Master My Garden Podcast

Imagine transforming your garden with a beautiful perennial border—all grown from seed at a fraction of the cost of buying established plants. This episode kicks off our exciting Perennial Grow Along project, guiding you through the entire journey from seed to spectacular flowering plants.

Growing perennials from seed isn't just economical; it fills gardeners with immense pride. There's something truly special about nurturing a tiny seed into a magnificent flowering plant that will grace your garden for years to come. Whether you're planning to expand your borders, add color to new areas, or simply experience the joy of growing, this project offers something for everyone.

We break down exactly what you'll need to get started: perennial seeds of your choice, suitable growing media, seed trays (or improvised containers), and labels. You'll learn about selecting the right varieties for your conditions, including both cultivated flowers and native wildflowers. Featured plants include English lavender, Verbena bonariensis, Salvia 'Blue Queen', Rudbeckia, Lupins, and more—each offering unique colors and characteristics for your garden.

The grow along follows a simple structure. Starting with a comprehensive sowing demonstration on YouTube (September 15th), we'll progress through germination, pricking out seedlings, growing on through winter, and finally planting out next summer. Live Q&A sessions will address your specific challenges, ensuring everyone succeeds regardless of experience level.

Don't miss this opportunity to create something beautiful and lasting for your garden while developing valuable skills. Subscribe to Master My Garden on YouTube to catch all the videos, and send your questions to [email protected] for our live sessions. Join us as we grow together and transform our gardens one seed at a time!

The perennial seed I will grow in this challenge are:

• Achillea millefolium 'F2 Summer Berries' 
• Rudbeckia fulgida var. sullivantii 'Goldsturm' 
• Salvia x superba 'Blue Queen' 
• Lupinus x russellii ‘The Pages’  
• Verbena bonariensis  
• Aquilegia vulgaris var. stellata 'Nora Barlow' 
• Gaura lindheimeri ‘Emmeline Pink Bouquet' 
• Erigeron karvinskianus 'Profusion' 
• Echinacea hybrida 'Paradiso Tall Mix' 
• Lavandula angustifolia 'Lavender Vera'
• Native Oc Eye Daisy
• Native St.John's Worth
• Native Marjoram
• Native Birds Foot Trefoil
• Native Greater Knapweed
• Native Campion

Subscribe to Master My Garden on YouTube for updates 

https://www.youtube.com/@mastermygarden9542/featured

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  

Gardening isn't static—it evolves as we learn, as plants grow, and as our vision for our outdoor spaces changes. Today's episode tackles the art and science of moving plants within your garden, a skill that frees you to redesign without starting over or breaking the bank.

We begin by exploring the foundational principle of "right plant, right place" that should guide your initial planting decisions. Understanding your garden's conditions and matching them to plant requirements can prevent the need for transplanting altogether. But gardens change, and sometimes plants need to find new homes within our spaces.

The timing of transplanting proves crucial for success. The dormant season—November through February—offers the ideal window when plants are less susceptible to shock. Perennials like lupins, verbena, and geraniums can be easily moved during this period, while larger woody plants require more careful consideration and technique.

Mycorrhizal fungi emerges as the secret weapon for successful transplanting. This natural ally forms a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, increasing their ability to absorb water and nutrients. Applied at planting time, it significantly improves establishment rates and helps mitigate transplant shock.

For larger specimens like trees and shrubs, we delve into specific techniques to preserve as much of the root system as possible, reduce top growth to decrease demands on the compromised roots, and provide proper aftercare. Container plants present their own challenges, particularly when root-bound, and we cover how to correct circular root patterns before planting.

Whether you're making minor adjustments to perennial placement or undertaking the significant challenge of moving a mature magnolia, understanding these principles and techniques will transform your approach to garden design. Your plants deserve this second chance, and with our guidance, they'll thrive in their new locations.

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  

Wondering what to plant as summer wanes? Don't put away those seed packets just yet! September offers the perfect conditions for establishing winter-hardy crops that will provide fresh harvests throughout the coldest months.

This episode explores the often-overlooked opportunities of September sowing, focusing on crops that thrive when planted now. While the list may be shorter than spring and summer guides, these strategic plantings deliver exceptional value. Discover which lettuce varieties withstand winter conditions, why you can sow more generously now than in summer months, and how oriental greens establish beautifully in cooling temperatures. We cover specific varieties like Arctic King, Winter Density, and Marvel of Four Seasons lettuce that are particularly suited to this transitional time.

