Monty Don is quitting Gardeners' World after more than 20 years as the BBC show's longest-serving Head Gardener.

Monty joined the show in 2003, and in 2011, he welcomed audiences weekly into his own garden. In late 2025 he underwent 'horribly painful' knee surgery, explaining he had been in pain after decades of kneeling in the garden.

As recently as March, the veteran host insisted that he couldn't imagine retiring and was in negotiations to continue to host the show until at least 2028. 

Sharing an Instagram video with his golden retriever Ned, Monty told fans 'it's time for a change,' adding that there will be 'no doubt new adventures in the future but for the moment this is the end of a chapter.' 

Speaking about his decision Monty, who earlier this year insisted he was in talks to continue with the show until 2028, said: 'I have decided that the current series of Gardeners' World is to be my last.'

'I began hosting the programme 23 years ago, first at Berryfields and for the past 16 years here in my own garden, Longmeadow.'

'Throughout that time - and around seven hundred programmes - I have had the privilege of sharing my own abiding passion for gardens and gardening with an equally passionate, and often equally knowledgeable audience.

'That connection with millions, not just in Britain but across the world, who share a love of gardens, plants and the natural world is something I have always treasured and which I increasingly believe to be at the heart of a life well lived.

'I have also always relished the craft of programme making and to do so, week in week out, as part of a superlative BBC team has been a deeply rewarding experience. But now is the right time for a change.

'I look forward to continuing to work with and for the BBC on other projects, as well as following new avenues. There are more books to write, more programmes to make.

'And of course, I will still be gardening, dog by side, here at Longmeadow.'

In March Monty insisted that he couldn't imagine retirement and was in negotiations to continue to host the show until at least 2028. 

'I hope I’m continuing, but as I come up to the end of every contract, I seriously consider how it fits the rest of my life,' he explained to Saga Magazine.

'Each time, it’s come down fairly and squarely that I’d like to continue. But there will come a time when either they’ll say, "No, thanks" or I’ll say, "It’s time for a change", but neither of us, as far as I know, has reached that point yet.

'I genuinely don’t know what retirement would look like. I don’t play golf or tennis, and I can’t see myself doing the crossword all day... I like work.'

Monty revealed in the same interview though that he was struggling after undergoing 'horribly painful' knee surgery at the end of 2025 that left him barely able to walk. 

He said he could 'barely walk upstairs' and struggled to walk his dogs after a day of filming. 

Monty told Saga though that his recovery was 'inexplicably' painful.

'However you do it, a knee replacement is horribly painful, but three months on I’m gardening again and haven’t walked with a stick for a month,' he said in March.    

'[My wife] Sarah says I’ve been doing far too much stuff, but it’s fine and going to plan – though it can be inexplicably painful one day and then not at all another.

He added that his doctor has advised he have the same surgery on his other knee in the future, but he would only have it 'when I can fit it in'

'At some point, I’m going to have to do the other one – but only when I can fit it in, probably late 2027,' he said at the time.

Kate Phillips, BBC's Chief Content Officer said on Tuesday: 'Monty's decision to leave Gardeners World is one I respect, but I'm still very sad he's leaving. Monty is utterly unique, a wonderfully engaging broadcaster with a soothing, calm presence who has inspired so many with his passion for gardening.'

'We are a nation full of budding gardeners, and his tips and advice have been invaluable to viewers for more than 20 years and have certainly helped me increase my knowledge as well as my plant survival rate!'

'I would like to thank Monty personally for his honesty and kindness which has seen him open-up about his own personal struggles and the power of the natural world to improve mental health.'

'We will miss him on the show hugely. Monty will be presenting BBC Gardeners World from his beautiful LongMeadow gardens until the end of the year, and I look forward to working with him on the BBC on future projects.'

Sharon Fisher, BBC Studios Series Editor, Gardeners' World, who has worked with Monty for the past twenty years said: 'Monty's contribution to Gardeners' World has been extraordinary.'

'Through his warmth, wisdom and deep love of gardening, he has inspired millions to discover the pleasure and purpose that getting your hands into the soil can bring. I have seen first-hand the care, integrity and generosity he brings to everything he does.'

'His departure marks the end of a remarkable chapter in the programme's history. All of us on the Gardeners' World team, will miss him enormously, but we celebrate everything he has given to the programme, the gardening community and the audience who have welcomed him into their homes every week for over two decades.'

Audiences will still be able to see Monty broadcast from Longmeadow until later this year.