Midwest Radio Gardening Show: Recent Episodes
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Each week Padraic Horkan from Horkans Garden Centre joins Deirdre Kelly to look at every aspect of the world of gardening. From answering listeners' queries to explaining the ins and outs of every plant known to man,Padraic has all bases covered when it comes to gardening.
In this final programme for 2021 Paraic runs through all of the tasks that should be done now to set gardens up for a great winter period. With nighttime frosts setting in there's a reminder about taking cuttings from tenders plants and the importance of looking after wildlife now that temperatures are dropping. It's still a good time to plant up winter veg and spring bulbs can also be planted between now and mid-November. Hedges should also receive a light trimming and the ever present moss should also be treated now to keep it under control over the winter months. Listeners questions this week include what to grow in a new greenhouse, storing nastursium seeds over winter, the benefits of keeping strawberries outdoors in colder weather, harvesting seeds from a wildflower meadow, plants suitable for silt based soil, transplanting conifers, growing red hot pokers, moving holly and peoney trees.
As we head into the October Bank Holiday weekend it remains great gardening weather for planting and this week Paraic offers some great tips on how to maximise any planting undertaken now. For those who have cleared out potatoe and vegetable plots there's information on what to put in for winter and early spring veg. There's a look at calluna heaters which are offering some seasonal colour and trees and a reminder of the benefits of planting trees and shrubs right which will all benefit from rooting over the winter leading to much better established plants come spring. Paraic also discusses the merits of indoor plants and provides some great tips on their care over the winter months with particular emphasis on reducing watering and ensuring they get as much daylight as possible. Lisenters questions this week feature pruning roses, taking cuttings from rhodedendron, aphid damage on conifers, lawn care during October, splitting formiums and grasses, moving acer palmatium, growing conditions for african marigolds and planting outdoor cyclamen on a grave.
On this week's programme Paraic discusses how community clean ups can enhance local areas with bulb planting projects and how children can get involved in creating pollinator friendly plant spaces for all to enjoy. Bulb planting is also in the spotlight for spring with an in depth look at varieties of tulips and irises for early colour this coming year, and there's also a reminder on planting up hyacinths and amaryllis now to flower for Christmas. There's a special feature on planting apple trees; Paraic discusses the importance of using dwarf rootstock, of sowing varieites that flower at the same time to facilitate cross pollination and offers guidance on pruning apple trees in November. Listeners questions include how to plant a nut orchard, growing an avocado from seed, pruning angels wings, propogating herbaceous flowering plants like daisies and phlox, storing carrotts and how the french style of shaping trees known as pleaching can offer privacy in small urban gardens.
On the programme this week Paraic looks back on the recent meithel in Kiltimagh and pays tribute to the community planting project that took place at the town's railway station area. There's information on making wreaths and table centre pieces for halloween and Paraic explains about the useful bulb planting tools which come in a range of sizes and are great for planting bulbs into the ground with the miniumum of effort. As trees and shrubs start to shed their leaves there's another reminder on how to go about making compost plus a very comprehensive look at planning and planting hedges for different locations with information on varieties, speed of growth and options to grow from pots and bare root. Plants featured this week include nerines, pellargonium, pampas grass, and hydrangeas. Listeners questions include when to feed winter heathers, the best manure for potatoes, move acers to larger pots, types of cabbage that can be sown now, when to trim ivy, transplanting purple sprouting broccoli and growing viburnum tinus.
This week Paraic tells us about a community initiative in Kiltimagh and a meithel gathering for the purpose of planting up a bank with biodiversity plants for the local community. The programme focuses in on what people can be doing at the moment in the garden. For those with a love of garlic, now is the ideal time to plant and Paraic explains about the long growing season and takes us through some of the different variety, both while and purple, currently available. There's a reminder about planting autumn veg, and steps invovled in getting a composter up and running. There's advice on when and where to plant thuja, moving a pheasant berry bush, replacing leylandii hedging, and propogating favourite plants including using a cutting ball. Listeners questions this week include pruning back and treating roses for capsid bugs, problems with slow flowering cyclamen, how to prevent potatoe blight remaining in soil, suggestions for plants for a winter wedding, problems with dwarf pampas greass and treating liverwort.
Climbing plants are a great gardening staple at this time of year, with many coming into their own as temperatures dip. On this programme Paraic explains about the transition from green to autumnal colours and looks at some of great climbing options in detail. There's discussion on clematis winter beauty, pyracantha, passion flower, varietgated ivy and others with recommendations for planting right now. There's also information on taking cuttings from begonias, an in depth look at pruning apple trees and super tips rejuvenating old hydrangea plants. Questions from listeners addressed in this episode include caring for Arthur Bell roses, overwintering angels wings, olive trees and geraniums, suggestions for window boxes at this time of year, changing the soil in tulip pots, counteracting weeds in a new lawn and suggestions for plants on graves that will endure through winter.
As Autumn starts to take a firmer hold, this week Paraic looks at fruiting plants which can be sown in patio pots or directly into the garden soil right now, and there's a wealth of plants to choose from - raspberries, black, red and white currants, blueberries, strawberries, rhubarb, apples, pears and plumbs can all be planted now. September is also a great time to plant braodleaf trees, with many flower trees excellent for biodiversity. Trees that produce flowers and berries include sorbus, holly, malus and cotoneaster offering nectar, pollen and fruits to support insect and animal life. There's advice on putting in a new lawn, moving roses, treating wire worm in carrots and potatoes and trimming back red robin. Listeners questions include cutting back peoney roses, overwintering the coleous plant, sowing seeds of aqualegia, sweet william and lupins, dealing with ash dieback, sowing a hedge of holly, tips for helleborus and growing watermelon and aubergine in polytunnel.
As we head into Autumn this weeks programme looks at lawn care at this time of year. Paraic discusses how to prevent lawn problems before they start, there's information on getting a head start on moss, things to watch out for when lawns are hungry and need feeding and to steps that can be taken to keep weeds at bay. It's also time to think about planting up bulbs for winter and early spring colour. Paraic showcases a range of bulbs available now including narcissii, muscari, winter achonites and bluebells, and there's a reminder on vegetables that can be sown now including onions, mustard from seed, turnips and pea shoots. For those considering propogating cuttings Paraic outlines the key steps to ensure success. Listeners questions this week include brussel sprouts not growing very well, crows attacking potatoe tubers, how to control wild rhubarb, eradicating hard grass naturally, suggestions for a fast growing seaside hedge and trees for a church ground that would favour carbon absoportion.
In the first show for Autumn 2021 Paraic introduces the all new "capability" hand trowel, new to the market and a brilliant gardening tool for all gardeners as it cuts plants, hammers and serates in addition to digging soil. Early autumn temperatures have remained high which lends to super gardening weather. For those considering sowing a new lawn, September is the perfect time and Paraic discussed the steps involved in detail. There's also discussion on the benefits of planting green manure, particularly where potatoes or summer veg have been lifted. There's lots of options for those replanting vegetables and Paraic looked at different varities of purple broccoli, cabbage, kale and winter lettuce. There's a reminder of options for weed control and Paraic advocates regular use of the garden hoe for best results. This edition of the programme also features a round up of listeners questions including cutting back roses, pruning hydrangeas, harvesting potatoes and care of hedges among others.
With good weather promised, this week is an ideal time to start feeding flowering plants with liquid feed, and it's also a super time to propogate plants from cuttings or slips with some great tips on how to go about that this week from Paraic. There's also a reminder on treating for aphid damage which is expected to be prevalent in coming days. On foot of queries from listener's there's a further reminder on treating for blight and Paraic looks at some cottage garden plants that will add long term colour to gardens and borders with lilies, salvia and lobelia all featured. There's advice on disease in roses and how to treat, and what to do with aphid damage on lupins and how to manage lupins going to seed. Other topics this week include poor fruiting return on strawberry plants, sowing wildflower seeds in a lawn, the difference between short and long day plants and samples of each, and information on indoor plants such as aspidistra, colous and schefflera.
This programme opens with a reminder on treatment for blight on foot of a warning for the fungus from Met Eireann. There's a feature on cottage garden plants which are widely available in garden centres at the moment providing lots of different options for colour over the summer months. There's information on house plants too – Paraic discusses Easter and Christmas cacti and takes us through the steps for propogation and also looks at the growth and care of echeveria. Outside in the garden Paraic explains how to take cutting from roses and other soft woods, how to deal with slug damage on dahlias, dividing lilies, and growing choosian palm which does really well outdoors in Ireland. Listeners questions include yellowing on little gem lettuce, the best trees for absorbing carbon, root damage on pansies, greenfly on plum, transplanting and propogating chinese and chilean lantern, repotting dracena marginata, suckers growing on carpet roses and tips for starting water lilies in a pond.
Warmer temperatures and humidity triggers a blight warning from forecasters and this week Paraic advises treatment as soon as possible and discusses the various treatment options available, from the more traditional to those currently available in stores. There's also a focus on watering plants and containers with a recommendation to water the soil rather than the plants themselves. There are really good planting conditions at the moment so there's lots of options for planting into borders and bringing some colour to patio pots and containers, and June is also a great month for sowing and reseeding lawns so Paraic has some great tips on how to encourage new growth and get new lawns looking their best as soon as possible. Plants in focus this week are the Trapaeolum Speciosum or the perennial nasturium (Scottish flame creeper) which is very fast growing but can be difficult to propogate, while peoney roses, lupins and sweet william all come in for some attention. Listeners questions in this edition of the programme address problems with the Ermine Moth Larvae in whitethorn and blackthorn, plants suitable for large containers, cutting back seedum, aphid attack on leylandii, repotting anthurium, sowing hardy annuals from seed and trimming back buxus and rhodedendron.
This week's programme opens with a reminder about the virtual Bloom at Home event taking place this weekend which features live demonstrations on gardening, food and wellbeing for the bank holiday weekend. For those venturing into the garden this coming week Paraic reminds us that planting is still excellent with plants growing really well right now. There's a feature on herbaceous perennials for those new to gardening including campanula, salvia, lupins, perennial geraniums and phlox among others. As potatoes start to come in significant growth there's information on applying a protective spray in advance of any significant warning being issued and Paraic explained how blight resistant varieties work. Listeners questions in this episode include planting dogwood in damp areas, pests attracted to cherry trees, winter hedges, black spot on roses, rhubarb going to seed, moisture loving plants and yellow leaves on petunias.
Virtual Bloom is just around the corner and this week Paraic reminds listeners how they can register for the event and take part. Hanging baskets can be put out now as plants burst into flower over the next few weeks. Non stop begonias, dahlias and geraniums can finally be planted out and there's a reminder to stay on top of the slugs and snails as they've been relishing the recent damp conditions. Plants featured in this programme include the spectacular Bombina begonia and the peniculata varieties of hyndrangea. There's information on watering and trimming back excess growth on tomatoe plants and advice on dealing with weed growth in new lawns. Problems with laurel hedges are also addressed – Paraic gives recommendations for hedging more suited to wet soil and looks at how laurels already planted in water prone ground can be improved. Listeners questions feature summer bedding, moving peoney roses, trees for coastal areas, feed rhubarb, planting cherry blossoms, moving formium and giving the chelsea chop to dahlias and pelargoniums.
Seeds in general can be planted right now – flowering, herbs and vegetables – and many seed varieties can be sown directly into your garden soil. As it's also a great time to repair damaged patches and plant up new lawns week Paraic advises on how to get your lawn in tip top condition. There's inforamtion on treating Mare's Tail weeds which are becoming very prevalent right now and it's ideal tomatoe planting time, while peppers and chillies can also sown at the moment. There's a timely reminder to feed plants in order to maximise any damp conditions before warmer temperatures take hold, and some great tips on growing strawberries including the use of mytex to protect fruit and supress weeds. Listeners questions include aphid damage on magnolia leaves, transplanting lupin seedlings, scorched variegated grisilinia, problems with macrocarpa goldcrest, sourcing pink english lavender, planting out canna and calla lilies, tips for sowing berberis and whitethorn, ideas for pots for July, californian lilac and daphne not flowering, and what to do with an uprooted eleagnus.
The growing season has begun in earnest. This week the programme looks at how to keep on top of weeds and Paraic reminds us of the importance of feeding at this time of the year. There's a great selection of vegetables available now for planting and many can still also be sown from seed – broccoli, kale and cabbage all feature this week. The programme contains considerable discussion on tomatoes which are now coming into flower with the sungold variety coming in for special mention. Paraic also focuses on organic solutions to pest control – nematodes are now available as preventative measure for leatherjackets, slugs and snails, while for those growing hostas the benefits of garlic wonder are explained. There's information on adding magnesium and iron to soil, planting peoney roses and growing green manure. Listeners questions include how to prevent rhubarb running to seed, good ground covering perennials, the difference between using mini and composted bark, suggestions for small weeping trees, tips on growing eucalyptus trees, storing daffodil and tulip bulbs over the summer, growing hybiscus, and planting out petunias, begonias, cosmos and sunflowers at this time.
The growing season continues to be challenged by weather conditions and cooler temperatures have held back any significant growth so far this year, however temperatures are set to increase and that means growth should be visible very soon. Paraic gives some advice on general feeding patterns for the next couple of weeks to give plants that all important boost to maximise growth and advocated removing any visible dead material at the same time. There's information on sowing seeds, and conditions are idea for vegetable plants. It's also tomatoe planting time and Paraic looks at totem and tumber varieties for anyone wishing to plant tomatoes outside. In anticipating of an explosion in weed growth there's advice on how to keep weed problems at bay and for those looking for some long last summer colour there's a special feature on cottage garden plants – nepeta, geum, salvia, day lily, phlox and lupins are all discussed in detail. Other topics this week include frost damage on potatoes, feeding laws, the many different varieties of plants that are referred to as palms, and the use of nematodes to deal with soil borne pests. Listeners questions feature malus as a pollinator, unwrapping tree ferns, aphid attack on leylandii, mixing different kinds of climbers, american mildew on gooseberry plants and the flowering process of lupins.
May the first brings lots of traditions and this week Paraic reminded listeners of an old celtic tradition of leaving yellow flowers at neighbours houses as a symbol of good fortune for the season ahead. Cooler nighttime temperatures persist resulting in continuing scorching on younger plants, so again Paraic gives a timely reminder of the need to protect and maintain softer plants indoors for another week or so. There's some colour now available in hardier plants such as calceolaria and nemesia – both feature in some detail on the programme. There's also information on feeding plants right now, Paraic recommends feeding all plants at this time of year as growth firmly starts to take hold. There's advice on how to get rid of briars, bee friendly greenfly treatment and how to prevent hares from damaging hornbeam hedging. Listeners questions include recommendations for blight resistant seed potatoes, gogi berry plants not fruiting, how to prevent bluebells spreading, treatment for damaged camelias, propogating cherry blossoms, tips for sowing root crops in garden soil, moving plants in general and transplanting rhodedendron from pots into the ground.
Daytime temperatures are on the increase and the foreceast is for ideal gardening weather so this week the programe focused on protecting softer plants and new growth against any night frosts while also boosting growth that has started to take hold. Potato stalks should be covered if exposed and plants can still be split for this year. Active growth also means that plants need feeding and Paraic reminded listeners to watch for watering, particularly in pots and containers. The programme features a discussion on herbs including savoury and helichrysum and colour this week is provided in the form of miniature sunflowers and celosia. Listeners questions feature pruning and planting bottlebrush, scarifying a lawn, problems with laurels in seaside locations, growing a Williams pear tree, planting out petunia seedlings, pruning conifers, cotoneaster and hydrangea hedges, growing japanese gladioli, grafting a plum tree and growing tomoatoes in a vegepod.
