Two Good Gardeners

In this episode, Dan and Julia share tips for keeping your garden in top condition while you take a well-deserved summer break. Your hosts advise on preparing lawns, vegetable plots, containers, greenhouses, and houseplants before your holiday. Dan chooses his favourite tools for trimming hedges and cutting back early-flowering perennials, and, inspired by Wimbledon, Julia shares a money-saving trick for propagating new strawberry plants.Dan & Julia's Pre-Holiday Checklist:Check your home weather forecast before departure and plan accordingly.Water everything thoroughly, especially container plants, camellias, rhododendrons, hydrangeas and houseplants.Install a drip irrigation system or seeper hose - use a timer to save water and hassle.Cut and edge lawns - but not too short if hot weather is predicted.Weed everywhere.Guard against pest damage by laying traps, using nets and maintaining good ventilation.Support tall and heavily laden plants with canes or stakes.Pick open flowers, ripening fruit and vegetables - give them away or preserve them for later.Move outdoor pots into the shade and houseplants out of the full sunTop-up ponds and birdbaths and provide water for pollinating insectsSecure valuables in sheds or move them into a locked garageAnd remember, if your garden looks a little shaggy when you return, it will be superficial and can quickly be fixed.Dan's Product Picks:Niwaki ShearsNiwaki Mini ShearsJakoti Hand ShearsGrow Bag Trays for keeping houseplants moist while away.Website links:Dan Cooper GardenParker's PatchProduced by Scott Kennet at Red Lighthouse Local

In this episode, Dan & Julia celebrate the rose, Britain's most popular flowering plant. With so many species and varieties available to buy, there's a rose for every garden, but the choice can be bewildering - your hosts share their favourites for containers, walls, banks, wild areas and coastal gardens. Dan highlights his favourite tools and gloves for maintaining roses, and Julia explains how and why you should condition cut roses and other flowers before displaying them indoors. As always, your hosts supply a list of jobs you can do in your garden over the next fortnight.Dan & Julia's Rose PicksClimbers and Ramblers - 'Albertine', 'Masquerade', 'Bobby James', 'New Dawn', 'Buff Beauty', 'American Pillar Rose', 'Paul's Himalayan Musk', banksia 'Lutea', laevigata 'Cooperii'Hybrid Teas - 'Peace', 'Fragrant Cloud', 'Just Joey'.For Wild Areas - 'Canary Bird', x odorata 'Mutabilis', x odorata 'Bengal Crimson'.For Coastal Gardens - rugosa 'Hansa', pimpinellifolia 'Dunwich Rose'.For Ground Cover - 'The Fairy', 'Grouse 2000', 'Partridge', 'Magic Carpet'.For Pots - 'Boscobel', 'Blue for You', 'Pearl Drift', 'Gabriel Oak'.For Borders - 'Queen of Sweden'.Dan's Product Picks:Mainichi Snips - perfect for picking and pruning rosesOpinel No.12 Pruning Saw - ideal for tackling rampant ramblersGold Leaf Tough Touch Gloves - to protect your hands and wrists from thorns and pricklesGardening Jobs for the Fortnight Ahead:Mist houseplants with rainwater to keep the humidity up and ward off red spider mites.If you're going on holiday, arrange for a friend or neighbour to take care of the watering.Water and feed tomatoes, cucumbers and aubergines regularly. Irregular watering can cause the fruits to split.Watch out for vine weevils in potted plants. The telltale signs are little notches in the leaf edges.Keep deadheading all flowering plants and feed with a high potash fertiliser to keep the blooms coming.Divide bearded irises and replant so the rhizome is exposed on the soil surface.Trim vigorous climbers such as vines, jasmine, honeysuckle and wisteria if they get unruly. Prune rambling roses after flowering, removing about a third of the flowered stems.Harvest courgettes and beans regularly - daily if possible so they aren't watery or tough.Harvest garlic as soon as the leaves turn yellow and start to wither.Keep birdbaths and ponds topped up with water - rainwater if you can, but small amounts of tap water are better than no water.Thin out parsnips and carrots. You can't replant the thinnings, so eat them lightly steamed. They are delicious.Website links:Dan Cooper GardenParker's PatchProduced by Scott Kennet at Red Lighthouse Local

