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

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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:  info@mastermygarden.com   

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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: info@mastermygarden.com

Master My Garden Courses:
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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.

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If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
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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?

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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:

Ashleyjd_99@yahoo.com

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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/

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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: info@mastermygarden.com

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Until next week
Happy gardening
John

Welcome to your essential July seed sowing guide for continuous harvests! While many gardeners think the main growing season has passed, strategic planting now ensures your garden remains productive through autumn, winter, and into early spring.

Though July's planting possibilities are fewer than May's abundant options, this focused approach actually gives you the most benefit in extending your harvest calendar. Continue your monthly successional sowings of quick-growing crops like spring onions, spinach, radishes, and lettuces to maintain fresh harvests. This is also the perfect time to introduce autumn and winter salad varieties that will bridge the gap when temperatures drop later in the year.

Don't believe everything you read on seed packets! While conventional wisdom suggests it's too late for many brassicas, experienced gardeners know July sowings of calabrese, cabbage, and purple sprouting broccoli will still produce harvests around March next year. Kale is particularly well-suited to July sowing, while beetroot, pak choi, chard, and even French beans can still be productive when planted now. The key is understanding how these plants develop through seasonality rather than strictly following calendar rules.

Garden management becomes crucial as summer progresses. The combination of warmth and moisture brings potential pest challenges, but encouraging biodiversity through wildflower areas and nesting boxes brings natural predators that help maintain balance. This is also the time to learn the subtle harvest indicators—potatoes are ready when foliage naturally dies back and onions signal harvest time when their tops flop over. Looking ahead to bed rotation becomes essential as early crops finish, creating space for autumn and winter vegetables that maintain productivity throughout the year.

Want more gardening insights? Next week's episode explores homemade fertilizers based on listener questions. Share the podcast with fellow gardeners, subscribe on YouTube, and send your own gardening questions to info@mastermygarden.com to help shape future content!

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If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: info@mastermygarden.com

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Until next week
Happy gardening
John

Horticultural journeys often begin in unexpected ways. For Colin Jones, head gardener at Salterbridge Gardens, it started with his grandfather's fruit patch and eventually led to prestigious gardens across Ireland and Scotland. Now managing a magnificent private estate in Waterford, Colin brings passion, expertise and global perspective to garden creation.

The transformation of Salterbridge under Colin's stewardship has been remarkable. Over just three years, he's planted 1,600 trees and shrubs, developed stunning herbaceous borders, and created a breathtaking cutting garden that became the focal point for a family wedding. His approach combines practical wisdom with artistic vision – focusing on infrastructure before planting, limiting varieties while increasing quantities of signature plants like Verbena 'Bampton', and selecting hero plants including 28 varieties of dahlias.

What sets Colin's work apart is his deep understanding of plants in their natural context. His plant-finding expeditions to Yunnan in Southwest China have profoundly influenced his design philosophy. Witnessing Thalictrum delavayi growing alongside Hypericum forrestii in the wild inspired combinations he's recreated at Salterbridge. As he explains, "If you can go to where a plant originates and see how it's growing, you have a better understanding straight away of what conditions it needs."

Colin's insights extend beyond professional gardens to practical advice for home gardeners. From navigating challenges with deer to balancing gardening with family life, his experiences resonate with anyone trying to create beauty within constraints. His philosophy that "the best way to keep a plant is to give it away" speaks to the deeper connections gardening creates between people and places.

Experience Salterbridge Gardens for yourself by arranging a group visit, or catch Colin's upcoming talks about his horticultural adventures. Whether you're planning your own cutting garden or simply appreciate the art of thoughtful garden design, Colin's journey from apprentice to master offers inspiration for gardeners at every level. 

You can contact Colin Here: salterbridge.gardens@gmail.com

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Until next week
Happy gardening
John

Perennial borders may be all the rage in contemporary garden design, but have we forgotten the humble flowering shrub? In this eye-opening episode, we explore how these garden stalwarts are being overlooked despite offering year-round structure, extended seasons of interest, and spectacular flowers when perennials lie dormant.

From the architectural presence of Cornus kousa to the intoxicating fragrance of Philadelphus, we'll guide you through ten magnificent flowering shrubs that deserve a place in your garden. Discover why "old-fashioned" plants like Fuchsia, Forsythia and Mahonia shouldn't be dismissed, and learn how integrating these woody wonders among your perennials creates a more dynamic, interesting garden throughout the year.

