Master My Garden Podcast

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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 expert strategies. As May's intense sowing period winds down, we'll guide you through managing space as early crops are harvested, and we'll highlight key crops such as spring onions, spinach, lettuces, and radishes that should continue to be sown. It's also your final opportunity to sow parsnips and another round of carrots. For those looking towards autumn and winter, we'll explore the best varieties to plant now, including Savoy cabbage, purple sprouting broccoli, and Calabrese, and we’ll discuss whether direct sowing or module trays are more effective for your garden.

But that’s not all! Our comprehensive summer vegetable planting guide will provide the optimal sowing times for summer favorites like radishes, turnips, spinach, and salad leaves. We'll share best practices for herbs such as coriander, basil, parsley, and dill, and highlight the advantages of using polytunnels for year-round cultivation. We’ll walk you through essential care routines for potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, and peas to ensure a bountiful harvest. Plus, don't miss our preview of the upcoming Bloom Festival, Ireland's premier garden event, featuring incredible show gardens and inspiring displays. Get ready for a wealth of practical advice and inspiration to keep your garden flourishing this June and beyond.

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If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Master My Garden Courses:
https://mastermygarden.com/courses/


Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

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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 escapades and the artistry of using foliage to captivate the senses, it's clear that for her, gardening is not just a profession—it's a canvas for creativity and a testament to the resilience of nature.

Imagine a nursery where each plant comes with an intriguing backstory, where the passion for horticulture defies the ordinary. Vick's nursery is a trove of such living narratives, from the tactile intrigue of textured foliage to the symphony of scents that dance through the air, attracting pollinators and delighting the senses. Throughout our exchange, Vick weaves a tapestry of her personal plant preferences, drawing inspiration from South Africa's feynbos and sharing her expertise on nurturing hardy species that stand defiant against the harshest of climates.

As our episode draws to a close, Vick's stories leave us with a sense of wonderment for the peculiar and a newfound appreciation for the stalwart spirits of her quirky plants. Her dedication resonates with us, a reminder that the journey of each plant—from its origin to its role in the tapestry of our gardens—enriches our lives, inviting us to create our own unique garden narratives. Join us in this botanical odyssey, and let Vick's passion inspire you to venture beyond the garden-variety and embrace the extraordinary.

You can find Vick's wonderful nursery here
https://individualplantsnursery.com

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Master My Garden Courses:
https://mastermygarden.com/courses/


Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

Support the Show.

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Master My Garden Courses:
https://mastermygarden.com/courses/


Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

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 herb planter. From the dynamic use of structural plants to the delicate care of shade-loving plants & alpines, this episode is your guide to a garden that captivates with every season.

Today, we're not just talking foliage; we're ensuring every plant thrives with practical tips on soil nutrition and the magic touch of seaweed-based feeds. You'll learn why compost mixed with farmyard manure and seaweed meal can be a game-changer for your plant's health. Plus, discover my personal planting favorites for creating show-stopping front door displays that leave neighbors green with envy. With a focus on quality growing mediums and the art of consistent care, let's dig into the practices that will have your container garden flourishing for months on end.

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Master My Garden Courses:
https://mastermygarden.com/courses/


Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

Support the Show.

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Master My Garden Courses:
https://mastermygarden.com/courses/


Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

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 knowledge and personal anecdotes on how she cultivated a food forest that thrives in harmony with local woodlands. Together, we unravel the sustainable impacts of food forests and the joy of replacing the ordinary with an edible oasis.

Weaving through the intricacies of Danielle's enchanted garden, our conversation blossoms with discussions about the diverse benefits of food forest layers, from towering fruit trees to dynamic soil-enriching plants. Discover the serendipity of coexisting with wildlife, fostering a biodiverse environment that naturally manages pests and enriches the soul. Danielle's approach to combining traditional vegetable beds and water features illustrates a masterful balance between productivity and ecological sanctuary, stirring the imagination for your own gardening exploits.

