floretflowers.com/ |
| Erin Harding | Clever Bloom, Houseplants | https://cleverbloom.com/ |
| Felder Rushing | The Gestalt Gardener | https://www.npr.org/podcasts/486075531/the-gestalt-gardener |
| Fern Marshall Bradley | Organic Gardening, Garden Writing | https://www.chelseagreen.com/staff/fern-marshall-bradley-senior-editor/ |
| Fred Hower | Plant Talk | https://planttalkradio.com/ |
| Gary Bachman | Southern Gardening Podcast (Mississippi State) | http://extension.msstate.edu/shows/southern-gardening |
| Geoff Hodge | Botany | |
| Gill Deacon | Garden Talk (CBC) | https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcasts/garden-talk/ |
| Greg Auton | The Maritime Gardening Podcast | https://maritimegardening.com/ |
| Hilary Dahl | Seattle Urban Farm Co. | https://www.seattleurbanfarmco.com/ |
| Hilary Thomas | Garden Design | http://www.thegardeningwebsite.co.uk/hilary-thomas-garden-design-i5436.html |
| HRH Charles, Prince of Wales | Organic Gardening | https://www.princeofwales.gov.uk/features/royal-gardens |
| Igor Josifovic | Houseplants, Urban Jungle | https://happyinteriorblog.com/ |
| Isa Hendry Eaton | Garden Design | http://www.isabird.com/about |
| Jackie Beyer | The Green Organic Gardener Podcast | https://organicgardenerpodcast.com/ |
| Jacob Mittleider | Mittleider Gardening Method | https://growfood.com/ |
| Jane Eastoe | Flowers | https://www.janeeastoe.co.uk/ |
| Jane Perrone | On the Ledge | https://www.janeperrone.com/ |
| Jazlyn Dow | Gardenstead, Urban Gardening | https://www.gardenstead.com/ |
| Jen Parrilli | Fungi Town | https://fungitownpod.home.blog/ |
| Jennifer Ebeling | Still Growing, The Daily Gardener | https://6ftmama.com/ |
| Jennifer Jewell | Cultivating Place | https://www.cultivatingplace.com/ |
| Jenny Dillon | Garden Better (BHG Australia) | https://www.bhg.com.au/garden-better |
| Jenny Peterson | Garden Design | https://www.finegardening.com/author/jenny-peterson |
| Jill Cloutier | The Plant Report | https://sustainableworldradio.com/the-plant-report/ |
| Jill McSheehy | The Beginner’s Garden with Jill McSheehy | https://journeywithjill.net/ |
| Jo Howski | Home of Houseplants | https://homeofhouseplants.com.au/ |
| Jodi Torpey | Gardening, Garden Writing | https://joditorpey.com/ |
| Joe Lamp’l | The Joe Gardener Show | https://joegardener.com/podcasts/ |
| Joff Elphick | Pot and Cloche Garden Podcasts | https://www.joffelphick.co.uk/ |
| John Magee | The Native Plant Podcast | https://www.nativeplantpodcast.com/ |
| John Morgan | The Keep Growing Podcast | https://www.bobsmarket.com/keepgrowing |
| Josh Robinson | Permaculture for the Future | https://permacultureforthefuture.com/ |
| Judith de Graaff | Houseplants, Urban Jungle | https://www.joelix.com/ |
| Kate Sadler | In the Landscape | https://kinggardeninc.com/in-the-landscape |
| Kathy Clugston | Gardeners’ Question Time (BBC) | https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qp2f |
| Katie Elzer-Peters | Gardening, Garden Writing | https://thegardenofwords.com/ |
| Ken Crowther | Ken Crowther’s Gardening Podcast (BBC) | https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p004lmms/episodes/downloads |
| Kevin Espiritu | Epic Gardening | https://www.epicgardening.com/ |
| Kim Eierman | EcoBeneficial | https://www.ecobeneficial.com/ |
| Lara Darling | Hydroponics, Aeroponics, Aquaponics | |
| Larry Meiller | Garden Talk with Larry Meiller | https://www.wpr.org/programs/garden-talk |
| Lee Connelly | The Skinny Jean Gardener | http://skinnyjeangardener.co.uk/podcast |
| Lee Reich | Fruit | http://www.leereich.com/ |
| Lia Leendertz | Urban Gardening | https://www.lialeendertz.com/ |
| Linda Chalker-Scott | Science of Gardening | http://gardenprofessors.com/author/linda-chalker-scott/ |
| Margaret Roach | Martha Stewart Gardening, A Way to Garden | https://awaytogarden.com/ |
| Maria Failla | Bloom and Grow Radio | https://bloomandgrowradio.com/ |
