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 one-stop-shop for gardeners of all stripes seeking to boost their soil health and plant vitality. Listen to Kate as she breaks down hot composting and why your patience during the curing phase rewards you with truly rich compost. We also take a peek at the fascinating world of fungi and how a handful of wood chips can supercharge your compost pile's ecosystem. Plus, for apartment dwellers, there's a deep dive into the wonders of Bokashi bins – your solution to indoor composting without the mess.

But we don't stop there; our conversation ventures into the transformative power of fermented waste in your garden. We also delve into  biochar, the dark diamond of soil amendments and what it can do for your garden as well as the planet. By the time you're done with this episode, you'll be itching to grab your shovel and start fermenting, composting, and reaping the rewards of a vibrant, healthy garden alongside Kate's expert guidance.

You can buy Kate's book here
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Compost-Coach-compost-regenerative-wherever/dp/1922616451/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1E250JSG189YW&keywords=the+compost+coach+by+kate+flood&qid=1705674578&sprefix=the+compos%2Caps%2C74&sr=8-1

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/ 
Twitter:https://twitter.com/tweetsbyMMG  
 
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]

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 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:  [email protected]   

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

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 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 actually thrive in the new year's embrace, while learning the art of holding off on the veggie seeds till the season smiles upon us.

As we gently peel back January’s frosty veil, our episode unfolds a lineup of tips and timely tasks to ensure your gardening success this year. From planning and soil prep to the pruning and clipping of hedges before the birds stake their claims. So pull on those gardening gloves and let's cultivate a year of growth that's as rewarding as it is beautiful, all while sidestepping the stress of premature planting.

Welcome to Master My Garden, where we plant with purpose and harvest with heart.

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/ 
Twitter:https://twitter.com/tweetsbyMMG  
 
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]

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

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 surrounded by the joy and peace of Christmas. Whether it's your first time here or you've been with us since episode one, your presence has made all the difference. As we leave behind a challenging year for our gardens, we're eager to usher in 2024 with renewed hope for healthier plants and shared gardening wisdom. We pause our weekly rendezvous until January 12th, but we promise to return with enriching content that will guide you in nurturing your garden. Here's to a blooming year ahead, filled with garden talks and shared successes. Till then, enjoy the holiday break and happy gardening!

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/ 
Twitter:https://twitter.com/tweetsbyMMG  
 
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]

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 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 we're excited for the promise of a fresh start in 2024!

Ready to get a peek into our most loved podcast episodes? As we embark on this retrospective journey, we countdown our top 10 podcast episodes based on listener downloads. We've had insightful chats with everyone from organic gardening virtuoso Klaus Leightenberger, seed-saving whiz Madeline McKever, to perennial vegetables expert Patrick Hunt. Our listeners particularly enjoyed our episode on growing a wildflower meadow with Sandra Cofola, which secured the second spot in our top 10 list. With each episode, we've aimed to disseminate knowledge, share experiences, and spread gardening joy. So join us, as we celebrate this year's highs and brace ourselves for the gardening triumphs 2024 is bound to bring!

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/ 
Twitter:https://twitter.com/tweetsbyMMG  
 
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]

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 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 including  the decline of the greenfinch. We also chat about the increase of the buzzard and the great spotted woodpecker across Ireland.

We also dive into captivating bird behaviourable facts including the crucial role of Dunnocks & Blue Tit  in insect control.

Additionally, we share some valuable tips on the positioning of bird feeders and the design of functional nest boxes to attract and protect the avian visitors to your backyard.

Learn how you can become part of the solution and contribute to the vital work of Birdwatch Ireland. We guarantee that by the end of this episode, you'll look at your garden's chirping visitors in a whole new light. So, put on your birdwatching hat and tune in to explore the joys and benefits of observing our winged friends.

If you would like to support Birdwatch Ireland and the great work they do please visit their website & become a member. 

https://birdwatchireland.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/ 
Twitter:https://twitter.com/tweetsbyMMG  
 
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]

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 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 really interesting gifts such as: 

• Felco secateurs 
• Gardening clothing such as beautiful and practical aprons. Hats to protect from sun and gloves designed for specific tasks. 
• A pass to every open garden in Ireland was Julie-Anne's "money no object gift" while Stela opted for a beautiful glasshouse. 
• Both would love plants or seed but only if they offered a special connection such as snowdrop's which remind Julie Anne of her grandmother and Stela who has a beautiful rose which was gift from a family member who visited after covid having not seen each other for some time. 
• Garden seeds were high on the lists but again should also only be gifted with a little insight into the person who will receive. Also supporting local seed companies was very important for us all. 
• Gardening courses both in person and online were something both would like and  many courses and providers were mentioned. John also mentioned his first online course to go live which is his "Grow Your Own Food Course" which teaches people to grow their own food from scratch. You can find out more here https://mastermygarden.com/courses-2/

