Many gardeners are experiencing pest & disease problems at the moment so in this weeks episode John looks at the various pests and diseases and what we can do to ensure they don't become too big of an issue.

My mantra is as always a healthy plant is less susceptible to pests and diseases so that's where we start. The way to having healthy plants is to have healthy soil and that is the starting point. From there we look at best husbandry to not give diseases the conditions they like to take hold. Then we look at having lots of biodiversity in our gardens which will bring a natural balance and the beneficial creatures will assist us in our pest control.

Some treatments may be necessary so John covers all the usual pest and diseases we encounter in our gardens and talks about the solutions available to take care of these.

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 info@mastermygarden.com 
 
Until next week 
Happy gardening 
John 

In this weeks episode John chats with Paul Brady Clondeglass garden. Clondeglass is close to Mountrath in Co. laois. The garden was developed and made famous by  horticultural legend the late Dermot O Neill. Dermot in conjunction with RTE created the TV series Dermot's secret garden.

Paul chats about the garden its history and his plans for the garden for the coming years. 



https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077667603318


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 info@mastermygarden.com 
 
Until next week 
Happy gardening 
John 

It is May and "No Mow May" is all the talk in the media and online. In this weeks episode John looks at the concepts of "No Mow May"  and "No Mow Let It Grow" and how they may apply and most importantly how they may impact pollinators in your garden.

John also discussed, how to grow a wildflower meadow? What wildflower meadows add to your garden. We also look at the difference between wildflower meadows and floral meadows.

Previous episodes of the podcast have also looked at wildflowers and below is links to the most popular of these

Episode 026 with Sandro Cafolla
https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/857398/4770290-ep026-how-to-grow-a-wildflower-meadow-with-sandro-cafolla.mp3?download=true
Episode 027 Floral meadows with John Jones
https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/857398/4864460-ep027-how-to-grow-a-floral-meadow.mp3?download=true
Episode 065 With Una Fitzpatrick All Ireland Pollinator Plan
https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/857398/8333287-ep065-dr-una-fitzpatrick-tells-us-all-about-the-new-all-ireland-pollinator-plan-2021-2025.mp3?download=true
Episode 093 Zoe Devlin Talks about "The Wildflowers Of Ireland"
https://pdcn.co/e/www.buzzsprout.com/857398/9348216-ep093-zoe-devlin-talks-all-about-the-wildflowers-of-ireland-and-more.mp3?download=true

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 info@mastermygarden.com 
 
Until next week 
Happy gardening 
John 

What to sow in May?  

May is a busy month for sowing in the garden and while for the last few months we have been doing all our sowing inside in module trays or pots now we can start direct sowing into the ground.  

So, what seeds can you sow in May? 

In the ground directly sow beetroot, carrots, turnip, parsnip, swede, lettuce, spinach, spring onions, radish, chard and more. Some of these I will sow in small amounts on a successional basis other such as parsnip which does not run to seed easily, I will sow a larger amount and do further sowings in June.  

I will continue to sow my successional vegetables in small amounts in module trays in these I will sow Cabbage, Cauliflower, Calabrese, Brussell sprouts, Leeks etc.  

In the greenhouse I will also be sowing pumpkin, sweetcorn, runner bean, celery, French beans, cucumber, courgette and I will also be trying melon this year in my polytunnel.  

You can also sow most herbs this month. The herbs I will be sowing in May include coriander, basil, dill, parsley.  

Also, many annual flowers can also still be sown these include marigold, nasturtium, nigella, cornflower, and calendula. I will also sow some Dahlia and other perennials this month.  

It is important to continue to sow seed even when your beds look full so that you have some plants ready to fill your beds after your first harvest.   

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 info@mastermygarden.com 
 
Until next week 
Happy gardening 
John 

After such a poor spring weather wise many lawns are far from looking their best. The prolonged wet and cold spring has left many lawns looked tired, full of moss and weeds. In this episode John gives tips to get your lawns back in shape and looking great this spring.  