| Marie Iannotti | Gardening, Educator | https://www.thespruce.com/marie-iannotti-1401769 |
| Martha Stewart | General Gardening Media | https://www.marthastewart.com/1504574/gardening |
| Mary Jane Duford | Home for the Harvest, Beginner Gardening | https://www.homefortheharvest.com/ |
| Masanobu Fukuoka | No-Till Gardening | |
| Matt Candeias | In Defense of Plants | http://www.indefenseofplants.com/podcast |
| Meg Smolinski | Container Gardening | |
| Megan Cain | Garden Blogger | https://www.creativevegetablegardener.com/about/ |
| Mel Bartholomew | Square Foot Gardening | https://squarefootgardening.org/ |
| Melinda Myers | General Gardening | https://www.melindamyers.com/ |
| Melissa J. Will | Two Minutes in the Garden | https://empressofdirt.net/two-minutes-in-the-garden/ |
| Michael Perry | The Plant Based Podcast | https://theplantbasedpodcast.net/ |
| Mickey Robertson | In the Kitchen Garden with Mickey | https://www.glenmorehouse.com.au/new/podcast |
| Mike McGrath | You Bet Your Garden | https://www.wlvt.org/television/you-bet-your-garden/ |
| Misti Little | The Garden Path | http://www.thegardenpathpodcast.com/ |
| Monty Don | Television Host, Author | https://www.montydon.com/ |
| Naomi Slade | Fruit & Flowers | |
| Nathan Wilson | New Southern Garden | https://www.newsoutherngarden.com/podcast |
| Neil Sperry | Neil Sperry’s Gardens | https://neilsperry.com/podcasts/ |
| Nicole Johnsey Burke | Kitchen Gardens | https://www.gardenary.com/about#/ |
| Niki Jabbour | Savvy Gardening, Blogger, Author | https://savvygardening.com/author/niki-jabbour/ |
| Noel Kingsbury | Gardening, Educator | https://www.noelkingsbury.com/ |
| Paul Stamits | Fungi | https://fungi.com/ |
| Paul Tukey | Lawn Care | |
| Paul Zammit | Garden Talk (CBC) | https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcasts/garden-talk/ |
| Paul Zimmerman | Roses | http://paulzimmermanroses.com/ |
| Paula Pryke | Flowers, Floral Arranging | http://www.paulapryke.com/ |
| Peter Bane | Permaculture | http://permaculturehandbook.com/ |
| Peter Donegan | The SodShow | http://www.sodshow.com/ |
| Peter Gibbs | Gardeners’ Question Time (BBC) | https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qp2f |
| Peter Seabrook | This Week In The Garden with Peter Seabrook | https://www.news.co.uk/who-we-are/toptalent/peter-seabrook/ |
| Piet Oudolf | Garden Design | https://oudolf.com/ |
| Rachel Myers | Garden Design | |
| Rachel Petheram | Flowers, Herbs | http://www.catkinflowers.com/about |
| Randy Ritchie | The Healthy Garden | |
| Rebecca Sweet | Harmony in the Garden, Garden Design | https://harmonyinthegarden.com/about-rebecca/ |
| Rick Stone | Gardening, Educator | https://onlinegardeningschool.com/ |
| Robert Pavlis | Garden Blogger | http://www.gardenmyths.com/ |
| Robin Wall Kimmerer | Moss, Nature | https://www.humansandnature.org/robin-wall-kimmerer |
| Ron Finley | Community Gardening | http://ronfinley.com/ |
| Ron Patterson | Gardening, Garden Wildlife | http://www.gardening-for-wildlife.com/ |
| Rosemary Alexander | Garden Design | http://rosemaryalexander.co.uk/ |
| Sally Nex | Gardening, Educator | https://sallynex.com/ |
| Sarah Brown | The Organic Gardening Podcast | https://www.gardenorganic.org.uk/ |
| Sarah Wilson | Roots and All | https://rootsandall.co.uk/ |
| Sean and Allison McManus | Spoken Garden Podcast | https://spokengarden.com/category/podcast/ |
| Sepp Holzer | Permaculture | https://www.seppholzer.at/english |
| Shane Connolly | Flowers | http://www.shaneconnolly.co.uk/ |
| Shannon Whelan | Gardenstead, Euclid Flower Farms | https://www.gardenstead.com/ |
| Shawna Coronado | Gardening Blogger, Author | https://shawnacoronado.com/ |
| Signe Danler | Gardening, Educator | https://horticulture.oregonstate.edu/users/signe-danler |
| Stacy and Amy | Sow Edible Podcast | https://sowediblefarm.com/ |