Dan and Julia delve into the subtle, little-understood subject of companion planting, revealing which plants get along well and which really don’t! Dan describes three fantastic new tools that have just joined his Signature range, and Julia explains the Three Sisters method of growing beans, squash, and sweetcorn together.Dan & Julia's Favourite Plant Companions:Plant basil near or at the base of tomatoes to ward off white flyGrow nasturtiums as sacrificial plants to attract black flyPosition French marigolds attract aphids from cucumbers and runner beansTansy deters ants due to its spreading nature underground and planted under fruit trees; it helps deter flies. (It is, however, toxic to pets.)Plant strong-smelling herbs such as sage and parsley to keep aphids awayBlack mint or Hucatay, Tagetes minuta is part of the marigold family. It is an excellent companion plant for greenhouse veggies such as cucumbers, chillies, tomatoes, peppers and aubergines. The pungent smell helps repel and confuse insect pests through the flowers and leaves and releases anti-nematode compounds into the soil. Grow strawberries beneath grape vines as they succumb to vine weevils first, giving you a fighting chance to save your grapes. Strawberries also indicate if scale insects are a problem on vines by getting covered in sooty mould first.Grow chamomile amongst other plants to keep fungus, mildew, mould and blight away.Plant onions or garlic between carrot rows to deter carrot root flies.Grow lavender alongside carrots and/or leeks. The scent attracts many pollinators and keeps pests at bay.Plant borage and strawberries together - borage attracts pollinators and has a mild cucumber scent; this will help keep predators off the strawberries and improve their flavour.Plant calendula with courgettes as the calendula protects the courgettes from slugs and snails, in theory!Dan's Product Picks:Signature T-handle Spade - perfect for border work, planting roses and perennialsSignature T-handle Fork - great for working on your hands and knees in beds.Signature Japanese Weeding Hoe - great for weeding raised beds.Gardening Jobs for the Fortnight Ahead:Make a final sowing of summer annuals like cosmos and zinnias.Sow biennials, including sweet williams, foxgloves, hesperis, honesty, stocks and wallflowers.Sow broccoli, kale, spinach, and a final batch of runner and French beans.Don’t let containers dry out - bright and breezy weather dehydrates plants very quickly.Deadhead roses to keep them neat and tidy and encourage further flushes of flowers.Pinch out dahlias, fuchsias and coleus to encourage bushy growth.Give wisteria its summer prune, cutting all the long side shoots back to 20cm.Prune late-spring or early-summer shrubs after flowering, thinning out the flowered stems.Install a water butt if you don’t already have one.Harvest salads regularly.Website links:Dan Cooper GardenParker's PatchProduced by Red Lighthouse Local

In this episode, Dan & Julia reflect on this year’s Chelsea Flower Show, sharing features that impressed them and those that left them wanting more. Dan highlights two ways to keep bugs at bay, which are chemical and plastic-free, while Julia shares family-friendly tips for growing vegetables in recycled containers. As always, your hosts offer their suggestions of jobs to do in your garden over the next fortnight and reveal where they’re popping up next!Dan's products of the week:Bugnet - Bug Killer Spray ConcentrateInsectonet - Plastic-Free Insect NetBuy Julia's book, 'The Little Grower's Cookbook' at Lettuce Publishing.Garden Jobs for the WeekSupport herbaceous plants in borders. Harvest early potatoes, usually when they are in flower.Start making your own plant food using nettles, comfrey or seaweed soaked in a bucket.Pinch outside shoots on cordon tomatoes and tie into canes.Plant out sweet corn and continue to successionally sow salad crops.Net strawberries and other soft fruit crops to keep birds off.Sow runner beans.Be on guard for slugs and snails and treat accordingly.Spray box moth caterpillars every few weeks on a dry day; they are highly prevalent at present.Evict exotic plants from house and greenhouse.Website links:Dan Cooper GardenParker's PatchThis podcast was produced by the brilliant Scott Kennett of Red Lighthouse Local https://linktr.ee/redlocallighthouseThe episode was sponsored by Dan Cooper Garden, where garden lovers go to find outstanding garden products, sage advice, and abundant inspiration. You can shop online at dancoopergarden.com or plant fairs and garden events across the south and east of England.

Occasionally, your hosts like to explore a garden in depth ..... and have a good old natter. In this episode, Dan and Julia revisit Sissinghurst Castle, starting in an area of the garden known as Delos. Recently resurrected after a long spell in the doldrums, they consider the challenges of recreating a slice of ancient Greece in Kent. Back in the studio, they each share five ways that Sissinghurst inspired them. Dan reveals his current 'must have' garden tool and shares exciting news about new product launches. Julia talks about an alternative method of training and pruning her fig tree. As usual, Dan and Julia finish off with a list of essential jobs to do in your garden over the next two weeks and tell you where they'll be popping up next.Jobs for the fortnightFinish hardening off annuals and tender perennialsIf all danger of frost has passed, start planting containers and hanging basketsPrune forsythia, flowering currant and Japanese quinceTake cuttings of woody herbs such as hyssop, rosemary and thyme. Tie in wisteria, honeysuckle, passionflower and clematis to keep them from wandering in their own direction. Pheromone traps can be hung in apple and plum trees and box hedges to control pests like codling and box moths.Indoors, take stem cuttings from tradescantias, coleus, plectranthus, impatiens and pothos and root them in water.Damp down greenhouse paths on hot days to increase humidityTake the opportunity to clean garden furniture, jet wash patios and scrub barbecues.Settle down and watch the BBC coverage of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show - you'll have the best seat in the house.Dan's product of the week:Niwaki Japanese Weeding Hoe: https://www.dancoopergarden.com/products/niwaki-weeding-hoeDan's upcoming events:Sunday, 19th May - Rare Plant Fair at The American Museum in BathSunday, 26th May - Rare Plant Fair at Kingston Bagpuize House, OxfordshireWebsite links:Dan Cooper GardenParker's PatchThis podcast was produced by the brilliant Scott Kennett of Red Lighthouse Local https://linktr.ee/redlocallighthouseThe episode was sponsored by Dan Cooper Garden, where garden lovers go to find outstanding garden products, sage advice, and abundant inspiration. You can shop online at dancoopergarden.com or plant fairs and garden events across the south and east of England.