Have a look at a previous in-depth blog post and podcast I have done on lawns here. 
https://mastermygarden.com/how-to-have-the-perfect-lawn/

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 info@mastermygarden.com 
 
Until next week 
Happy gardening 
John 

In this weeks episode of John chats with Carmen Cronin show director of Clare Garden Festival which is on Sunday 30th of April. Featuring expert speakers , plants nurseries, practical workshops and much more it is an event not to be missed. To find out more visit the website below or look for Clare garden festival on Facebook and Instagram.
http://claregardenfestival.com

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 info@mastermygarden.com 
 
Until next week 
Happy gardening 
John 

How to look after young plants in spring is the topic on this week's episode of Master My Garden podcast.  

Yet again up to the 14th of April 2022 we have had a horrible start to the month weather wise with wind, lots of rain, chilly days, and night frosts these are far from ideal conditions for the seedlings we have sowed and minded for the last few weeks.  If you want to check out the weather in your local area of Ireland check out the below website and tap on the nearest weather station to you.
https://www.met.ie

So, John looks at how to mind all those seedlings you have been minding and growing on your windowsill or greenhouse. At this stage, your seedlings are really looking for more space and looking to get into the ground, but the weather and the different weather threats such as frost, hail, heavy showers, and wind can all severely damage and even kill your precious little seedlings. So, what can we do to ensure we can make sure they reach their full potential over the coming months?  

So here is what we can do to protect our seedlings: 

·      Bring them outside during any mild days to toughen them up. 

·      Use frost fleece and after a night's frost do not remove the following morning until noon. 

· Use bio netting/ environmesh this will protect from hail, heavy showers, and wind when you get your seedling out into your beds. This netting allows water and air through, so it is a healthy environment inside for plants. 

·      Feed them with seaweed fertilizer this will help them to harden up and will toughen the cells of the leaves and stems.  

·      Earth up potatoes as they start to peep out of the ground 

 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 info@mastermygarden.com 
 
Until next week 
Happy gardening 
John 

What vegetables to sow in April? That's what we are talking about in this weeks episode.

 The list of seeds we can sow in April in the veg garden is long but it does vary from year to year. For example we have had here in Ireland one of the wettest March's on record with rain almost every day. This has meant that the ground is very wet and because of that very cold. In other years we could have a warm and dry March and sowing outside may be possible in certain areas in early April.

There are still so many seeds we can be sowing and it is a busy month in the garden.

Seed to sow in short successions 7 days in module trays for planting out later: 

• Spinach
• Lettuce (all types)
• Spring Onions
• Peas shoots

Seed to sow medium successions 10-14 days in module trays for planting out later: 

• Early Cabbage
• Cauliflower 
• Calabrese

Seed to sow once or in long successions 30 days in module trays for planting out later: 

• Leeks
• Onions (last sowing mid April) 
• Chard (I only sow once a year and harvest from small number of plants for 12 months) 
• Peas 
• Herbs Coriander, Dill, Parsley

Seed to with heat or late in April.

• Squash
• Pumpkin
• Sweetcorn
• Cucumber
• Courgette  

Seed to sow short successions in ground outside (if temperatures increase) or in greenhouse. 

• Early carrots 
• Parsnip
• Radish  
• Spinach
• Beetroot

I will also be sowing annual flowers like marigolds, calendulas, nasturtium, cornflower, cosmos and more. I will also sow some perennials like Dahlia, Verbena, Lupin  and some biennials like Foxglove. 

Its a busy month so keep sowing or in some cases start sowing and be sure to protect young seedlings from slugs and the harsh spring weather.

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 Master My Garden website. 
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 info@mastermygarden.com   
 
Until next week    
Happy Gardening    
John 

What plants grow in shaded areas? That is a question that listeners ask all the time.  

So, for this week's episode of the podcast John chats with Mike Keep from Shady Plants. Mike company specializes in plants for shaded areas and as we find out in the episode there are many types of shaded areas such as wet shade, shaded areas in housing estate which get almost no sun and the most difficult area dry shade.  

The good news here is if you have any of these areas there are plants for these areas that will grow and more importantly plants that will make these areas look great.  

During the episode Mike mentions many plants varieties too many to list here but if you have any shaded area which you want to plant up contact Mike and he will supply you with a planting guide for that area.  

