Master My Garden Podcast

What vegetable seeds to sow in the month of March? That's the topic on this weeks episode.  The days are getting longer and the seed sowing list for March is also increasing. The big point to note is March is often described as "March of many weathers" and because of that we need to take care of our tender seedlings and young plants in the coming weeks.  Here is a list of some of wh...

In this weeks episode John looks at summer flowering bulbs and bareroot perennial plants that you can plant now for an high colour garden this year.  Summer Flowering bulbs available now include:  Dahalias Lillium  Gladiolus Anemones Ranunculus Rudbeckias  Then when it comes to bareroot perennials the list is endless at the moment and includes: Salvias Verbena  Geum Lupin Geraniums  Dierama and ma...

Can I create my garden on an old stone drive? This is one part of a listener question from long time listener Stephen Daly. Like many of us in Ireland our houses are surrounded by driveways which in many cases are too big leaving the workable garden feeling separate to our homes. With a stone drive to be changed Stephen wonders does he need to start from scratch or can there be an easier, more cos...

Have you ever been tempted to sow seeds the minute February's frost begins to thaw, only to end up with a garden of spindly plants? In our latest gardening episode, I'll guide you through the dos and don'ts of February sowing, ensuring you sow at the ideal time for robust seedling growth. We're embracing the subtle lengthening days, a signal for gardeners to prepare their soil,...

In this weeks episode John chats with Paul Smyth Head Gardener of RHSI Bellefield. Paul was previously on the podcast almost a year ago in episode 160 which you can listen to here  https://www.buzzsprout.com/857398/12168966 In this episode one year on from the episode 160 we chat aboiut how Paul is putting his own stamp on Bellefield after beginning there in December 2022. There are as you would e...

Unlock the secrets to turning your kitchen scraps into garden gold as we welcome Kate Flood, Australia's composting maestro, to the show. Get ready to be equipped with the know-how for crafting the perfect compost blend, as Kate lifts the lid on the essential ingredients and processes that lead to lush, thriving gardens. Whether you're wrestling with a tiny balcony space or looking after...

In this weeks episode John looks at what are the best potato varieties to grow from early varieties like Sharpes express, Homeguard and Duke Of York. Second earlies such as the superb British Queens. Salad potatoes like Charlotte and Pink Fir Apple. We also chat about many main crop varieties and growing blight free varieties like Vitabella, Alouette, Sarpo Axona and Carolus. If there is any topic...

In this weeks episode of Master My Garden Podcast John chats all about gardening jobs for January. Lets be honest over the next few weeks our social media feeds will be filled with people sowing seeds and this can lead us to believe that we are falling behind in our gardens. Trust me you are not!!! January is too early for almost all veg seed. So let's buck the trend together focusing on pati...

You've been with us through the highs and lows of 2023, and now it's time to send off the year and express a heartfelt thank you. Yes, you, our wonderful listeners who've journeyed with us, sharing the love of gardening and supporting the Master my Garden podcast - this episode is dedicated to you! Today, we're trading our gardening gloves for glasses of holiday cheer as we tak...

Ever wondered how a year of challenging weather can impact gardening? Join us in reflecting on the gardening year 2023 in Ireland, a year marked by the wettest March on record, a scorching May, and incessant downpours in July and August. Listen in as we unpack how these erratic weather patterns affected the growth of flowers and vegetables, while also challenging our motivation to continue nurturi...

In this weeks episode John chats with Niall Hatch from Birdwatch Ireland all about wild bird in our gardens. We chat about the best foods to attract in a wide range of birds and how to set up feeding stations and nesting boxes for maximum benefit. Join us as we engage in an enlightening chat with the knowledgeable Niall Hatch from Birdwatch Ireland. Niall chats about the Birdwatch Ireland garden b...

In this weeks episode I chat with two fellow gardeners Stela & Julie-Anne all about, The Best Christmas Gifts For Gardeners.  Having covered this episode before on Master My Garden podcast John was delighted to be joined by the ladies and to hear the types of gifts on their lists suitable for gardeners.  One of the overriding themes from all was to buy quality gifts that would stand the test o...

