Gardeners' World fans have been left amused after Monty Don shared tips on when to pick aubergines in a clip set to suggestive saxophone music. The video, posted on Instagram by the BBC show, features the 71-year-old presenter discussing the fruit, which is ready for picking in October.
Don, who is set to step down as presenter at the end of the 2026 series, admits he often struggles to know exactly when an aubergine is ripe. In the clip, he explains the basic rules for checking ripeness, including looking for a glossy skin and pressing the fruit with a thumb.
Viewers react to the clip
The combination of sultry music, certain camera angles, and images of Don probing an aubergine proved too much for some viewers. The clip has been liked thousands of times on social media and caused uproarious delight among its audience.
One viewer joked: "I didn't realise I'd subscribed to OnlyDons," while another added: "The Full Monty." A third commented: "Oh @themontydon - they did you dirty on this one," and a fourth said: "The sexy sax is just the icing on the cake."
Don's advice on ripeness
In the video, Don says: "Now I will be honest with you, I've always slightly struggled to know when an aubergine is ripe. But there are basic rules that you can follow. The first thing is a nice glossy skin. Don't worry about size; that's not an indicator."
He continues: "Press it with your thumb. If it's hard and doesn't give, it's not ready—it's unripe. If it's soft and remains indented after you've pressed it in, then it's a little bit overripe. But if you press it and then it springs back, it's ready to pick. I think that's perfect. It's got some give, not too hard."
Future plans and gardener salaries
Don earlier said he may have to let his two gardeners go after stepping down as the presenter of Gardeners' World. The broadcaster revealed the BBC paid part of the salaries of the workers, who have tended his Herefordshire garden, Longmeadow, since he began hosting the show from his home in 2011.
Speaking at the RHS Malvern autumn flower show, Don said: "I have had two full-time gardeners, and have had them since I have been on Gardeners' World, and from day one it's been in my BBC contract that I have to have two full-time gardeners." He added: "If I'm off filming in the Rhine or India or somewhere like that, somebody has got to be getting it ready. The BBC pays a contribution towards their wages. Not enough, but they do pay something, which is great. Obviously, that contribution is going to go."