These are just some of the superb gifts on the lists. Our special guests, Stela and Julie-Anne, are here to guide you through a wonderland of gardening delights - from practical tools to comfortable attire. It's time to ditch the gift cards and surprise your gardening-obsessed loved ones with something they'll really appreciate!

I hope wherever you are gardening that you find some of these super gifts under your Christmas tree this year.

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/ 
Twitter:https://twitter.com/tweetsbyMMG  
 
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]

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

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 view straight from your windows.

We  dive into an array of winter-friendly plants and trees. Such as Malus Evereste, and Pyracantha, trees that bring in beautiful flowers, fruit, and vibrant leaves. Or the Cotoneasters, Cornus Cornubia, and Holly  plants known for their gorgeous winter berries. For those  who enjoy the scents of nature, we discuss Mahonias, Daphne's, and Viburnum's that provide scented flowers and glossy evergreen leaves. Wrapping up, we'll introduce you to the unique beauty of Hamamelis Mollis (witch hazel), that blooms with yellow flowers in late winter and early spring to bring you right through to spring when everything starts to wake up again. 

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/ 
Twitter:https://twitter.com/tweetsbyMMG  
 
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]

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 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 not only a survival skill, but also the foundation of her passion. We delve into how this early exposure to nature cultivated not just plants, but her love for propagation.

Join us as Anya offers revolutionary insights into the therapeutic benefits of gardening and how gardening and propagation got her through a tough period in her own life.
 Get an exclusive sneak peek into her upcoming book, The Money-Saving Gardener which is available on pre-order here
https://geni.us/TheMoneySavingGardener

The Money-Saving Gardener simplifies gardening through clear instructions and season-specific projects. Listen in as Anya shares a relaxed approach to gardening designed for everyone, and how she has turned her ADHD  into a powerful tool for success. So, whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this episode is packed with surprises that will make you think differently about the green world around you!

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/ 
Twitter:https://twitter.com/tweetsbyMMG  
 
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]

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

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 source for these feathered visitors. Other crucial November tasks we'll be covering include bulb planting, leaf mould creation and the art of taking hardwood cuttings. We'll also share how to prepare for the coming year with new beds and plantings. So, don't let the soggy season keep you away from your garden, join us and discover the joy of November gardening!

The main November gardening Jobs to outline are 

• Mulch & feed your soil. Mulching your beds and borders will feed the soil and ensure it is healthy and full of life for next spring. It protects the soil from leaching nutrients. It also locks in carbon, reduces compaction over the winter, prevents weeds and much more so it really is worth the effort. You can mulch with mature compost, well rotted farm yard manure, leaf mould etc. 
• Create No dig beds! from November to the end of February is the perfect time to create no dig beds. Simply cover the ground with brown cardboard (removing all tapes, plastic etc) and altering 15cm/6" of compost on top and leave. These beds will be fully workable straight away so a really fast and easy way to create new beds. 
• Take hardwood cutting. Late Autumn & Winter are perfect for taking hardwood cuttings many plants can be propagated this way including roses, hydrangeas, buddlejas, viburnum and many more. Take cuttings approx 9"to12" long cut below a leaf node and stick into a well drained soil or in a pot by late next spring rooted will have formed and you will have a new plant. 
• Plant Tulips November is the best month to plant Tulips whether in containers or open ground planting in November gives the best results from this spring favourites. 
• With all the leaves that are falling it is a perfect opportunity to make garden gold in the form of leaf mould. To make just gather leaves in a plastic bag fill seal and pierce some holes in it and leave it for 9-12 months then reveal some of the best growing media that you can use for your plants. 
• Plant bareroot and rootballed trees, hedging plants, fruit trees and fruit bushes. From November to March is bareroot season and it is the perfect time to get planting bareroots. 
• Plant over wintering onions and garlic for early harvest next spring. 
• Set up a wild bird feeding station and enjoy hours of pleasure from watching our feathered friends. Remember to set up in areas where the birds feel safe from predators, provide multiple sources of food to attract diverse species of bird and provide water in the area also. 

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:

Support the show

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