Best Shrub Nuts Podcasts (2025)

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EP303- Christmas Gifts For Gardeners 2026 What’s On Your List? Gifts Gardeners Actually Want This Christmas 1:07:08

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4h ago1:07:08

1:07:08

Tired of guesswork and gimmicks? We unpack Christmas gifts that gardeners actually want and use, blending practical tools, cosy comforts, and learning experiences that make a real difference outdoors. Stephen and Eibhlin, long-time listeners at different stages in their gardening journeys, join us to bring fresh ideas that fit small patios, big plo…

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The Suck 37:01

5h ago37:01

37:01

Send us a text Sarah and The Shrub journey to the land of straws, and reflect on the joy of simply...being. * * * https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drinking_straw# https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombilla https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milo_Cress https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/19/business/plastic-straws-ban-fact-check-nyt.html https://www.nytimes.com/201…

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EP302- Best Hedging Options For An Irish Garden. Hedge Smarts For Every Garden. 46:26

4d ago46:26

46:26

Planning a hedge can feel like a maze: endless species, mixed advice, and pressure to get it right for the long haul. We cut through the noise with a clear framework that starts with purpose, respects your site, and ends with a shortlist you can trust. Whether you want privacy that feels soft, a living windbreak, neat garden rooms, or a wildlife co…

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EP301- Balancing Beauty & Biodiversity Support Listener Question Answered: Building A Beautiful Biodiversity Garden Without The Mess 38:13

15d ago38:13

38:13

A warm, rain-soaked week and a thoughtful listener email sparked a timely deep dive into a familiar garden tension: how do you build a biodiversity-rich space that everyone agrees looks beautiful? We take you step by step through turning a former lawn into a living ecosystem, balancing what pollinators need with what people want to see. If you’ve e…

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The Nut Milk 33:27

6d ago33:27

33:27

Send us a text Happy Halloween! This episode has nothing to do with Halloween, but everything to do with plant-based milks. Also, Sarah and The Shrub reflect on how moving towards healthier habits can actually feel a little bitter sweet. ig: @shrubbish_pod email: [email protected] While I want to bring levity to the table, this podcast doe…

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EP300- Adam Alexander “The Seed Detective” chats seed saving, growing veg, his new book and more 57:53

21d ago57:53

57:53

A single pepper from a Ukrainian market changed everything. That first bite—thick flesh, layered sweetness, a whisper of heat—sent us and our guest, Adam Alexander (the Seed Detective), down a path that connects flavour, resilience and the quiet power of gardeners who save seed. This is a celebration of living varieties that learn your soil and lig…

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EP299- How To Build A Stock-Proof, Beautiful Hedge That Delivers Fruit, Nuts, And Year-Round Interest 26:36

30d ago26:36

26:36

What if your garden boundary could feed you, shelter wildlife, and still keep a clean line against the field next door? We dive into the art of building an edible hedge that does real work: a thorny native backbone for structure and stock-proofing, layered with fruiting shrubs, nuts, and small trees that lift harvests through the seasons. Starting …

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The Matcha 29:59

1M ago29:59

29:59

Send us a text Sarah and The Shrub discover there is so much more to matcha than meets the eye! Also, what might it be like to re-frame how we approach the challenges of getting sober? * * https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matcha#Introduction_of_powdered_tea https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/14/dining/matcha.html?utm_campaign=likeshopme&utm_content=ig-ny…

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EP298- Autumn Planting: Why Planting Trees And Shrubs Now Sets You Up For Spring Success 24:13

1M ago24:13

24:13

The garden might look like it’s winding down, but this is where the smart gains happen. We dig into why autumn gives trees and shrubs a head start: soil stays warm, air cools, energy shifts below ground, and roots quietly get to work while you do less. If you’ve ever been told to wait for spring, you’ll hear exactly how that advice costs time, wate…