Frost damage remains a risk at the moment, so, amid reports of scorching on new growth, Paraic gives advice on how to overcome any temporary setbacks during April with recommendations for trimming off any damaged growth. Additionally, feeding to reinvigorate plants should set them up for a good growing year. As growth kicks in more generally, now is the time to prune hydrangeas, roses and other summer flowering plants. There is information on growing vegetables from seed – turnips (snowball and milan varieties), parsnips (gladiator), broccoli (green magic), carrot (maestro), cabbage (primo) and beetroot (rainbow mix) are all featured. And, for those seeking some summer colour, hardy annuals such as godetia, cornflowers, night scented stock and calendula are good options which can all be sown easily now. The cape mallow, passiflora and fig tree also feature on the programme this week. Paraic discusses the drift planting approach to cover bare areas and suppress weeds, while listeners questions include greenfly damage in leylandi hedging, growing whitethorn from cuttings, transferring asters out of doors, maintenance of a mature weeping ceder, planting up a vegepod, growing wisteria and tree planting for privacy.
Colder night time temperatures continue to present a challenge for young tender planst and this week the programme opens with some good advice on how best to protect plants from frost damage. Paraic advocates the use of garden fleece over the coming week for plants already in the ground and suggests that planting out is held off for a little bit longerr until temperatures improve. The programme looks at semi frost hardy plants that can be sown at the moment – lavatera barnseley baby, parahebee avalanche and geranium roseanne are all easy to grow options with long flowering results. As the season is late this year there's still time to move plants and Paraic has advice on the best approach depending on the plants involved. There's information on how to treat laurels going yellow, forsythia not flowering, moving daffodils, maintaining a poinsettia and planting a low flowering border. Liseners questions also include sowing a wildflower meadow, sowing azaleas, begonias, strawberries and red profusion tomatoes, what to do with a leatherjacket infestation in a lawn, pruning lavender and promoting flowering in a camelia.
Recent frosty nights have had an impact on tender young plants and early buds this season so Paraic opened the programme this week with a timely reminder about protecting new growth against sub zero nighttime temperatures. There were also some great ideas for Easter colour with dianthus, gerbera and osteospermum all featured in detail. Paraic advised on a range of topics including planting strawberries in raised beds and vegepods, moving daffodils while still 'in the green' and starting off a beehive. The programme also looked at some suitable climbers for a long shade favouring wall. Listeners questions this week explored why azalea buds may not be opening, sowing peas from seed, repotting seedum and the benefits of a chelsea chop, trimming back hebes, climbing hydrangea and escallonia, protecting rocket from flea beetle, transplanting sycamore, care of indoor plants such as anthuriaum and mother-in-law's tongue, and planting suggestions for a low flowering bed.
As spring is a little slow to get up and running this year the programme this week looked at jobs that can still be done by way of tidying up the garden. Paraic recommended getting out the secaturs and trimming back any plants that might benefit from pruning. He also encouraged listeners to consider purchasing plants early in order to avoid disappointment should stocks become scarce due to unprecedeneted demand. Easter is just around the corner and there are lots of options to introduce some colour to gardens with some really vibrant pansies and osteospermum available at the moment. Vegetables can be sown outdoors now, and with potatoe planting in full swing there was some timely advice for those growing this much loved staple. It's also time to prune back hydrangeas and Paraic had some great tips for planting projects for with children. Listeners questions on the programme included transplanting laurels, liverwort in shrubs, starting a new garden from scratch, sowing sweet box shrub and revitalising a dehydrated box ball, supporting calla lillies during growth, plants for north facing border, care of bromeliads and a plantscape to compliment a garden fountain.
In this programme, the first of 2021, Paraic looks at all the different tasks that can be undertaken as gardens unfurl from winter and awaken into spring, from tips on general tidying up chores to considerations on what to plant for the upcoming gardening year. There's information on lawns and a discussion on the benefits of planting a wildflower lawn which is especially suited to certain coastal conditions. Brexit and other factors have impacted the availability of seed potatoes this year which are in much demand at the moment. Those available include Vita Bella, Cara, Foxton and Navan and Paraic recommends getting them early amid predictions of scarcity to come. Many vegetables can also be planted and the programme features a segments on planting vegetables in both a belfast sink and a vegepod. While its important to protect seedlings at night time, hardy plants are perectly fine to put into the ground right now, and it's also a great time for divisioning with hostas, agapanthus, snowdrops ad arum lillies all coming in for mention. Listeners questions included suggestions for ground cover for an alpine planted area, enriching soil for potatoes, planting a rockery, cutting back broom and pampas grasses and small trees that can be grown outside in pots.
Windy conditions courtesty of Storm Aidan has yielded a lot of fallen leaves and in this final programme for 2020 Paraic discusses using leaf litter over the coming weeks to start or add to composting. It's almost November – a month to propogate, plant and protect. There's advice on taking cuttings, sowing bare root hedging and protecting tender plants from cooler temperatures and nighttime frosts. Apple, pear, plum and cherry trees can all be planted now. It's also a time to clean out greenhouses and polytunnels, divide plants such as hostas, and plant up bulbs either in the ground or in pots as they generally won't last the winter season in bags. Listeners questions included moving and caring for camelias, dealing with large groups of millipedes, spraying for blackspot on escallonia, using Zero to remove moss from apple trees and tips on getting rid of ivy. In addition, there's advice on companion planting potatoes and mustard seed to help control wire worm, growing orange trees in Ireland, pollinating mulberry trees, and overwintering lillies, begonias and dahilas.
As new Level 5 restrictions come into effect this week's programme looks at the impact of those restrictions on garden centres and Paraic outlines the measures being taken to maintain safety over the coming weeks. While official wintertime commences now there are still lots of opportunities for planting up in advance of Spring. Elephant garlic, a perennial variety of this flavourful bulb, and herbs can all be sown now for Christmas harvest. For those looking to introduce some colour to pots and containers Paraic recommends mixing winter heathers with ornamental cabbage and cyclamen for instant impact, and he gives a timely reminder about feeding wild birds. There's advice on pruning back fruit trees, planting compact pampas grass, growing silver broom and trimming back hostas and lupins. Listeners questions feature overwintering rhubarb, strawberries, gladioli and begonias, moving hydrangea, using wood ash on plants, replanting alstromeria, the care of amaryllis and planting veg in polytunnels.
Autumn colour is really vibrant this year and in this programme Paraic explains the science on how the drop in temperatures affects plant sugars creating this annual visual display. There is a reminder of key garden tasks that can be done right now, and a look at some alium vegetables including onions, garlic and shallots that can all be planted during October. There's winter colour on offer from winter heathers and hellebores which can be underplanted with spring bulbs. Viburnum also provides colour during the darker winter months, and wallflowers and tulips provide great companion planting options for spring. Paraic advised on the practicalities of pruning and looked at evergreen as well as deciduous plants for those wishing to cut back and tidy up shrubs and trees both big and small. Listeners questions include planting blackcurrants from pots, ground covering perrenials for seaside locations, planting lavedner, moving pyracantha, the advantages and benefits of raised beds and the care of bayleaf standards.
Autumn planting is highly advisible for hedging and for those who are planning a hedge right now this week's programme highlights the importance of selecting the right type of plant to suit the particular location. Paraic gives some excellent tips on matching different hedges with different environments and he emphasises the benefit of putting hedging plants in now thereby allowing them to get established over the winter months. Tulip planting is another key task to focus on at the moment and Paraic discussed some of the different varieties avaialable. There's information on repotting houseplants, planting carrots in raised beds, growing potato vines, pruning back blackberries and sowing lilies. Listeners questions in this programme include saving geraniums for next year, splitting mother-in-laws tongue, building a walipini (sunken greenhouse) in Ireland, treatment of nostuck, pruing back mop head hydrangeas, moving a bed of carpet roses and overwintering angels wing plants.
Cooler temperatures mean gardens are slipping into autumn and revealing some super autumn colours. Paraic encouraged listeners to take advantage of the reasonably good weather over the weekend to get lawns trimmed and fed and to plant some bulbs for spring colour in pots, containers and lawn areas. He discussed cutting back, dividing and replanting hostas and sowing hardy annuals from seeds. There was information on planting herbs for Christmas, treating moss on hard surfaces, transplanting bottle brush and setting pixie cabbage out of doors. Listeners questions included problems with yellowing grass, briars growing through hedging, harvesting potatoes and carrots, sowing lupins for next year, treating apple scab and codley moth, overwintering saliva and how to grow tree ferns.
The programme this week opened with a reminder about bulb planting for spring, and featured some of the vegetables that can be sown from seed at the moment including broad beans. Conditions over the weekend are perfect for tidying up lawns. The recent night frosts have started to impact any remaining tender bedding plants so Paraic had lots of advice on what to do to get the garden winter ready. There was also a reminder about the benefits of green manure - Paraic highlighted red clover as both a great way to add nutrition to the soil while also being excellent for pollinators. There were features on miscanthus grass, echium plants and bromeliad guzmania. Other topics this week included saving and sowing seeds of marigolds over the winter period, native trees suitable for a small garden, lifting and storing carrots and potatoes, and protecting cabbage and broccoli in frosty weather. Questions from listeners featured gorwing poinsettias, problems with apple scab, taking cuttings from salvia, moving silver birch, controlling bindweed and harvesting pumpkins.
Weather conditions have been perfect for planting vegetables recently and on this week's programme Paraic discussed sowing broccoli, cabbage, spinach and a variety of other seeds directly out of doors. It's also a super time to plant wildflower seed and lawn seed, particularly if there are areas for patching. Paraic's advice on bulb planting lasagne style generated lots of interest – this layering method results in super colour through winter and into mid spring. It's also a great time for planting climbers as plants have time to develop a strong root system and become established for next year. Questions this week included improving soil quality for forest flame, recommendations for grave planting in windy areas, tidying up and companion planting hostas, dwarf trees for courtyard areas and tips for preparing ground when sowing wildflower seed.
As autumn kicks into gear the programme this week looked at planting up bulbs for the coming year - Paraic highlighted japanese onion sets and garlic for vegetable lovers and for those looking for winter/spring colour there was information on winter achonites, crocus bulbs, frittalaria, aliums, and old favourites such as daffodils and tulips. Paraic also discussed the harvesting and planting of fruit at this time with blueberries, blackcurrants and the less common honeyberry and malus all featuring with recomendations on numbers and varieties of plants. There were tips on creatuing and protecting small bird feeders, how to take cuttings, dividing strawberry plants and the difference between polytunnels and polycarbon greenhouses. Listeners questions featured replanting roses, identifying old varieties of apple trees, root fly on lettuce, cracks in pear trees, what to sow in the veggie pod for winter and planting common lilac.
The autumn season returned with a look back at some of the gardening trends over the summer and a look ahead to what the garden offers for the months of September and October. Paraic discussed some projects for schools now that they are back in action. There was information on setting up wildlife stations, biodiversitiy areas and growing your five-a-day to interest younger gardeners. Hydrangeas were also centre stage this week with lots of questions on flowering trends, cutting back and propogating these much loved showstoppers. Frost hardy perennials, transplanting rhubarb, lawn damage from dogs and cutting back blackcurrant and gooseberry bushes all featured this week, while listener questions included treating blackspot on hedges, planting in polytunnels now, sowing tulips bulbs from last year, repotting orchids, and boron deficiency in swedes and turnips.
In our final programme for the Spring/Summer season Paraic reminded listeners about treating for blight on foot of a warning issued by Met Eireann. As growth continues during July and August it's important to keep plants fed, particulary those in full flower and to deadhead those coming to an end. Many lawns are yellow and hungry right now so feeding is recommended, and for those interetested in sowing seeds for next year conditions are currently ideal for germination. Paraic looked at climbers such as Clematis, Ivy and Virginia Creeper, discussed the management of broccoli and spinach going to seed and reminded about the efficacy of nematodes as a treatment for soil borne pests such as leatherjackets. Listeners questions included the care of orchids, pruning back blackcurrants, trees that grow in a columnar shape, rolling lawns, the use of Epsom Salts on roses, growing and transplanting peas and the management of outdoor geraniums for long lasting flowers.
On this week's programme Paraic looked at some plants currently available for summer planting. The peniculata varieties of hydranea such as Bobo, Little Lime and Wim's Red give super summer colour while Parahebee Avalanche is ideal for cover and very easy to propogate from cuttings. There was a reminder on treatment for blight on potatoes and tomatoes, information on sowing green manure and advice for planting new areas of waste ground, both large grassland plots and smaller garden spaces. Listeners questions included feed for cordalines and calla lilies, black spots on braod beans, propogating roses, honeysuckle and the curry plant, treatment for buttercups, mulch mowing in dry conditions and care of strawberries to promote strong fruiting.
While water conservation measures may have led to a hose ban for gardeners watering cans can still be used. Paraic reminded listeners that recycled dish water can be used on plants in addition to stored rainwater. He also gave tips on how to conserve available water to maximum effect by using plastic saucers, water butts and swell gels. Autumn vegetables such as kale can be planted from seed now and Paraic recommended sowing scarlet and black magic as well as the more traditional varieties. There was advice on propogating plants from cuttings and a reminder that weather conditions are favourable for blight over the coming days so now is the time to apply a spray treatment. Listeners questions included recommendations for a tree with foliage for a seaside location, plants for a border along a driveway, how to set weigelia and hosta, problems with pot bound roses, how to sow vegetables organically and treatment for cabbage root fly.
Sowing conditions are perfect right now and on this week's programe Paraic gave tips and advice on sowing news lawns and filling in bare patches. He also discussed planting wildflower areas and highlighted phacelia which has the added benefit of replenishing soil. It's also a great time to sow flower seeds for both this and next year – forget-me-knots, wallflowers, salvia, night scented stock and foxgloves can all be planted now. There was a reminder than nematodes have become available as a treatment for slugs, leatherjackets and caterpillars, and that it's not too late to plant vegetables from seed. Other topics included large and small vareites of rhodedendrons, planting up begonias, getting rid of russian vine and evergreen trees for smaller gardens. Listeners questions featured vine weavil on saxifraga, planting herb seedlings, care of variegeted sheffelaria, treatment of box blight and climbing plants for an archway in an exposed area.
Temperatures are still on the up and the dry hot weather means that it is necessary to water and feed plants at the moment. Paraic gave advice on how to water conservatively and what to focus on if supplies are limited. The recent wind damage is more evident in the past week so there was advice on what to do if plants have been affected and there was information on how listeners can take part in the Bloom At Home event which is taking place over the weekend. Topics covered included growing ivy to cover a wall, feeding, dead-heading and treating lupins for aphids, watering and feeding tomoatoes and setting alpines in a small rockery. Listeners questions included feeding and transplanting peony roses, treatment for cabbage and carrot root fly, feeding beetroot, lifting and storing tulips and sowing parsley and basil from seed.
The re-opening of garden centres has sparked a busy gardening week however the windy conditions of recent days have caused some damage to trees and younger plants. Paraic gave advice on how to treat plants that were impacted by the wind and noted that in the majority of cases plants will recover and respond favourably to this weather induced 'Chelsea Chop'. There was a reminder that seeds can still be sown - Paraic featured a range of vegetable seeds including the beetroot variety Rainbow Mix, cabbage varieties Greyhound and Sweetie and the carrot variety Ideal. There was information on pruning back and sealing Cherry Blossom, advice on planting Dahlias from tubers which can be done now and recommendations for hardy hedges in exposed areas. Listeners questions included growing artichoke from seed, leaf curl on tomatoes, the use of water retention gels and disease resistant Pyracantha.