We delve into early-season performers that bring life to winter gardens – Hamamelis with its spidery blooms, Daphne with its heavenly scent, and Mahonia with its architectural form. For summer drama, we explore statement plants like Hydrangea paniculata and butterfly-magnet Buddleja. Each recommendation comes with practical advice on size, growing conditions, and optimal placement.

The message is clear: the best gardens thoughtfully combine perennials with flowering shrubs to create interest across all seasons. Whether you're designing a new border or enhancing an existing one, these ten flowering shrubs offer structure, colour, fragrance and wildlife value that perennials alone cannot provide. Ready to rediscover these forgotten garden gems?

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Until next week
Happy gardening
John

Ever wondered what to plant in June when your garden beds already seem packed to capacity? This episode answers that crucial question, revealing why continuous sowing through early summer is the secret to garden abundance all year round.

The truth is, June represents a pivotal transition in the vegetable garden. While your growing spaces might appear fully occupied now, within weeks early crops will be harvested, creating valuable real estate for new plantings. The gardeners who stop sowing in June create unnecessary gaps in their harvest calendar later in the year.

We explore the complete June sowing guide, from quick-maturing succession crops like spinach, radish and lettuce, to the longer-term investments of purple sprouting broccoli and winter cabbages. Learn why certain vegetables justify their extended growing period by providing rare flavors during the hunger gap. I share specific variety recommendations for root vegetables, brassicas, and warm-weather crops that need sowing this month for autumn and winter harvests.

Beyond sowing, we address critical June garden tasks like earthing up potatoes, managing increasing weed pressure, and protecting tomatoes from blight risk. I explain how dramatic temperature fluctuations (sometimes swinging from 3°C to 38°C in a single day) can temporarily stunt plant growth, helping you diagnose unexplained growth plateaus.

The episode opens with reflections from the Buds and Blossoms Festival, where I had the pleasure of meeting many podcast listeners in person. I also share a fascinating discovery about William Robinson's true origins near my home in County Laois, settling a long-standing debate from our previous episode.

Ready to maximize your growing season? This episode provides the roadmap for turning June plantings into winter feasts. Your future self will thank you for the planning!

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Until next week
Happy gardening
John

Tom Coward is headline speaker at Laois Garden Festival on Sunday 8th June 2025 celebrating the work of legendary Laois native and garden revolutionary William Robinson. 

What if the current trend for wild-looking, naturalistic gardens isn't just aesthetic preference, but actually a profound reaction to our technology-saturated lives? Tom Coward, head gardener at the world-renowned Gravetye Manor, draws fascinating parallels between William Robinson's revolutionary "wild garden" concept from the 1870s and today's gardening renaissance.

With 15 years restoring Robinson's only surviving garden, Coward offers rare insights into balancing historic significance with contemporary needs. "It's been a love affair," he reflects, describing the challenge of reviving neglected infrastructure while honoring Robinson's principles. His approach to the garden's famous flower borders reveals thoughtful compromise—while Robinson insisted on never repeating plant groups, Coward occasionally introduces repetition to guide one-time visitors through the 30-acre landscape.

The conversation travels through Gravetye's diverse spaces, from woodland gardens punctuated with 70,000 naturalized daffodils to intensively managed productive areas supplying the hotel's restaurant. Particularly fascinating are Coward's techniques for maximizing seasonal interest, like coppicing flowering cherries after bloom to provide textural contrast, autumn color, and winter structure from a single plant.

Having worked at Great Dixter under Fergus Garrett, Coward brings exceptional knowledge to debates around native versus non-native plantings, emphasizing that diversity often supports more wildlife than purist approaches. His observations on climate extremes—longer droughts, heavier downpours, and increasingly powerful winds—highlight practical challenges facing modern gardeners.

Discover why Robinson's legacy deserves greater recognition and how his revolutionary ideas continue shaping gardens worldwide. Whether you're creating your own wild garden oasis or simply appreciate horticultural innovation, Coward's expertise offers valuable inspiration for balancing beauty, biodiversity, and practicality in any growing space.

