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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 outdoor spaces filled with vibrant colours and striking foliage in the depths of winter? What if we told you that with the right plants, good compost, and a well-maintained planter, you can have a stunning display from September to March? Join us as we reveal the secrets to creating spectacular winter planters, including essential care tips and effective techniques to keep your hanging baskets looking their best during the colder months.

In this fun and insightful chat, we also explore a range of plants and bulbs that can inject a burst of life into your outdoor spaces. You'll learn why deadheading and fertilising are crucial for your plant's health and how alpine plants like arabis, phlox, saxifrage and aubretia can add a pop of colour in spring. Plus, we discuss the benefits of versatile plants that can be uprooted and moved to another location for multiple uses. Get ready to transform your garden, patio, or balcony into a winter wonderland!

See below a blog of this episode here where I outline the episode further.

https://mastermygarden.com/master-my-garden-blog-podcast-episode-193-summary-how-to-create-spectacular-winter-hanging-basket/

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.   
Please like and follow 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  
or email [email protected]  
 
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

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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 culture behind starting a mushroom farm.

Imagine balancing a unique lifestyle with the hands-on process of cultivating fungi. Michael and Eilish open up about how they juggle their world of mushroom cultivation with family life. Prepare to be amazed as we delve into the profound effects of Reishi and Lion's Mane mushrooms on mental clarity and their potential in reducing the severity of diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia. We also touch on the importance of including certain herbs in the diet and their contribution to overall health and wellness.

Finally we explore the fascinating world of Gaelic Fungi Farm's indoor kitchen countertop grow kits. Michael and Eilís walk us through the ideal climate for mushrooms, the various substrates used, and the intriguing use of rock dust to enhance flavor and health benefits. They also highlight the critical aspects of quality and environmental protection when purchasing mushroom products.

It's a fascinating chat with Eilís & Michael and its great to hear the passion they have for their product and growing in general. 

You can find Gaelic Fungi farm and their amazing products here
https://www.gaelicfungifarms.ie

There will be a blog post on this episode very soon on my website. This blog and previous blogs along with all podcast episodes are available on my   
Website :https://mastermygarden.com/ 

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.   
Please like and follow 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  
or email [email protected]  
 
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

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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 way, he sprinkles illuminating insights into his love for plants, herbs, and the captivating stories they tell.

In the second half, we delve into the more tactical aspects of gardening, as Tom shares his experiences growing various fruits and vegetables. Be it his encounters with challenging Jerusalem artichokes and onions, or his triumph with flyaway carrots, every anecdote is a lesson in persistence and reward.

Plus, Tom teases us with a glimpse of his culinary prowess as he reflects on his time with 'The Restaurant' and reveals his favorite courgette recipe. So, join us as we plant ourselves in the rich tapestry of Tom Doorley's garden, where every leaf and fruit has a tale to tell.

There will be a blog post on this episode very soon on my website. This blog and previous blogs along with all podcast episodes are available on my   
Website :https://mastermygarden.com/ 

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.   
Please like and follow 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  
or email [email protected]  
 
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

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In this weeks episode of Master My Garden podcast John looks at what to sow in the September vegetable garden. 

We still hopefully have lots of great harvests coming from our vegetable gardens crops like onions, potatoes, garlic , cabbage, cauliflower coming out or do to be harvested soon. It is important to get these bare spaces filled back in with new crops for the Autumn and beyond. 

September really is the last chance to sow this year and the list of what we can sow is reducing dramatically now in September. It still can be a vital month for sowing ensuring we have some harvest well in autumn and winter. It is mostly a list of winter salads and leafy greens and all sowing should be done by the middle of the month. 
 

So what vegetables can we sow in September ? 

Sowing in modules for planting under cover:  

• Lettuce loose leaf types
• Chard 
• Kale
• Claytonia 
• Mizuna 
• Mustard 
• Spinach 
• Coriander 
• Rocket
• Chervil
• Spring onion 
• Beetroot ( a little late but I am making one more sowing in the poly tunnel)

There will be a blog post on this episode very soon on my website. This blog and previous blogs along with all podcast episodes are available on my   
Website :https://mastermygarden.com/ 

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.   
Please like and follow 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  
or email [email protected]  
 
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

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In this weeks episode John answers a listeners question. How to create a wildflower meadow / patch from scratch?