Nightime frosts over the past week have had a severe impact on new growth and tender young plants so this week Paraic opened the programme with an advisory on what to do if plants have been affected. He discussed frost damage on vegetable plants, including potatoes, hedges in general and on summer bedding and bulbs that have been planted out early. With phase 1 of the government's COVID-19 roadmap coming into effect this Monday there was information on how garden centres are approaching re-opening and what customers can expect when they visit. Nemecia Vanilla, Campanella Porto and Lemon Scented Geranium were all featured this week while listeners questions included overwatering carrot seed, problems with woodlice, poor performing lawns, hostas and slug damage, lilacs and rhodedendrons not flowering and how to treat a mature jasmine cut down in error.
Drier conditions in the past couple of weeks are set to continue and this week Paraic gave a timely reminder about the importance of watering to ensure sufficient moisture for growing plants. He gave tips on the best approach to watering and warned against under or overwatering and the impact that can have. Hanging baskets can be started now and for those looking to start from scratch there are a range of garden kits available online while restrictions continue with a variety of options to choose from. There was information on lawn care, and as its tomato time Paraic reminded listeners that its time to pot up tomatos now. There was extensive advice on hedging and some of the more common problems appearing on hedges at the moment. Questions this week included protecting acers from frost, moving lupins, when to carry out the Chelsea chop, taking slips from shrubs, differences between old and new peony roses, training campanula and growing garlic.
This week's programme opened with a special feature on Norah Ralph, a young lady from Mayo who together with her family has been sharing her love of gardening, food and nature with a huge audience on social media worldwide. This week Norah took Paraic on a tour of the family's garden and shared her interest and knowledge with us on the programme. There was a feature on laurel hedges which are showing signs of struggle now from the very wet winter just past and some interesting information on how the latent presence of agricultural presticides in farmyard manure is causing potato stalk leaves to curl for some gardeners. Listeners questions included the care and feeding of mature heather beds, the challenges of gooseberry sawfly, feed for japanese acers, tips to promote pollination of apple trees, problems with cordoline, crinodendron and holly and summer bedding that will be long lasting in a raised bed.
The weather is up and that calls for watering of plants so this week Paraic gave timely reminder to continue to water plants in pots, any newly planted seeds and to give all plants a good liquid feed to kick them into growth. There was a special feature on getting your lawn looking its best with information on sowing and seeding new lawns, the different kinds of grasses available, tips on managing meadow grasses and of course staying on top of the dreaded moss. Other topics included pruning, feeding and treating roses for aphids, transforming a scrub area into a wildlife habitat and the trimming and feeding of laurel and other hedges in general. Listeners questions featured problems with Hyndrangea Seratifolia, Camelias, flowering Cherry in pots, scorched Liquid Amber, what to do with Hellebores post flowering, tripping Mahonia and the growing of Angels Wings plants.
Warmer temperatures and prolonged sunshine has resulted in excellent growth for this time of year. Paraic gave some recommendations to help new growth along and prevent pests which are very prolific at the moment. There was general advice for treating aphids and slugs and a reminder that patio pots and containers need to be watered in this drier weather. It's also time to feed daffodils, crocuses and tulips and to feed rhubarb for strong sweet stems in may. As many listeners are cocooned there was lots of questions this week including trimming laurel hedges, problems with cabbage root fly, tidying cordalines, planting containers in coastal areas, storing daffodil bulbs, planting wildflowers, encouraging geraniums to flower and splitting hostas.
Gardening is one activity that continues to be enjoyed by people during this time of social distancing and restriction. This week Paraic gave an update on measures being taken by garden centres and horticultural retailers in respect of government guidelines resulting in garden centres being closed to the public but online purcahes can be made with home delivery. There was a feature on the young gardening and food blogger Norah Ralph and tips on what can be done in the garden over the Easter weekend from splitting favourites such as hostas, astilbes and lillies to feeding all garden plants now new growth has started with warmer weather. Listeners questions included advice on scarifing laws, feeding and care of apple trees and training espaliers, caring for camelias to encourage flowering, problems with indoor plants such as bromiliads and cotinus, replanting in soil previously infested with carrot root fly and using shop bought potatoes in the absence of standard seed this year.
It's been a week where everyone has been in the garden and this edition of the programme continued the thread of how people can use their garden and gardening to occupy time while getting some exercise amid the Covid-19 restrictions. Paraic focused on some of the essential tasks which can be done at the moment such as pruning fruit trees, lawn care and general weed control. While retail outlets are closed to the public many garden centres are providing an on line offering so the sowing of flowers and vegetables from seeds was a popular point of discussion this week. Paraic discussed seed potatoes in addition to cabbage and carrotts from seed. There was information on pruning traditional mop head varities of hydangea and the different requirements when pruining penniculata varities such as Annabelle. Magnolia Solangeana, Alstromeria and Daffodils were all under the spolight and there was information on setting up a greenhouse. Listeners questions included planting in ericaceous compost and in poly tunnels, treating weeds growing through alpines, moving an oak, sowing ginger from root, leatherjackets in laws and what to do with crocuses post flowering.
As the impact of Covid-19 took hold nationally this week's programme looked at how gardening can positively contribute to those who are home more than normal at this time. Paraic discussed the effect restrictive socialisation measures are having on the world of gardening and garden retailers, how on-line offerings are being used as a retail alternative and how that works in respect of getting product delivered to customers. There was lots of advice as to how extra time can be used in the garden, from pruning and splitting plants to growing from seed. There was information on lawn care as spring finally peeps through and Paraic looked at some vegetables suitable for planting now such as seed potatoes, cabbage, shallots and peas. Listeners questions featured hyndrageas and whitethorn as hedgerows, trimming ivy, pruning roses and planting cherry trees, sweet peas and hostas.
This week's programme featured an in-depth discussion on Grow Your Own with huge interest in people growing their own fruits, vegetables, herbs and salads at home. Paraic gave an overview of Vegepods and Vegebags which make growing your own even easier, and looked at some of the plants and seeds that can be sown now, including Chard and Beetroot. There was a focus on planting potatoes with advice on wire worm and other potato related pests and suggestions for varieties of scented roses in time for Mother's Day. Other topics included poorly performing Daffodils, sowing hedging in general and treating lawns for moss. Listeners questions included growing pears from seeds, sowing strawberries for younger gardeners, options for early hanging baskets, yellow raspberries and problems with Jasmine plants outdoors.
The Garden Programme returned for the 2020 season on the week that the Corona Virus took hold and Paraic started by looking at how this global challenge is impacting the gardening world. There was information in how gardening can serve to be advantageous at this time and how it can positively influence our physical and mental health. With Mother's Day just around the corner Paraic featured Daphne and Fujian Cherry for those looking to mark the occassion with a flowering plant. There was lots of advice on treating moss which has been agressive over the winter period and Paraic discussed pruning roses and hyndrangeas now. Listeners questions included slug resistant varieties of potatoes, feeding rhubarb, perennials for windy coastal gardens and pruning Cherry Blossoms.
In the final programme of the current series Paraic suggested a list of things to do in the garden over the Halloween weekend and suggested some Autumnal projects for the garden. The programme looked at planting indoor Hyacinths and Amaryllis and for Christmas colour and storing bulbs over winter. There was information on how to keep Hyndrageas blue, moss treatments for hard and grass surfaces, sowing lillies for net year and planting with children over Halloween. Listeners questions included wire worm in potatoes, taking cuttings from geraniums, planting garlicand Japanese Onion sets, covering Camelias over winter and seeds for birds at this time of year.
October is bulb planting season and this week Paraic looked at a variety of flowering bulbs that are easy to grow and perfect for adding colour to patios, pots and the garden in general. Tulips, Daffodils, Narcissus, Freesias, Camassia and Alliums were all featured with hints and tips on planting up. There was advice on cutting back apple trees and treating with winter wash and also tips on growing apple trees in containers. Listeners questions included dividing herbaceous plants, transplanting Daffodils, cutting back White Beam and Cherry Blossom, propogating roses and options for natural coloured Heathers.
This week Paraic looked ahead to the Westport Honeybee Festival taking place on Saturday 18th October which includes speakers on a variety of honeybee and honey related topics including gardening and biodiversity. As this is the time of year to take cutting Paraic gave a step by step guide on how to take cuttings, the best environment for bringing them on successfully and how to care for them over the winter period. Cyclamen were featured in detail with information on both bulb and patio varieties and tips on how to sow from seeds. Listeners questions
included spring flowering bulbs for shaded areas, storing Dahlias over the winter, splitting and replanting hostas, care of apple trees post fruiting, slug control, harvesting Sea Buckthorn berries and treatment for Nostock which appears on hard surfaces at this time of year.
On the programme this week Paraic looked back at the recent Climate Fest event which featured various workshops and seminars on how can positively impact the issue of climate change at an individual level. One such way from the perspective of gardening is to plant more trees and the programme looked at a range of native Irish trees with that in mind such as Hazel, Willow, Poplar, Mallus and Lime. There was information on how to get Hazel trees to fruit, the different kinds of Mountain Ash, trees suitable for an elevated site and trees suitable for wet conditions. Listeners questions included varieties of blue roses, trimming back Dogwood, growing micro greens, cultivating kiwi fruit in tunnels, the planting and care of Helibores and the creation of green manure.
As September bows out this week's programme looked at some of the beautiful autumn leaf colour available at the moment with trees such as Liquid Amber, Autumn Blaze and Parrotia Persica all in the spotlight. The honey harvest has arrived and Paraic noted the benefits of honey avaialable locally compared to that mass produced elsewhere. There was information on building and cleaning out nesting boxes in preparation for spring and tips on what to do in the greenhouse now while the Ice Plant, Sunflowers and Nerines were all featured this week. Listeners questions ranged from cutting back Poplars and Hazelnut Trees to food for house plants and using coffee cups to sow seeds indoors.
On this week's programme Paraic looked at sowing for next year and tidying up the garden. There were tips for managing moss which is very prevalent after the moist conditions in August - Paraic advised on applying treatments before it takes hold. There was information on composting, sowing sweet peas and herbs for Christmas and a reminder to plant bulbs now for spring colour. Listeners questions featured moving deciduous trees, plants for a long slope, digging and dividing hostas, collecting and saving sunflower and other seeds, advice on the best apple trees to plant for cooking and eating and managing and feeding camelias.
On this week's programme Paraic focused on treating moss in lawns at this time of year and advised on how to keep moss under control coming into the winter months. There was also advice on watering and liquid feeding plants in tubs and containers to prolong flowering and a reminder to get on top of weeds as they come into seed. As fruit is harvested so is it sown and Paraic discussed the planting of rhubarb, logan berries, raspberries, tayberries and gooseberries and suggested some interesting varieties for listeners to try. Questions this week included reseeding a damaged lawn, platning ground covering and climbing roses, collecting and saving poppy seeds, pruning back apple trees, soil testing for mineral elements and plants for wet areas of the garden.
The garden show returned for the Autumn season with a feature on Autumn colour over the coming months from both foliage and flowering plants. Liquid Amber, Pittosporum and varieties of Peniculata all took centre stage while there was a look ahead to Winter and early Spring flowering bulbs such as Winter Achonites, Snowdrops, Tulips and Honey Lillies. There was information on vegetable planting in tunnels, Christmas potatoes, taking cuttings for next season and planting winter flowering heathers. Listeners questions included bulb planting between Patriot Hostas, Pyracantha affecte by apple scab, overwintering Angel Trumpets, hanging basket ideas for Winter and care and propogation of Coleus.
In the final programme before the summer break Paraic looked at forgaing events happening locally, the kinds of plants that can be found it the countryside at the moment and how they can be incorporated into dishes and recipes. Increased temperates has resulted in plants really coming into bloom and there was a timely reminder on feeding and general care over the Summer. Plants featured this week included Hornbeam and Foxglove, and there was information on summer cuttings, dealing with blight, feeding lawns and controlling caterpillars on cabbage. Questions to the programme included preventing the spread of Himalayan Balsam, good varieties of floury potatoes, plants suitable to grow for a science project, planting banks and slopes and controlling red spider mites.
Weather conditions this week are favourable for blight and Paraic gave a timely reminder on the different methods and proprietary options available to reduce damage to crops. The programme profiled some instant flowering plants for colour from mid-June to October including Dahlias and Petunias. There were features on Berberis Hammond Piller, Agyranthemums and Hemerocallis and information on how the steps to take when creating a new border from scratch. Listerners questions included taking cuttings from Escalonia, saving and sowing Lupin seeds,using garlic as a means of pest control, splitting and transplanting Calla Lillies and ways to prevent Gooseberry Saw Fly and Red Lily Beetle.
Colour for June and throughout the summer featured on the programme this week with Dahlias, Dianthus, Hydrangea and Grazinia all in the spotlight. Paraic discussed how some councils are using wildflower seeds along major roadways to reduce grass maintenance and promote biodiversity and there was advice on rose care during the summer months with recommendations to dead head, feed and control pests on this flowering favourite. Listeners questions included treating millipedes, compost suitable for a medium sized Vegepod, moving Lupins, pinholes in Hostas, plating seeds in tunnels, pruning back camelias, taking cuttings from scented Geraniums and wildflowers for shady areas.
On this week's programme Paraic reviewed some of the highlights of Bloom 2019 and where one of the biggest trends was an interest in biodiversiy and how individuals can take small steps to promote this in the way they approach their gardens. There was a look at bee friendly plants that can be sown now from seed for next year and enivornmentally friendly methods of controlling weeds. Paraic gave an advisory warning on blight with tips on how to prevent it not just on potatoes but on other fruits and vegetables as well. There was information on feeding lawns, moving hostas, taking cuttings from fushia and controlling mare's tail. Listeners questions this week featured hedging for rural areas, pruning back rhodedendrons, the best soil type for sowing calla lillies and putting straw on strawberries.
With Bloom 2019 in full swing this week the programme featured an in-depth look at some of the show gardens on display; Paraic talked about current green gardening trends and bee friendly initiatives with special reports on the dementia friendly and crumlin hosptial gardens. Plants featured included the Runaway Bridge Hydrangea and flowers for summer colour in June and July. Listeners questions ranged from Thuja blight and grey mould on roses to tackling wild grass in lawns, how to care for growing sunflowers, holes in rhubarb and preparing soil for next year's potatoe crop.
Frost has made its presence felt on young tender plants and this week the programme looked at how to repair some of the damage caused in recent days - hydrangea, laurel, beech, forest flame and many other plants have been affected and Paraic advised on what to do to minimise any damage and help plants get back into growth. Lilacs are a great favourite at this time of year with many varieties to choose from while Nemecia was also featured as a plant that is highly scented and flowers for a long period. There was a reminder about sowing perennials from seeds and Salvia Purple Fairytale was recommended as being particularly bee friendly. Listeners questions featured Autumn flowering bulbs,
sowing marrows, information on Ash Dieback, options for instant colour in pots, growing carrots in coastal areas, camelias that have been eaten by sheep and cherry roots coming through a lawn.
Nighttime temperatures remain low at the moment so this week Paraic reminded listeners of the importance of covering half hardy annuals at night in order to avoid frost damage. The programme discussed organic slug control, feeding and pruning roses, trimming back plants that have finished flowering, planting nerines and cyclamen and how to prevent "rose sickness" when planting new roses with old. Listeners questions included rosemary and lavender in a seaside garden, information on Philadelphus Coronoreus, wind damaged alstromerias and rhodedenrons, transplanting sunflower seedlings from pots and complementary trees for laburnum.
The trend of growing your own continues to gain momentum and this week's programme looked at how families are using different spaces to try out different kinds of vegetables with kale, baby carrotts, peas and salad crops all great options that can be sown from seed now. The programme also featured a new variety of blueberry called Pink Lemonade which has a high yeild, a sweet flavour, is self pollinating and remains compact. There was advice on materials for covering tunnels, protecting lawns from damage by badgers and the prevalence of Saint Marks flies that are visible at the moment. Listeners questions included cutting back daffodils and other spring flowering bulbs, planting on apple trees in pots, scab resistant varieties of potato, sowing parsnips and the canker free varieties available and systemic treatments for mare's tail weeds.
