Master My Garden Podcast

What if you could transform your garden into a breathtaking oasis from early spring to late autumn while saving money? This episode of Master My Garden promises to unravel the secrets of autumn perennial sowing, revealing how you can achieve stronger plant growth, longer flowering periods, and significant cost savings. We’ll break down the differences between annuals, biennials, and perennials, an...

What if you could create a thriving home garden filled with robust, organic plants that require minimal maintenance? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Gert from Caherhurley Nurseries. Gert who relocated from the Netherlands to County Clare, Ireland, to cultivate a lush, organic plant paradise. Gert shares how the warm community and breathtaking landscapes of Clare inspired his family&a...

Ever wondered how to blend historical charm with modern sustainability in garden design? Join us as we chat with John Smith, the newly appointed head gardener at the Irish National Stud and Japanese Gardens. John shares his horticultural journey from learning the ropes with his father to leading renowned gardens like Belvedere House. You'll hear about his plans for these iconic gardens, highl...

John looks at what seeds we can sow in the month of August on this weeks episode. The list is much smaller but there are still lots we can sow in August.    Can you still sow seeds in August and keep your vegetable garden thriving as we head into autumn? Tune in to episode 237 of Master My Garden Podcast, where we uncover the secrets to making the most of this crucial month in the edible garden ca...

Ever wondered how to maintain garden privacy with an evergreen hedge that is easy to manage?   We're tackling this exact dilemma faced by our listener Siobhan who is struggling to manage an old overgrown Griselinia hedge on one side of her long, narrow, and steep property. While looking for privacy on the opposite side by adding a hedge that is easy to mange and complimenting what is already...

Are you wondering why your tomatoes and raspberries aren't thriving this summer? This week on "Master My Garden Podcast," I share my firsthand experiences and the effects of lower light levels and cooler temperatures on garden growth this year. Despite being away on holiday, I noticed the garden's response to these conditions, revealing slower growth and less sweetness in our b...

Ever wondered how a small local event can grow into an internationally recognized festival featuring top UK and Irish gardening experts? Join us as we explore the incredible journey of the Carlow Garden Festival with insights from Eileen O'Rourke, CEO of Carlow Tourism. Since 2014, when UK gardening celebrities were first introduced, this festival has blossomed into a must-attend event for ga...

Can you imagine extending your vegetable sowing season despite cool summer days? This episode of the Master Garden Podcast promises to turn your July gardening into an experimental adventure. We'll guide you through the unexpected joys of sowing savoy cabbage, purple sprouting broccoli, and calabrese well into the month. For those looking to keep their garden dynamic with successional crops,...

In this weeks episode John chats with David Pagan Butler all about how to create a natural swimming pool in your garden. Picture a pool/pond of crystal clear water with beautiful marginal plants, flowers and water lily. A pool that is an ecosystem to itself, fits seamlessly into your garden, one that you and your family can dive into on a hot day while also being home to many beneficial creatures...

In this weeks episode John answers a listener question where the listener has been struggling to grow roses for a number of years.  Struggling to grow the perfect rose garden? You're not alone, and in this episode, we reveal the secrets to cultivating healthy, blooming roses with ease. Discover why selecting disease-resistant varieties is your first step towards success, and how proper locati...

In This weeks episode John chats with Paula Byrne creator of Kilgar Gardens In Kilcock, Co. Meath. Paula leads us on a virtual tour of these fantastic gardens.  Can a garden transform your life? This week, we take you on a journey through Kilgar Gardens with Paula Byrne, who went from having no gardening experience to creating a stunning three-acre masterpiece. Paula shares her incredible story of...

Frances Tophill, celebrated for her appearances on BBC Gardener's World, joins us to share her remarkable journey in gardening and writing.  She dives into her latest book, "A Year in a Small Garden," offering a peek into the transformation of her garden over a year. Frances also teases her upcoming headline talk at the Buds and Blossoms Festival, where she will discuss the practica...

