Master My Garden Podcast

Food Security lets talk about it. I recorded and edited this episode and had to think hard as to whether I would release it or not for a few reasons. It is a little off topic for Master My Gaerden podcast in one way but still it has come up several times on episodes over the past two years.  But also  when I hear this conversation it sometimes seems hollow to me because in many parts of the world...

Microgreens is the topic for this weeks episode and as I have never personally grown them I am joined by commercial micro green grower Brian Faulker from Adare Microgreens. We chat about what are micro greens, how to grow micro greens , what are the benefits of micro greens, best varieties of microgreen and much more. Its a great chat with Brian and after chatting I think both you and I have enoug...

So March is the month when seed sowing really kicks off after and gathers pace. I have so far sown only a few seeds shallots, onions red & white and spring onion. This month however I start sowing the main sowing of vegetables and flowers. I also outline lots of gardening jobs we can be doing in March to get ahead of ourselves ahead of the typically very busy April in the garden.  Did you know...

Perennial vegetables or vegetables that you plant once and they provide year after year sounds great doesn't it? Well that's the topic of this weeks episode of Master My Garden podcast with Patrick Hunt. I personally have not grown perennial vegetables before so Patrick tells us about what he grows and the best performing ones in his garden. We also discuss some ornamental plants which a...

In this weeks episode of Master My Garden podcast John covers a listeners question. Audrey has an urban garden in Cork and is doing really well with what she is growing in a small space. Light is a challenge with high walls around the garden so in this episode I look specifically at the garden and advise how Audrey can get the most from the garden and fulfil her needs from the space, needs which i...

In this weeks episode of Master My Garden podcast John talks about what seeds he is sowing now. Starting with just a few vegetables that will give some early crops both in the tunnel and outside. John also gives you the list of seed that he is sowing that will be repeated every 3-4 weeks to have a continuous supply of fresh veg throughout the late spring and early summer.  Did you know you can now...

In this weeks episode of Master My Garden podcast John tackles a client question. Where to start with the garden at the end of a self build journey ? It can be daunting to know where to start, going self build can take a lot of energy, time and budget. All along the way there are next steps each one guided by the tradesperson who is up next. However when it comes to getting started putting shape o...

In this weeks episode of Master My Garden podcast John looks at growing potatoes. What are the best varieties of potatoes to grow from each of the categories First Early, Second Early, Maincrop & Salad potatoes. We look at planting dept, spacing and timing so you know when to plant your potatoes. If you would like to read all about it here is a link to a blog going into it in more detail. http...

In this weeks episode of Master My Garden podcast John looks at the topic of seed sowing and discusses planning your seed sowing to set you up for success. John looks at all aspects of seed sowing suitable for beginners and seasoned gardeners.  John talks about types of seed. What is the best seed sowing compost? How to plan your seed sowing ? and much more.  While it is difficult to cover seed so...

In episode 106 of Master My Garden podcast I chat with Laura Darcy from Yarrow Lane herbs. We chat about lots of herbal remedies from plants that you can find in your garden or local hedgerows. There are so many possibilities and beneficial plants that we chat about from Dandelion to Hawthorn and would you believe the enemy of many gardeners Horsetail. Its a fascinating chat and one which opening...

In this the first episode of 2022 I chat to Maria from Bell Meadow flowers about setting up a flower garden. We also chat about growing organically and Maria's new range of seed which she has just released. You can find Maria and Bell Meadow flowers here https://www.bellmeadowireland.com/ Did you know you can now support the podcast on "Buy me a coffee"  you can support the podcast...

This is the final episode of 2021 and I would just like to wish you all a happy Christmas and New year. There will be no episode next Friday the 31st and back to my regular weekly garden podcast episodes on the 7th Jan. Once again to you and all your families a happy Christmas and wishing you all the best for 2022.  Did you know you can now support the podcast on "Buy me a coffee"  you c...