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EP297- Tanya Anderson Lovely Greens, chats winter gardening tips, her book and more: From Lovely Greens to Lasting Soil Health: Organic Gardening, Windproof Growing, and Creative Uses for Plants. 42:31

1M ago42:31

42:31

A windswept island garden, a storm‑proof polycrub, and a no‑dig mindset that turns soil into a living engine—this conversation with Lovely Greens’ Tanya Anderson is a masterclass in practical, organic resilience. We head to the Isle of Man to unpack how climate shapes design, why keeping crops low beats the wind, and how a Shetland‑born polycrub un…

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The Sour(doh!) 27:46

2M ago27:46

27:46

Send us a text (Title to be read like Homer Simpson, please.) Sarah and The Shrub go further down the path of fermentation with sourdough bread making, and ponder over the practice of self reflection through writing. * * * https://en.muehlerama.ch/ausstellungen/detail/das-brot-aus-dem-see-1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sourdough https://www.kingar…

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EP296 - Louise From Sunfleck Chats All Things Houseplants: From Décor to Wellbeing: Houseplants That Calm, Heal, and Thrive 48:49

2M ago48:49

48:49

Your home can feel calmer in minutes—no renovation, no paint—just smarter, kinder plant choices. We sat down with Louise Ryan, plant lover and founder of Sunfleck in Dungarvan, to unpack how indoor greenery genuinely lowers stress, shapes better rooms, and becomes a deeply personal part of daily life. Louise brings the science and the soul: from th…

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EP295- Shane Hatton Chats About Bosco’s Garden, Permaculture, Food Forests & More. Permaculture in Practice: The Story of Bosco's Garden 51:53

2M ago51:53

51:53

Ever wondered how to create a garden that works with nature rather than against it? In this captivating conversation, filmmaker and permaculture practitioner Shane Hatton shares the remarkable evolution of Bosco's Garden in County Kilkenny – a living laboratory where permaculture principles have created a thriving ecosystem. Shane's journey began s…

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EP294- 10 Super Plants For Autumn Colour In An Irish Garden. Capturing The Magic Of Autumn Foliage In Your Garden. 22:16

2M ago22:16

22:16

Autumn's fiery display has arrived slightly earlier this year in Irish gardens, with drought-stressed trees and shrubs responding to recent winds and rain by transforming their foliage into spectacular shades of red, orange, and gold. This timing creates the perfect opportunity to witness these botanical performers at their peak and introduce them …

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The Eternity Grains 30:43

2M ago30:43

30:43

Send us a text Sarah and The Shrub are back with more NA drinky fun, journeying to North Caucasia and back to explore Kefir, what it means to slow down, and of course....tasting a fresh (or not so fresh) shrub. ****** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kefir https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_Kefir https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-health-benefits…

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- EP293 Perennial Grow Along September 2025. What You Will Need To Grow Your Own Perennial Border. Seed to Border: The Perennial Grow Along Project 26:07

2M ago26:07

26:07

Imagine transforming your garden with a beautiful perennial border—all grown from seed at a fraction of the cost of buying established plants. This episode kicks off our exciting Perennial Grow Along project, guiding you through the entire journey from seed to spectacular flowering plants. Growing perennials from seed isn't just economical; it fill…

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EP292- How To Move Plants Within The Garden: Moving Plants Without Trauma. Listener Question Answered. 38:42

3M ago38:42

38:42

Gardening isn't static—it evolves as we learn, as plants grow, and as our vision for our outdoor spaces changes. Today's episode tackles the art and science of moving plants within your garden, a skill that frees you to redesign without starting over or breaking the bank. We begin by exploring the foundational principle of "right plant, right place…

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EP291- What To Sow In September & Other Gardening Jobs. Maximising Your September Garden: What to Sow Now Before Winter 21:18

3M ago21:18

21:18

Wondering what to plant as summer wanes? Don't put away those seed packets just yet! September offers the perfect conditions for establishing winter-hardy crops that will provide fresh harvests throughout the coldest months. This episode explores the often-overlooked opportunities of September sowing, focusing on crops that thrive when planted now.…