Looking for ways to beat the winter blues right from your home? In this weeks episode John takes you through a journey of transforming your garden with winter colour bringing vibrancy and cheer even on the darkest days. We share invaluable tips and strategies, delving into the selection of unique plants that not only thrive during winter but also bring in a splash of color and attract delightful b...

In this weeks episode John chats with Anya Lautenbach all about her gardening story, her new book "The Money Saving Gardener" and how she inspires so many people online with her channels "Anya The Garden Fairy". Get ready to be inspired, enlightened, and drawn into the captivating world of gardening with Anya Lautenbach,  more lovingly known on Instagram as Anya the Garden Fair...

Its safe to say that many of our gardens are a little damp at the moment with a run of many wet months here in Ireland. When its like that the garden may not seem like an enticing place however there is still lots to be done and work done now will really set your garden up for success next spring and summer.   Ever wondered how to guard your bird feeders from predators or attract a variety of bird...

What are the best hedges for your garden?  The answer to that is wide and in order for you to choose the best hedge you should ask a few questions first.  Do I want evergreen or deciduous ? Purpose of the hedge ? Shelter, Noise filter, support biodiversity, frame your garden, create a room or space within your garden etc.  What height do I want it to grow to? What is my soil like? wet/dry etc Situ...

In this weeks super episode the topic is Daffodils and other bulbs with Dave & Jules from  Esker Farm Daffodils Gardening enthusiasts, prepare to be dazzled by the delightful world of daffodils as we walk you through the fields of Esker Farm Daffodils in Co Tyrone with guests  Dave & Jules Hardy. Dave & Jules  are dedicated growers and are set to divulge the fascinating details of nurt...

What if you could transform your windswept hill into a serene shelter with just the right selection of trees? This intriguing possibility is the core of this weeks episode when're John answers a listeners question. Peggy from County Cavan asks what fast growing trees she can use to to create shelter in her garden which is situated on a windswept hill.  We venture into the realm of horticultur...

Ever wondered how to pick the perfect small trees for your small garden? Well, you're in for a treat! We help a listener, Susie, navigate the complexities of choosing the best plants for her cottage garden. Touching on two potential picks - the beautiful John Downey crab apple tree and the unique Cornus Controversa variagata (the wedding cake tree), we explore how to gauge their potential gro...

This weeks John chats with Jennifer Jewell gardener, garden writer & podcaster  all about her latest book. "What We Sow" It is an enlightening discussion with Jennifer which takes us through her book and in doing so touches on so many areas of gardening. Jennifer's latest book, 'What We Sow,' delves into the profound personal, ecological, and cultural significance of s...

In this weeks episode John looks at spring flowering bulbs and offers top tips to ensure you get the most from your bulbs. With bulbs it is very hard to fail so even novice Gardners can make great displays.  Are you ready to transform your garden into a spring wonderland? Guaranteeing to cover everything you need to know about autumn planting, spring flowering bulbs, this episode is a must-listen...

In this weeks episode John chats with Ciaran Fitzgerald head gardener of Johnstown Castle Estate all about the gardens and the restoration that is ongoing down there. Prepare to embark on a captivating journey through the breathtaking grounds of Johnstown Castle Estate with Ciaran Fitzgerald, the man tasked with preserving its grandeur. Ciaran, head gardener of this magnificent castle estate in Co...

After the poor weather through July and August summer planters, window boxes and hanging baskets are not looking their best. In fact they never really got a chance to shine this year and now as the days are getting shorter they are looking worst for wear. So now is a good time to freshen up those planters to brighten your patio or front door from now through to next spring.  Can you imagine your o...

Ready to embark on a captivating journey into the world of mushroom cultivation and their medicinal properties? We've got you covered! Join us as we welcome the dynamic owners of Gaelic Fungi Farm, Michael and Eilís, who reveal the intricate process of growing medicinal mushrooms like Lion's Mane and Turkey Tail. Discover how these healthy fungi are gaining popularity and the beautiful c...

Prepare to be transported into the luscious world of gardening and food with our guest, Tom Doorley. Acclaimed journalist, broadcaster, food critic, and Sunday Times garden columnist.  Tom invites us to relish in his tales of soil, seeds, and serenity. He unfolds his journey from his roots, growing up with gardening parents, to his current position as a highly respected garden columnist. Along the...