Sip on the wisdom of nettle tea, as Danielle brews insights on its health-boosting properties, and unearth the secrets of mushroom foraging within the leafy confines of a food forest. Our episode culminates in a reflection on the role of play in gardening, where Danielle shares her unique blend of skateboarding and horticulture, inspiring listeners to infuse their own passions into the green canvas of their gardens. Tune in for an invigorating discussion that plants seeds of inspiration and beckons you to cultivate a connection with the natural world.

You can order Danielle's new book here

Or contact Danielle here
https://www.instagram.com/danniinthewild?igsh=czZwcmU4dW4zMjlh

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Master My Garden Courses:
https://mastermygarden.com/courses/


Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

Support the Show.

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Master My Garden Courses:
https://mastermygarden.com/courses/


Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

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, from the risks and rewards of planting tomatoes early to the strategic timing for sowing summer cabbages and root vegetables. I'll walk you through maximizing your garden’s potential with catch crops and share the latest updates on what to plant right now to ensure a bountiful harvest.

As your guide through the lush world of vegetable growing, I'm here to arm you with practical advice for sowing an aromatic array of herbs and managing the timeline for a continuous supply of fresh produce. Embrace the vibrancy of summer vegetable gardening as we discuss everything from cucumbers to courgettes, and learn how to keep your sowing schedules on track amidst the season's challenges. So grab your gardening gloves and tune in—with every seed sown, we're planting the seeds for success in your very own backyard oasis. Happy planting, and remember, your garden's success is just a podcast away!

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Master My Garden Courses:
https://mastermygarden.com/courses/


Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

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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 garden lifesaver that keeps your green oasis hydrated under the intense heat that can build at this time of year.

We explore the creation of native wildflower meadows and the new course John has created with the guidance of expert wildflower grower Sandro Cafolla.
Sandro's insights help us on the path to building ecosystems of enduring beauty and wildlife havens within our gardens. I'll recount the joy of watching my own wildflower meadow flourish from Sandro's seeds, becoming a self-sustaining ecosystem that bring joy and supports biodiversity. You can find our collaborative course designed to arm you with the knowledge to cultivate your own patch of Ireland's natural heritage.

Master My Garden Wildflower Course is available here:
https://mastermygarden.com/grow-your-own-wildflower-meadow/

To Buy Native Irish Wildflower Seeds visit here:
http://www.wildflowers.ie

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

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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. How to build up your natural garden ecosystem. We navigate all the treatment methods, like sheep's wool pellets, organic slug pellets, beer traps, copper tape and many more. This episode is about fortifying your garden against slugs and snails, and we're here to equip you with the know-how to do just that.

As the moon climbs high and the garden dims, it becomes prime time for some old-fashioned slug re-homing. Other husbandry includes using terracotta pot hideouts and embracing the ecosystem by welcoming frogs into your garden. We consider slug nematodes and we investigate how to maintain the balance between bug banishing and biodiversity.

To cap it all off, we faced the stark reality of a garden left vulnerable after a slug fest, a truth I've known too well with my once-promising potato crop of 2023. This battle is more a marathon than a sprint, and we're running it together, learning to adjust and adapt our tactics with every season. From the challenges that a warm winter brings on pest problems the following year to doing the things that increase your chances of winning against this garden foe. This episode is your ally in the ceaseless quest for a thriving, slug-scarce garden. Join me, and let's transform your green space into a no-slugs land.

Pest control modules are also included in my online grow your own food course which has everything you need to grow your own food year after year for a one time fee of just €97. You can purchase here for immediate access to all you need to grow your own this year.
https://mastermygarden.com/grow-your-own-food/

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

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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 53. With his new book "Growing Beauty" in hand, Des takes us on an intimate tour of his personal garden sanctuary, guiding us through the rhythmic dance of seasons and the intricate beauty of plant life. Our conversation blossoms, shedding light on creating spaces that resonate with their environment and the healing touch that comes with every leaf and petal.