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EP290- Fill Your Spring Garden With Colour By Planting Bulbs now!! Dig, Drop, Done: Why Lazy Gardeners Love Bulbs. 37:04

3M ago37:04

37:04

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 thei…

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- EP289 Watering Tips & Keeping Plants Looking Great In This Dry Spell: The Watering Wisdom You Desperately Need 24:03

3M ago24:03

24:03

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 a…

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- EP288 Josh Tickell Big Picture Ranch Chats: Soil Revolution: Regenerative Farming's Global Impact 53:09

4M ago53:09

53:09

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 e…

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- EP287 What To Sow In August & Other Gardening Jobs : Seed Sowing Success for August Gardens 25:11

4M ago25:11

25:11

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…

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-EP286 Creating A Wildlife Pond & Making Space For Nature With “Pond Girl Ashley” 59:04

4M ago59:04

59:04

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 pla…

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- EP285 Carlow Garden Festival Unveiled For 2025 With Eileen O Rourke Carlow Tourism 45:24

4M ago45:24

45:24

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…

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- EP284 Homemade Fertilisers & Their Benefits In The Garden: Nettle & Comfrey: Creating Natural Fertilisers for Healthier Plants 18:18

4M ago18:18

18:18

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 resi…

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- EP283 What To Sow In The Garden In July & Other Gardening Jobs: July's Seed Sowing Guide for Garden Continuity 23:16

5M ago23:16

23:16

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 actual…

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- EP282- From Lawn to Flower Paradise: Creating a Cutting Garden with Colin Jones Salterbridge Gardens 46:38

5M ago46:38

46:38

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 c…

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- EP281 Beyond Perennials: 10 Magnificent Flowering Shrubs for Year-Round Interest 36:37

5M ago36:37

36:37

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 architectura…

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-EP280 What To Sow In June, Laois Garden Festival Recap & Other Gardening Jobs: Maximizing June: Seeds to Sow Now 29:46

5M ago29:46

29:46

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 appe…

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-EP279 Wild Gardens, Rich History: Tom Coward on William Robinson's Legacy & His Upcoming Talk At Laois Garden Festival 43:16

6M ago43:16

43:16

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, he…

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-EP278 Paul & Daniel Ardea Garden Chat About This Wonderful Haven Of Special Plants: Exploring Ardea Garden: A Wild West Cork Oasis 52:55

6M ago52:55

52:55

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 American…

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-EP277 Alternative Plants To Bedding For Your Pots & Containers: Rethinking Container Gardens: Lasting Alternatives to Summer Bedding Plants 33:59

6M ago33:59

33:59

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 Corone…

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-EP276 Tops Tips For Your Greenhouse This May, Tomatoes, Peppers, Cucumbers & More. 42:48

6M ago42:48

42:48

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. R…

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-EP275 Brian & Gilly On How Wildacres Nature Reserve In Wicklow is Helping Nature By Restoring Habitats and Encouraging Others To Do The Same!! What Happens When You Plant 15,000 Trees and Create 57 Ponds ... 58:45

7M ago58:45

58:45

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 purcha…

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-EP274 What To Sow In May & Other Gardening Jobs 16:58

7M ago16:58

16:58

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 perenni…

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-EP273 The Art of Hardening Off: Preparing Seedlings for Harsh Weather. How To Ensure Progress In Mixed Weather, Hardening Off Young Plants & More 26:37

7M ago26:37

26:37

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…

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- EP272 Siobhan O Mahony Talks Planting Combinations, best plants, Bulbs & Gardening Courses. The Art of Evolving Gardens: A 35-Year Journey 48:13

7M ago48:13

48:13

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 thought…

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-EP271 Portuguese Laurel Hedge Care, Rejuvenating lawns and More. 21:06