Tom's talk at Laois Garden festival is one not to be missed. Other great talks on the day from Colin Jones Salterbridge gardens on growing your own cut flowers and Garden to Fork with your truly John Jones Master My Garden. 

You can get your tickets here:

https://laoisgardenfestival.com

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If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
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Until next week
Happy gardening
John

Deep in the heart of West Cork lies a garden unlike any other in Ireland – an immersive 11-acre botanical wonderland where rainforest meets meadow, bamboo forests neighbor natural swimming ponds, and plants from distant corners of the world create a magical landscape that challenges everything you thought you knew about Irish gardens.

When Americans Paul and Daniel acquired Ardea Garden in late 2021, they inherited not just a property but a botanical treasure trove – thousands of exotic plants from New Zealand, Australia, Chile, Japan, and beyond, many having grown undisturbed for 20 years to reach spectacular sizes rarely seen elsewhere in Ireland. As they began clearing years of bramble and bracken overgrowth, extraordinary discoveries emerged: 27-foot hedge plants, explosions of rhododendrons in unexpected colors from blazing orange to purple, and hidden stone pathways leading to serene garden rooms.

What makes Ardea truly special isn't just its plants but its sense of adventure. Standing at the summit offers panoramic views across the Iveragh Mountains and Wild Atlantic before descending through what feels like thirteen distinct gardens within one property. One moment you're wandering through a bamboo forest, the next discovering an ornamental pond surrounded by blooming azaleas, then entering a Chinese-inspired garden complete with waterfall. The garden shifts dramatically with the seasons – December bringing spectacular camellia displays, while spring erupts with thousands of bluebells carpeting the ground beneath towering exotic trees.

Wildlife thrives throughout, with night cameras capturing badgers, pine martens, and deer enjoying this unique habitat. The garden serves as both a wildlife sanctuary and increasingly popular wedding venue, offering couples unforgettable backdrops from druid ceremonies at the stone summit to intimate gatherings by the river's edge. The lovingly restored stone cottage provides five-star accommodation for those wanting to immerse themselves fully in this extraordinary place.

Visit Ardea Garden by appointment through Instagram (@ardea_gardens) and experience what happens when botanical passion meets Irish landscape – a garden that will capture your imagination and change how you see what's possible in Ireland's climate. This is gardening without boundaries, where plants tell stories of distant lands while creating something uniquely, magically Irish.

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If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
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Until next week
Happy gardening
John

Ready to break free from the cycle of planting, maintaining, and replacing summer bedding? This episode explores thoughtful alternatives to traditional bedding plants that offer beauty, functionality, and sustainability for your containers and pots.

We dive into fruit-bearing options that deliver multiple seasons of interest—from the compact Coronet apple tree that thrives in large containers to strawberries and raspberries that cascade beautifully over pot edges. These plants don't just look good; they reward your efforts with harvests you can enjoy straight from your patio or balcony.

For those seeking low-maintenance solutions, discover the world of alpine and rock garden plants that create evolving, textural displays while demanding minimal care. Learn how properly planted container roses can rival any bedding display with months of flowers and fragrance, and how architectural foliage plants like hostas, astelia, and ornamental grasses provide striking structure throughout the growing season.

The episode also explores beautiful herb combinations that serve double duty as ornamental features and culinary resources, modern cordylines that bring color and form to contemporary gardens, and strategic ways to use container plants for privacy screening.

Whether you're gardening on a balcony, patio, or simply want to reduce maintenance while still enjoying beautiful planters, these alternatives offer longevity and sustainability without sacrificing visual impact. Plus, many can transition to your garden beds when they outgrow their containers, making them truly investment plants for years of enjoyment.

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If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: info@mastermygarden.com

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Until next week
Happy gardening
John

Summer has arrived with its warm embrace, transforming gardens seemingly overnight from soggy spring plots to sun-drenched growing spaces. With this dramatic shift comes the perfect opportunity to maximize your greenhouse or polytunnel, turning it into a powerhouse of production.

Your greenhouse crops demand a counterintuitive approach to thrive. Rather than daily watering, which creates dependency and weak root systems, a calculated "miserly" approach with water forces plants to develop resilience. For tomatoes—arguably the most rewarding greenhouse crop—success lies in deep watering with seaweed-based feed every two weeks, complemented by weekly foliar sprays that create naturally disease-resistant foliage. The visible difference in leaf color and toughness becomes apparent within days of this treatment.

