Growing Joy with Plants - Wellness Rooted in Nature, Houseplants, Gardening and Plant Care
Looking for free, natural ways to decrease stress and increase joy and calm in your life? The answer might be simpler than you think: houseplants, gardening and nature. On Growing Joy with Plants, learn alongside Happy Plant Lady, Maria Failla to care for plants, engage with nature, and use them to manage your overwhelm, anxiety and experience happiness and calm you thought was only available on vacation. Plant care is self care. Come grow some joy with us. Follow along on socials @growingjoywithmaria
Tue, April 29, 2025
Plant Mythbusters: Debunking 5 Viral Plant Hacks with The Chocolate Botanist
Have you ever seen one of those viral plant hack videos where someone sprinkles banana peels in their soil or ices their orchid? If you’re wondering if they work, I hate to be the bearer of bad news because the answer is no. Sorry, plant friends. In this episode, I will be separating fact from fiction with my dear friend, Derek Haynes aka The Chocolate Botanist . Derek is a plant biologist who’s not afraid to call out the myths, explain the real science behind plant care, and help us simplify things. Let’s bust 5 of the biggest houseplant myths floating around online. In this episode, we learn: [01:03] Meet Derek, the Chocolate Botanist [08:03] Fighting misinformation online [10:37] Does banana water work? [15:15] Simplify your plant care with Espoma Organic’s high quality products! [18:05] Which fertilizer is perfect for you? [20:53] Do coffee grounds work? [25:09] Do eggshells work? [28:36] Is it effective to water plants with ice cubes? Mentioned in our conversation: Growing Joy Ep. 283: From Wishlist to Whoops: 2025 Houseplant Trends, Plant Care Tips & Plant Fail Confessions From the Northwest Flower & Garden Show Growing Joy Ep. 116: Houseplant Identification Basics from Derek from The Crazy Botanist Get all the myth-busting goodness in one place... Check out the full show notes and blog here! Follow Derek The Chocolate Botanist: Instagram YouTube Facebook X Thank you to our episode sponsor: Espoma Organic As we welcome the season of growing and gardening, make sure you're using nontoxic products in the garden! Espoma Organic is dedicated to making safe indoor and outdoor gardening products for people, pets, and the planet. They have an amazing variety of high-quality, organic potting mixes, garden soil, fertilizers, and pest control products that are organic and eco-friendly. To top it all off, they have a huge sustainability commitment with a 100% solar-powered plant, zero waste manufacturing, and eco-friendly packaging. Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my <a href="https://www.amazon.c
Tue, April 22, 2025
Why Politicians Should Be Gardeners: An Invitation to Rethink Leadership Through the Wisdom of Nature
Why should politicians become gardeners? No, this is not a political post. No, I didn’t lose it! We will not be talking about sides. This is about healing, connection, and what we can learn from our gardens and our plants in a time where it feels like everything is falling apart. Lately, I’ve been feeling this weight from watching the world spin in chaos and there’s disconnection, judgment, overwhelm, and division everywhere. We have a connection deficiency. And I’m starting to believe, with every fiber of my being, that if our leaders gardened, if all of use gardened, the world would be a kinder/greener place! In this episode, we learn: [02:06] Gardening as a healing tool [04:21] What does reciprocity teach us? [05:08] What are some leadership lessons from gardening? [06:11] #1 Listening on a deeper level [08:01] #2 Patience and long-term thinking [10:17] #3 Cycles, perspectives, and resilience [11:05] #4 Nurturing vs. controlling [12:18] #5 Companion planting and community [14:23] Lessons from mycorrhizal networks and pollinators [16:45] Compost, death, and growth from failure [18:24] What if we all lived like gardeners? Want to rethink leadership through gardening? Check out the full show notes and blog here! Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle) Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon ! Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Tue, April 15, 2025
Growing Dahlias Made Easy: How to Grow Stunning Blooms from Tuber to Flower