The easter weekend offers a wealth of gardening opportunities and this week Paraic looked at caring for early plants in pots and containers with emphasis on feeding and watering for healthy growth. Cucumbers, aubergines, pumpkins, marrows and courgettes can all be planted now while cottage garden plants such as old favourites like lupins, foxgloves, sweet peas, delphiniums and poppies can be planted now for colour in may and june. Other topics this week featured interplanting carpet roses with stem varieties for contrast, growing apple trees in pots and what to do with winter heathers that have finished flowering. Listeners questions included planting for August wedding colour, wild grass patches in lawns, pruning forsythia and how to care for young tomato plants that have been exposed to low temperatures.
As summer starts to beckon this week's programme looked at advance planting with hints and tips on preparing hanging baskets, patio planters and window boxes. There were great options for colour and edible fruits with geraniums, petunias, fuschias, begonias and other trailing plants for summer colour all becoming available now. Other topics included ground covering plants for banks, options for three foot bordders and climbers that are also suitable to use as cut flowers. Listeners questions ranged from pest control for greenfly, growing blackcurrants and raspberries in containers, dealing with frost-damaged forest flame and cutting back daffodils.
Colour for Easter opened the programme this week with some great planting suggestions available at the moment including Dianthus, Euryops, Nemecia and others. Paraic advised against planting out summer bedding as night time temperatures are still somewhat cool, however daytime temperatures are perfect for seeds and the programme looked at some alternative vegetables that can be sown now including chickory, chard, baby carrots,brussel sprouts and italian kale. There was advice on taking cuttings from orange fizz geraniums, planting lavender from harvested seed, looking after lillies in pots and growing celery. Questions this week included how to treat frost stained camelias, repotting houseplants and orchids, treating bacterial canker in apple trees and how to differentiate between Japanese and Chinese wisteria.
As Mother's Day twins with the start of National Tree Week this year today's programme looked at celebrating tree planting with many different native trees highlighted. Aquilegia (Granny's Bonnet) which comes into full flower now was featured and the programme went out and about to hear from Cregmore National School in County Galway where the school is planting up their newly acquired vegepod. Paraic discussed the challenges of planting trees too deeply, gave information on canker in parsnips and the programme looked at the life cycle of the Vine Weevil. Listeners questions included transplanting Japanese Maple, the correct depth and distance when planting Begonias, pollinating plum trees and reasons for poor flowering camelias.
With the good weather finally allowing us to get back into the garden property after winter this week's programme covered a range of tasks that can be tackled now from getting the lawn into shape and cutting back hydrangeas and roses to trimming hedges and sowing and setting seeds. There was a preview of plants offering colour and scent in advance of Mother's Day including camelias, orchids, anthurium and scented lillies. There was information on the care of fruit bushes at this time of year, moving strawberries, hand pollinating pears and recommendations for cabbage, potatoes and other vegetables suitable for a poly tunnel. Listeners questions included what to do with early flowering calla lillies, grafting apple scions to rootstock, treating bugs and other greenhouse pests and splitting and moving rudbeckia.
This week's programme focused on getting vegetables and other early summer plants started in the garden - Paraic discussed a variety of vegetable options from early salad leaves and speedy veg to sowing peppers, chillies and tomatoes from seed indoors. There were features on scented roses, semi mature evergreens and planting options for small plots. Listeners questions this week included how to grow oleander trees in Ireland, pest control of leather jackets and bugs on clematis, re-potting lemon scented geraniums, tackling the problem of rushes in a new lawn and trimming back weeping willows.
St. Patrick's weekend is just around the corner and that signals the start of the potato planing season. The programme this week featured an in-depth look at this much loved staple with advice on sprouting indoors, planting out, layering in pots, slug and scab resistant varieties and growing in tunnels. Daffodils are in full bloom and Paraic addressed reasons for buds failing to flower and when to move bulbs. Other topics included what to do with cuttings that have rooted, fruiting trees and plants for small gardens and how to control ivy growing between shrubs. Listeners questions included sowing wild flower seeds, hand pollinating peach trees and learning about bee-keeping.
The 2019 garden programme kicked off with a general look at how gardens
have fared over the winter period with lots of plants coming into growth
and flower a little earlier than usual due to the mild conditions. Roses
were in the spotlight as its a perfect time to prune and feed them now.
There was also a focus on summer flowering plants such as hydrangeas and
budleias which will all benefit from pruning at the moment while summer
flowering bulbs like dahlia and begonias can be planted inside now for
transplanting later in the spring. The benefits of gardening with
Vegeopds were highlighted as a great way for growing a variety of
vegetables while listeners questions included problems with bolting
onions, sowing herbs for sensory therapy, planting oregano to attract
bees around apple trees and how to deal with grubs and vine weavil on
bulbs that have remained in the ground over winter.
The final programme of the series for 2018 focused on putting the garden to bed for the winter period. Paraic advised on giving the lawn a final trim and on feed and moss treatments in preparation for Spring. The programme explored compost options including the use of seaweed and featured potatoes harvested this week. There was advice on patching up a hawthorn hedge, bringing on hyacinth bulbs and plants suitable for graves over the winter months. Listeners questions featured an Arum Lily with no flowers, damaged Bux trees, splitting and transplanting Hostas, sowing whitethorn and blackthorn from seed and using copper to deter snails.
High pressure and nighttime frosts have resulted in some fantastic autumnal gardening weather - this week Paraic advised on giving lawns a final mow and feed before the winter period sets in and spoke about planting fruit for next year. The programme looked at plants providing great colour right now including asters, the strawberry tree, achonites, liquid amber and winter heathers, considered options for security planting and gardening projects for children over halloween. Questions included cooking apples that grow well in the West of Ireland, taking slips from virginia creeper and boston ivy, trimming and planting dog roses, harvesting and storing potatoes, carrots and beetroot and trimming back weeping willow.
The honey harvest has been very bountiful and this week the programme examined the different kinds of honey available inlcuding urban, heather, ivy and rapeseed honey. The programme also discussed walnut trees and fruit, pruning roses and planting orchards with a mix of soft and hard fruits. There was information on pot bound daffodils, purple berried hedges and wind damaged trees. Listeners questions included cutting back sweet pea, planting hyacinths for christmas, transplanting ash and sycamore, ripening pumpkins and growing brussel sprouts.
As the weather gets a little cooler Paraic looked at taking cutting from non-frost hardy plants this week and focused on preparing soil for planting hedging at this time of year. There were general tidying up tips and a reminder about controlling moss over the winter period. Questions this week included training Wisteria, problems with Amaryllis flowering, choosing a suitable partner for fruiting cherry trees, pruning lilac, roses, beech and raspberry canes, planting trees in scrub land, taking Grisellinia cuttings, harvesting apples and multiplying daffodils.
This week the programme looked at gardening for bees and focused on tender plants now that early frost arrived. Paraic recommended taking cuttings in order to propagate tender plants for next year and also gave some tips on planting hyacinth bulbs for Christmas colour. There was advice on caring for house plants at this time of year and a reminder to sow sweet pea and wildflower seed for future colour. Listeners questions included re-designing a herbaceous border, moving and splitting hostas and astilbes, sowing a lawn at a new build, the difference between climbing and rambling roses, treating liverworth and sowing wheatgrass.
Autumn is now in full swing and this week Pauric looked at tidying up the garden, particularly in light of damage caused by Storm Ali. The programme discussed reseeding lawns and repairing damaged areas, bulb planting for spring and general maintenance of summer bulbs and shrubs. Pauric explained how to start an orchard with apples, pears, cherries and figs and what to do with large wind damaged trees. Listeners questions included planting different types of ivy and also how to remove overgrown ivy, what to do with lupins that have now grown from seed, transplanting mountain ash, overwintering galdioli, lifting begonias and cutting back lillies.
The sowing and reaping principles of Autumn got this weeks programme off to a flying start - Pauric looked at how to take cuttings using compostable coffee cups and explained about harvesting seeds from a variety of plants. Garlic, onion sets, winter heathers and spring bulbs can all be planted now and the programme discussed the availability of honey following a bumber year for bees and beekeepers. Listeners questions included hedging for wet soils, tips for picking and ripening fruit, common laurel vs portugeuse laurel, white flowering bulbs for spring, propagating beech and pruning lilac.
As Autumn beckons this weeks programme focused on timely tips for early September, from sowing lawns to wildflower planting and forward planning for Spring 2019. There were ornamental options for autmumn colour and a variety of vegetables suitable for planting now from seed including cabbage, carrots, swiss chard and kale. Questions included treatments for leatherjackets in lawns, pruning young gooseberry bushes, harvesting onions and beetroot, evergreen and flowering climbers for high walls, boxwood blight and pruning back apple trees.
The hot weather has thrown up lots of challenges for gardeners and this week Paraic looked at the most effective ways to keep gardens hydrated with the main focus on watering pots, containers and hanging baskets rather than plants in the ground. Featured plants included the greek basil, Aristotle, and Apache chillies. As fruit trees come into crop there was advice on June drop and thinning in general. Listeners questions included spinach and rhubarb going to seed, evergreen flowering shrubs for the back of a flower bed, organic treatments for root flies, bee friendly plants and harvesting first potatoes and japanese onion sets.
Watering in the hot weather was the key focus on this weeks programme and there was lots of advice on watering for different locations, plant varieties and soil types including borders, baskets and planters, and greenhouses and tunnels. Paraic stressed the importance of liquid feeding and dead heading plants to maintain continuous flowering. For summer colour; hydrangeas, roses and zinnias were top of the list this week while other topic covered included preparing new lawns, information on gerberas and leaf damage from the recent winds. Listeners questions featured flea beetle in turnips and dahlias, climbers for south facing locations, care of camelias, pollinating pear trees and planting and harvesting non-stop begonias.
The arrival of Storm Hector during the week left many gardens damaged
and this week Paraic advised on the best approach to bring flowering
plants in particular back to full bloom. The Chelsea Chop technique was
featured as a way of trimming back to maintain flowering and balance
plants that are tall and top heavy. There was also advice on pruning and
sealing damaged branches, sowing new lawns and treatment for Mare's Tail
and Japanese Knotweed. Plants for graves were featured along with strawberries, sunflowers, sweet potatoes, echinacea and red penstomones.
Questions this week included moving Rhodedendrons, sowing New Zealand
Flax from seed, cutting back Montana Clematis and sowing Persian Roses
for sloping banks.
This week the programme looked at the many options for instant summer colour with alstroemerias, penstemons and hydrangeas all coming into flower now. For vegetable growers Paraic highlighted sweet potatoes and tomatoes and advised on controlling pests which are very prevalent at the moment, especially boxwood blight, carrot root flyu, gooseberry saw fly and mildew. Wallflowers, primulas, winter flowering pansies and double daisies can all be sown now from seed while featured plants this week included Tree Lillies and Violas. Questions ranged from watering geraniums and blistering on blackcurrants to house plants for darker hallways and lifting tulip bulbs.
With Bloom in full swing Paraic gave a run down on some of the highlights at this year's event in particular the Dementia and Sunsmart gardens and the gold medal winner, the Sustainable Seafood Garden. Met Eireann has issued a national blight warning on foot of the warm humid weather and Paraic advised on the importance of applying a systemic treatment to the leaves of potatoes and tomatoes, and there was also a reminder of the availability of nematodes for soil pest prevention. Listeners questions included planting wild garlic, replanting daffodils, trimming back winter flowering heathers, growing butternut squash, rhodedendrons, azaeleas and peony roses.
With the national Bloom festival just around the corner this week Paraic gave a preview of what's taking place this year, from show gardens both large and small to the myriad of food, lifestyle and cultural attractions on offer. Plants under the spotlight this week included Alstroemeria, Cistus, Japanese Maple and Croton while there was also advice on wildflower and wildlife meadows and the different categories of bark mulch for supressing weeds. Listeners questions included poorly performing rhubarb, labelling apple rootstock, roses suitable for a garden arch and tips to combat carrot root fly.
There were hints and tips this week on how to get the best from garden containers and Paraic gave an update on robotic mowers. Feeding lawns and shrubs in general is also high on the agenda at the moment and there was advice on planting up kitchen herbs which is best done in stages. There was an in depth look at nematodes and how they work to control some of the more common garden pests and information on pruning hedging, in particular, laurel, red robin and griselinia. Listeners questions included tackling mare's tail, hebe as a hedge, pruning larger trees, and flowers for early summer colour.
Hanging baksets were in the spotlight on the programme this week with advice on planting up containers and baskets for summer colour, and for something a little bit different there were options for edible window boxes and herb themed baskets. Paraic also discussed robotic mowers, a relatively new development in lawn care which will be tested on the programme in coming weeks. We also looked at hostas with advice on preventing slug damage and hedge planting for seaside locations. Paraic gave recommendations for plants suitable for large clay pots and discussed a range of plants suitable for shaded lcoations. Listeners questions included treating dandelions and other broad leafed weeds, wireworm in potatoes, transplanting boxwood, sowing peony roses and miniature dahlias.
With the May bank holiday upon us this week the programme focused on planting flowering trees which are coming into flower shortly while thoughts are also starting to turn to hanging baskets and patio containers. Paraic discussed the Living Edible Salad Bar and there was information on the Cleaner Community Campaign which has been launched recently. Dahlias, scented lillies, galdioli and sweet pea were all featured while seeds for laveteria, english marigold, night scented stock and nastursium can all be planted now. Listeners questions included problems with vine weavil, bedding annuals and flowering bulbs for borders, treatment for canker in apples, yellowing tomoato plants and fruiting plants suitable for growing in a conservatory.
Vegetable planting is now in full swing and this week the programme looked at the different ranges of onions and cabbage available and advised on protecting young potatoe plants from frost. Chillies, lavender, black kale and lemon scented geranium also featured and there was a special segment on roses with varieties for summer colour, scent and cutting all discussed in detail. Other topics covered included preventing damage from hares, growing potatoes in boggy soil, planting vegetables in pots and treating aphids on blackcurrants. Listeners questions ranged from planting bulbs and potting on roses to sowing sunflower seeds and growing horse chestnuts.
Warmer temperatures are drying put soil resulting in more favourable conditions for planting and this week Paraic took a look at some trees that are coming into flower which can be planted now. Snowy Mespalus, Laburnum, Euryops and Flowering Cherries are adding a real splash of spring colour while Flowering Malus also offers the added benefit of pollinating apple trees. There were recommendations for greening up lawns to have them looking their best and tips on preparing ground for sowing vegetables. Bedding plants for the Irish climate and climbers for south facing locations were also featured this week, while listeners questions included unwrapping tree ferns, pollinating flowering cherries, tidying up cordalines, pruning large native trees and controlling carrot root fly.
Lawn care was the main topic for discussion on this week's programme with lots of advice on moss control, sowing lawn seed and feeding in general. For those looking for something different, wildflower meadows can be sown now and Paraic advised on what's invovled. New varieties of potatoes that are high yeilding and pest resistant were also featured in addition to suggestions of seeds that can be planted now and of interest to younger gardeners. The art of Bonzai was explained while listeners questions included growing Lemon Scented Geraniums, managing carrot root fly, everlasting sweet pea and growing camelias in pots.