Beyond salads, we explore herbs that establish quickly before winter's darkness slows growth, winter-hardy spring onions that provide continuous harvests, and how chard becomes a garden superstar during the colder months. For polytunnel and greenhouse growers, we reveal additional possibilities including early brassicas for spring harvests and autumn onion sets that will deliver your earliest allium crop next year.

The episode also addresses crucial seasonal maintenance as autumn rains return after summer drought. Learn why trees may be dropping leaves earlier than expected, how to prevent fruit rot in increasing humidity, and the importance of greenhouse cleanliness as insects seek winter shelter. We also emphasize the value of maintaining soil biology even in unused growing spaces to ensure a healthy start next spring.

As this marks our final sowing guide of the season, we're transitioning to a community perennial grow-along project in upcoming episodes. Join us as we demonstrate how easily you can grow beautiful perennial flowers from seed for next year's garden. Subscribe now, share your gardening journey with us on social media, and discover how September planting extends your growing season well into winter!

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  

Spring flowering bulbs are gardening's ultimate return on investment. Planted from September through November, these botanical powerhouses burst forth from winter's grip with waves of colour that evolve from the first snowdrops after Christmas through magnificent tulips and alliums in late May.

What sets bulbs apart from other garden plants is their remarkable ability to naturalize—multiplying year after year with zero additional effort. Plant a single daffodil bulb this autumn, and next spring you'll have your first golden trumpet. By the following year, you might have two or three flowers, and within a few seasons, a magnificent clump that can be divided to spread beauty throughout your garden.

The sheer versatility of spring bulbs makes them indispensable for gardeners of all experience levels. They thrive in sun or shade, containers or borders, under trees or naturalized in lawns. Their only nemesis is waterlogged soil, making proper drainage their sole critical requirement. Planting couldn't be simpler—just dig a hole roughly three times the bulb's depth, place it pointy-side up, and let nature handle the rest.

For container gardeners, "lasagna planting" offers extraordinary value, creating months of continuous blooms from a single pot. By layering different varieties at varying depths—typically with late-flowering alliums or tulips at the bottom, mid-season daffodils in the middle, and early crocuses near the surface—you create a self-sustaining display that evolves from February through May.

From dramatic alliums with their perfect spherical blooms to vibrant tulips, cheerful daffodils, delicate muscari, and unusual fritillaria, the diversity of spring bulbs offers something for every garden aesthetic. Whether you're seeking high-impact displays with colour-coordinated combinations or rare collector varieties with fascinating histories, autumn is the time to plan and plant.

Don't miss this opportunity to create a self-perpetuating display that delivers maximum joy when gardens need it most. The bulbs you plant today truly represent gardening's highest impact for lowest input—they're the gift that keeps on giving for years to come. Ready to transform your spring garden? Start planting now!

Listen back to EP199 with Dave & Jules from Esker Farm Daffodils 

https://www.buzzsprout.com/857398/episodes/13849995

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  

Water might be the most overlooked factor in garden success. As temperatures soar and rainfall becomes scarce across the UK and Ireland, understanding proper watering techniques has never been more crucial for garden survival.

This episode tackles the surprisingly complex art of effective watering. While not the most glamorous gardening topic, it addresses the root cause of numerous garden problems listeners have been experiencing recently. From struggling roses to disease-prone hedges and undersized fruits, water stress weakens plants' natural defenses and opens the door to numerous secondary issues.

We dive into optimal watering timing (early morning wins, midday loses), proper techniques (target the root zone, not the foliage), and essential strategies for container plants (regular, consistent moisture prevents compost from drying out and shrinking). Discover why grouping containers creates beneficial microclimates and how mulching dramatically improves moisture retention during drought conditions.

The episode also explores how this year's abundant fruit set is being compromised by insufficient ground moisture, particularly for apples which require significant water to size properly. Learn why Portuguese laurel hedges are increasingly susceptible to fungal issues during drought stress, and why liquid seaweed extract is your secret weapon for rejuvenating stressed plants.

Whether you're facing hosepipe bans or simply want to maximize water efficiency, these practical watering insights will help your garden thrive through challenging conditions. Apply these techniques to keep your plants vigorous and resistant to pests and diseases through the remainder of summer and into autumn.