“To know a Dahlia is to love a Dahlia.” And once you grow one, it’s like all your other flowers just kind of fade into the background. There’s just something about them. One of my most favorite flowers I have ever grown is a Dahlia called Kogane Fubuki. It was this magical pink and yellow ombre bloom that literally stopped me in my tracks every time I stepped onto my patio. And I want you to have those magical Dahlia moments too! So I brought on Anne from The Dahlia House to walk us through every step of Dahlia care. Her story is as gorgeous as her blooms, and she generously spilled all her tips to help us get the most out of our Dahlias this year. In this episode, we learn: [02:36] Meet Anne from the Dahlia House [03:07] How did Anne become the Dahlia lady? [06:05] Anne’s current dahlia collection and other plants [08:44] Why are dahlias popular? [11:43] What are some tips for growing dahlias successfully? [15:05] Show your parents you care this Mother's Day or Father's Day with a soothing Wind River Chime ! [16:53] What are ways to start dahlias indoors? [20:16] How should dahlias be planted with regard to their "eyes"? [21:50] How can you get your dahlias to bloom a lot? [26:32] Tips for cutting off dahlias and extending vase life [28:23] What are the light and water requirements for dahlias? [30:26] Container growing and spacing [32:17] How to choose the right dahlia variety for you [36:02] What are some common mistakes that new Dahlia growers make? [36:55] How to fertilize your dahlia [38:32] Anne’s favorite Dahlia varieties and trends [39:57] Where can you find Anne and The Dahlia House? [40:56] Recommended flowers to grow in Jupiter, Florida Mentioned in our conversation: Monterey Sluggo® Plus Kristine Albrecht - Dahlias (@santacruzdahlias) CalMag Pro Hydroponic and Soil Nutrient Fertilizer for Plants Calcium and Magnesium Booster The Dahlia House’s collections What part of the Dahlia growing process has you the most excited? Check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsor: Wind River Chimes Visit <a href="https://windriverchimes.com/" r
Tue, April 08, 2025
How Office Gardens Are Boosting Employee Wellness, One Plant at a Time
With the push to get people back into offices, there’s a glaring question floating around the corporate world: how do we make the office a place people actually want to come back to? As someone who believes in the impact of plants not just on spaces but on people , this question has me wishing of a world where every office has its own green vegetable garden out back. Does it sound too good to be true? Well, it’s already happening. In this episode, I sat down with Josh and Troy, the founders of StartOrganic , a company that helps employers give that opportunity to their employees. They’ve created office gardens for companies like PayPal, eBay, Intuit, and Apple , and what they’re doing is so much more than planting tomatoes. In this episode, we learn: [03:35] How StartOrganic started [06:54] How did they end up designing gardens for PayPal? [10:31] Scaling up with corporate programs [12:05] What are the first steps in consulting with businesses on garden installation projects? [14:00] What's the most unique place they’ve installed a garden? [14:50] Make gardening fun with Espoma Organic’s all-natural products! [16:26] What is the primary focus of StartOrganic? [19:44] How they tailor their corporate garden programs to client needs [22:11] PayPal’s evolving garden program [24:56] How does StartOrganic help employees care for their corporate garden? [26:54] Measuring the success of corporate gardens [29:17] Heartwarming employee stories [32:10] Can small offices start corporate gardens? [34:42] What are the popular crops and seasonal offerings [36:33] Where can you find StartOrganic? Mentioned in our conversation: Human Spaces Report on The Global Impact of Biophilic Design in the Workplace StartOrganic Free Starter Course How have office gardens impacted employees' well-being? Check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsor: Espoma Organic Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront . Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: <a href="https://read.macmillan.com/lp/growing-j
Tue, April 01, 2025
From Wishlist to Whoops: 2025 Houseplant Trends, Plant Care Tips & Plant Fail Confessions From the Northwest Flower & Garden Show
What plants are flying off the shelves this year? If you’ve been hanging out with me on Instagram or listening to the podcast lately, you know that part of my job is traveling the country to speak at plant shows. I love getting to see what’s new, what’s trending, and honestly… just being surrounded by thousands of plants and planty people. It fills my joy tank like nothing else. So I thought, why not bring the magic of one of these events to YOU? This episode is your virtual behind-the-scenes pass to the recent Northwest Flower & Garden Show in Seattle. I spent three days running around with my little mic, interviewing vendors, influencers, and anyone who would talk plants with me. I came home with so much planty intel, sore feet, and a heart full of joy. In this episode, we learn: [00:26] What I did at Northwest Flower and Garden Show! [04:06] Andy from Andy’s Orchids [05:30] Molly from Rancho Cacto Nursery [07:16] Cheyenne from Chey D Plant Lady [10:21] Gardenia Gardens and Design [12:43] Justin from Costa Farms [15:19] Wind River Chimes [17:01] Gabrielle from The Lily Pad Bulbs [18:50] Mark from Little Prince Plants [20:15] Anne from The Dahlia House [23:50] Cameron from Urban Jungle Plant Shop [27:47] The Plant Farm [29:09] Kevin from Epic Gardening [34:27] Kamili from Plantblerd [38:20] Jaques in the Garden [42:54] Davida from Condo Plant Mama [46:05] Krystal from Plants with Krystal [48:08] Derek from Chocolate Botanist [49:42] Tim from Greenlife TPG [51:07] Robbie from Visit Our Garden Vendors: Andy’s Orchids Rancho Cacto Nursery Chey D Plant Lady Gardenia Gardens and Design Costa Farms The Lily Pad Bulbs Little Prince Plants The Dahlia House Urban Jungle Plant Shop Seattle The Plant Farm Influencers: Kevin from Epic Gardening Kamili from Plantblerd <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jacquesinth
