Ralph Snodsmith Dead: Gardening Hotline Host Dies at 70

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Ralph Snodsmith, Gardening Hotline Host, Dead at 70

Ralph Snodsmith, noted gardening expert, has passed away at the age of 70. Snodsmith had worked in radio and television for years and published several books on gardening. Snodsmith died from complications after a broken hip.

The injury caused Snodsmith to be absent from his nationally-syndicated radio show "Ralph Snodsmith's Garden Hotline," which aired for 35 years. 

Prior to his stint on Garden Hotline, Ralph Snodsmith gave gardening advice on the popular ABC morning show Good Morning America. He was also the author of several books including including "The Tri-State Gardener's Guide" and "Fundamentals of Gardening." Snodsmith also made personal appearances throughout the country.

 Snodsmith was not just a man with a green thumb. He studied the discipline for many years, earning degrees in floriculture and ornamental horticulture.

Snodsmith's many fans appreciated his ability to communicate his expertise in a practical, down-to-earth manner.

Born in Illinois, Snodsmith had spent much of his life in the New York area. He worked as an agricultural extension agent in Rockland County, then  became executive director of the Queens Botanical Garden. After spending almost 40 years in Suffern, N.Y., Ralph Snodsmith's family moved to Stafford, Va.

Ralph Snodsmith is survived by his wife Mary Snodsmith, who says that Ralph was planning his garden at the time of his accident. As any listener could tell you, Ralph Snodsmith was an advocate of planning your garden.