8M ago21:06

21:06

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 i…

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-EP270 What To Sow In The Garden In April & Other Gardening Jobs 25:39

8M ago25:39

25:39

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 w…

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-EP269 Susan Poizner Orchard People On Pruning Fruit Trees, Fruit Tree Care and More 1:04:10

8M ago1:04:10

1:04:10

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.…

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- EP268- Summer Colour Planning With Bulbs, Seeds and Bareroots To Plant Now!! 23:08

8M ago23:08

23:08

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 …

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EP267 - Ben Raskin Head Of Agroforestry At The Soil Association Chats Trees as Allies: Soil Health and Garden Resilience. 53:15

8M ago53:15

53:15

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 conversat…

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-EP266 What Vegetables, Herbs & Flowers To Sow In The Garden This March!! 19:01

9M ago19:01

19:01

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 …

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-EP265 Cormac Downey President Of The National Tree Council Chats About National Tree Week & More 56:37

9M ago56:37

56:37

Step into the world of trees as we explore their immense benefits and the celebration of National Tree Week on this insightful episode. The conversation features Cormac Downey, President of the Tree Council of Ireland, shedding light on the integral role trees play in promoting biodiversity, combating climate change, and enhancing our quality of li…

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-EP264 Six Best Fruits You Should Grow At Home 26:18

9M ago26:18

26:18

What if you could transform your small space into a flourishing fruit paradise? Join us on the Master My Garden podcast as we unlock the secrets of growing delicious fruits at home, no matter how limited your gardening space may be. This episode is packed with practical tips and insights as John lists his six best fruits to grow at home. Including …

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-EP263 GLDA Seminar 2025 " Resilient Gardens & Landscapes" With Kinta Oaks & Deirdre Prince 43:17

9M ago43:17

43:17

Discover the secrets to creating sustainable and resilient gardens and landscapes as we welcome esteemed guests Deirdre Prince from Dublin City Council and Kinta Oakes, chairperson of the GLDA. We chat about the 2025 GLDA seminar themed "Resilient Gardens & Landscapes" Learn how their unique experiences provide valuable insights into integrating bi…

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-EP262 Kieran Flood Irish Wildlife Trust, Chats Empowering Gardeners,Championing Biodiversity, Conservation in Ireland & More 40:52

10M ago40:52

40:52

Uncover the vital role of gardeners in championing biodiversity and nature conservation, particularly in Ireland, with exclusive insights from Kieran Flood of the Irish Wildlife Trust. Learn how your individual efforts can collectively make a significant impact on local ecosystems. Kieran delves into the Trust's mission to protect and restore biodi…

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-EP261 Whats Seed To Sow In February, Storm Eowyn Aftermath!! 19:11

10M ago19:11

19:11

In This weeks episode John looks at the seed sowing list for February. Discover how the promise of February renews our spirits, inviting us to synchronize with nature and begin the joyful process of seed sowing. Reflecting on the trials faced by Irish gardeners after the wrath of Storm Eowyn. Gardeners and Market gardeners, in particular, felt the …

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- EP260 The Best Potato Varieties For The Home Garden In My Opinion!!! 31:54

10M ago31:54

31:54

The podcast explores essential potato varieties to grow in home gardens, detailing the best options for salad, early, second early, main crop, and blight-resistant potatoes. It invites listeners to reflect on personal gardening experiences while considering regional preferences and challenges. • Importance of selecting the right potato varieties fo…

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-EP259 Rachel Darlington Tells Us About Her Garden & YouTube Channel Gardening At Douentza 48:34

10M ago48:34

48:34

Rachel Darlington of Gardening At Douentza joins us to share her unique gardening journey, revealing her informal, yet knowledgeable approach to both outdoor gardening and houseplant cultivation. With a YouTube channel that caters to everyone from cacti lovers to orchid enthusiasts, Rachel brings her expertise to our listeners alongside her work as…