Joe Maiden, who has been BBC Radio Leeds’ gardening expert for more than 40 years, has died from prostate cancer.
The radio station will open a book of condolence at its studios next week.
“Words cannot adequately describe how we feel about losing Joe,” said Rozina Breen, BBC Radio Leeds editor.
“He was the cornerstone of BBC Radio Leeds, a wonderful man and a first class horticulturist whose enduring patience, kindness and enthusiasm we will miss so much.”
Maiden was the host of the Sunday Morning Gardening Show for 22 years and his co-presenter, Tim Crowther also paid tribute:
“Joe will be deeply missed by me, by my production team, by all his colleagues at BBC Radio Leeds and by our listeners. He has left a hole in all our hearts which is impossible to fill.”
He leaves a wife, two children and three grandchildren