Master My Garden Podcast

Step into the world of trees as we explore their immense benefits and the celebration of National Tree Week on this insightful episode. The conversation features Cormac Downey, President of the Tree Council of Ireland, shedding light on the integral role trees play in promoting biodiversity, combating climate change, and enhancing our quality of life.  From discussing the seemingly simple act of p...

What if you could transform your small space into a flourishing fruit paradise? Join us on the Master My Garden podcast as we unlock the secrets of growing delicious fruits at home, no matter how limited your gardening space may be. This episode is packed with practical tips and insights as John lists his six best fruits to grow at home. Including apples, strawberries, plums, Raspberries, pears an...

Discover the secrets to creating sustainable and resilient gardens and landscapes as we welcome esteemed guests Deirdre Prince from Dublin City Council and Kinta Oakes, chairperson of the GLDA. We chat about the 2025 GLDA seminar themed "Resilient Gardens & Landscapes"  Learn how their unique experiences provide valuable insights into integrating biodiversity with landscape design, a...

Uncover the vital role of gardeners in championing biodiversity and nature conservation, particularly in Ireland, with exclusive insights from Kieran Flood of the Irish Wildlife Trust. Learn how your individual efforts can collectively make a significant impact on local ecosystems. Kieran delves into the Trust's mission to protect and restore biodiversity through empowering individuals via vo...

In This weeks episode John looks at the seed sowing list for February. Discover how the promise of February renews our spirits, inviting us to synchronize with nature and begin the joyful process of seed sowing. Reflecting on the trials faced by Irish gardeners after the wrath of Storm Eowyn. Gardeners and Market gardeners, in particular, felt the weight of nature's harshness, yet February&ap...

The podcast explores essential potato varieties to grow in home gardens, detailing the best options for salad, early, second early, main crop, and blight-resistant potatoes. It invites listeners to reflect on personal gardening experiences while considering regional preferences and challenges. • Importance of selecting the right potato varieties for individual gardens  • Overview of the top salad...

Rachel Darlington of Gardening At Douentza joins us to share her unique gardening journey, revealing her informal, yet knowledgeable approach to both outdoor gardening and houseplant cultivation. With a YouTube channel that caters to everyone from cacti lovers to orchid enthusiasts, Rachel brings her expertise to our listeners alongside her work as a columnist for the Irish Garden and her engaging...

Kickstart your gardening year with us as we explore whether the urge to plant early in January truly pays off. What if waiting just a little longer could lead to a more bountiful harvest? We navigate through the snowy challenges in Ireland and reflect on the holiday season's warmth before getting into the nitty-gritty of garden planning. Discover the art of timing when it comes to sowing seed...

Gather around for a special edition of the Master My Garden Podcast, where I shift gears from our usual horticultural insights to share a heartfelt holiday greeting. As the festive season warmly embraces us, I extend my sincerest wishes for a joyous Christmas and a promising New Year to all our listeners, whether you're just down the road in Ireland or tuning in from the farthest corners of t...

Join me on a fascinating exploration of the top 10 most beloved episodes of the Master My Garden Podcast, where gardening enthusiasts around the world have found inspiration and practical wisdom. This year, we faced unpredictable weather, with a cold and wet spring leading into an average summer, and yet, our love for gardening remained resilient. We celebrated the creativity of June Blake's...

Unlock the secrets of timeless gardening wisdom and discover how vintage insights can transform your garden today. Join us on this week's Master My Garden Podcast as we stroll through the pages of iconic gardening books and explore their lasting impact on modern horticulture.  We'll also touch on Mary Reynolds' compelling "We Are Ark," a call to action for creating wildlif...

What if your garden could light up even the darkest winter days with vibrant colors? Uncover the secrets of winter gardening as we share expert tips to transform your outdoor space into a midwinter wonderland. From strategically positioning plants to brighten your mood to snapping up great deals on bare-root hedging plants and bulbs, this episode promises a treasure trove of knowledge for those ea...

Rosie Maye, the Insomniac Gardener, and Paula Byrne Kilgar Gardens join us for a joyful and festive episode of Master My Garden Podcast! With Christmas around the corner, we promise to unwrap the best gardening gifts for 2025, catering to every gardener's wish list and every budget, from the thrifty to the extravagant. Rosie and Paula bring their shared love of gardening and holiday spirit, s...

