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 for keeping your tender plants safe from the chill. We'll also discuss the wonders of capillary matting, a...

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 episode, I share the gritty details of the war on slugs.  From clean gardening practices  which help....

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 with the wisdom of Des Doyle, who returns to grace our show following his memorable insights from episode...

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 proceed with caution.  If planting out veg later in the month if possible give it some form of...

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 living canvas that is the beautiful Patthana Garden. With the spellbinding imagery of Jason Ingram and Clive...

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 seedlings can fast-track your path to fresh, homegrown veggies. With the planting window for bare-root...

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 roots in a midlands farm have blossomed into a business crafting bespoke garden sanctuaries for her...

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 Donegan, acclaimed Irish garden designer, as he makes his third appearance with us to share the triumphs and trials of...

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 what I will be sowing during the month ahead. Seed I am sowing Indoor in Module trays for Planting out In April....

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:  DahaliasLillium GladiolusAnemonesRanunculusRudbeckias Then when it comes to bareroot perennials the list is endless at the moment and includes: SalviasVerbena GeumLupinGeraniums Dieramaand many many more. Buying perennials bareroot will ensure strong plants that flower this year and will be much...

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 cost affective method ? Listen in as John answers this in a way that might help many other who...

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, but with a mindful approach to avoid premature sowing. As we gingerly step into early-season planting, I'll walk...

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 expect lots of developments including a no-dig veg and cut flower garden.  Paul along with the...

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 a large garden, we've got composting tips and tricks tailored just for you. This episode is a...

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 you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know. Email: ...

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 patience and precision in our gardening endeavors! You'll discover the select floral candidates that...

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 take a moment to appreciate your unwavering support. Feeling the warmth of the festive season, we hope you're...

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 nurturing our garden life. Despite the rocky ride, we assure you that nature's cycle is restorative, and...

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 bird surgery which has been running for many years and chats about some of the recent finding...

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 of time and focus on sustainable gifts for the garden.  Included on the lists were lots of...

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 birds. We also emphasize the importance of planting location - keep them close to have a cheerful...

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 Fairy. Not your typical gardener, Anya takes us on a unique journey through her childhood in Poland where gardening was...

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 birds with diverse food? Stick with us as we spill the secrets and share the importance of a water...

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 etcSituation ? inland / costalHow many times per year does it need to be cut? can I manage this number of...