| Stephanie Rose | Garden Therapy – Organic Gardening, Nature Crafts | https://gardentherapy.ca/ |
| Steve Aitken | Let’s Argue About Plants | https://www.finegardening.com/series/fine-gardening-podcast-lets-argue-about-plants |
| Summer Rayne Oakes | Homestead Brooklyn, Urban Gardening, Youtube | https://homesteadbrooklyn.com/ |
| Susy Morris | Chiot’s Run | https://chiotsrun.com/ |
| Tanya Anderson | Lovely Greens – Organic Gardening, Nature Crafts | https://lovelygreens.com/ |
| Teena Spindler | Gardening, Educator | http://gardenclub.homedepot.com/gardenieres-teena-spindler/ |
| Teresa Byington | Rose Chat Podcast | http://www.redneckrosarian.com/ |
| Tim Crowther | Sunday Gardening with Tim Crowther | https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02nrw3f/episodes/downloads |
| Toby Hemenway | Permaculture | https://tobyhemenway.com/about/ |
| Toby Musgrave | Garden History | http://www.tobymusgrave.com/ |
| Tom Christopher | Growing Greener | https://www.thomaschristophergardens.com/podcast |
| Ula Maria | Garden Design | https://www.ulamaria.com/ |
| Valerie Bradley | Houseplants | |
| Vanessa Fuchs | Royal Botanic Garden Sydney | https://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/ |
| Veronica Peerless | Houseplants |
More about different types of gardening experts
There are some different types of gardening experts. Here are some of the main categories to look for.
Master Gardeners
One of the most recognized titles in the gardening community is that of a “Master Gardener.” This title is typically granted after completing a rigorous training program, often administered through universities or their cooperative extension services.
These programs cover a broad range of horticultural topics and often require participants to volunteer in their communities, sharing their knowledge and expertise. Master Gardeners are trained not just to cultivate plants but to educate others, making them invaluable assets to local gardening endeavors.
Horticulturists
These experts dive deep into the science and art of cultivating plants in formal post-secondary education. Some have college diplomas, while others have university degrees.
Horticulturists might work in a variety of settings, from botanical gardens and greenhouses to agricultural fields and research labs. Their understanding of plant biology, genetics, and propagation often places them at the forefront of plant breeding, conservation, and sustainable farming practices.
Landscape architects
More than just garden designers, landscape architects are professionals trained in the design and planning of outdoor spaces. They combine a deep understanding of plants with knowledge of design principles, ecology, and urban planning. These experts shape public parks, design sustainable urban green spaces, and create outdoor environments that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Botanists
These scientists study plants and their relationships within ecosystems. Their work might range from exploring the genetics of crop plants to studying plant diseases or discovering new plant species in remote parts of the world. Many botanists work in academic settings, though they can also be found in conservation, agriculture, and pharmaceutical fields.
Permaculturists
Rooted in sustainable and holistic design principles, permaculturists seek to create agricultural systems that mimic natural ecosystems. These experts emphasize the importance of biodiversity, resource conservation, and ethical land stewardship. Permaculture goes beyond just gardening, encompassing sustainable housing, water management, and community building.
Each type of gardening expert brings a unique perspective and set of skills to the table. Whether they’re designing a city park, conserving endangered plants, or teaching homeowners about vegetable gardening, their combined knowledge enriches the world of gardening and ensures that it continues to evolve and thrive.