Proper planting technique matters tremendously. Adding mycorrhizal fungi and dried seaweed to planting holes anchors plants quickly, while strategic placement allowing maximum airflow prevents the humidity-related diseases that plague many greenhouse growers. Creating a "corridor" of flowers from outside to inside your greenhouse draws beneficial insects for natural pest control and pollination—particularly important for cucumbers and courgettes.

Each crop requires subtle adjustments to this approach: cucumbers appreciate occasional misting, courgettes need attention to pollination, and peppers prefer the warmest, driest corner. By understanding these nuances, you'll produce vegetables with incomparable flavor. The difference between homegrown and store-bought tomatoes becomes so stark that many gardeners refuse to eat supermarket varieties during the off-season.

Try these methods this season and experience the satisfaction of greenhouse growing that truly maximizes your space and rewards your efforts with months of exceptional harvests. Share your successes by tagging photos of your thriving crops—I'd love to see how these techniques transform your growing results!

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Until next week
Happy gardening
John

The biodiversity crisis might seem like an insurmountable challenge, but amidst the doom and gloom shines a remarkable story of hope and transformation. Welcome to Wild Acres Nature Reserve in County Wicklow, where a couple's decision to trade corporate careers for conservation has created a thriving ecological paradise.

When Brian and Gilly purchased four fields of intensively grazed perennial ryegrass in 2017, they faced a landscape stripped of life. Seven years later, their 34-acre reserve boasts 57 wildlife ponds, 15,000 native trees, and four acres of wildflower meadows teeming with insects, birds, and mammals. From otters playing in the ponds to woodpeckers drumming in the trees, the transformation has been nothing short of miraculous.

What makes their story particularly inspiring is how accessible their methods are to everyone. As Brian explains, "Nature is very forgiving. Once you bring the habitats back, it will respond positively." Their experience demonstrates that even small actions can yield remarkable results. A wildlife pond—which can be as simple as a repurposed container on a balcony—can attract diverse aquatic life within days. Native wildflowers, whether in a meadow or container, provide critical food sources for pollinators. These small pockets of habitat, when created across neighborhoods, form vital connectivity that allows wildlife to thrive in urban and suburban settings.

Beyond the ecological benefits, Wild Acres highlights the profound human connection to nature. Scientific research now confirms what Brian and Gillian witness regularly: time spent in natural spaces reduces stress hormones, improves mental clarity, and enhances overall wellbeing. Their workshops on pond creation, beekeeping, and wildlife gardening consistently sell out as people seek to reconnect with the natural world and make a positive difference.

Ready to create your own patch of biodiversity paradise? Visit Wild Acres online to learn about their upcoming workshops or start simply with a small pond, native plants, or bird feeder in your garden. The journey toward ecological recovery begins with a single step—and as this inspiring couple proves, nature will gladly meet you halfway.

You can connect with Wildacres here 

https://wildacres.ie

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If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: info@mastermygarden.com

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Until next week
Happy gardening
John

The garden awakens fully in May, transforming into a hub of activity that demands both attention and strategy. This explosion of growth creates the perfect environment for sowing an impressive variety of seeds, making it arguably the most productive month in the gardening calendar.

With beds filling up rapidly, lawns growing vigorously, and perennials emerging from their winter dormancy, May presents an opportunity to maximize your garden's potential through thoughtful planning. The dramatic shift in weather conditions from previous weeks brings a surge in plant development – combining recent rainfall with increasing temperatures to create ideal growing conditions. However, this acceleration also benefits unwanted visitors, making weed management a crucial priority.

The seed sowing guide focuses on strategic planting that extends your harvests well beyond summer into autumn and winter. While certain long-season crops like tomatoes, peppers and melons have passed their optimal sowing window (better purchased as established plants now), numerous vegetables remain prime candidates for May planting. These include successional crops like salad leaves, spring onions and radishes that provide continuous summer harvests, alongside winter staples like leeks, beetroot, winter cabbages and purple sprouting broccoli that need starting now for cold-season eating. For warm-season crops including cucumbers, courgettes, sweetcorn and pumpkins, early May represents the final optimal sowing period.