With school holidays upon us this week’s programme looked at gardening with children and plants that offer interest which are quick and easy to grow. Family apple trees providing more than one variety were featured and Paraic recommended planting in conjunction with strawberries. Blueberries and rhubarb were also featured with tips on soil conditions and feeding. There was information on preparing greenhouses and tunnels for vegetables while sweet pea, bleeding heart, lavender and Chilean lantern all featured for planting now. Listeners questions included leaves curling on amellias, colourful shrubs for borders, the strawberry tree and plants for hanging baskets that tolerate rainy conditions.
This week's programme opened with a feature on planting trees to create memories across the generations - Paraic looked at a few varieties including the cherry which is about to come into flower now. As it's Easter weekend Paraic reminded listeners to use the bank holiday to attend to lawns and trim back hedging and flowering shrubs in general. Kale and cherry tomatoes also featured as well as double flowering primulas which offer great show of colour right now. Listeners questions included shrubs and flowers for heavy soils, attracting worms back into the garden, moving daffodils, sowing strawberries and mistletoe and pollinating plum and apple trees.
With winter turning to spring grass is starting to grow and moss was the main topic of the programme this week. Pauric visited a garden in Enniscrone and described the steps taken to control moss into the summer months with lots of tips and advice on the application of treatments and fertiliser. The tradition of sowing potatoes and other tillage crops on Good Friday was also discuseed while alpine plants were featured as a method of providing good ground cover in poorer soils. Listeners questions included planting oak trees, pruning hydrangeas, treating mildew on gooseberries, planting strawberries, moving ash and standard rose trees, lifting and splitting snowdrops and rejuvenating apple and fruit trees by pruning.
St. Patrick's weekend signals the start of the traditional potatoe planting season and this week Pauric discussed early planting and differient varieties favoured by Irish conditions. The programme described methods for planting in tunnels and pots with some slug and blight resistant varieties highlighted including Colleen, Orla, Setanta, Foremost and Blue Danube. Katsura and Rhododendron were also featured together with timely reminders to protect softer bedding plants where frost prevails. Listeners questions included forcing rhubarb, propogating dahlias, transplanting seedlings to individual pots, moving primulas, maintaining hebes and sowing strawberries for summer.
With Mother's Day almost upon us this week's programme looked at some colourful flowering plants available now including double flowering primrose, camelia and orchids. Pauraic discussed growing shamrock in advance of St. Patrick's Day and how to get the most from shamrock plants available now. The programme also dealt with the fallout of the snowy condidtions with many plants experiencing leaf scorch in the past week. Listeners questions included repairing lawns trampled by farm animals, pruning hydrangeas, transplanting daffodils, flowers for May and November weddings and sowing and propagating winter flowering heathers.
Our final programme for 2017 focused on tidying up jobs in the garden before winter sets in. Paraic recommended giving lawns a final cut, applying a moss treatment and using falling autumn leaves to add variety in composting. The programme also discussed harvesting final crops, sowing green manure plants to enrich soil and weed control over the winter months. Listeners questions included splitting formium for potting, watering and liquid feeding cyclamen, planting roses at this time of year, preventing leather jackets, repotting indoor plants, caring for orchids and flowers for a Christmas wedding.
Following on from recent stormy conditions this week's programme focused on cleaning up and checking for storm damage in the garden. Paraic discussed how ivy on trees can trigger uprooting and how to treat and manage wind ravaged branches. This week we also looked at harvesting garden herbs for freezing over the winter months and featured sweet peas and broad beans for planting now. Listeners questions included over wintering geraniums in pots, thuja blight, what to do with early budding snowdrops, steps to plant a sloping bank with ground cover, dwarf tulips for window boxes and taking care of sweet peppers and jalapeno plants over the winter months.
With Autumn colour all around this week's programme discussed colour for the winter months with Heather's being a great option. Paraic highlighted different varieites such as Kramer's Red, White Perfection, Furzey, Foxhollow and Darley Dale, with recommendations for companion planting to maximum effect. The programme also focused on the propogation and care of a selection of indoor plants including jade, spider, snake and aloe vera. Other topics featured pruning apple trees, improving soil in raised beds, polytunnel planting at this time of year, treating buttercups in lawns and storing begonias, dahlias and geraniums.
October is National Reuse Month and this week the programme looked at making compost for use next Spring. Paraic recommended using grass clipping, leaves, natural garden and household waste when composting and noted the importance of keeping the compost free of any wet, heavy rain. Putting the garden to bed for winter was also highlighted with tips on cleaning out green houses and weed control. Paraic discussed transplanting hardy annual and biennial seedlings, storing geraniums over the winter, controlling thistles and cutting back roses. Listeners questions included evergreen hedging for exposed seaside gardens,
planting spring and summer flowering bulbs in rockeries, how to prevent a
raspberry crop from failing and sowing blueberries in pots.
The honey harvest is now in and this week the programme sampled some of the honey produced and available locally. Autumn foliage was in the spotlight this week and Paraic discussed a variety of trees and berried shrubs that are awash with colour and suitable for planting now; Royal Shumac, Maples, Liquid Amber, Crab Apples, Pyracantha and Weeping Cotoneaster. Listeners questions included transplanting roses, photosythesis and experiments for children in class, growing Hyacinths for Christmas, transplanting strawberries from runners and winter/spring vegetables for raised beds.
Hedging was in the spotlight on this week with advice on when to stop feeding, and tips on tidying back and shaping for the winter months. Paraic discussed bare root planting, how to prepare the ground, and gave options for creating an instant hedge. Boston Ivy, Virginia Creeper, Bromelia and Hot Lips Salvia also featured, while recommendations for indoor plants to brighten up homes and offices included The Snake Plant, Boston Ferns, Peace Lily, Castor Oil Plant and Painters Pallet. Listeners questions this week ranged from growing acorns and treating bacterial canker on apple trees, to dividing perennials such as Crocosmia and Gladioli, and preventing mould when storing onions.
The apple harvest is now in full swing and apples were the star of this edition of the programme with lots of advice on picking and storing this year's bumper crop into the winter months. There was also information on harvesting carrots and potatoes, and Paraic discussed the merits of beekeeping with tips how to establish a beehive. Other topics included planting and feeding winter onion sets, sowing godetia and sweet pea, treating pest damage on courgettes and using sulphate of potash to ecourage floury potatoes. Listeners questions featured growing pumpkins, trees with autumn leaf colour, recommendations for short varieties of tulip and planting peony roses.
The autumn series returned with a look at autumn planting - nature's time for renewal. There's a bumper harvest this year and Paraic discussed harvesting fruit in general. He gave tips on ripening and storing apples, plums and nectarines and ways to promote flowering and fruiting where yields are low. There was advice on sowing laurel hedging and other plants from cuttings, and hydrangeas featured with Annabelle, Phantom, Bobo and Vanilla Freeze some of the varieties highlighted. Listeners questions included how to control Thuja blight, sowing lawns with dogs and children in mind, treating vegetable plants for caterpillars, feeding pampas grasses and suggestions for climbers for large bare walls.
As the summer break approaches this week's programme looked back on a very successful gardening year so far and Paraic gave some recommendations for the coming weeks including the importance of blight control, feeding lawns without forcing growth and the benefits of regular deadheading. He also discussed garden design and ways that people can practically implement new ideas in their own gardens. Plants featured on today's programme included Beetroot with advice on harvesting, Hornbeam and the practice of pleaching to provide privacy, Siberian Wallflowers and Ginkgo Biloba, while topics discussed ranged from balling of roses to june drop and trimming whippy growth on fruit trees. Paraic also responded to listeners questions on greenfly on lettuce, turning pink Hydrangeas blue, the lifecycle of Pond Lillies, taking cuttings from Cottage Roses and reseeding lawns.
With germination at its optimum this is great planting weather and Paraic started this week's programme with advice on putting in a new lawn and traditional planting of broad leaved trees and hedges. The programme also focused on vegetable beds, Roses and Sambucas and featured tips on pruing back herbs to promote autumn growth and the importance of feeding plants for longevity. Other topics ranged from organic control of slugs and snails to plants suitable for coastal areas and rocky gardens. Listeners questions included creating an instant wall of cover, mildew on Hellebores, treating Thujas for blight, problems with courgettes in tunnels and the care of post flowering Amarylis and Chilean Lantern.
On this week's programme Paraic issued a blight warning and advised to apply a systemic blight control treatment to potatoes and tomatoes. Looking ahead to autumn/winter planting the programme featured kale as a great winter vegetable which can be sowed from seed now. Roses are coming into flower and Paraic discussed some good varities for scent including Fascination, Whiskey Mac, Grandpa Dixon, Freedom and Ingrid Bergman. Other topics ranged from sowing whitethorn and lillies to tree ferns and foxglove trees. Listeners questions included Echinacea flowers for attracting bees, moving hostas, pest damage on plum trees, sowing veg in a poly tunnel and liquid feeding onions.
With Bloom in full swing Paraic gave a synopsis of some of the show gardens at this year's event taking place over the bank holiday weekend. Plants featured in this edition included Euryops with advice on how to grow and take cuttings. Paraic made some recommendations to Tidy Towns groups interested in planting herbaceous perennials and looked ahead to June drop on apple and fuit trees as heavy early fruiting is indicating a good harvest. Other topics included controlling caterpillars and greenfly, planting to provide wind & sea barriers, removing suckers from cherry trees and planting hanging baskets. Listeners questions featured problems with onion sets, yellowing dahlias, dehydrated rhubarb and an overabundance of mint.
This week's programme kicked off with a flavour of what is on offer at this year's Bloom with 22 show gardens and talks and information over the 5 days of the festival. Featured plants this week included Laburnum and Hostas while timely topics ranged from greening up lawns to bedding plants for different occassions. Paraic gave advice on replacing hedging, plants for white colour, watering in general in warmer weather and treatment of aphids on hedging, flowers and fruit trees. Listeners questions included growing mushrooms from kits, overspraying lawns with weed killer, camelias with brown leaves and moving camelia and magnolias.
As growth continues to surge Paraic reminded listeners to continue to water and feed plants in order to ensure good colour later in the summer. The programme discussed a selection of flowering plants and climbers with lupins from the west coast series, clematis, thembergia, and aztec dahlias all featured. Paraic gave tips on planting cucmbers, courgettes, peppers and chilli right now and described the best method to pinch back tall perennials. There was advice on lawn care and planting hanging baskets, and listeners questions featured rhubarb, flowering evergreen climbers and shrubs, peony roses, carrrot root fly and wild meadow planting to attract butterflies and bees.
Moist weather heralded a great weekend for planting and Paraic encouraged listeners to take advantage of the conditions over the coming days. He discussedt treating lawns, watering and feeding plants in general and highlighted some good all rounders for planting in window boxes and hanging baskets such as nemesia. Tomatoe varieties supersweet and roma were also featured with tips on cutting grow bags to create pots. The difference between ericaceous and regular compost was explained and there was advice on protecting lavender and other plants from rabbit attack. Listeners questions included sowing blue danube potatoes, problems with rhubarb leaves, thinning apple trees and the importance of waiting for June drop, and treating white aphid and white fly on hedging.
Colourful bedding featured this week with Paraic discussing Pellargonium, Paris Daisy, Ballon Flower and Non-Stop Begonias in detail. He also recommended liquid feed for actively growing plants and issued a timely reminder for aphid control. Lupins were also highlighted with particular focus on the west coast series. Listerns questions ranged from feed for sunflowers and rhubarb to growing tomatoes in hanging baskets and pruning flowering cherry. Other topics covered this week included planting a bank or slope, dead heading geraniums, control of bishop weed and treating rust on roses.
As we head out of spring and into summer this week we focused on hanging baskets, bedding plants and fruit trees which are coming into flower at the moment and showing signs of a fruitful harvest. The coronet vareity of apples were featured as a plant that is easy to grow and requires low maintenance. The repair and maintenance of lawns was also discussed as was planting for the edible garden. Paraic advised on screening planting for privacy with hedging, tree and pampas grasses and highlighted the importance of trimming and staking when planting ornamental trees. Listeners questions this week included protecting beech hedging, moving bulbs, carrot seed resistant to root fly, dampening off seedlings and tips for sowing kale.
On this week's programme Pauric reinterated the need to feed plants at the moment as they are now actively growing. He advised on treatment for aphid and greenfly with lupins, boxwood, beech and roses being particularly susceptible at the moment, while plants featured today included Geranium Orange Fizz and a special pink ribbon plant in support of the upcoming Mayo Pink Ribbon Cycle. With soil conditions at an optimum Pauric noted that it is a great time to get things into the ground. Other topics discussed this week included earthworm casts, planting hanging baskets, using green manure to supress weeds around potatoe plants and controlling grubs in pots. Listeners questions featured growing Myrtle, fruit plants in pots, sowing roses at this time of year and climbers suitable for a pergola.
Mid April hearalds the time when plants really start to open up and with moisture levels remaining low Pauric noted that conditions are ideal for planting over the Easter weekend. It's also the time to start hanging baskets with trailing petunias, fuschia, lobelia and nastursiums all available now. Pauric gave tips on growing sweet peas, rhubarb and feeding strawberries while hardy hedging plants were featured for exposed areas. Listeners questions included controlling slugs organically, growing mouse melons, treatment of japanese knotweed and the care of camelias.
Garden design was the main feature of the programme this week. Pauric examined how we use our gardens and gave a hints and tips on how to make your garden work for you. He advised on strategies for planting, looked at different features and materials for various life stages and explored discussed different ways to combine indoor and outdoor life. The programme also discussed a variety of plants available now and included some listeners questions.
With plants now coming into their own Paraic recommended applying a tree and shrub fertiliser and advised on the best approach to use. The programme also highlighted feeding houseplants with recommendations on different feeds and featured cottage garden plants such as shasta daisy, asters, lupins and foxgloves. Bee friendly plants featured again this week while Paraic discussed the importance of planning for your location when choosing plants and hedging in particular. Listeners questions included controlling ivy, planting sprouted potatoes, ground covering plant for shade, treatment of club root in brassicas and growing spinach. Other plants discussed this week featured mother in laws tongue, royal burgundy, phalaenopsis, pear trees and montbretia.
On this week's programme Pauric discussed protecting tender plants from frost and encouraged cutting lawns, and feeding lawns and plants in general. The programme focused on Grow Your Own with shallots, sets, onions and horseradish all available now and Pauric talked about Petit Posy - an alternative to brussel sprouts. The simplicity of using seed tapes was also highlighted for sowing a range of plants and Pauric reminded listeners that now is a perfect time to plant herbs for Easter. Listeners questions included sowing sunflower seeds, transplanting strawberry plants from outdoors to tunnels, controlling and eradicating scutch and wild meadow grass, moving and pruning cherry blossoms and the use of garotta and other activators for compost.
It's the start of the potatoe planting season and this week's programme featured hints and tips on getting planting underway including an in-depth look at different varities that are suited to Irish conditions such as Sharp's Express, Red Duke of York, Setanta and Foremost. Paraic recommended planting indoors now in preparation for transplanting outdoors in a few weeks time. The programme also focused on spring flowering plants with camelias, magnolias and forsythia discussed. Other topics included hedging for bogland areas and seaside locations, the treatment of overgrown ivy, and the importance of worms and how to get them back into the garden. Listeners questions ranged from creating an avenue of trees on a driveway to gardening with children and planting scented roses.
This week's programme featured Shamrock in advance of St. Patrick's Day with a discussion on the history of the plant, growth and care of the different varietes plus options for sending it to loved ones overseas. With improved temperatures lawn care, feeding and maintenance was also covered on the programme while Paraic reommended tidying herbaceous border plants, hoeing out young weeds, trimming apple and fruit trees and generally feeding plants with shrub and tree fertiliser. Listeners questions included yellowing daffodil leaves, the care of indoor plants such as orchids and figs, pruning acers, bee freindly hedging, sowing mushrooms from kits. Climbing plants such as ivy and clematis were also discussed in depth with recommendations for planting and climbers suitable for different locations.