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]   

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  

Soil health emerges as the unlikely hero in our quest to feed a growing population, reverse climate change, and restore human health in this eye-opening conversation with documentary filmmaker Josh Tickell. As the creative force behind the acclaimed "Kiss the Ground" and "Common Ground" documentaries, Josh brings decades of environmental advocacy experience and firsthand observations from regenerative farms across the globe.

The conversation challenges fundamental assumptions about our food system. Josh reveals how 75% of global calories are actually produced by smallholder farmers working less than an acre, dispelling the myth that industrial agriculture is necessary to "feed the world." He exposes the true cost of our current system—where we burn 4-5 calories of fossil fuel to produce just one calorie of food in developed nations—and connects this inefficiency to broader health and environmental crises.

Perhaps most compelling is Josh's evidence of rapid change already underway. In just five years, regeneratively managed land in the US has increased from 5 million to over 50 million acres. This growth comes as consumers and companies alike recognize that the current system isn't just unsustainable—it's fundamentally broken. Through vivid examples from diverse global regions, Josh demonstrates how regenerative practices rebuild soil, produce abundant food, and create resilience against climate instability.

The conversation turns when Josh explains how our individual food choices represent powerful actions that reverberate through the marketplace. Every regenerative product purchased sends signals to boardrooms worldwide, accelerating the transition toward healthier systems. As Tickell puts it, "We're just edging up to the tipping point," suggesting we're witnessing the early stages of a profound transformation in how we grow food and relate to the land beneath our feet.

Watch "Kiss the Ground" and "Common Ground" now on Amazon Prime, and look for the trilogy's conclusion, "Groundswell," in 2026. Your garden, your shopping choices, and even your bare feet connecting with soil are all part of this revolution.

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  

Welcome to your essential guide for August gardening success! As summer peaks and the first harvests fill our kitchens, smart gardeners are already planning their next moves. This episode unpacks exactly what you should be sowing now to maintain productivity through autumn and beyond.

The transition from July to August brings significant changes in the garden. I've just returned from holiday to find dramatic growth (and sadly, some losses in the heatwave), reminding me how crucial proper planning becomes this time of year. While summer crops like tomatoes, potatoes, and onions reach their prime, the spaces they'll soon vacate offer perfect opportunities for late-season plantings.

August represents a strategic shift in our sowing calendar. Though the list of suitable crops has shortened since spring, this month offers unique advantages for establishing winter-hardy varieties. Cooling temperatures and decreasing daylight actually benefit many plants, extending their productive periods before bolting. I walk through comprehensive recommendations for successional crops (spring onions, spinach, loose-leaf lettuce), winter salads (mustard, tatsoi, rocket, claytonia), herbs (coriander, chervil, dill), and substantial vegetables (Florence fennel, kale, spring cabbage). For polytunnel gardeners, I share my experimental approach to pushing traditional sowing calendars with protected crops of carrots and beetroot.

Beyond sowing, August demands vigilance with existing crops. From proper tomato maintenance and blight prevention to protecting ripening fruit from birds, I cover the essential maintenance tasks that ensure continued harvest success. Remember—the secret to year-round productivity isn't just what you plant, but when and how you plan. By thinking six weeks ahead and continuously filling gaps, you'll create a garden that provides fresh harvests in every season. What will you sow this month?

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  

Dive deep into the fascinating world of wildlife ponds with expert Ashley Dowling, who reveals that creating a thriving aquatic ecosystem involves far more than simply digging a hole and filling it with water. This episode uncovers the secrets to designing pond environments that genuinely support biodiversity through thoughtful construction and planting.

Ashley shares her expertise on creating multi-layered pond structures that provide diverse habitats for different creatures. From deep areas that maintain stable temperatures to carefully crafted marginal zones that allow safe access for frogs and other wildlife, every aspect of the design plays a crucial ecological role. The conversation explores how different materials—stones, logs, and various substrates—create microhabitats that support a wealth of specialized insects and amphibians.

The plant selection discussion is equally illuminating, highlighting native species like marsh marigold, water dock, and yellow flag iris that form the backbone of a healthy pond ecosystem. Ashley explains how these plants should be arranged to mimic natural patterns rather than conventional block planting, enabling them to form symbiotic relationships that enhance biodiversity.