Mike will be visiting many of the plants fairs this year you can find a list of plant fairs here  

https://www.irishspecialistnurseriesassociation.com 

Or visit Mike website here  

https://www.shadyplants.net  

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 Master My Garden website. 
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 info@mastermygarden.com   
 
Until next week    
Happy Gardening    
John 

Soil health is the cornerstone of successful gardening and particularly growing your own food. This is something I am sure on, if below the surface is healthy then above the surface (what you grow) will be excellent.

I wasn't always aware of this and when I studied horticulture it wasn't something that was of high importance. But through observation initially I came to realise that it is the number 1 most important aspect of growing food successfully.

How do I grow my own food ? Well the answer to this question has many elements from sowing to planting, planning etc etc but soil health if got right will make everything else easier and more successful.

The good news for us home gardeners is that improving soil health is quiet easy and generally starts with the addition of organic matter which feeds the soil life. The soil food web is complex and many scientists dedicate their lives to understanding it but for us the addition of quality organic matter will lead us to healthy soil and abundant crops. Fact!

Keep an eye out over the coming weeks for my online Grow Your own food course in the coming weeks and of course soil health is mentioned quiet a bit.

You can also check out these two episodes which include soil health and the benefits of no dig gardening.

Episode 083 Biochar with Karen O Hanlon Pro Bio Carbon

https://www.buzzsprout.com/857398/8998817
https://www.probiocarbon.ie

Episode 056 with No Dig Expert Charles Dowding

https://www.buzzsprout.com/857398/7751290



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 Master My Garden website. 
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 info@mastermygarden.com  
 
Until next week   
Happy Gardening   
John 

10th March 2023 Master My Garden Podcast  

What seeds to sow in March? In this week's episode John chats about what vegetable seeds to sow in March? What flower seed to sow in March? John also chats about other gardening Jobs for the month of March.  

Firstly, as many of you know I always talk about knowing your area in terms of seed sowing and planting out because all areas are different. Many of you will be lucky enough to be in an earlier area such as in west Cork, Kerry, or other areas along the south coast of Ireland. However, for the rest of us it is still too cold and will continue to be for much of the month of March.  

So, most of what we will sow now will be sown indoors in module trays for planting outside in early April. 

Seed I am sowing Indoor in Module trays for Planting out In April.  

Spinach, Lettuce, Scallions/Spring Onion, Early cabbage, Early Cauliflower, Calabrese, Onion, Broad Bean, Celery, Leeks  

Seed I am sowing Indoor in Module trays for Planting in tunnel.  

Parsley, Dill, Coriander & Celery 

Seed I am sowing Indoor on heat for Planting in tunnel. 

Aubergine, Tomato, Chili Pepper, Bell Pepper & Squash (late in month).  

I am direct sowing in my polytunnel. 

Beetroot, Radish, Carrot & Turnip 

I will also plant early potatoes (Red Duke of York) into my polytunnel late in the month and I am currently heating up the ground where they will be planted with black plastic, so the temperature is nice and warm at planting time.  

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 Master My Garden website. 
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 info@mastermygarden.com  
 
Until next week   
Happy Gardening   
John 

Vine weevil, one of gardeners major and ongoing foe’s is the topic of this week's episode. A listener has asked for advice on how to deal with vine weevils in her pots and hanging baskets. So, John looks at ways to combat vine weevil and how you can control them using biological control nematodes. We also chat about ways to spot the problem early, the best potting mixes that may help and much more.  

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 info@mastermygarden.com 
 
Until next week  
Happy Gardening  
John 

In this weeks episode John chats about what vegetable seed he is sowing now. February is a funny month some years it can be very cold like in  2022 and other years it can be dry and mild like this year.

When you get a February like we just had with good weather it really feels like spring has arrived and we get sowing our seeds at pace. While I am getting going now I will still go gently over the next few weeks sowing some but not all seed. From now on daylight hours increase rapidly and this is exactly what we need for seed sowing.

So for this month what I am sowing in modules for planting outside later are onions, leeks, early cabbage, cauliflower & Calabrese. I will sow spring onion, spinach, lettuce in module trays to plant in the poly tunnel and direct sow beetroot, radish and carrots.