On this week's programme, the first of 2017, Paraic focused on sowing plants inside to bring them on before transplanting outdoors. Summer flowering bulbs such as begonia, gladioli, arum lily, dahlia and agapanthus all featured with a range of varieites recommended for colour and volume. Paraic also discussed planting vegetables including seed potatoes such as red duke of york, orla & colleen. Steps for the control of lawn moss were explained and Paraic also advised on replanting storm damaged mature trees and hedging. Listeners questions included planting rhubarb, blueberries and onions, repotting Christmas cactus and suggestions for bee friendly plants.
Colder temperatures signal the time to protect softer plants and the final programme of the current season advised on protecting plants over the winter period. Paraic discussed plants that provide good foliage colour in colder months including liquid amber, nandinia blush pink, smoke bush and winter heathers. Tips and hints included the importance of trimming back the tops of newly planted hedging, harvesting carrots and ground covering plants for sloped areas. Listeners questions featured planting bulbs in pots and containers, sowing green manure, winter flowers for window boxes, lifting and storing dahlias and using a step approach when covering an outdoor wall with climbers.
Garden designer Terry McEneany joined Paraic this week and the programme explored many aspects of garden design from form and function to location, lifetsytle and maintenance. Terry looked at different approaches to designing a garden including common challenges and how to plan for changes over the years. Questions included the use of artificial grass, disguising sceptic and oil tanks, designing outdoor cooking areas and trees suitable for long avenues. Other topics featured this week included mixed hedgerows, damaged viburnum davidii, problems with roses and winter flowering shrubs, plus advice on fruiting fig trees and how to ripen pumpkins.
Autumn colour was the main feature of this week's programme and Paraic discussed a range of plants providing colour and interest for the next couple of months including cyclamen, rhubarb & custard, jewel of the nile and capsicum. Paraic featured some seeds suitable for sowing now such as spring onions, broad beans, night scented stock and other hardy annuals. The programme advocated for moss control and concentrated on climbing plants that can be sown now. Listeners questions included showing a beech hedge, spring flowering bulbs for wooded areas, replanting window boxes, pruning apple trees and harvesting sweet potatoe.
Temperatures are starting to fall and this week's programme started with a timely reminder to protect softer flowering plants at night. Harvest season has arrived and Paraic explained how to recognise when fruit is ripe and the best approach to use when picking. He also advised on the importance of pruning and applying a winter wash once harvesting is complete. Other topics covered this week included planting fruit trees for next year, splitting rhubarb and propogating strawberries from runners. Listeners questions featured dwarf daffodils, cutting back wildflower meadows, pruning hyrdrangeas, controlling ivy using a brushwood killer, pruing and feeding blueberries and suggestions for good white climbers.
With Autumn winds blowing Paraic reminded listeners to firm down new trees and shrubs both at ground level and by securing stakes. It is also timely to cut back ivy on mature trees that may be vulnerable to storms in order to limit damage later. The programme focused on potting on geraniums, taking cuttings from plants such as coleus and rhus typhinia and moving hydrangeas and red flame japonica. Listeners questions included trees for colourful foliage, easy to grow house plants, harvesting conference pears, propogating using a cutting globe and soil preparation for hedge planting.
Autumn temperatures remain high this week and Paraic looked ahead to lawn tasks for the weekend such as weed control, grass cutting and re-seeding. Now is the time for planting autumn vegetables with varities of garlic, cabbage, purple sprouting broccoli, lettuce and spinach all recommended. Other topics covered included non flowering rhodedendrons, tunnel preparation and planting for Autumn, propogation of hawthorne and the best approach to planting silver birch. Listeners questions ranged from problems with poorly developed carrot roots to small decorative trees to combating the codley moth in apple trees and colour recommendations for Autumn and Christmas weddings.
In this week's programme Paraic discusses propagating plants such as rhubarb, hostas and grasses and recommends Autumn planting of onion sets. This is also the perfect time for showing seeds for hardy annuals such as sweet peas, godetia and wildflowers. Hedging was also featured this week with advice on what to choose for different environments and situations from fast growing Laurels to the colourful berry yielding Sea Buckthorn. Listeners questions included how to ripen green tomatoes, transplanting furze bushes, leather jacket infestation in lawns, the treatment of algae on hard surfaces and bulb planting in wooded areas.
In the first programme of the Autumn series Paraic discussed gardens at this time of year focusing in particular on lawn care, fruit harvesting and sowing seeds and bulbs for Spring. Topics included Plum trees with Opal and Victoria varieties recommended. Paraic also highlighted green manure as a way of enriching soil and explained how to take cuttings as the Autumn season approaches. Listeners questions included alternative varieties of Hydrangeas, how to grow coronet apples from rootstock, good pollinators to ensure fruit on Bramley apple trees, scented tulips, pruing hedges and fruiting plants and the correct method of moving a forest flame.
The final programme before the summer break focused on the effects of the strong temperatures and damp conditions which are leading to good growth. Paraic advised on the importance of treating plants that are susceptible to disease with a preventative fungicide. He also recommended tidying the garden and matintain weed control throughout the summer months. Plants featured this week included regular and short varieties of Arum Lillies, Cotoneaster and Maple trees, Dahlias, Hollyhocks and Forest Flame. Listeners questions inccluded Apple trees and June drop, control of carrot root fly, algal bloom on ponds, non flowering tomatoe plants thinning grape vines, pollinating kiwi fruit and greening lawns withouth forcing growth.
With so many plants now in full bloom Paraic started this week's programme with a demonstration on taking cuttings and gave tips on preparing the cutting, using rooting powder and compost/pearlite mix ratios. The programme also featured sowing flower seeds for next year including wallflowers, sweet williams, forget me nots, winter pansies and violas, and with moist and humid conditions continuing a reminder about treating for blight. Tomatoes, roses and mediterranean type plants also featured on the show this week while Paraic answered questions on Crinum bulbs, new lawns, alternatives to Bordeaux Mixture, aphids on cabbage and sowing Sycamore saplings.
The threat of blight was highlighted at the start of this week's programme with Paraic advising on the importance of treating straight away as humidity and moist conditions coincide at the moment. Temperatures are promoting a surge in growth and the programme focused on the importance of feeding plants and hanging baskets while taking preventative action against soil and air borne pests. Plants featured this week included the hybrid Adams Laburnum, Kale, Sweet Rocket, Basil and the Roma vairety of beefsteak tomatoes. Listeners questions ranged from damage caused by rabbits and hares to moving Rosa Rugosa and repotting Acer Ocakazuki.
With Bloom in full swing Paraic reported on some of the interetsing gardens on show this year and gave tips on getting the most out of what's on offer for those visiting the event. With temperatures remaining bouyant the programme featured advice on spraying for blight and liquid feeding plants while Paraic focused on useful plants such as Aloe Vera and Scaredy Cat. Other topics covered this week inlcuded planting lilacs, pinching back tomatoes, vegetable and herb planting and tackling Japanese Knotweed. Listeners questions featured slipping carnations, flowers for sunny areas, repotting Yucca plants, growing and watering cucumbers and tidying up daffodils and other spring bulbs.
Sweet Potatoe was the main plant featured this week - this South American native grows well in Ireland indoors and Paraic advised on fertiliser, growing conditions and varties that are particularly successful in our climate. Chilean Lantern and Laburnum are now coming into flower and Paraic spoke about the importance of feeding plants at this stage and also warned about the prevalence of pests in general recommending preventative action before its too late. Listeners questions included problems with bare patches in laws, sowing beetroot and kale, treating mare's tail and bind weed and lifting daffodils and bulbs in general.
Now that better temperatures have arrived Paraic reminded listeners this week to get vegetable, fruiting and flowering plants sown while sounding a note of caution about planting out warm weather dependent plants fully just yet. He also emphasised the importance of keeping newly sown plants watered and the benefits of applying a granultated feed at the moment. Garden tasks for the weekend included taking control of weeds and general lawn care. Tips included treating yellow patches in lawns, using a trellis-climber combination to disguise oil tanks and enriching soil with boron when sowing turnips. Listeners questions this week featured planting dwarf nastursiums in hanging baskets, planting out cherry trees, lemon scented geranium to ward off flies and re-potting Calathea Crocata.
With basket planting weekend upon us Paraic suggested a variety of flowering plants available at the moment including Dianthus, Gazania, Ageranthemum and Osteospermum. The advantages of grafted tomatoes were also discussed and Paraic advsied on the immediate feeding of young trees and shrubs and how to recognise and treat different aphid infestations. Roses, Snapdragons and Arum Lillies were featured while listeners quetsions included treating blight in Boxwood, Persicaria Affinis Superba for ground cover, rabbit proof plants and system feeds for house plants.
With the bank holiday weekend upon us Paraic focused on greenhouse gardening and suggested a varitey of vegetables suitable for planting: tomatoes, peppers, chillies, aubergine and some of the softer herbs. Paraic also advised on starting hanging baskets and suggested that plants shoudld be grown on for a week or two in advance of planting up fully. With lawn care still a challenge for many tips included moss treatment, greening up and treating bare patches. Listeners questions ranged from creating a cottage garden and sowing Hamamelis Jelena to protecting newly sown hedging against aphids and information on the Pheasant Berry shrub.
Weed control, planting up containers for spring, sowing herbs and night scented stock all featured on the first part of the programme this week. Paraic also spoke with Barry in the Bay Leaf Restaurant about herb planting and using natural ingredients in cooking. Topics discussed in depth included lawn care, treating leatherjackets and setting new lawns, sowing plants for school vegetable gardens and the importance of not over pruning Wisteria at this time of year. Listeners questions included Ardisia Crenata, growing Swiss Chard, cleaning out garden ponds to promote healhty pondlife and using brushwood killers to elminate underground roots.
It's Grow Your Own weekend and Paraic highlighted the preparation and planting of popular herbs, vegetables and fruit trees on the programme this week. With weather conditions improving it is also time to consider lawn care in general with tips provided on weed and moss control. Paraic discussed a range of trees that can be planted now: flowering cherry, laburnum, royal burgundy, stellar pink and cornus kousa while other topics included hanging baskets, organic slug control
and growing wild garlic ramsoms. Listeners questions featured composting in a wheelie bin, soil conditions for growing lavender, protecting fruit trees from jackdaws, propogating old roses and maintenance of phlox plants.
This week's programme featured a community gardening initiative in Kiltimagh with Paraic out and about talking to the people involved. Wormeries as a means of composting cooked food were also featured highlighting the stacked pots method. Platning and pruning of roses in containers featured too - Paraic advised on varities that are good for growing in containers and pots including The Scarlett Patio Rose, Precious Amber and Mum in A Million. Paraic discussed the Dig or No Dig debate for raised beds and gave tips on installing land drains in wet areas. Listeners questions featured Rhubarb, basil, japanese knotweed, carrot root fly, chinese lantern and evergreen trees.
With potatoe planting season in full swing this week's programme started with a special feature on growing one of our favourite crops. Leonie provided tips on varieties and methods for growing while Paraic recommended some varities for those who like to eat them baked; King Edwards, Kerrs Pink, Orla and Cailin. Asparagus, Chickpeas, Sweet Potatoes and Sweet Peppers also featured in this edition. Listeners questions included sowing tomatoes in a greenhouse, curtailing broad leaved weeds in lawns, pruning Broom, Apple Trees and Roses and problems associated with poor performing daffodils.
The programme this week featured an update on gorwing sprouting seeds and Paraic also advised on planting sweet pea with tips to encourage lateral branching. The subject of algae on plants was also featured together with planting geraniums by propogation and the importance of using a high potash fertiliser when cutting back hydrangeas. Questions included sweet tasting tomatoe varieties, planting rhubarb, care and maintenance of amaryllis matterhorn, planting out and propagating begonias and Paraic suggested some flowering varieties for feature trees.
With St. Patrick's Day just passed potatoes were the main feature of the pogramme this week as now is the ideal time for planting. Paraic advsied on good planting conditions and best varieties for different soil types. Varieites discussed included British Queen, Setanta, Sharp's Express, Cailín, Orla, Red Duke of York and Kestrel. Paraic also featured wheatgrass which can be sown indoors now and looked at Phacelia for attracting bees into the garden. Listeners questions included how to green up a lawn, composting, planting Arum Lillies, sowing sweet pea from seed, lifting and storing beetroot and cutting back clematis, both spring and summer flowering varieties.
Hedging was the spotlight feature on this weeks programme with advice on planting methods, pruning and feeding a varity of different hedges including privet and red robin, Other topics included a discussion on shade loving plants focusing on varieties such as Spotted Laurel, Castor Oil Plant, Ferns and Begonias for flower colour. The treatment and feeding of everlasting swee pea, tackling scab on fruit trees and sowing cabbage from seed and plant also featured while listeners questions covered pruning roses, changing hydrangea colours and sowing lupins.
The first programme in the 2016 season featured a discussion on beekeeping, pollination and honey production in the west of Ireland. Suggestions for Mother's Day gift ideas included Camelias, Dianthus, Azaleas and Double Flowering Begonias. The topic of moss was discussed in depth with solutions suggested for both lawns and hard surfaces and Paraic advised on how the new legislation regarding weedkillers has impacted on non-commercial gardeners. Listeners questions included slug and blight resistant potatoe varieities, evergreen climbers and pruning in general from fruit trees to hedging.
This weeks programme focused on treatments for moss on grass and hard surfaces in addition to exploring solutions to curtail briars, nettles and mare's tail. Plants featured this week included the Chinese Lantern Plant and Autumn Dwarf Anenome. Paraic addressed listerners queries on trimming Leylandii hedges, cross pollinating Skimmia, cabbage root fly, over wintering geraniums and getting rid of ragworth. Cyclamen, capiscums, primulas and winter pansies were suggested for winter colour bedding and the programme also highlighted the correct soil for growing blueberries and shrubs suitable for a south facing border.
On the first programme of the autumn season Paraic looked back at how plants performed during the summer months and with soil conditions now perfect suggested a variety of vegetable options for planting right now including onion sets, garlic, spinach, spring cabbage and lettuce. Questions this week featured re-seeding a back garden, trimming back red robin, poor performing apples, slipping verbena, boron deficient cauliflower, tips to store carrots, parsnips and onions. Paraic also advised on the best way to remove thistles and docks in lawns, black slugs attaching potatoes, cleaning ponds of reeds, flowering plants for schools and the best way to store begonias over the winter months.
With the bank holiday weekend upon us Paraic looked at things to do in the garden over the next few days. It is a perfect time to plant up strawberries and other summer fruits and now that weather conditions are accelerating the growth of Mare's tail Paraic advised on ways of curtailing this most stubborn of weeds. It is also a good time to prevent soil borne pests, planting hanging baskets and seeding new lawns. Listeners questions this week featured the trimming back of spring flowering bulbs, the prevalence of slugs in composters and the importance of not overplanting trees when planting on from pots. Other plants discussed included lemon scented geranium, wysteria, grapevines and cowparsley.
Weather conditions over the past few weeks have made early potatoe plants susceptible to blight so this week's programme started with a blight warning with Paraic advising on how best to protect young shoots. Key tasks for the coming week featured tackling algal bloom in ponds and water features, feeding of plants in general and the planting of roses with advice on soil, feeding and pest prevention. Paraic also discussed putting out hanging baskets, preventing woodlice from damaging seedlings, trimming bay trees and planting out rosemary and lavendar. Listeners questions included sowing everlasting sweet pea on banks, vegetable plants suitable for shady areas, treatement of flea beetle on rhubarb and flowering plants for december colour.