Tue, March 25, 2025
Soil & Strategy: The Two Garden Planning Secrets for Bigger, Healthier Harvests
How do you plan your garden? Actually, do you plan your gardens at all? After many years of gardening and speaking with many garden experts, I learned that a successful organic vegetable garden doesn’t just happen when you plant it ; it starts on the day you plan it . In this episode, I have the perfect recurring guest, Joe Lamp'l , to discuss planning your garden for the year ahead and making sure 2025 is your best gardening season yet. Joe is the founder of Joe Gardener and creator of many digital gardening courses I've taken, including Organic Vegetable Gardening Course (discount applied at checkout through clicking the link!). In this episode, we learn: [01:14] What is strategic garden planning? [04:11] How can we make 2025 the greatest gardening season yet? [08:02] Timing for starting seeds/seedlings & plant selection [15:01] Whitney Johnson’s book “Go Forth and Forage" [16:09] What are the most important aspects of garden planning? [19:54] Why soil health is important [22:33] How to improve soil health [25:58] What are some useful garden planning tools? [17:17] How to choose the right plants [29:48] What is biodiverse gardening? [31:37] Helpful local botanical centers [34:48] What is companion planting? [41:32] Joe’s Organic Vegetable Gardening Course Mentioned in our conversation: Organic Vegetable Gardening Course (Discount applied at checkout through clicking the link!) Master Seed Starting Course Northwest Flower & Garden Show Xerces Society Missouri Botanical Garden Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Giverny Gardens Chattahoochee Nature Center Plant Partners: Science-Based Companion Planting Strategies for the Vegetable Garden by Jessica Walliser GJ Episode 20: Talking Tomatoes with Craig LeHoullier and My MOM For Joe's proven and teste
Tue, March 18, 2025
How to Live Seasonally and Celebrate the Spring Equinox
What if the secret to a happy life is to live seasonally? Living seasonally isn’t just about eating fresh produce (but, yes, that’s delicious). It’s about noticing nature’s rhythms, then adjusting depending on the season and celebrating those small shifts that define the passage of time. And with the Spring Equinox here, which is a time of renewal and balance, it’s the perfect moment to talk about how we can welcome the season with intention. I’m joined by a dear friend Bailey Van Tassel —a mom, gardener, author of Kitchen Garden Living , and someone who’s really committed to living a more seasonal lifestyle. In this episode, we learn: [00:00] What is the secret to living seasonally? [03:15] What is Bailey’s journey into seasonal living? [07:00] How Bailey reconnected with nature [09:08] What really matters in gardening [12:26] The science behind gardening [13:50] How does biophilia explain our connection to plants? [15:00] Find a moment of calm and soothe your spirit with Wind River Chimes! [16:41] Nourish your plants and your soul this spring with Espoma Organic’s all-natural products! [18:43] Why permaculture is useful in living seasonally [20:09] How did Bailey’s garden evolve? [25:55] Personal growth through gardening [27:50] How gardening helps with anxiety and depression [28:52] What does it mean to truly live seasonally? [31:06] Winter vs spring in terms of energy and rhythm [33:48] What practices can you do to honor the Spring Equinox? [36:59] Why is it important to involve children in gardening? [42:19] Where can you find Bailey and her book ‘Kitchen Garden Living’ on social media? Mentioned in our conversation: Brie the Plant Lady Kitchen Garden Living by Bailey Van Tassel For Bailey's simple yet special recommendations on how to live seasonally, check out the full show notes and blog here! Follow Bailey: Website Podcast Instagram YouTube Thank you to our episode sponsors: <h
Tue, March 11, 2025
How to Use Plants to Heal From Grief
