Master My Garden Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

How to grow your own wildflower meadow course:
https://checkout.teachable.com/secure/1574174/checkout/order_qfcnsy41

Ever wondered how to transform your garden into a thriving sanctuary for both plants and wildlife? In this episode, we unlock the secrets to creating a stunning wildflower meadow that not only brightens your landscape but also supports local ecosystems. I'll share my personal journey, from the vibrant colors of the first year's blooms to the more natural, wildlife-friendly aesthetics that follow. Learn why September is the perfect time to start your meadow and understand the crucial differences between a floral meadow and a native wildflower meadow, each offering unique benefits and challenges.

We'll also explore various techniques to establish your meadow, featuring the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan's "no mow, let it grow" strategy. Discover the role of yellow rattle in fostering plant diversity and the best methods for preparing a weed-free seed bed. Unveil the dynamic beauty of a year-round meadow, with a succession of flowers from spring to late summer, and the importance of annual cutting and strategic planting. Tune in for expert tips and insights to cultivate a meadow that enhances both your garden's beauty and its ecological health.

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Master My Garden Courses:
https://mastermygarden.com/courses/


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

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

What if you could transform your garden into a breathtaking oasis from early spring to late autumn while saving money? This episode of Master My Garden promises to unravel the secrets of autumn perennial sowing, revealing how you can achieve stronger plant growth, longer flowering periods, and significant cost savings. We’ll break down the differences between annuals, biennials, and perennials, and explain why autumn is the perfect time for sowing those hardy perennials. You'll hear Stephen Daly’s inspiring success story with lupins, rudbeckia, and blue sea holly, illustrating the pride and financial benefits of growing your own garden beauties.

We’ll also guide you through a rich selection of perennial plants and grasses that are ideal for autumn sowing. From the vibrant Achillea 'Cerise Queen' and 'Cloth Of Gold' to the charming Hollyhocks and the striking Agastache 'Astello Indigo,' we highlight plants that are not only easy to cultivate but also visually stunning. Learn why late-flowering Rudbeckia is adored by goldfinches and how Verbena bonariensis can add tall, purple elegance to your borders. Each plant we discuss has been chosen for its ease of propagation and ability to enhance your garden aesthetics.

Experience the joy and satisfaction of growing plants from seeds as we offer practical tips on sowing techniques, timing, and care. From Verbascum Snowy Spire, which attracts a multitude of bees, to the humble Foxglove, we emphasise the rewarding journey from seed to full bloom. This episode is packed with encouragement and guidance for gardeners of all levels, ensuring that the process is approachable and deeply fulfilling. Join us and feel inspired to take the DIY approach to gardening, creating a vibrant, cost-effective haven right in your backyard. Happy gardening!

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Master My Garden Courses:
https://mastermygarden.com/courses/


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

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

In this weeks episode John answers a listener question where the listener has been struggling to grow roses for a number of years. 

Struggling to grow the perfect rose garden? You're not alone, and in this episode, we reveal the secrets to cultivating healthy, blooming roses with ease. Discover why selecting disease-resistant varieties is your first step towards success, and how proper location and soil enhancement can make all the difference. We'll guide you through the essentials, including the pivotal role of pruning to keep your roses robust and resilient against diseases like black spot and mildew. 

Dive into our discussion on the best methods to foster disease resistance, featuring effective tonics such as Uncle Tom's Rose Tonic and SB Plant Invigorator. Learn the nuances of different rose varieties—floribunda, hybrid tea, climbing, and rambling roses—and get expert tips on precise pruning techniques for each. We spotlight disease-resistant varieties like Irish Eyes, Arthur Bell, and Sweet Honey, and celebrate the laudable fragrance and endurance of David Austin roses. Whether you're managing patio or ground cover roses, our practical advice ensures your garden will be flourishing and fragrant in no time. Join us and transform your rose-growing challenges into triumphs!

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Master My Garden Courses:
https://mastermygarden.com/courses/


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

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

In this weeks episode John chats about some of the gardening jobs for the month of September. While the sowing and planting is slowing down in the edible garden there are still so much we can do.

 In the edible garden we can still sow some of the hardy leafy greens that will gives us greens through autumn and winter. These include Mizuna, Claytonia, Spinach, Rocket and more. Don't be afraid to sow lots of these because at this time of the year they won't run to seed or both the way they would in the summer. 