Could your garden flourish with only a sprinkle of fallen leaves? Unlock the secrets of creating nutrient-rich leaf mold to naturally boost soil health and transform your garden into a thriving ecosystem. In this episode of Master My Garden podcast, we unravel the art of turning autumn’s abundance into a gardener’s goldmine, inspired by a curious listener's question. You'll discover not...

What if you could transform your gardening experience extend the growing season and grow warm loving plants and crops.  Discover the secrets to selecting the perfect greenhouse for your garden, inspired by a listener's inquiry about choosing the best option. Whether you're battling the unpredictable weather of Ireland or simply seeking to extend your growing season, this episode promises...

Get ready to uncover the secrets behind crafting garden structures that are both beautiful and resilient with none other than Rosie Campbell from Rosabell Plant Supports. Rosie, a true innovator in the field, shares her journey from needing durable plant supports for her own garden to creating a thriving business that provides high-quality, mild steel garden structures designed to withstand the ha...

Join us as we explore the art of bare root planting alongside experts Caitriona and Robert from Cullen Nurseries in Carlow. This episode promises to enrich your understanding of this cost-effective gardening method, perfect for large-scale projects. Katrina and Robert share their journey through the ever-evolving trends of the nursery industry—from the Leylandii craze of the 1980s to today’s focus...

Join us on an enchanting journey through the world of snowdrops with our esteemed guest, Robert Miller from Altamont Plants. As we discuss the incredible acquisition of rare snowdrop varieties, learn first hand about the challenges and triumphs of managing one of Europe's largest public displays of these delicate winter flowers. You'll gain insights into the art of snowdrop cultivation,...

Can autumn truly be the busiest time in your garden? Join us as we navigate through the essential tasks that can transform your October gardening routine into a harmonious preparation for spring. Personal commitments and shorter days might have left some areas neglected in my garden, but together we'll tackle these challenges. From the delightful surprise of an extended tomato season in the p...

Ready to transform your autumn and winter gardening into a captivating oasis? Discover how to maintain a vibrant, joyful garden year-round, as we explore the rich tapestry of colors and textures that autumn and winter can offer. From lush trees and shrubs like red oaks and mahonias to the delicate beauty of blooming camellias and winter pansies, we'll show you how these colder months can be j...

How To Build My Stock Of Plants Through Propagation? Listener Question Answered Ready to cultivate a thriving garden in your new home? This week, we tackle Caroline's dilemma on how to build up her plant stock before moving. From the intricacies of taking hardwood and softwood cuttings to mastering the art of layering and division, we cover a range of propagation techniques. You'll learn...

What’s the secret behind the breathtaking beauty of David Austin Roses?  Join us as we uncover the captivating history, meticulous breeding process, and enduring legacy of these iconic blooms with none other than Joseph Sturrock Spencer, an esteemed rose consultant from David Austin Roses.  From the visionary passion of David Austin to the global acclaim his roses have garnered at the Chelsea Flow...

Can you keep your vegetable garden thriving even as the weather cools? Absolutely! Join us as we uncover the secrets to successful seed sowing in September. From winter salads to hardy vegetables like loose leaf lettuces, we'll guide you on what you can still plant this month. Learn how to protect your soil with mulch or green manures and discover the benefits of polytunnel sowing to extend y...

Can you imagine a garden that grows more breathtaking each year with minimal effort? This week on Master My Garden, discover how autumn planting of spring-flowering bulbs like snowdrops, Fritillaria, Muscari, and Camassias can transform your garden into a vibrant spring haven. We revisit key insights from previous episodes, including our insightful chat with Dave and Jules from Esker Farm Daffodil...

How to grow your own wildflower meadow course: https://checkout.teachable.com/secure/1574174/checkout/order_qfcnsy41 Ever wondered how to transform your garden into a thriving sanctuary for both plants and wildlife? In this episode, we unlock the secrets to creating a stunning wildflower meadow that not only brightens your landscape but also supports local ecosystems. I'll share my personal j...