Sustainability in gardening often seems like an elusive goal, but not when Des Doyle shares his approach to cultivating eco-conscious and historically resonant landscapes. We navigate the delicate balance between aesthetic allure and environmental responsibility, exploring the selection of robust plants like hellebores and the cautionary tale of trend-driven, resource-intensive species such as dahlias. This episode champions the virtues of supporting local nurseries and making garden choices that echo far beyond the confines of our own backyards, fostering a greener future for our communities and our world.

Des imparts his expertise on creating a garden that captivates across all seasons. From the strategic use of foliage to the interplay of light and shadow, we uncover the secrets to a perennially enchanting garden. Candida Firth McDonald and filmmaker Alan's contributions are celebrated for bringing "Growing Beauty" to life in book and film.

We round off the episode chatting about the restorative benefits of gardening and nature when it comes to mental health with Des chatting personally about how gardening helped him with his own mental health struggle a number of years ago.

"Growing Beauty" the superb first book by Des Doyle is available to purchase here:
https://gardenfable.com/product/growing-beauty-book/

You can also contact Des through his website here:
https://gardenfable.com/contact/

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

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 protection from the elements using fleece or bio-netting.

Some seeds drop off the sowing list this month and later in the month tender crops can be sown including sweet corn, courgette, squash, French beans etc. Successional sowing can be continued on a regular basis.

Join us as we arm you with the strategies and timing to sow and grow for an abundant season, regardless of the weather's whims. If you’ve fallen a bit behind, we've got your back, revealing how to catch up on planting aubergines and peppers in the greenhouse. Discover the joys of succession planting, ensuring your garden remains a cornucopia of fresh veggies, herbs, and flowers. Plus, learn why now is the perfect moment to invest in the future by sowing perennials and biennials that promise vibrant colour in the coming year.

This episode isn't just about what goes in the ground; it's about reaping the rewards on your plate. Let's talk about my unsung heroes of the vegetable plot – onions from seed, chard and more. We don't overlook the aromatic charm of fresh herbs. I'll also share my secrets for a continuous supply of cut-and-come-again greens and the monthly sowing schedule that keeps your herb garden lush. Tune in for a treasure trove of practical advice that'll turn this month’s gardening into next season’s feast.

Join the Master My Garden grow your own food course which gives you step by step guide to growing all your own food. Monthly sowing guides, videos tutorials and much more for just €97 with lifetime access. You can join here
https://mastermygarden.com/grow-your-own-food/

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

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 Nichols featured in his book, TJ guides us through the nuances of crafting a garden that is as aesthetically pleasing as it is a sanctuary for the soul.

Gardening is more than just a pastime; it's a strategic endeavor, as TJ reveals with anecdotes of his own botanical choices that have shaped his garden's evolution. He peels back the layers of what it means to truly 'edit' a garden, sharing the wisdom behind the tough love approach needed to prune or transplant for the greater visual harmony. This segment blooms with practical advice on how to sustain a garden's allure throughout the seasons, with TJ's recommendations on long-flowering plants and eye-catching potted arrangements that every gardener can replicate for year-round delight.

As we delve deeper into the symbiotic dance between our gardens and Mother Nature, TJ unveils the profound impact our horticultural actions have on the wildlife with whom we share our spaces. The discussion blossoms into a discussion on the spiritual side of being in a garden or in nature and a call to embrace the wild over the manicured – a sentiment echoed by the wildlife that graces TJ's garden. This stirring conversation is a reminder of the precious balance we must maintain with nature and the lessons it imparts on living mindfully, celebrating the present, and finding peace in our personal patches of green.

You can find TJ and his and Simon's beautiful garden in Kiltegan Co.Wicklow to find out all the latest new contact Pathanna here.
Website: https://www.patthanagardenireland.com

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Check out Master My Garden on the following channels
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John