Planting up baskets and window boxes and frost hardy bedding plants featured on this weeks programme. Paraic advised on the importance of feeding and watering to ensure successful hanging baskets and cautioned against planting out the softer bedding plants just yet. Soil temperatures are now ideal to apply feed to hedging, shrubs and trees while it is also an optimum time to apply treatemnts to ward off pests and disease. Listeners questions this week included poor performing potatoes and hydrangeas, perennial plants for summer colour, trees eating apple blossom and sowing Poached Egg plant from seeds. Paraic also advsied on the importance of not planting trees too deeply and how and when to trim heathers.
The programme focused on fruit trees this week with ideal planting conditions for planting fruit. Paraic advised on selection and soil types for apple trees and in particular looked at the coronet family as a good variety for flavour and ease of management. Paraic also discussed blueberries, damson fruit and strawberries and advsied on soil types for the different fruit. Listeners questions included feed for shrubs and trees, problems with poor performing bare root hedgeing, frost damage on cameilas, tackling gooseberry sawfly, suitable hedging for north wind locations, treatment of cabbage root fly and pruning back wallflowers. Plants featured this week included Alstroemeria and Eau de Cologne Mint.
Weather conditions are ideal this week for sowing seeds and Paraic kicked off this edition with advice on how to maximise the combination of moisture and heat. Topics featured included week killers for gravel and bind weed, pruning, feeding and planting hydrangeas and suitable climbers for exposed areas. Listeners questions included how to grow apple trees in pots, sowing carpet roses in seaside locations, timming and feeding cordaline and curtailing rootstock growth on weeping cherry. Paraic also discussed the suitability of boggy soil for growing vegetables and advised on the best approach for constructing a rockery.
With the spring sunshine making an impact a discussion on herbaceous plants kicked off the programme this week. Paraic discussed a range of plants including everlasting sweet pea, perennial wallflowers, phlox, dianthus, campanula, lupins and delphiniums. Listeners questions included tips for feeding rhubarb, how to increase the rate of organic decomposition, potting up dahlias, correct compost for spwing basil seed and growing tomatoes in a greenhouse. Other topics covered on this week's programme included treating mare's tail on graves, earthing up potatoes to avoid frost damage, suitable climbing plants for wall coverage and when to choose between liquid and pellet feeds.
This week's gardening programme got underway with a discussion on the GroMor initiative which aims to encourage younger adults to take up gardening. Paraic also highlighted new EU legislation due to come into effect later in the year in relation to the use and purchase of herbicides. Listeners questions featured how to plant up and maximise growth on trailing petunias, the benefits of double layering seed potatoes, pruning and feeding fruit bushes & trees, the use of nematodes for controlling soil borne pests and tips for planting up strawberries for summer fruit.
This week's programme kicked off with a discussion on the upcoming design weekend and advice on how listeners could get involved. Topics featured different varieties of cherry tomatoes, peppers and chillies that grow in pots, using herbs as a method of deterring insects and the return in popularity of cottage garden plants. Listeners' questions included grafting apple trees from rootstock, suitable plants to grow on a sloping back, the application of rose clear and how to solve the problem of poor flowering daffodils. Paraic also discussed the growing of wheatgrass and horseradish, and outlined methods of curtailing caterpillars which included growing nasturtiums and creating an acidic solution from rhubarb leaves.
This week's gardening programme got underway with a discussion on the GroMor initiative which aims to encourage younger adults to take up gardening. Paraic also highlighted new EU legislation due to come into effect later in the year in relation to the use and purchase of herbicides. Listeners questions featured how to plant up and maximise growth on trailing petunias, the benefits of double layering seed potatoes, pruning and feeding fruit bushes & trees, the use of nematodes for controlling soil borne pests and tips for planting up strawberries for summer fruit.
The dry weather over the past week means conditions are perfect for planting right now and this weeks programme focused on final preparations before the growing season commences in earnest. Paraic advised about pruning, the application of winter wash and the importance of getting vegetables into the ground as soon as possible. Listeners questions featured beech hedging, creating a rose garden with full show for summer and sowing camelias and forest flame out from pots. Paraic discussed the suitability of slowing alpines on a sloping bank, caring for indoor orchids, the application of PAC and Osmo in the treatment of moss and listed options for varieties of tomatoe and cabbage.
With Mother's Day just around the corner this weeks programme kicked off with a look at some annual flowering options for this time of year such as hyndrangeas, camelias, orchids and peace lillies. Paraic also advised on gardening tasks for the coming week: lawn care, vegetable planting and spring colour options. Listeners questions featured potting hydrangeas, cutting back leylandii, removing moss from flower beds, getting rid of briars and early varieties of carrots.
This week's programme featured advice on hedging with many bare root options now available for planting. Paraic also discussed plants for Mother's Day such as camelias and hydrangeas and herb pots for the cooks. Listeners questions featured the pruning and feeding of roses, growing green manure plants, splitting and sowing dahlias, removing algae from pots and planting ferns, daisies and slug resistant potatoes. Paraic also advised on the treatment of box blight, sowing morning glory and curtailing wild rhubarb.
The final programme of this year's series focused on putting the garden to bed for Winter. Bare root hedging, feeding the lawn for the winter season, fruit planting, cutttings and taking control of weeds all featured this week. Listeners questions included Berberis hedging, pruning Hydrangeas, problems with splitting carrots, how to store beetroot and carrots, boron deficiency in turnips, flowering anturiums, testing soil for deficiency, splitting dahlias and the treatment of pampas grasses over the winter period.
This week's programme focused on planting garden trees with options for a variety of different soil types and locations. Pete advised on soil preparation, planting from bare root and looked at the merits of a variety of trees offering bark, flower and leaf colour at different times of the year. The planting of climbers also featured from evergreens to those offering flowering and leaf colour. Soil preparation and aftercare was also described in depth. Listeners questions featured trees for a windy and wet location, pruning hydrangeas, sowing apple trees from pots and flowering camillias.
The programme this week focused on pruning - from shrubs and hedges to ornamental and fruit trees. Pete & Mick advised on pruning in general and looked a best practice after care. The use of winter wash and grease bands was highlighted together with the overwintering of trees. For those looking to maintain colour thorugout the upcoming season a variety of options were discussed including winter violas, cyclamen and autumn foliage plants. Listeners questions included non-flowering Amaryllis, trees for a medium sized garden, introduciing worms to the garden and using manure as compost.
Honey production is now in full swing and Paraic brought some local varieties to studio this week and outlined the benefits from this natural food source. Topics included hedge trimming at this time of year, options for spring cabbage and planting for ponds. Listeners questions featured holly trees and berries, green and copper beech hedging, maintianing wormers and care of indoor plants such as Bromeliad Guzmania, Yucca and Amaryllis. Paraic also reminded schools of the ongoing Wild Bird Competition which has a closing date of 20th of October.
Each week Padraic Horkan from Horkans Garden Centre joins Dedrie Kelly to look at every aspect of the world of gardening. From answering listeners' queries to explaining the ins and outs of every plant known to man,Padraic has all bases covered when it comes to gardening.
With the good weather foreceast to hold for the rest of September Paraic advised on moving plants at this time of year, gave steps on planting Amaryllis for christmas flower and described the method for collective seeds for perennial plants. He also advocated the cleaning out of greenhouses and polytunnels now and the harevesting of fruit. Listeners questions included pruning beech hedging and the butterfly bus, rose bee damage to rose bushes, trees to plant for autumn colour and the harvesting and storing gladioli. Paraic also outlined how to establish a compost heap and described the "stale bed technique" to prevent weed growth in vegetable gardens.
This week's programme started off by focusing on new options for treating moss on hard surfaces. Topics included the fruiting and pruning of fig trees, repotting Camelias and how to plant ivy leafed cyclamen. Paraic gave tips on how to reseed areas of lawn that have been damaged, using grease bands as an organic way of prevent pests on fruit trees, how to add fertility to soil and the to treat boxwood for box blight. Listeners queries featured grease bands as an organic treatment for preventing pests on fruit trees and flowering bulbs for classroom enviornments.
On this weeks programme Paraic demonstrated how to grow geraniums and other plants from cuttings. He discussed harvesting apples and focused on heathers as an option for autumn winter colour. Methods for removing bindweed were highlighted as it is weakest at this time of year and Paraic outlined tips for growing fruiting plants in containers. Listeners questions focused on growing pear and apple trees on espaliers, the pruning of birch and mountain ash, overwintering swiss chard, creating a heat bed or "hot box" for propogation, moving blueberry trees, hedging for seaside locations and sowing a wildflower meadow at this time of year.
In advance of the start of the autumn season this special programme focused on wildlife in the garden. Paraic was joined by Eanna ní Lamhna and a lively discussion featured native plants to attract birds and willdlife into the garden together with how the natural eco system can be used to the gardener's benefit . The popularity of wildlife in schools was evident in questions on where to plant feeders and how to monitor activity. Other topics featured a variety of big and small birds including swallows, finches and magpies. The value of wasps, hedgehogs, wood lice and bees were also discussed by the panel.
Paraic kicked off the autumn series of the garden programme with a list of tips and tasks for gardeners during September - advice included lawn care, taking advantage of late flowering plants and planting bulbs and seeds for next spring. Mushrooms. maintenance and care of roses and pruning of hedges featured in listeners questions. Paraic also advised on how to strip and reseed a lawn at this time of year, how to prevent slug and wireworm damage in potatoes and discussed plants such as phacilia which are beneficial for attracting bees.
In the last programme before the summer break Paraic focused on tasks for the weeks ahead. Lawncare, deadheading flowers, roses, jobs in the vegetable garden and weed and pest control were all discussed in detail. Listeners questions included suitable plants to add to a fish pond, pale leaves on a Fastia Japonica, problems with strawberries not fruiting, cuckoos spit on Lady's Mantle and when to prune back and feed Wisteria. The sowing of seeds for Autumn growth, the propogation of plants from slips, deterrants for rabbits and house flies, varieties of calla lillies and how to grow Hibiscus were also featured this week.
With aphid activity very prevalent at the moment Paraic kicked off this week's programme with an adviosry on aphids and prevention measures. The importance of adequate watering and feeding in hot weather was also covered in detail and Paraic suggested ensuring hedges and apple trees got a light trimming at this time of year. Questions featured dahlias, camelias and birds of paradise, growing turnips and the treatment of brownheart, growing rhodedendrons from seed, slips and layering , and blanket weed in ponds.
Paraic issued a potatoe blight warning at the start of this weeks programme and advised the use of systemic treatments to help allieviate blight problems. With good weather forecast now is the time to get a head start in the garden and Paraic discusse a range of options to provide colour now and into the latter summer months - plants featured included geraniums, lupins, peoneys and see breeze. Listeners questions included treatment of carrott and cabbage root fly, the care and treatment of rhubarb now that growing is almost finished, sowing seeds now for spring, growing apple trees and tips on variety selection such as Coxes Orange Pippin, Elstar, Katie and James Greave.
Cottage garden planst and trees were featured extensively on this weeks programme. The importance of planning for colour throughout the summer months was emphasised and Pete & Mick advised on soil preparation and how to combine plants of different heights and varieties to create a spectacular show. Tree planting for all environments was discussed and top tips included how to stake new trees, maintaining grass at the tree base and pruning for the particular environment. Listeners questions featured rhubarb, the flowering and fruiting of pears, plums and cherries, treating for potatoe blight, choosing a glasshouse or ploytunnel and aphids on oak trees.
Hydrangeas and Lavander were featured in detail on this week's programme and Micheal reviewed the gardens at the Bloom festival focusing on current trends and novel planting ideas. Listeners questions featured pruning Forest Flame to promote a second flush of growth, tending to Peoney roses, moving Cameilias and Azaleas, black spot on roses and the correct way to roll a lawn. Lawn care for the bank holiday weekend was also discussed in detail in addition to advice on flowers for hanging baskets and window pots.
Feile na Tuaithe and Bloom were featured on this weeks programme together with ideas for planting summer bedding schemes. A variety of listeners questions included the sowing of aubergines, controlling weeds in potatoes and tackling mares tail. Paraic advised on optimum environments for growing olive plants, moss on hard surfaces,feeds for lupins, hydrangeas and rhodedendrons, tips for planting sweetcorn and best practice when moving spring flowering bulbs.
Hanging baskets were featured extensively on this weeks programme - Paraic advised on planting tips and suitable plants for different sized baskets. Fushia and Perennial Nastursiums were also discussed together with tops for planting slopes and banks. Listeners questions included hedging options for seaside locations, fungal infections on grass, summer bedding plants for September colour, pruning wisteria and the treatement of slugs, snails, vine weavils and caterpillars which are all so prevalent at the moment.
Paraic featured climbers on this weeks programme and looked at a range of varieties that can be planted at the moment. Paraic also featured the west coast series of lupins and sweet potatoe plants. With the wet weather the feeding of plants and lawns was advised. Listeners questions included the treatment of prolific weeds such as Mare's Tail, small to medium sized trees, options for sowing a wild flowering meadow and plants suitable for shaded locations.
This weeks programme started with a feature on Lilacs - varieties such as Royalty were discussed together with advice on pruning and maintenance for maximum colour. With soil temperatures at opitmum condition for germination Paraic talked about sowing vegetable plants from seed and discussed meausres to counteract aphids which are expected in abundance this year. Listeners questions included the treatemnt of algae in fish ponds, controlling weeds around copper beech hedging, how to stake and train weeping willows and the sowing petunias and lobelias in hanging baskets.
Flowers for colour in May was the key topic on this weeks programme. Paraic described a range of plants that provide good colour at this time of year including lavender, sonetti and early flowering dahlias. Listeners questions included best options for a sunny sloping bank of soil, replanting rhodedendrons, lavendar varieties and best practice for planting and maintaining throughout the summer months and tree varieties for wedding presents.
Featured plants on this weeks programme included lemon geranium, everlasting sweet pea and night scented stock. Paraic issued a last call for the pruning of roses and discussed the planting of hanging baskets including suitable plants, soil preparation, feeding, watering and gave tips on promoting longevity. He also advised on creating raised beds and suggested a range of flowers and plants. Listeners questions featured flat topped cherry trees, the care of mallus trees, tips for growing blueberries, the pruning of oleria hedges and the treatment of pot planted boxwood.
A range of listeners questions were featured on the programme this week. Paraic advised on lawn care, the eradication of weeds, including clickweed and liverworth, moss and the treatment of bare patches and wild grasses. Steps were given on how to plant cuttings in pots and then move outside, including hydrangeas, forest flame and varieties of plants for instant colour. Other topics covered included pond plants, marbling on potatoes, root flies, leatherjackets, sweet peas and planting climbers.
Grow Your Own was the main theme of this weeks programme. Paraic discussed growing mangetout and peas, strawberries and cherry tomatoes in hanging baskets and rhubard. Issues with potatoes including scab and wireworm were covered together with the growing of sweet potatoes. Listeners questions featured dahlias, begonias, red robin, galdiolai and camelias, and the perennial qaulities of wallflowers were considered.
On the gardening progamme this week Paraic Horkan advised on a range of herbs suitable for growing outside in Ireland including varietites of mint, lavander, thyme and oregano. Paraic also gave details on an upcoming advice clinic and listeners questions included planting colocasia and fritillaria, the care of peony roses, suitable compost for passion flowers and blooms to grow for cut flowers for summer. Astrantia, asparagus and plants for mothers day were also discussed.
Roses were featured on this weeks programme and a variety of listeners questions covered including the pruning of roses, care and planting of climbing and wild roses and sutiable red varieties. Other topics covered this week include the removal of ivry from trees, the post flowering treatment of Amaryllis, self fertilising apple treees and associated pruning tips, sweet william, globe artichokes and suitable trees for front gardens.