We look at the distinctions between native Irish wildflowers and cultivated flowers used in floral meadows.  Listen to us as we map the path to your dream meadow. We tap into the wisdom of Sandra Cofola Irish Wildflower expert, sharing valuable insights from previous episodes, and discuss how wildflower meadows influence biodiversity.

In this episode, we'll navigate through the various methods of establishing a weed-free seed bed and the best times to sow your chosen seeds. We'll also debate the pros and cons of annual and perennial flower mixes. Going beyond just the establishment, we'll talk about the care a wildflower meadow needs post-sowing.

We look at how each meadow establishes and supports biodiversity. Wether you're a budding gardener or a seasoned gardener, this episode is sure to enrich your horticultural know-how and inspire you to create your very own wildflower haven. Tune in!

To Visit Sandro Cafolla's website visit

http://www.wildflowers.ie

There will be a blog post on this episode very soon on my website. This blog and previous blogs along with all podcast episodes are available on my   
Website :https://mastermygarden.com/ 

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.   
Please like and follow 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  
or email [email protected]  
 
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

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What if you could transform your garden into a stunning display of color and fragrance, simply by sowing your own seeds?
Join me as I revisit the perennials I sowed last autumn, revealing the secrets to their success and the benefits of creating your own perennial border from seed. From the importance of aeration when autumn sowing to the correct sowing techniques, we'll delve into the practical aspects of sowing your own flower seeds. While listing 10 flowers we can sow from seed this autumn the list is

10 flower seeds to sow in September 

1. Penstemon there are many vibrant varieties available. 
2. Dierama Angels Fishing Rod (One for the patient gardener)  
3. Erigeron karvinskianus 'Profusion 
4. Sweet Pea all varieties once you are able to mind a little over winter 
5. Lavender Munstead or other varieties 
6. Echinops or 'Globe Thistle'
7. Nepeta Catmint A must for most gardens 
8. Aubrieta a rock plant easy to grow and ideal for rockeries or overhanging a wall
9. Papaver ornamental poppy 
10. Echinacea there are lots of varieties 

In this lively journey, I share the  delights of sowing this year's selection of plants while referencing back to last years list of super plants that you can sow in Autumn.  You'll also discover the patience required in growing a variety of plants, like Angles Fishing Rods. Join me as I guide you on how to sow these perennials and annual flowers for an extraordinary garden that will leave your neighbour's in awe.

There will be a blog post on this episode very soon on my website. This blog and previous blogs along with all podcast episodes are available on my   
Website :https://mastermygarden.com/ 

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.   
Please like and follow 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  
or email [email protected]  
 
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

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In this weeks episode a listener asks a question about how to safely save rainwater for use in her Potager garden. John Looks at all the pros and cons of harvesting rainwater and gives the tips to ensure you are are saving water safely. 

Ever considered the benefits of rainwater for your garden? Prepare to discover how this natural resource can be a sustainable and effective alternative to mains water, offsetting dry periods and being much better for your plants. This episode also highlights the potential risks involved in rainwater harvesting, including the threat of pathogens like E. coli and others if the water is not properly managed. We'll guide you through the pros, cons, and safety measures of this eco-friendly practice, so you can make an informed decision for your garden's health.

 We're delving into the nitty-gritty of water butt maintenance, including optimal positioning to avoid direct sunlight, and techniques to keep the water moving, thus preventing pathogens from building up.

We'll also share our top tips on using storage tanks, and mention mechanical filters to collect rainwater runoff but not debris, and the essential practice of rotating your water supply. Tune in for a comprehensive guide on using harvested rainwater for gardening!

There will be a blog post on this episode very soon on my website. This blog and previous blogs along with all podcast episodes are available on my   
Website :https://mastermygarden.com/  
 

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.   
Please like and follow 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  
or email [email protected]  
 
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

Send Me A Message!!

In this weeks episode of Master My Garden podcast John looks at what to sow in the August vegetable garden.