In this weeks episode of Master My Garden podcast I chat with Gearoid Mcevoy from Reforest nation. We chat about their ambitious plan to plant 1 million trees by 2024. They are planting native trees all around Ireland trying to restore Ireland forested areas. You can support by visiting their website and gifting a tree, subscribing monthly or by volunteering at the planting days. Families can offs...

In this weeks episode of Master My Garden podcast I chat to Leonie Cornelius. Leonie is a garden designer, writer and course creator so we have lots to chat about. Leonie chat about her new course which she has created in collaboration with flower grower Mags Riordan and chef Eddie Atwell. The course is called Design -Grow -Eat which takes you through all the stages designing your edible area, gro...

In this bonus episode of Master My Garden podcast I look at some great Christmas gifts for gardeners. I covered this last year in episode 045 and that episode and the products mentioned in that are still relevant but here is an updated list of ideas. With some great new courses and products mentioned. Enjoy your shopping and I hope the list helps.  Did you know you can now support the podcast on &...

Episode 100 of Master My Garden Podcast. Wow this feels special to reach 100 episodes and to mark it I decided to chat to some listeners of the podcast. My original idea was to bring on a high profile gardening personality for this special episode but I changed my idea and brought it right back to the core of the podcast which is helping you in your own garden. I want to show in this episode how t...

In this weeks episode of Master My Garden podcast with barefoot season just starting I look at how to create your own fruit garden this barefoot season. I look at what considerations you need to make when choosing fruit trees to ensure you have a productive fruit garden for many years to come. I also look at soft fruit and how choosing different varieties can extend your fruiting season.  Did you...

With "No Dig" gardening gaining support in many gardening circles I wanted to give my verdict after almost two years using it in my garden. The results have been really good and quiet surprising in some cases. In an area with high weed pressure I had next to no weeds. Better crops generally with less watering. Soil health has improves and in one area of really poor soil the soil is now f...

In this weeks episode of Master My Garden podcast John answers a listener question from a novice gardener the question is. I have a new  raised block planter on two sides of my patio. Can you give me some direction as to where to start. I have Googled this but it hasn't helped and I am very intimidated by the planter and don't know where to start. Its a great question and John answers it...

In this weeks episode of Master My Garden podcast John talks about jobs we can be doing in the garden in November and also some jobs that John will be doing in his own garden. November is a great month to plant garlic and onion sets. By planting in November you will get your crop a month earlier than by planting sets in spring, but more importantly you will greatly reduce the chance of bolting in...

In this weeks episode of Master My Garden podcast John answers a listeners question about what is the best hedging to use? While this is a difficult question to answer John looks at some of the best hedging options and talks about the pros and cons of each one.  John talks about the hedges he uses in his own garden and gives lots of advice to help you choose the perfect hedge for you garden. Did y...

In this weeks episode of Master My Garden podcast I talk to expert vegetable grower Dermot Carey. Dermot is a vegetable growing consultant who works with many restaurants and country houses in delivering year round farm to plate vegetable gardens. Some of the restaurants he works with include The Green Barn which is part of Burtown House and Gardens https://burtownhouse.ie/green-barn-restaurant Th...

In this weeks episode of Master My Garden podcast we are talking wildflowers of Ireland with Zoe Devlin. We talk about the resurgence in interest in wildflowers and the part wildflowers play in pollination. Zoe also talk about some of her favourite wildflowers and where they might be found. We also talk about those invasive ones which are starting to become a problem around the country.  Zoe has w...

In this weeks episode of Master My Garden podcast I answer a listener question on how to create a garden pond from scratch. It's a broad question but in this episode I look at the types of ponds be it formal, natural or wildlife.  Then we look at the equipment required to create a pond. What is the best pond liner to use? What pump do I need for my pond? How to prevent my pond from going gree...

In this weeks episode of Master My Garden podcast I talk to Virginia Ziulu. Virginia is a nutritional therapist and recently qualified organic grower. We chat all about growing her own fruit & vegetables at home and importance of that for her family. Virginia talks about the importance of leading by example for our children when it comes to growing, cooking and eating fruit and vegetables at h...