Alan Titchmarsh causes a stir on BBC Breakfast talking about 'b*****d trenching'

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Alan Titchmarsh appeared on BBC Breakfast to promote his latest show
Used the term 'b*****d trenching' to describe the practice of double digging
Presenter apologised if anyone was 'offended' by the 66-year-old's slip
Exchange sparked a Twitter debate, with users taking both sides

Published: 07:37 EST, 23 June 2015 | Updated: 10:30 EST, 23 June 2015

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Mild-mannered presenter Alan Titchmarsh caused a stir on BBC Breakfast this morning when he used a swear word while talking about his gardening habits.

The green-fingered star surprised viewers when he used the term 'b*****d trenching' when referring to the practice of 'double digging' - a technique used to improve soil drainage.

Moments later, Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin apologised for the slip, saying she was sorry if 'people were offended'.

The exchange sparked a Twitter debate, with some users criticising Titchmarsh's language as others slammed the BBC for its 'pathetic' reaction.

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Slip: Mild-mannered Alan Titchmarsh used a swear word when discussing gardening habits with BBC Breakfast presenter Louise Minchin, pictured together on this morning's show

Debate: The exchange prompted a flurry of Twitter comments with one user saying he should 'know better'

Slammed: Other users branded the BBC 'pathetic' and 'ridiculous' for apologising after Titchmarsh's slip

Alan Titchmarsh uses gardening term 'b****** trenching'

Titchmarsh, 66, was appearing on BBC Breakfast to promote his latest show, Love Your Garden.

The former Ground Force host said of the work that he does in his garden: 'I don't double dig every day. Nobody needs to double dig every day.'

Double digging - where a gardener digs to the depth of two spades blades - is used to increase soil drainage and aeration by dislodging two layers of soil, and adding organic matter.

It is typically done when cultivating new soil in a garden, or when deep top soil is needed.

WHAT IS 'DOUBLE DIGGING'?

Double digging - or b*****d trenching - is when a gardener digs to the depth of two spades blades.

The technique is used to increase soil drainage and aeration by dislodging two layers of soil, and adding organic matter.

It is typically done when cultivating new soil in a garden, or when deep top soil is needed.

According to the Royal Horticultural Society, it is not necessary to double dig every year, but on poor or heavy soils - and in vegetable gardens - it may be needed every three to five years.

Otherwise borders only need double digging at their creation and on total replanting.

Gardening: Double digging or 'b*****d trenching'

When asked to explain the term by BBC presenter Charlie Stayt, Titchmarsh replied: 'Double digging is digging to two spades' blades' depth.

'There's also another name for it, which sounds dreadful, it's called "b*****d trenching" and by the end of it you realise it's a very fitting name for it.

'It's a terribly difficult thing to do but you you don't need to do that.

'Be kind to yourself and potter,' he said. 'Enjoy being out there, especially in this nice weather.'

Minchin told viewers at the end of the interview: 'We just have to apologise ... for some of the language used in the last couple of minutes.'

Titchmarsh protested: 'Oh no, no, no, no, it's a term in a gardening book. I shan't repeat it, but it's not offensive at all.'

But Minchin insisted: 'Thank you very much and apologies if people were offended.'

The appearance prompted a flood of Twitter responses, with users taking to the social network to declare their sides.

One user wrote: 'You think Alan Titchmarsh would know better than to say b*****d on live breakfast tv. Even if it's used in gardening terminology.'

But the majority of tweeters criticised the BBC, branding it 'ridiculous' and 'pathetic'.

Mick Bruce wrote: 'How pathetic of BBC Breakfast to apologise after Alan Titchmarsh used a legitimate gardening term to describe double digging.'

Jordan Hemsworth wrote: 'The fact BBC news made Alan Titchmarsh apologise for using the term 'b*****d trenching' is utterly ridiculous. I mean, come on!'

Another woman, Carolyn, wrote: 'B*****d trenching is legit gardening term, that's what they all say Alan Titchmarsh! Rebel Alan swears on national TV. Who's next Mary Berry?'

Richard Taylor wrote: 'Why on earth did you apologise for Alan Titchmarsh!!!? Are people so sensitive these days?'

Support: A number of viewers pointed out that Titchmarsh was using a legitimate term in his interview

Instructional video on 'b*****d trenching'

Meanwhile, others saw the lighter side of the situation.

Rebecca wrote: 'Alan Titchmarsh just swore on TV. I think that's one of the signs of the apocalypse.'

Oliver Arscott wrote on Twitter: 'BBC apologising for Alan Titchmarsh using a naughty gardening term is the most British thing that has ever happened.'