In this episode, Dan and Julia discuss whether no-mow May is good for our gardens and discover the many magical properties of copper tools. Julia advises on how to look after tomato plants while waiting for the weather to warm up, and Dan highlights Calycanthus, aka Carolina allspice, an increasingly popular shrub that produces exotic-looking flowers and a culinary spice.The pros and cons of not mowing in MayPros:Reduces time spent mowingRequires no fertilisers, pesticides or watering Allows some wildflowers to bloom freelyEncourages insects, birds and mammals that like to shelter or feed in longer grassIt can look attractive and even romanticIt Increases the cooling of the surrounding air and locks up more carbon dioxide than short grassCons:It may take a while to restore the neat appearance of a lawn, depending on the weather in JuneReduces space to play and walk in a small space.It doesn’t increase biodiversity long-term. It's a gesture rather than a long-term commitment.It may increase the number of weeds, especially dandelions, that appear in adjacent beds and borders.Some birds, insects and flowers prefer a habitat with shorter grass.Our conclusion - a mix of grass lengths maintained all year round is probably better than not mowing for a month. However, No Mow May is a good reminder to take steps to balance what we need from our gardens against what wildlife needs.Jobs to do in your garden this fortnightTie in sweet peasDeadhead tulipsSow runner and French beansContinue to sow salads, radish, and beetroot for succession cropsContinue to earth up potatoes to protect from frostPlace citrus trees outside in a sheltered spotNet gooseberries & strawberries as fruit forms to keep birds offWatch out for lily beetles and remove them fast!Ventilate greenhousesPinch out growing tips on broad beans when 3-4 ft tallDan's upcoming events:Saturday, 4th May - Plant Fair and Open Garden at Saltwood Castle near Hythe, KentSunday, 5th May - Chiswick Flower Market, LondonMonday, 6th May - Spring Plant Fair at Belmont House, Throwley, near Faversham, KentSunday, 12th May - Rare Plant Fair at Salthrop House, near Swindon, WiltshireWebsite links:Dan Cooper GardenParker's Patch

In the first episode of the new series of Two Good Gardeners, Dan and Julia debate whether it's worth saving your own seeds and throw a spotlight on wool, the secret ingredient our gardens have been crying out for. Julia shares her top tips for growing lemongrass to fill your kitchen with oriental flavours, and Dan waxes lyrical about hostas, the foliage plant we'd all love to love if slugs and snails didn't love them more! As always, your hosts round off with a list of things to do in your garden over the next fortnight and news of where you can find or hear them next.Jobs for your garden this fortnight:Plant out hardened-off sweet peas.Deadhead daffodils and other spring-flowering bulbs.Put in supports for perennials and climbers before they get too large.Lift and divide hostas and other perennials you’d like more of.Protect fruit blossoms from late frosts.Feed citrus with summer feed.Plant out second-early potatoes.Sow carrots, beetroot, chard, spinach, salads, radish & peas.Watch out for box moth caterpillars and treat them if necessary.Ventilate greenhouses on sunny days.Website links:Dan Cooper GardenParker's Patch

In the final episode of Series 2, Dan & Julia reflect on the many highlights of a busy and eventful year and share their New Year's resolutions.They'll return with Series 3 in spring 2024. If you've enjoyed Series 2, then click follow on your favourite podcast platform, so you're notified when new episodes are launched. Leaving a rating or writing a review will help us know what you like and how we can do better in future.The book 'The Secret Gardens of Cornwall', which Dan talks about, is available from Waterstones. Sussex gardens are covered in 'Secret Gardens of the South East' by our friend Barbara Segall (which we really should have remembered!), also available from Waterstones.Your hosts wish you a very Happy New Year and look forward to entertaining you again soon.Website links:Dan Cooper GardenParker's PatchAlitex Modern Victorian Greenhouses

Christmas is a frenetic season when time and budgets are often overstretched. With less time to focus on living sustainably, how can we make the best environmental choices, especially when they're not always obvious? Talking as amateur gardeners, Dan & Julia discuss some of the options and reveal surprising facts - did you know, for example, that burning a real Christmas tree on a bonfire is far more sustainable than putting it out for collection and composting?Julia shares how much of her Christmas lunch she grows herself (prepare to be impressed), while Dan divulges how he keeps his dinner candles upright using a flower frog - watch him do it here.Your hosts wish all their listeners a very happy Christmas and a fruitful New Year 🎄 They'll be returning soon with a review of 2023, when they'll also share their resolutions for 2024.Useful links:Dan's guide to choosing the perfect real Christmas tree (and disposing of it!)Website links:Dan Cooper GardenParker's PatchAlitex Modern Victorian Greenhouses