Tomatoes pinch out the growing tip this month because all the tomatoes won't ripen if it keeps reaching for the skies so by pinching out the growing tip the plants put the energy into growing and  ripening what's on the plant already. 

Source your autumn sowing onions and garlic now for planting in Oct/Nov. 

In the rest of the garden there are also lots we can be doing.

•  tidy up beds removing all dying foliage and flowers. 
• Trim hedges, trees and hedges to get them in shape
• Set up rainwater harvesting
• Save seed from flowers and vegetables 

These are just some of the jobs I will be doing this month in the garden. Enjoy whatever you are doing. 

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 [email protected]

Until next week 
Happy Gardening 
John 

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Master My Garden Courses:
https://mastermygarden.com/courses/


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

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

In this weeks episode John chats to Orlaith Murphy all about the subject of edimentals. What is edimentals?  I hear you ask.
Edimentals are essentially a crossover between ornamental and edible plants. It is a really eye opening episode in which we chat about many but still only scratch the surface of the possibilities with edimentals.

For example did you know all parts of a dahlia are edible ? or that nasturtium leaves make a great alternative to basil in pesto. The possibilities and recipes are endless so why not enter they world of edimentals for yourself and see what wonderful recipes you come up with.

Find out more on Orlaiths website:
http://www.orlaithmurphy.com

Orlaith also talks about her work as RHSI as administration and development officer. A body that is really important in promoting horticulture and gardening to a wider nationwide audience.  We hear all about the RHSI their partner gardens and their plans for the future.

RHSI website:
 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 [email protected]

Until next week 
Happy Gardening 
John 

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Master My Garden Courses:
https://mastermygarden.com/courses/


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

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

The Autumn is a great time to sow perennial seed to have flower next summer. Temperatures through September and early October can be good and daylight levels are reasonable which is good for seed sowing. On top of that our propagation areas may not be fully utilised at this time of the year so its great to use the space to produce our abundance of flowers for next year.

What perennials can you sow in the autumn? we the answer is lots way more then we could talk about in the podcast so to keep it simple. Here are the top ten perennials I will sow this autumn. 

1. Digitalis Foxgloves (not strictly a perennial I know) but a great flower loved by bees and pollinators. 
2. Lupins Ok maybe these are seen as old fashioned but some of the single colours are class and when planted in blocks they make quiet an impact. Also these are probably the easiest plant to grow from seen and rarely fail so are well worth trying. 
3. Achillea or yarrow is another easy one last spring I grew a variety Cerise Queen from seed and it is a beauty but there are lots of nice ones and are all easy to grow. 
4. Rudbeckia a beautiful flower which is flowering at the moment (end of August) and again is easy to grow from seed. Goldstrum is one of the most popular varieties. 
5. Verbascum (again technically a biennial like the foxglove) this is a great plant the variety I grew Snowy Spires has had an incredible number of bees on it here all summer. 
6. Verbena Bonariensis again an easy one to grow that will be a willer in any border grows approx 2mt tall but is not a bully like other plants and partners well with grasses. 
7. Hardy Geraniums a must have in all gardens and one I have never grown from seed before but I will this autumn although I don't know what variety just yet.
8. Delphiniums I have grown from seed previously but won't grow again not because of any fault of the plant just that they don't do well here because its a bit too windy. 
9. Aguilegia again an easy one and it self seeds quiet easily after in the garden. The varieties I have grown are Nora Barlow and Yellow Queen and these will be sown again. 
10. Agastache again a real hit with bees and easy to grow the variety I will sow is Astello Indigo which is a beautiful dark purple. 

So that's 10 easy perennials to grow this autumn that will give great flowers next spring.

There will be a blog post on this episode very soon on my website. This blog and previous blogs along with all podcast episodes are 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

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Master My Garden Courses:
https://mastermygarden.com/courses/


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

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

In this weeks episode John chats with Hugh Cassidy or Horti Hugh as he is better known online. Hugh is a master of container gardening and give lots of superb tips so you can be successful with your containers.

Hugh's garden is from a gardening perspective not ideal its a north facing front garden but that doesn't stop Hugh from having year round colour and interest all from containers and pots. So in this episode Hugh tells us how to be successful with containers in the garden. One of the cornerstones of his success is his potting mix of one third recycled compost, one third farmyard manure and one third top soil with a handful of fish, blood & bone and a handful of seaweed. The beauty of this mix is that plants are growing in what they are designed to grow in the farmyard manure, seaweed and top spoil are packed with all the good microbes, bacteria etc to help plants function long terms in the pots.