The practical guidance offered extends beyond mere planting schedules to include maintenance tips that prevent problems before they develop. A simple hoeing routine on dry days eliminates seedling weeds with minimal effort, preventing the overwhelming task they become if left unchecked. Whether you're an experienced gardener or relative newcomer, these timely interventions make May's abundance manageable rather than overwhelming. Share your May planting plans and success stories online or reach out directly with questions – the gardening community thrives on shared knowledge and mutual support through this vibrant growing season.

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If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: info@mastermygarden.com

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Until next week
Happy gardening
John

The weather's dramatic shift from perfect spring warmth to a chaotic mix of snow, torrential rain, hail, and wind serves as a powerful reminder that April gardening requires vigilance and protection strategies. This sudden weather whiplash threatens newly planted seedlings and emerging growth after weeks of productive sowing and planting.

Hardening off becomes crucial during these transitional periods. Whether using a cold frame to gradually introduce outdoor conditions or bringing trays in and out daily, this process gives seedlings their best chance of survival when weather turns hostile. Bio-netting and enviro-mesh provide essential protection against April's weather extremes while still allowing airflow and moisture to reach your plants. Creating proper hoop supports prevents protective coverings from damaging tender growth during wind events.

Beyond weather challenges, spring brings opportunistic pests. Pigeons swoop in to feast on brassicas and lettuces when little else is available in the natural landscape. Slugs and snails emerge with increasing moisture levels, particularly threatening dahlias and hostas as they first peek through the soil. For warm-season crops like tomatoes, daily gentle brushing of foliage triggers stem-strengthening hormones that create more resilient plants before their final move to polytunnels.

Understanding your local last frost date allows proper timing for heat-loving crops while implementing these protection strategies ensures continuous harvests through proper succession planting. These simple yet effective techniques transform vulnerable spring plantings into resilient, productive garden plots despite April's weather rollercoaster.

Share your gardening journey or questions through social media - I'm active on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok! The podcast is also available weekly on YouTube. Have a specific gardening question? Message me on any platform, and I'll address it in an upcoming episode. Happy gardening!

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: info@mastermygarden.com

Master My Garden Courses:
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Until next week
Happy gardening
John

Journey through the 35-year evolution of the O'Mahony Garden, a stunning landscape on the Cork-Limerick border that transforms an ordinary plot into five distinctive garden spaces, each with its own personality and purpose.

Siobhan O'Mahony shares her gardening journey that began with essential shelter planting and gradually expanded into a thoughtfully designed landscape. The original garden focuses on low-maintenance shrubs and trees punctuated with seasonal bulbs, while the aptly named "kitchen garden" outside their kitchen door bursts with vibrant hot colours year-round. Perhaps most remarkable is the transformation of their sons' football pitch into borders with distinct colour themes – cool calming blues and pinks in one area contrasting with rich wine and magenta tones in another.

The garden continues to evolve with newer areas including a practical raised bed vegetable garden featuring container-grown raspberries and a young woodland planted with 28 Himalayan birches (Betula jacquemontii) underplanted with specialist snowdrops and spring flowering bulbs. Adjacent to this, an annual wildflower meadow delivers spectacular summer colour without demanding maintenance.

Siobhan's practical wisdom resonates throughout the conversation – from her colour-themed planting approaches to her strategic use of containers to maintain continuous displays near the house. Her advice for new gardeners is refreshingly realistic: focus on trees and shrubs for structure and lower maintenance, then concentrate colourful, higher-maintenance planting in smaller areas where it can be enjoyed daily.

The garden welcomes visitors three times annually and hosts workshops on container gardening, vegetable growing and flower arranging. Whether you're starting your own garden journey or looking for inspiration to refine an existing space, this episode offers practical strategies for creating beautiful, manageable gardens that bring joy throughout the seasons.

Visit O Mahony Garden information here:

https://www.omahonygarden.com

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: info@mastermygarden.com

Master My Garden Courses:
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

Spring has arrived in full force, bringing with it the perfect conditions for garden growth—and revealing some common problems that many gardeners face this time of year. Whether you're noticing patchy growth in your lawn or concerning symptoms on your prized hedges, this episode offers practical solutions to get your garden thriving.

