Master My Garden Podcast

• -EP271 Portuguese Laurel Hedge Care, Rejuvenating lawns and More.

  Send Me A Message!! 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 [email protected] 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 showIf there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know. Email: [email protected] Master My Garden Courses: https://mastermygarden.com/courses/Check out Master My Garden on the following channels Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/ Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/ Until next week Happy gardening John

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• -EP270 What To Sow In The Garden In April & Other Gardening Jobs

  Send Me A Message!! 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 showIf there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know. Email: [email protected] Master My Garden Courses: https://mastermygarden.com/courses/Check out Master My Garden on the following channels Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/ Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/ Until next week Happy gardening John

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• -EP269 Susan Poizner Orchard People On Pruning Fruit Trees, Fruit Tree Care and More

  Send Me A Message!! 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.comSupport the showIf there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know. Email: [email protected] Master My Garden Courses: https://mastermygarden.com/courses/Check out Master My Garden on the following channels Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/ Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/ Until next week Happy gardening John

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• - EP268- Summer Colour Planning With Bulbs, Seeds and Bareroots To Plant Now!!

  Send Me A Message!! 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 showIf there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know. Email: [email protected] Master My Garden Courses: https://mastermygarden.com/courses/Check out Master My Garden on the following channels Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/ Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/ Until next week Happy gardening John

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• EP267 - Ben Raskin Head Of Agroforestry At The Soil Association Chats Trees as Allies: Soil Health and Garden Resilience.

  Send Me A Message!! 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 showIf there is any topic you would like covered in future episodes, please let me know. Email: [email protected] Master My Garden Courses: https://mastermygarden.com/courses/Check out Master My Garden on the following channels Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mastermygarden/ Instagram @Mastermygarden https://www.instagram.com/mastermygarden/ Until next week Happy gardening John

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