We also chat about bulbs, perennials, specimen plants, grasses all of which Hugh combines for year round colour.

If you follow the advice you will soon master your own container garden.

You can find Hugh here

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HortiHugo
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Hugh_Cassidy
Instagram: https://instagram.com/hugh.cassidy?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Instagram: https://instagram.com/jcmooncrafts?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=


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 [email protected]

Until next week 
Happy Gardening 
John 

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Master My Garden Courses:
https://mastermygarden.com/courses/


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

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

Painting it is one of the few jobs that every gardener will do at some point in time. Whether it is painting a fence, rejuvenating old furniture or changing the style on a patio we will all do it. However some of us do this with great results while others will end up very quickly with a flaky mess. Many times this has got to do with poor prep or poor paint. So in this weeks episode of the podcast John chats with Kate Gaynor of Carlow Paint hub. 

Kate and her family and spend all their lives in the paint business. Kate bring that knowledge to this episode where we look at the main or most regular painting jobs in our gardens and gives her top tips for a long lasting successful paint jobs. 

"There is nothing more expensive than cheap paint" is one of the many nuggets of gold in this episode as we tackle all the following jobs.

• Best paints for decking ? (Kate recommends composite decking by the way and I second that)
• What is the best paint for a wooden fence?
• What is the best paint for plastic furniture? 
• What is the best paint for old patio slabs?
• What is the best paint for garden walls. 

I for one will be taking some of Kate advice onboard as I tackle some garden jobs of my own very soon. 

You can find Kate and the team at Carlow Paint Hub here 

Website:
https://thepainthub.ie/about
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/carlowpainthub/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/carlowpainthub?lang=en
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/CarlowPaintHub/

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 [email protected]

Until next week 
Happy Gardening 
John 

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Master My Garden Courses:
https://mastermygarden.com/courses/


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

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

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

August is generally is a month great harvests in our vegetable gardens. When it comes to what we can sow the number of seeds that we can actually sow is reducing dramatically.
So what can we sow?
We can still sow lots of salad leaves lettuce, spinach, winter purslane, mizuna and others. We can also sow scallions, chard, Kale, radish, Milan purple top turnips (or other small varieties.  Along with some cabbage for spring heads so there are still lots to sow to extend our harvests late into the winter.

If you have bare ground be sure to cover it with green manures. Green manure will fertilise your soil and improve your soil health for the spring.

Also you can start lining up your perennial seed for sowing from September onwards. I will cover this in an episode in the coming weeks.

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 [email protected]

Until next week 
Happy Gardening 
John 

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Master My Garden Courses:
https://mastermygarden.com/courses/


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

Until next week
Happy gardening
John

In this weeks episode John chats with Rory Newell Forest Moon Plants. 
Rory is an expert plant propagator, nurseryman and plants person. We chat about the different plants Rory propagates on his nursery and some of the techniques he uses to get more plants from less material. He also talks about some plant collections and stocks that he is planning to build up on his nursery over the coming months. 

Finally we chat about his exciting plans to run an online plant propagation course later this year. 

Here is a little bit about Forest Moon plants taken directly from their website. 
Forest moon plants is a new family run plant nursery based on the edge of Galway city. The nursery is run by horticulturist/nurseryman Rory Newell who has been working away in the background for several years, slowly but surely building up on stock in anticipation of opening to the public (by arrangement) for the coming growing season of 2022.

Rory’s journey through horticulture has seen him visit and work in many of the great gardens forming important relationships which have helped steer his career in a very plant orientated way.” My primary interest always is firmly with the plants and learning about them” It was this passion for plants that led him to becoming a grower. “I just figured it was the best way to learn about plants” This obsession for plants has allowed him to travel in search of plants to places like Vietnam as part of a plant hunting team involved in conservation work.

You can find Forest Moon Plants here:
https://forestmoonplants.ie/about-forest-moon/

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 [email protected]

Until next week 
Happy Gardening 
John

Support the show

If there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know.
Email: [email protected]

Master My Garden Courses:
https://mastermygarden.com/courses/


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

Until next week
Happy gardening
John