He went on to Writtle Agricultural College in Essex where, in 1959, he passed the National Diploma in Horticulture with distinction.

Hamilton wrote or co-wrote a number of books to accompany his television series (see below).

[3] It has remained a puzzle to many in the gardening world that despite his achievements and popularity, he received neither award nor recognition from the Royal Horticultural Society.

[4] He died after suffering a heart attack on a charity bike ride near Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, in August 1996.

A charity, Geoff Hamilton's New Gardeners' Foundation, was set up to provide a bursary of £4,000 for students of any age and level studying practical horticulture at Writtle College.