I dive deep into two troubleshooting scenarios that appeared in my garden consultations this week. First, I explore the hidden causes of struggling lawns, particularly those established in new builds or recently landscaped areas. The culprit often lies beneath the surface—literally. Many modern landscaping practices create artificial soil conditions that prevent proper root development. I share my complete restoration protocol: deep aeration to bring oxygen to the roots, removing that suffocating thatch layer, strategic overseeding, and adding organic matter to build soil health naturally. These techniques address the underlying structural issues rather than just treating symptoms.

The second problem gaining momentum across gardens nationwide involves Portuguese laurel hedges. These beautiful, previously trouble-free hedges are now showing signs of fungal mildew after years of popularity. I describe the telltale symptoms to watch for and my three-part treatment approach using microbial sprays, seaweed extracts, and organic fertilizers to activate the plant's natural defense systems. I'm implementing this exact protocol in my own garden and will be tracking the results.

Between troubleshooting these garden challenges, I share updates on my spring planting progress, new arrivals in the henhouse, and upcoming garden events you won't want to miss. Connect with me at info@mastermygarden.com with your garden questions, and please take a moment to leave a review wherever you listen to help other gardeners discover these practical solutions.

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: info@mastermygarden.com

Master My Garden Courses:
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Until next week
Happy gardening
John

What vegetables to sow in April?

The garden explodes into life as April brings the perfect conditions for planting nearly everything on your wish list. After weeks of dry weather in Ireland, temperatures have finally risen to match the sunshine, creating the ideal environment for seeds and seedlings to thrive.

This comprehensive seed sowing guide walks you through exactly what to plant now, with special attention to the unique conditions of this particular spring. Unlike last year's cold, wet April, current conditions allow for direct sowing of many crops that would normally need indoor starting. From successional vegetables like spring onions and spinach to the season's first warm-weather crops like tomatoes, cucumbers and pumpkins, the possibilities are extensive.

Beyond what to plant, you'll discover crucial tips for success that many gardeners overlook. Learn the secret to growing perfect carrots (hint: it's all about consistent moisture in that critical first month), understand why April-sown tomatoes can quickly catch up to those started earlier, and discover clever intercropping strategies to maximize your garden space.

The episode also covers essential April garden tasks beyond sowing - from caring for newly planted bare-root trees and hedging during dry spells to lawn maintenance and protecting young seedlings from unpredictable spring weather. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting your growing journey, this guide provides timely, practical advice tailored to this moment in the gardening calendar.

Grab your seeds and tools - the garden is awake and ready! This perfect spring weather makes gardening a joy rather than a chore, so make the most of it and set yourself up for a bountiful growing season ahead.

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: info@mastermygarden.com

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Until next week
Happy gardening
John

Discover the secrets of thriving fruit trees with Susan Poizner, founder of Orchard People and author of multiple books on fruit tree care. In this comprehensive conversation, Susan shares her remarkable journey from BBC journalist to fruit tree expert, sparked by a community orchard project that taught her valuable lessons through trial and error.

Susan reveals the often-misunderstood purpose of pruning – not merely for size control, but as the essential foundation for disease prevention and quality fruit production. She expertly breaks down the science behind why proper pruning creates a healthier environment within the tree canopy, preventing the damp, dark conditions that fungal diseases thrive in. You'll learn the crucial differences between winter pruning (which stimulates growth) and summer pruning (which controls size), plus how to choose between open center and central leader structures based on your local climate conditions.

Beyond pruning, Susan shares practical wisdom on combating common fruit tree challenges like apple maggot, codling moth, and canker. Her innovative solutions include dormant oil sprays, orchard socks for pest prevention, and proper cleanup practices that break disease cycles. You'll discover why soil preparation matters tremendously and how annual compost application supports tree health from the roots up.

Most fascinating is Susan's insight that truly healthy trees naturally repel pests and diseases. By understanding and working with your trees' natural biology, you can create resilient fruit trees that produce abundantly with minimal intervention.

Whether you're an experienced orchardist or planning your first fruit tree, this episode provides the essential knowledge to form a successful partnership with these generous plants that can provide beauty and bounty for decades to come. Ready to transform your relationship with fruit trees? This conversation is your perfect starting point.