In this weeks episode John looks at what to sow in the month of June. These episodes prove very popular as a mean of keeping people on track with their sowing to ensure ongoing harvests into the autumn and beyond.  How do you keep your vegetable garden thriving all summer long? This week on Master My Garden Podcast, we promise to transform your June gardening routine with essential tasks and exper...

From the historic charm of Lismore Castle's gardens to the nurturing of extraordinary botanicals at her own nursery, Vick Ind of Individual Plant Nurseries shares her verdant journey with us. Her story isn't just about cultivating plants; it's about fostering a deep connection with the rare and the unconventional. As Vick sprinkles our conversation with tales of her plant-hunting es...

Ever wondered how to keep your container gardens vibrant and teeming with life all year round? Tune in to our latest Master my Garden podcast, where we transform your planting strategies from temporary to timeless. We're dissecting the secrets to bountiful hanging baskets, window boxes, and planters, giving you the know-how to blend the best of ornamental and culinary herbs for that perfect h...

In this weeks episode John chats with Danielle Gallacher "Danni In The Wild" all about creating a forest garden and her new book "The Forager's Almanac". Embark on a transformative journey through the verdant realms of food forest gardening with Danielle Gallacher. Author of "The Forager's Almanac" and a fervent forager, Danielle offers a treasure trove of k...

What to sow in May in the vegetable garden? What flowers to sow in May ? Gardening jobs for May ? These are all covered by John in this weeks episode. Discover the secrets to thriving in the garden during May's unpredictable weather and master the art of succession planting. This episode of Master my Garden Podcast is brimming with insights to help you navigate the busiest month in the garden...

In this weeks episode we celebrate as Ireland's gardens awaken in a rare dry spell after many months of rain. Gardens are coming to life and it feels like we can start in earnest to get going and growing in our gardens. We'll guide you through nurturing your seedlings against the of spring weather. Crack open the greenhouse doors and join the buzz of activity as I share essential tips fo...

Ever found yourself in the garden, glaring at a slimy trail that once was your favorite lettuce? Well, you're not alone in this snail saga gardeners have always had a continuous battle with slugs and snails. This spring is not going to be any different with all the wet weather over the last number of months coupled with a mild winter, slugs and snails will be out in force.  In this weeks epis...

In this weeks episode John chats with Des Doyle, garden designer, course creator and now author all about his new book "Growing Beauty". The conversation goes in many directions as Des sharing his gardening knowledge with us, we delve into sustainability, garden design, great plant combinations, gardening for mental health and so much more. Discover the transformative power of gardening...

In this weeks episode John looks at what we can sow in the April vegetable garden and other gardening jobs.  April is the month when seed sowing is at its peak with lots on the sowing list for this month.  We can begin sowing and planting outside once conditions allow. In some areas and especially in colder parts of Ireland frosts are still prevalent and will be until perhaps mid May so again proc...

In this weeks episode John chats with TJ Maher Patthana garden about his new book. Join us as we chat with TJ , whose dual passions for art and gardening have culminated in his latest masterpiece of a book, "Grounded in the Garden." This episode is a kaleidoscope of insights into how TJ's painterly eye has transformed his own space, where his adept use of colour and form creates a l...

With all the rain we have had some people are wondering are they too late to start a vegetable garden this spring. The answer is a definite no it never too late to start.  I've got the lowdown on how you can still sow seeds of success in your garden, even if you're getting a late start. Tune in as I divulge the secrets of setting up a no-dig bed in no time and how grabbing store-bought s...

In this weeks episode John is joined by Galway based garden designer Edel Feighery to chat about all things garden design. From How to start a garden? To planning and design Tips and everything in between. Have you ever gazed at your garden, wondering how to transform it into a personal refuge that mirrors your own story? Let's embark on that journey together with Edel  garden designer whose...

In this weeks episode John is joined by award winning garden designer Peter Donegan to hear the story of Peter's Gold medal at last years Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show.  We also chat about Peter's exciting entry into Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show with his garden titled " A Moment In Time". Join the conversation with the incredible Peter Don...