August is generally is a month great harvests in our vegetable gardens. Great harvest means bare space when crops like onions, potatoes, garlic , cabbage, cauliflower etc come out. It is important to get these bare spaces filled back in with new crops for the Autumn and beyond.

When it comes to what we can sow in August the variety of seeds that we can actually sow is reducing dramatically month to month from a peak in May to almost nothing past September.
 
So what vegetables can we sow in August?

Direct sowing outside: ( all last sowing early in the month)  

• Spinach 
• Radish 
• Spring onion 
• Milan Purple Top/Snowball

Sowing in modules for planting outside:  

• Lettuce 
• Chard 
• Spring Cabbage
• Kale
• Pak Choi (better under cover of cloche) 
• Claytona (better under cover of cloche) 
• Mizuna (better under cover of cloche) 
• Tatsoi (better under cover of cloche) 
• Mustard (better under cover of cloche) 

Sowing In modules for planting inside: 

• Spinach 
• Spring onion 
• Lettuce 
• Pak Choi
• Claytona 
• Mizuna  
• Tatsoi  
• Mustard  

Direct sowing inside: 

• Radish 
• Milan Purple Top/Snowball
• Spring onion 
• Rocket
• Spring Onion

If you do have bare ground and you don't plan on continuing to plant veg be sure to cover it with green manures to keep soil covered over winter.

Christmas potatoes can also be sown now this are generally first early varieties planted now to have new potatoes for Christmas dinner. I personally don't do this but if you want to you can get seed now in garden centres it must be seed harvested from the previous year which has gone through a period of dormancy.

There will be a blog post on this episode very soon on my website. This blog and previous blogs along with all podcast episodes are available on my   
Website :https://mastermygarden.com/  
 

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.   
Please like and follow 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  
or email [email protected]  
 
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

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In this weeks episode John chats with Julie Anne Kelly The Soulful Gardener who has a fantastic garden in Ballinakill Co Laois which was featured on Irelands Garden Heros. John & Julie Anne, chat about wildflowers meadows, cut flowers gardens, drying flowers, therapeutic horticulture, sustainability, up-cycling and much more.

Julie is opening her garden on Sunday 30th July with all money raised going to charity you can find the garden at Eircode R32D2H4 or to follow Julie-Anne The Soulful Gardener find her on instagram link below
https://instagram.com/thesoulfulgardenerlaois?igshid=MTIzZWMxMTBkOA==

There will be a blog post on this episode very soon on my website. This blog and previous blogs along with all podcast episodes are available on my   
Website :https://mastermygarden.com/  
 

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.   
Please like and follow 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  
or email [email protected]  
 
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

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Is it too late to take softwood cuttings? That was a listener query from last week.  

Technically mid-July is a little late if you follow textbook rules, however, I have always found that they will root perfect at this stage of the year.  

What will I need to take softwood cuttings?  

• An airy growing media you can mix perlite through to add air to the rootzone.  
• A plastic zip lock bag to put cuttings in straight away to avoid transpiration.  
• Rooting powder is useful but not essential. 
• Small pots 9cm (about 3.54 in) to 12cm (about 4.72 in)  
• Plastic bag or propagator to cover cuttings after use.  

How do I take softwood cuttings?  

• Take new fresh growth 10cm (about 3.94 in) just below a leaf node ideally with a set of leaves on the leaf node another set of leaves above and a growing tip.  
• Remove the bottom set of leaves and dip in rooting powder.  
• Fill your small pot with compost and make a hole 50mm (about 1.97 in) deep with a pencil.  
• Insert the cutting into the hole firm in and water.  
• Cover with a poly bag or propagator and keep in dappled sun (avoid full sun if possible)  
• Keep a regular eye on them to ensure they do not dry out and watch for the new roots which will appear in 3-4 weeks.  
• Then they can then be potted on to create a new plant to be planted out next spring.  

There will be a blog post on this episode very soon on my website. This blog and previous blogs along with all podcast episodes are available on my   
Website :https://mastermygarden.com/  
 

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.   
Please like and follow 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  
or email [email protected]  
 
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