On this weeks programme Paraic discussed garden design and easy ways to sow seeds. He gave top tips for the bank holiday weekend and answered a variety of listeners questions which included; how to take cuttings from Dahlias, mildew problems on strawberries, self fertilizing holly bushes, maple trees and first cuts for lawns.
The 2014 garden sesons kicked off with information on shamrock and options for growing and sending shamrock overseas. A variety of listener questions included the annual challenge of moss in lawns and on hard surfaces. The sowing of potatoes was covered with options for salad, floury, high yield and early varietes discussed. The programme also feautred the pruning of roses, laurel hedges and apple trees.
The 2014 garden sesons kicked off with information on shamrock and options for growing and sending shamrock overseas. A variety of listener questions included the annual challenge of moss in lawns and on hard surfaces. The sowing of potatoes was covered with options for salad, floury, high yield and early varietes discussed. The programme also feautred the pruning of roses, laurel hedges and apple trees.
On the final programme of the current series Peter Horkan discussed the planting of bulbs for Christmas and springtime. The planting of Amaryllis and Hyacinths in pots featured as did sowing daffodils and other bulbs for spring flowers. Peter also focused on bare root hedging for both deciduous and evergreen plants and advised on the importance of the preparation of the planting area. Listeners questions included scutch grass on lawns, how to take cuttings propogation of carnations, the storage of dahlias, pruning roses and over wintering geraniums.
This week's programme started with a discussion on beekeeping as a hobby and gave listeners tips on how to get started. The progrramme also focused on tidying up the garden over the bank holiday weekend including what do with lawns, flowerbeds, planting for spring, pruning and planting of fruit and ways to preserve herbs over the winter season. Listeners questions in cluded problems with Hydrangeas not flowering, the best way to prune raspberries, when to move lillies, propogating wild heather, how to stop birds eating berries on holly and daffodils not flowering.
The topic of gardening and horticulture courses was discussed in detail on this weeks programme which also featured advice on lifting begonia and dahlia bulbs, sowing hardwood cuttings, plants suitable for growing in school classrooms and trees for golf clubs. Paraic described the steps involved in composting and covered the options between bare root and potted plants for hedging. Listeners questions included the managment of Ladies Mantle, Horseradish, Melons and Willow Herb.
Paraic discussed maintence and growth of hedging this week. He advocated for the light cuttting back of hedges in advance of winter and for the planting of new or replacement hedges right now. Other Autumn taks included the pruning of autumn raspberries and the clearing out of summer bedding. Questions included advice on choosing the right site and soil for a polytunnel, transplanting pink ornamental acer, growin g Fig trees in the west of Ireland and the pruning of grape vines.
This weeks programme featured a variety of plants in studio, ideal for autumn/winter growth and color. Peter Horkan advised listeners on suitable plants for a selection of environments, both indoor and outdoor, and suggested some plants suitable for both berry and flowering colour. Listeners questions this week featured pampas grasses, hydrangeas, planting spring bulbs and sowing new lawns at this time of year. Other topics included maximising fruit yields from apple and plum trees and tips on how to get plants rooted and established as quickly as possible.
Planting for winter colour and tidying up flower beds in preparation for spring were the main topics covered on the programme this week. Paraic gave advice on the propogation of Brambley apples, how to grow roses from seed, the pruning of plum trees and other stone fruits and advised on the use of Mortone as a weedkiller. Listeners questions featured African Marigolds, Sweet Peas, the harvesting and storage of onions and transplanting Red Robin.
The topic of climbers was covered in depth on the programme this week. Paraic discussed growing techniques, the importance of soil and location preparation, vigorous and less vigorous varieties and how to choose the right plant for the right location. Wildlife and hegehogs in the garden also featured and Paraic answered listeners questions on the propogation of Dahlia tubers, growing contorted Hazel and Apple trees on espaliers and advised on suitable herbs to grow for use in Winter.
This weeks programme featured advice on how best to deal with Mare's Tail, boradleaf weeds in lawns and moss control at this time of year. Paraic discussed the harvesting of fruit and preparing fruit for planting for the next growing season, from choosing locations to soil reparation. Listeners questions included the planting of bulbs in woodland areas, planting shrub beds in a new lawn and planting a new lawn suitable for a household with children and dogs.
The second programme of the autumn series focused on key tasks that gardeners should be considering at this time of year. Paraic gave lots of advice on planting now for spring, particularly bulbs for new year colour. He also discussed planting options to maintain colour in the garden during the winter months including ornamental vegetables, heathers and cyclamen. Listeners questions included maintenance and pruning of apple trees and orchards and how to take cuttings from herbs such as rosemary, lavender, sage and thyme.
Roses were the main topic of discussion on the programme this week and Paraic was joined in studio by rose grower and expert Colin Hughes. Colin gave lots of advice on tips on rose growing, different varieties for different settings and how to get the best from roses in terms of colour, scent and longevity. Listeners questions included planting suggestions once lettuce had been harveseted, the propogation of cucumbers, the harvesting of rhubarb and when to move strawberries.
This weeks programme included a blight warning and advice on how to put measures in place to help prevent the spread of blight on potatoes and other susceptible plants. Other topics included how to pinch out tomatoe plants to maximize yield, suggestions for edible flowers and Paraic gave a step by step guideline on how to start off a new shrub bed from soil preparation to plant selection. Listeners questions featured queries on tree ferns, conifers, witch hazel, lavender, strawberries and broad beans.
Paraic gave a variety of top tips for gardening this week. Now that the fine weather has arrived topics covered included the control of weeds which are very prolific just now and the sowing of Spring flowering plants from seed for next year. Paraic also focused on the planting of Laburnum, Sweet William, Peas & Beans, and he also advised on how to grow chilli plants and how to get the best from flowering and fruit plants.
With the weather much improved this week's programme focused on a range of listeners questions. Topics included the feeding of hedging, growing climbers and the best way to prepare soil for optimum results. Paraic advised on how to deal with Froghoppers or Cuckoo Spit on tomatoe plants and informed listeners about how to deal with buttercups in lawns and when to cut back Red Robin, Broom and when to transplant Forest Flame. The growing of Bluebells, African Lillies and trees suitable for large gardens was also covered on the programme this week.
This week the programme looked forward to the annual Bloom event and answered listeners questions on feeding vegetables and ericaceous plants, the care of apple and plum trees to maximise fruit yields and the sowing of peppers from seeds. Paraic also discussed the benefits of ants in ploytunnels and outlined how to grow a lawn from scratch.
This week's programme featured questions on Cleaver's weed and Japanese Notweed with Paraic giving advice on how to get rid of both. Pests problems included the management of Gooseberry Sawfly and Vine Weavil and Paraic also gave tips on planting of Strawberries both in the ground and in pots. Suggestions for rhodedendons for small gardens and suitable climbers for tree trunks were aslo covered in addition to the planting and care of lambs lettuce, basil and grapevines.
On this week's programme Paraic Horkan gives tips on planting cabbage out of doors, how to treat slugs damaging lawns and discusses a range of varieties of climbing roses. Paraic also advises on the treatment and prevention of eelworm in potatoes, gives tips on optimising returns from lettuce and best practice on feeding a variety of weather damaged evergreen hedging.
Paraic Horkan joins James King on the programme this week with summer approching, answering listeners questions.
With spring finally in the air this weeks programme focused on growing vegetables and plants of all varieties. Paraic advised about rhubarb and the Timberley Earley variety together with planting shamrock in pots and from seeds. Hints and tips included sowing carrotts and how to prevent forking and how to tackle dandelions in lawns and pathways. Sunflowers, Gold Crest trees and greenhouse planting were also topics covered on this weeks programme.
Apple trees, Daffodils, potatoes and begonias were all featured on the programme this week. Paraic gave advice on growth and care of Wisteria, Fushia, dwarf pampas grass and lupins. He also provided some tips for greening of lawns and discussed a variety of spring and summer outdoor plants with plenty of colourful options for listeners.
With the planting season well underway this week's topics included the planting of window boxes and baskets, propagating Dicentra (Bleeding Heart) and varieties of tomatoe that are easy to grow. Paraic also answered queries on how to prevent pests damaging yourng vegetables, tackling thistles in lawns, transplanting blueberry plants from pots and the care of Aloe Vera plants.
This week Paraic advised on flowering plants that are good to attract bees and suggested good varietes of flowers and plants for conservatories. He also gave tips on patching bare areas in lawns following moss removal and the best approach to feeding daffodils. Other topics included the pollination of triploids such as Bramley Apple Trees, the sowing of spinach and suggestions for those wishing to give a tree as a present.
The programme focused on the current slow growing conditions created by the cold weather spell. Paraic discussed how to grow sweet potatoes, aubretia and gave advice on sowing sweet peas, lupins and flowers for shady areas. He also described how the old "hot bed" system worked and gave extensive information on the growing of rhubarb including best soil conidtions and best practice to optmise rhubarb harvest.
Topics covered this week included the preparation of raised beds, pruning older apple trees, protecting young plants from very cold weather and the ongoing treatment of moss on lawns. Paraic also gave advice on growing in plastic tunnels, good hedges to plant for security and the care of peach trees in greenhouses.
On this week's programme Paraic discussed how to plant baby bedding plants, the right time to prune holly, the planting of horseradish and how to tackle the problem of briars and rushes. He also gave suggestions for good floury potatoes and colourful dahlia varieties while the planting of Goji berries and the problem of algae in ponds were also topics covered this week.
Padraic Horkan joins Deirdre Kelly with all the best gardening advice once again on Saturday morning.
On the final programme of the current series Paraic discussed tidying up the garden for the Autumn and the best method for creating a compost heap. He also gave advice on moving trees and shrubs at this time of year and focused on lawn care for the winter months. Other topics covered included suggestions for trees for exposed seaside areas, bulbs that can be planted now in for Christmas, the control of Nostuk and the pruning of plum trees and other fruits that contain a stone in the middle.
Items featured on this week's programme included suitable shrubs for transplanting window boxes, options for early Spring flowering bulbs, pruing of apple trees and growing of blueberries. Paraic advised on the sowing and maintenance of Hornbeam and Sea Buckthorn hedging and answered listeners questions on exchanging rosebeds for heather beds and pruning Weeping Willow.
This week Paraic gave advice on the care of raspberry bushes and discussed a variety of trees, roses and flowers from both seeds & cuttings. Flowering and berry bearing hedging was featured together with suitable broad leaved trees for medium and large gardens. Other topics included ripening tomatoes, growing grapes in greenhouses, controlling the spread of bamboo and the effective control of horse/mare's tail weeds.
On the programme this week Paraic discussed the different apple varieties that are now ready for harvesting and how to prune trees for the winter, he gave advice on scutch grass and garden drainage and dealth with a selection of questions on both wild and cultivated rhubarb. Other topics covered included the care and maintenance of bamboo, swiss cheese plants and curtailing the spread of Montbretia
On this week's programme Paraic discussed how to move mature trees such as Liquid Amber and Wedding Cake Trees. He gave advice on the treatment of problems in lawns and how to deal with grass growing through shrubs and flower borders. Paraic also gave tips on planting bulbs in pots, how to sow lavender and answered a wide variety of listeners questions.
The Gardening Programme is back for the Autumn season and this week features tips on tidying up the garden for winter. Paraic answered listeners questions on storing pruning and replanting hedging, the merits of slow and fast growing hedging were explored and Paraic aslo advised on how to grow cuttings of various plants. Harvesting and storing of potatoes and rhubarb was also discussed together with advice on moss on both lawns and tarmac.
This week Paraic outlined the best procedure for Summer pruning of apple trees in order to promote growth and he discussed sowing Purple Sprouting Broccoli. With weather conditions favouring the spread of blight Paraic advised on preventative treatments both traditional and organic. Other topics covered included climbing plants, dahlias and begonias, onions that have gone to seed and how to deal with a wasps nest close to a house.
On this week's gardening programme Paraic outlined a variety of plants that would be good for planting now. He also gave tips on trimming box hedges, and advised on how to remove moss from both hard surfaces and lawns. He discussed trimming laurel hedges, care of tomatoe plants now in growth and how to get the best from window boxes and hanging baskets.
This week Paraic suggested trees with good leaf colour for large gardens and flowers that would provide colour in July. He outlined how to grow sweet potatoes, peas, beans, swiss chard and wisteria and gave tips for growing grapevines in greenhouses. The care of Shefflera (Umbrella Plant) and Qunce was also discussed and listeners heard about the Clew Bay Garden Trail.
Paraic tackled the problem of Strawberry Weavils this week along with some other garden pests, including rabbits and slugs. Advice was given on how to take and cultivate hollyhock, delphinium and foxglove cuttings and gave tips on the care of roses. The programme also featured topics on turnips, horses tail and tomatoe varieties for haning baskets.
With weather conditions ideal for the spread of blight at the moment Paraic gave lots of advice on how to prepare to combat blight in both potatoes and tomatoes, and he also advised on how to treat mildew on roses. The problem of Japanese Knot Weed and its eradication was also featured and Paraic gave tips on feeding tomatoes and growing cucumbers.
This week's programme featured information on growing Sunflowers from seed, how to eradicate daisies in lawns and the treatment of wire worm in carrots and potatoes. Pauric also discusssed the growing of blue and pink hydrangeas and talked about the care of japanese and oranmetal maples.
This week on the Gardening Programme Paraic Horkan discussed a selection of good plants to sow in borders, he gave advice on how to treat lawns that are impoverished and not growing well. Listeners also head how to treat soil with wireworm and how to deal wth caterpillars on Gooseberries.
On this week's Gardening Programme Paraic gave advice on sowing herbs, suggested nice options for border colour for May & June, advised on growing and care of Wedding Cake Trees, gave tips on how to treat frost damaged Hydrangeas and advised on best practice on sowing oak trees from seedlings.
On this week's Gardening Programme Paraic looked at current tasks in the garden for the bank holiday weekend, he gave tips on sewing herbs, discussed Super Nemos as a treatment for pests and vegetables and gave advice on how to deal with bindweed. The programme also featured a slot of growing French and Runner Beans and there was a competition for tickets to Bloom.
This week Paraic gave steps on how to plant a new lawn from scratch for beginner gardeners and also advised on shrub selections for first timers. Other topics included the propagation of Daphne Mezereum, the application of Linuron on potatoes and carrotts, advice on planting baskets and window boxes, growing tomatoes in grow bags and good options for planting around an archway.
This week Pauric gives advice on care of lilacs and geraniums and looks at the planting and care of Birch Trees. We hear how to go about planting a wildflower meadow, trees that are suitable for wet areas and also good choices for windy areas. Paraic also advises on the planting of tomatoes, chillies and peppers and discusses how to combat weeds like Mare's Tail and brambles.
On this week's programme with Pauric gave advice for maintaining broadleaved trees including maple, birch and mountain ash. He discussed alternative vegetables for planting in raised beds, looked at planting in exposed sites, advised on shothole fungus on laurels, planting plum and apple trees and suitable plants for shady areas.
On this week's programme Padraic discussed care of Daffodils & Tulips once the season has passed, he gave advice on preparing the ground and planting a new lawn. Listeners questions were answered including treatment of greenfly on house plants, sowing Sunflowers with children and how to plant a rose bed.
On this week's programme Padraic spoke about sowing vegetables, summer flowers & shrubs and roses. Padraic also gave advice on lawn care and how to keep lawns free from broad leaved weeds and rushes.
Each week Padraic Horken from Horkans Garden Centre oins Dedrie Kelly to look at every aspect of the world of gardening. From answering listeners' queries to explaining the ins and outs of every plant known to man,Padraic has all bases covered when it comes to gardening.