You can find out more about Susan and all her resources here: 

https://orchardpeople.com

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: info@mastermygarden.com

Master My Garden Courses:
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
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Until next week
Happy gardening
John

Ready to transform your garden into a symphony of summer color? This episode reveals exactly what you need to plant now for months of vibrant blooms ahead.

After weeks of unusually dry weather in Ireland, we're exploring the perfect timing to establish summer-flowering plants that will reward you with an avalanche of color. The secret? A strategic mix of bulbs, bare root perennials, and carefully selected seeds that offer maximum impact for minimal investment.

Discover the world of summer-flowering bulbs - from the show-stopping dinner plate dahlias with their 22cm blooms to elegant lilies that return year after year. We explore why now is the perfect time to snag bare root peonies at a fraction of their potted price, and how to position gladioli for best effect in cottage-style borders. You'll learn which bulbs offer the most reliable performance (including some underrated gems like Nerien's) and how to manage enthusiastic spreaders like Crocosmia.

For the budget-conscious gardener, we reveal why bare root perennials represent exceptional value compared to container-grown plants, and share tips on scoring end-of-season bargains from online suppliers. Whether you're planning a formal border or dreaming of a meadow filled with wildflowers, this episode provides practical guidance on creating spectacular summer displays.

The gardening calendar is turning rapidly toward planting season - grab your trowel and get ready to create your most colorful garden yet! And don't miss next week when we'll be tackling the art of pruning fruit trees.

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: info@mastermygarden.com

Master My Garden Courses:
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
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Until next week
Happy gardening
John

Ben Raskin takes us on a journey through the peaceful coexistence of trees and crops in a revolutionary approach to growing food. As Head of Agroforestry at the Soil Association and author of eight books, Ben shares how his 12 years as an organic vegetable grower evolved into a passion for integrating trees into horticultural systems.

The conversation reveals surprising insights that challenge conventional growing wisdom. Did you know vegetable beds sheltered by trees can be 4-5°C warmer than open ground, potentially extending your growing season by weeks? Or that many leafy crops actually prefer partial shade, especially during increasingly common heat waves? Ben expertly explains how trees buffer extreme weather conditions while fostering rich underground fungal networks that transport nutrients across remarkable distances.

Practical applications abound for gardeners of all scales. The humble wood chip emerges as an unsung hero – from its use as a soil amendment that boosts fungal populations to its potential as a sustainable peat-free propagation medium. Ben's firsthand experiments reveal that ramial wood chip – material from young branches – offers particular benefits when applied directly to soil without composting.

Beyond techniques, Ben shares a compelling vision for food system resilience in an uncertain climate future. Through his work at the Soil Association, he bridges the gap between environmental campaigners pushing for rapid change and farmers navigating practical economic realities. His perspective on diversity and resilience offers a hopeful path forward: systems that prioritize sustainability may yield less in optimal years but deliver consistently when conditions deteriorate.

Whether you're a home gardener curious about food forests or a market grower seeking climate adaptation strategies, this conversation provides both philosophical framework and practical tools for working with, rather than against, natural systems. Ready to reimagine your growing space with trees as allies?

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: info@mastermygarden.com

Master My Garden Courses:
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/
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Until next week
Happy gardening
John

Welcome to another vibrant episode of Master My Garden Podcast, where we celebrate the arrival of March and all the planting possibilities this month holds. With the days getting longer and the promise of spring in the air, now is the perfect time to sow your seeds, whether it's vegetables, herbs, or beautiful flowering plants. In this episode, we dive deep into what you can plant, the optimal conditions for germination, and expert tips for nurturing your seedlings.

From the cabbages to herbs and the delightful annuals that elevate our outdoor spaces, our conversation weaves through essential gardening practices that help every enthusiast get the most from their garden this season. We stress the importance of paying attention to ground temperatures and light levels and how they influence successful germination. Let us guide you through the remarkable diversity of crops you can bring to life as the growing season kicks off.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting your horticultural journey, our insights can help you cultivate a flourishing garden. Join us in celebrating the earth waking from its winter rest and grab your planting gear! We invite you to engage with us: What seeds are you planning to sow this March? Share your gardening story and stay connected for more tips. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review to help us grow our gardening community!

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: info@mastermygarden.com

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