I will also sow with heat a small few tomatoes, peppers and chilli. I also may eventually decide to sow broad beans after avoiding for so long.  I will also sow some dill, parsley, rosemary and more herbs. 

I will also start to sow perennial and annual flowers to add to the beds and around the veg. 

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 be 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 info@mastermygarden.com

Until next week 
Happy Gardening 
John 

In this weeks episode John is joined by Andrew Bunting Vice President of Horticulture at Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to chat about Pennsylvania Horticultural Society gardening trends for 2023 survey.

ABOUT PENNSYLVANIA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS), an internationally recognized nonprofit organization founded in 1827, uses horticulture to advance the health and well-being of the Greater Philadelphia region.

1.    Gardens with ecological functions – People are continuing to see their gardens as part of a larger ecosystem. Through incorporating native and pollinator plants, gardeners are creating habitats for insects and birds.
2.    “Leave the Leaves” – This movement encourages people to leave their leaves and convert them into compost, mulch, or fertiliser to reduce landfill waste.
3.    Reducing dependence on fossil fuels – Many natural gas-powered garden machines such as mowers, weed whips, chainsaws, and leaf blowers are being phased out for battery-operated options which help to reduce carbon footprint.
4.    Water-wise gardens and plants – With global climate events and increasingly erratic weather patterns including extended periods of drought, there is an increased need to consider water-wise gardens,  gravel gardens, and drought-tolerant plants.
5.    The houseplant craze continues – Houseplants have become an essential part of home décor, health and wellness planning, and social activities. With an increasing number and diversity of houseplants widely available through garden centers,
6.    “Fall is for planting” – Fall has been promoted for the last 20 years as a favorable time in the gardening season to plant perennials, shrubs, and trees. Now, fall is being promoted as a time to add color to the garden too! Garden centers now offer a wide selection of annuals and seasonal plants for fall visual interest, all featuring cold tolerance, beautiful foliage, or interesting fruits and berries.
7.    Amazing Aroids – These popular houseplants that feature distinctive, tropical, and often uniquely patterned foliage continue to grow in popularity such as Philodendron, Scindapsus, Anthurium, Alocasia, and Colocasia, while some rare species like ‘Pharaoh’s Mask’ have sold for hundreds of dollars.
8.    Food gardening thrives – The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a dramatic increase in food insecurity and the need to grow food. People are discovering that even with minimal pace they can grow produce throughout many months of the year; feeding themselves, and even sharing with neighbours.

You can find out more about PHS as-well as buy tickets to the 2023 Philadelphia Flower Show Here
https://phsonline.org

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 be 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 info@mastermygarden.com

Until next week 
Happy Gardening 
John 

In this weeks episode John is joined by Ingrid Smyth, garden designer and member of GLDA to speak about the much anticipated 2023 GLDA seminar "Letting Nature In" With excellent speakers including Barry Kavanagh, Mary Reynolds, Randall Plunkett & Taina Suonio all looking at the theme letting nature in and talking about their experiences of letting nature in with there own unique situations.

Letting Nature In – Listening to the rhythm of nature and capturing its essence in the designed landscape.

This year, we are focusing on how we should shift our attention to the essence of what makes our landscapes distinctive and how to preserve and capture the spirit and atmosphere of the garden. Design for the landscape should always be adapted for the context of where it is located. How a deeper understanding of the existing context influences our design choices and creates better planning to protect and enhance the richness of the existing ecosystem and biodiversity.

You can buy tickets and find out more here 

https://glda.ie/seminar-2023/

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 be 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 info@mastermygarden.com

Until next week 
Happy Gardening 
John 

In this weeks episode I chat to Paul Smyth who has recently been appointed as head gardener of RHSI Bellefield. Paul originally would have worked in the garden around 10 years ago as part of his college placement with the gardens creator Angela Jupe.

Angela became a mentor to Paul over the years and following her passing the house and gardens were left to the RHSI with the long term aim of creating a gardening training / centre of excellence which is now  in the early stages of development.

What an amazing legacy to leave the Irish Horticultural scene and one which will benefit and inspire gardeners for years to come under the leadership of the RHSI and head gardener Paul.

