A survey by BBC Gardeners' World magazine has revealed the overwhelming majority of gardeners think the amount of plastic used in gardening is a problem and believe it is the responsibility of manufacturers and retailers to address the issue.

The poll, conducted amongst 1,100 of the magazine’s readers, revealed that 75% of those responding think the amount of plastic used in gardening is a problem, with plastic plant pots identified by 55% as the worst offender .

Whilst 41% of those surveyed acknowledged they had a personal responsibility to reduce the amount of plastic used, they primarily see it as the responsibility of manufacturers and retailers to tackle the problem.

Whose responsibility is it to reduce the use of plastic in gardening?

  *   Manufacturers/growers            70%
  *   Retailers                                  59%
  *   Gardeners                               41%

More than eight out of 10 of those surveyed said they were trying to use less plastic in the garden and 73% said they would be willing to pay more to reduce the use of plastic in gardening products.

And when it comes to recycling the unwanted plastic, respondents felt local authorities and retailers should take the lead:

Who should provide recycling facilities?

  *   Local councils                          77%
  *   Retailers                                  53%
  *   National government                23%

Pictured: stock in taupe pots at Johnsons of Whixley.

Lucy Hall, Editor of BBC Gardeners' World magazine, says most gardeners are hugely aware of - and proud of º the environmental good that gardening can deliver, but realise that some gardening activities we take for granted come at a cost. “Most plants are sold in plastic and, so far, the alternative options have proven too expensive or impractical on a large scale. But the willingness of nearly three-quarters of respondents to pay more in future to cut plastic waste is a sign of how serious this issue has become to the nation's millions of gardeners."

In the latest issue of BBC Gardeners' World magazine, Monty Don also highlights as black plastic plant pots as the biggest plastic issue facing gardeners; as while they are made of 80% recyclable materials, due to their colour they cannot be recycled and "the plastic mountain has become an Everest".

The November issue of BBC Gardeners' World Magazine features an update from Monty Don on how he is reducing his use of plastics.

Full results:

When using plastic in the garden, what is the biggest problem?

  *   Plant pots                                55%
  *   Mail Order packaging              16%
  *   Seed trays                               16%
  *   Furniture                                  1%
  *   Containers/window boxes        1%
How much would you be prepared to pay per year to reduce your plastic waste?

  *   Nothing                                   27%
  *   Up to £1                                 29%
  *   £11-20                                    22%
  *   £21-50                                    17%
  *   £51-100                                  3%
  *   More than £100                      2%