Beyond the pond itself, this episode examines how complementary habitats like beetle banks, stone piles, and simple DIY features can transform your entire garden into a wildlife haven. Ashley also demystifies pond maintenance, advocating for working with natural processes rather than fighting them with chemicals, and touches on sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) that can be incorporated into home gardens.

Whether you have space for a barrel pond or are planning something more ambitious, this conversation will inspire you to think like a wildlife gardener and create connected ecosystems that welcome creatures of all kinds. Subscribe now to hear more garden wisdom that balances beauty with biodiversity.

You Can Contact Ashley through instagram see here : 

https://www.instagram.com/pond_girl_ashley?igsh=MTh6b2M1OXI0ejJ6NQ==

Or by email:

[email protected]

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  

Garden enthusiasts, mark your calendars! The Carlow Garden Festival returns for its annual celebration of horticultural excellence, running from July 26th to August 3rd, 2024. This year's lineup features an extraordinary collection of gardening luminaries, innovative formats, and breathtaking garden settings across Carlow.

The festival opens with a fascinating pairing as BBC Gardener's World presenter Adam Frost sits down with Irish rugby star Peter O'Mahony to explore how gardening provides essential mental balance alongside a high-pressure sporting career. Watch as Frost suggests potential changes to O'Mahony's beloved garden – a moment sure to reveal the rugby player's passionate attachment to his immaculate lawn and treasured box hedges!

Throughout nine spectacular days, attendees can learn from horticultural heavyweights including June Blake on natural gardening techniques, Matthew Wilson on transforming challenging garden sites, and Fionnuala Fallon sharing sustainable cut flower garden wisdom. Chelsea gold medal winner Sarah Eberle reveals insights from her remarkable 19 medals, while Nick Bailey breaks down garden design into ten accessible steps.

The festival thoughtfully addresses practical elements with a new shuttle bus service connecting all venues, making it easier than ever to experience multiple talks. Each location – from historic Huntington Castle and Ducats Grove to the spectacular Altamont Plant Sales – provides a unique and inspiring backdrop for the presentations.

For those passionate about sustainability, GIY's Mick Kelly discusses food empathy and growing your own vegetables, while Mary Keenan from Gash Gardens provides guidance on designing fragrant gardens. The international perspective comes through Seamus O'Brien's botanical expedition to Yunnan, China, where he encountered rare blue poppies and Himalayan lilies in their natural habitat.

Join Irish Garden Magazine columnist Rosie Maye, also known as The Insomniac Gardener, for a special Walk and Talk through the award-winning Barrow Experience Gardens at BEAM Services, Bagenalstown, County Carlow

From forest ecology walks with Eanna Ní Leona to Robin Lane Fox's gardening shortcuts, the festival offers something for every gardening interest and skill level. Many events include refreshments, guided garden tours, and opportunities for book signings with your favorite gardening authors.

Book your tickets early at carlowgardentrail.com – several events are already selling out! Whether you attend for a single talk, a day, or make it a full gardening holiday, the Carlo Garden Festival promises to inspire, educate, and celebrate the joy of gardens in every possible way.

You can buy tickets here: 

https://carlowgardentrail.com/festival-programme/

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  

Transform your garden with powerful homemade fertilisers hiding in plain sight! This episode dives into the world of natural plant nutrition, answering listener Cian's question about nettle and comfrey teas.

Discover why these humble "weeds" might be your garden's greatest untapped resource. Nettle tea, packed with nitrogen, creates remarkably resilient leafy growth with glossier, darker foliage that naturally resists pests and disease. Meanwhile, comfrey provides the potassium boost flowering and fruiting plants crave. Together, they form a complete natural feeding system that nurtures both plants and the vital soil ecosystem beneath them.

You'll learn the simple process for creating these potent brews, when to apply each for maximum benefit, and how to recognise the subtle but significant differences between plants fed with natural fertilisers versus synthetic options. Beyond nettles and comfrey, we explore other free fertiliser sources you might be overlooking – from banana peels to grass clippings – and how the "chop and drop" method can build remarkable soil health with minimal effort.

The underlying philosophy throughout is clear: feed the soil, not just the plant. When you nourish the complex web of life beneath your feet, it rewards you with stronger, healthier plants that require fewer interventions. Whether you're growing vegetables, flowers, or maintaining borders, these sustainable approaches deliver results while keeping your garden in harmony with nature. Have a gardening question you'd like answered? Reach out and your topic might feature in an upcoming episode!

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