Snowdrop weekends are first up for Bellefield and you can book your tickets or find out more information here https://rhsi.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 be 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 info@mastermygarden.com

Until next week 
Happy Gardening 
John 

January is a month when the promise and excitement of a new growing season kicks in and already, I see people posting pictures online of sowing vegetables. When this happens many of us feel like we are behind but in January even if you sow no seed, you are not behind.  

In a month's time we will have about an hour more sunlight every day and at that stage sowing will make more sense to me at least.  

You can get planning though and boring as this may sound it will be the foundation to your ongoing success throughout the growing year.  

So, plan what you want to sow, the amounts you will need and get rid of the seed that did not work or that nobody liked. This is your garden, do it your way and I will help you along the way with monthly sowing guides. 

Get your seed potatoes now and have them ready to go see below the link to both the blog and podcast on growing potatoes successfully 

https://mastermygarden.com/how-to-grow-your-own-potatoes/ 

https://www.buzzsprout.com/857398/9965110   

 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 be 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 info@mastermygarden.com

Until next week 
Happy Gardening 
John 

This weeks episode is a topical one and is suggested by a listener of the podcast. Stephen says "Fruits especially soft fruit are a winner with kids and engages them in gardening" it surely is and the bareroot season is the best time to go and create this fruit garden.

In the bareroot season you can get a better selection of varieties bareroot, bareroot fruit trees/ bushes are easy to establish if planted now and it is a more cost effective way of creating a fruit garden than using all potted plants later in the year.

We all want our children to eat their fruit and veg all the time. But getting them to eat veg in their younger years can be difficult. We don't have that same problem with fruit it is always easy to get them to eat their fruit and what better than home grown, fresh, great tasting, nutrient dense fruit that you have grown together.

So give it a go this bareroot season and be sure to get the children involved even at the early stages of planting. 

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 be 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 info@mastermygarden.com

Until next week 
Happy Gardening 
John 

In this weeks episode which is our first episode of 2023 I chat with organic grower Kitty Scully. Its a great chat with lots of great tips for growing organically. We also chat about food systems, farmers markets and lots more.

Kitty is also an active member of the OGI small growers network see detail below.

https://organicgrowersireland.ie

OGI Small Growers Network Coordinator – Kitty Scully

Kitty Scully is a well-known organic gardener and local food advocate in Ireland. Growing up on a mixed organic farm in Co Laois, she picked up a love of eating and growing good food at a young age. She nurtured this through travelling the world working on organic farms and studying. An MSc in Organic Horticulture is her highest paper accolade but her practical achievements go far beyond. Kitty has had a diverse career in organic horticulture, from managing a market garden for nuns to writing for national papers and presenting on TV gardening shows. She was former Head Food Gardener in Airfield Estate where she spearheaded the kitchen gardens conversion to organic production principles. Kitty is a natural communicator who regularly gives talks, lectures and teaches workshops on food growing using organic methods. She has recently returned to her native county after indulging her passion for travel, continued learning and Regenerative Agriculture systems on a one year farm study trip to South America. Kitty’s energy and enthusiasm for growing, learning and talking about all things soil based is endless!



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 be 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 info@mastermygarden.com

Until next week 
Happy Gardening 
John 

This weeks episode given that it falls on December 23rd I just a simple episode of thanks and gratitude.

Firstly a thank you to all my guests in 2022 to many to mention individually all of whom have come on and shared their knowledge with us in the Master My Garden Community.

There has been 50 episodes released in 2022 and the podcast continues to go from strength to strength with more and more listeners on a weekly basis. It is so heartening for me to hear from many of you who have found benefit and knowledge in the podcast to help you in your own gardens. This is what the podcast is all about you the listener/ gardener wherever you are based.

So thank you so much for the support, shares and kind messages in 2022 and I wish you and your family a very happy Christmas and great 2023.

Weekly episodes will be back on 13th Jan and looking forward to a very exciting 2023 for Master My Garden.

Chat soon

John Jones
Master My Garden 




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 be 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 info@mastermygarden.com

Until next week 
Happy Gardening 
John 

After an extremely wet October and November here in Ireland we have now had a couple of weeks without rain, just as the ground was beginning to dry out enough to allow the bare-root season to start we get heavy frosts. These frost in the long run might actually help to dry out the ground but for now they frozen soil means no planting can start.

In this weeks episode John answers  a listeners question about should they plant their bare-root hedge now or wait until after the frosts have passed . 

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 be 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 info@mastermygarden.com

Until next week 
Happy Gardening 
John 

In this week's episode of the podcast John chats with Jeff Lowenfels who is the author of a new book “Teaming with Bacteria” described as The Organic Gardener’s Guide to Endophytic Bacteria and the Rhizoghagy Cycle”  

Now this sounds quite scientific but when you hear about bacteria and the function, they have in the soil then you will begin to understand why it is so important to nurture them so that you can reap their benefits. 

Jeff’s other books all under the Teaming with series include Teaming with Microbes, Teaming with Nutrients, and Teaming with Fungi.  

In this episode you will hear all about how these mighty garden friends can help you in your garden. What is clear when you are promoting the soil food web in your garden. Through mulching, compost adding and especially using no dig gardening you are providing all your plants need. The microbes, fungi, and bacteria become your garden friends and will provide so many benefits many of which you cannot even know until you see it.  

Benefits such as higher yield, healthier more resilient plants, and super healthy soil. So, it is becoming clear to me, and I hope to you that we need to nurture our soil to start getting the benefits in our gardens.  

Interestingly Jeff is also the longest serving garden columnist in North America so get his books the Teaming With series of books. For more information you can find Jeff here.  

Website 

https://www.jefflowenfels.com/

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 be 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 info@mastermygarden.com

Until next week 
Happy Gardening 
John 

In this weeks episode John chats with Dee Sewell all about community gardens and their importance. Dee through her company Greenside Up Veg helps plan & design community gardens. She also tutors, mentors and helps various community,  therapeutic and school garden on a day to day basis.  

You can find Dee through her website
https://greensideup.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 be 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 info@mastermygarden.com

Until next week 
Happy Gardening 
John 

What is the best Christmas gifts for gardeners 2022? In this episode John chats with Natasha Tierney who is a gardener and creator of beautiful gardening spaces in her own garden primarily from plants she has grown from seed. Her instagram page shows these gardening exploits very well and is worth checking out here.
https://instagram.com/diyanddreams?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
In this weeks episode John and Natasha chat through a list of gift ideas for gardeners which Natasha created and many of which are on her own wish list this year.
The list includes books, subscriptions, seed collections, equipment, vouchers, clothing and much more here is Natasha's full list with links

Books |
Gardening together by Diarmuid Gavin & Paul Smyth
| The complete Gardener by Monty Don
| RHS Gardening through the year by Ian Spence
| The Flower Farmers Year by Georgie Newbery
| Florets Farm Cut Flower Garden by Erin Benzakein
| Everlastings by Bex Partridge

Subscriptions | -Magazines | The Irish Garden https://www.garden.ie/product/irish-garden-magazine-subscription/
| Gardeners World 1yr 12 issues  www.buysubscriptions.com
| Gardeners Illustrated www.buysubscriptions.com

Apps | Readly app has all issues of gardening magazines  https://ie.readly.com 

Seeds | Cut flower seed collection  24- www.bellmeadowireland.com
| Dried flower seed collection 22 www.bellmeadowireland.com
| Cocktail herb seeds collection 11 -  www.bellmeadowireland.com
| Bell meadow gift set (seeds, fork, hand shovel, haws watering can) 42  www.bellmeadowireland.com
Equipment 
| Apron personalised   theirishgardener.com
| Gardeners tool belt 13 from www.gardenshop.ie
| Overalls Lucy & Yak https://lucyandyak.com/collections/all-dungarees
| Gloves www.gardenshop.ie  
| Secateures  www.gardenshop.ie   
| Trowel, fork www.gardenshop.ie   
Plants | Bare root roses from David Austin https://eu.davidaustinroses.com/ 
Kids | Garden tool bag set  16   www.gardenshop.ie
Vouchers | Local garden centre, Quickcrop, gardenshop.ie, Woodys, Homebase
Homemade | Nice pot planted up with bulbs

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 info@mastermygarden.com

Until next week 
Happy Gardening 
John