Grief is so heavy that it can feel like an impossible weight to carry. But if you think about it, you can use plant care as a method to process grief and loss. Like plants, people can also grow and find resilience. They don’t rush and don’t demand. They just grow… little by little, day by day. In this episode, I want to share the story of my dear plant friend, Wade Lee, also known as Plants by Wade Lee. His story is so much more than houseplant care. It’s about loss, grief, healing, and finding joy again, one leaf, one root, one seed at a time. In this episode, we learn: [00:00] How plants can help you heal from grief [04:22] Wade’s story with grief and plants [10:10] Finding solace in plants [15:14] Find tranquility in every breeze this 2025 with Wind River Chimes! [16:55] Learn how to grow more food with less space and effort with the 4th edition of ‘Square Foot Gardening’! [18:08] Honoring Steven and new beginnings! [22:32] How we connect with the spiritual realm [25:39] How Wade secured a gardener position [29:38] How to use plants as a therapeutic tool for grief [33:43] Finding grace in dead plants [36:28] At what point did Wade begin using social media? [39:53] What are some methods for using plants to heal from grief? [42:44] What is nature in different forms? [45:49] Where can you find Wade on social media? Mentioned in our conversation: Leonardi's Nursery The Cummer Museum Southeast Plant Show Wade Lee’s Hair Portfolio For Wade's recommendations on how to use plants as a therapeutic tool, check out the full show notes and blog here! Follow Wade: Website Podcast Instagram Facebook TikTok YouTube Twitter Thank you to our episode sponsors: Wind River Chimes Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving
Tue, March 04, 2025
5 Signs You're Overthinking Plant Care (And How to Relax)
Have you ever found yourself overthinking over a yellow leaf and wondering, “Is this overwatering or underwatering? Does it need water? Is this normal?” You’re just like the rest of us, plant friend! It's something I've done many, many times, and I know it's something that people in our community do all the time. We all want to get it right, but overthinking plant care can suck the joy right out of it. But in 2025, we need as much joy and as little stress as possible. So here are 5 signs you might be overthinking your plant care and how to fix it! In this episode, we learn: [02:57] Common overthinking traps in plant care [03:54] Five tips to stop overthinking plant care [04:33] Sign #1: You Google every little thing [09:34] Sign #2: You’re watering on a rigid schedule (and believing plant care cards) [12:55] Alternative to a finger test [14:10] Sign #3: You panic over every yellow leaf [15:37] Grow healthier plants, indoors and out, with Espoma Organic’s premium products! [18:06] Sign #4: You throw the ‘kitchen sink approach’ at small issues [19:40] Sign #5: You think you need to be a 'perfect' plant parent [23:34] How to relax & enjoy your plants more Mentioned in our conversation: Growing Joy with Plants Masterclass - use code OVERTHINK to get it for $ 49 Moisture Meter Growing Joy Episode 276: Houseplant Confidence: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything Want to lessen your stress over plant care? Check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsor: Espoma Organic Lessen you're overthinking, make sure you're using nontoxic products on your houseplants! Espoma Organic is dedicated to making safe indoor and outdoor gardening products for people, pets, and the planet. They have an amazing variety of high-quality, organic potting mixes, garden soil, fertilizers, and pest control products that are organic and eco-friendly. To top it all off, they have a huge sustainability commitment with a 100% solar-powered plant, zero waste manufacturing, and eco-friendly packaging. Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront . Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: <a href=
Tue, February 25, 2025
Houseplants for Kids: Raising the Next Generation of Plant Parents
“Start ‘em young.” That’s my motto. Well, it’s not really mine but I say it all the time when it comes to houseplants. And for this episode, I’m sure plant parents are gonna be happy to learn how to connect the younger generations to plants and nature at a young age. So I want to share this conversation with my plant friend Priscille Joseph , who is a Canadian author, illustrator, and plant lover. She wrote My First ABC Book of Houseplants and she’s all about helping kids connect with nature. In this episode, we learn: [03:07] How did Priscrille become a plant lady? [06:04] How ‘My First ABC Book of Houseplants’ was created [10:46] Launching workshops with sustainable brands [13:12] What are the ways to engage kids with houseplants? 15:22] Nurture your plant babies safely from toxic chemicals with Espoma Organic’s premium gardening products! [16:57] Let kids enjoy a sensory experience [17:27] Connect plants with stories [21:39] Involve kids in hands-on activities [22:34] Make it interactive [24:18] Get creative with plants [26:52] Bonus tip: give kids responsibility [28:46] Where can you get Priscille’s book? Mentioned in our conversation: Download Priscille’s books: My First ABC Book of Houseplants: Exclusive Edition My First Abc Book Of House Plants | Indigo My First ABC Book of Houseplants | Amazon Free Greenhouse Scavenger Hunt Printable Journal of Education in Science, Environment and Health (JESEH) The Bug Girl: A True Story by Sophia Spencer Want to engage your kids more with easy plant tasks? Check out the full show notes and blog here! Follow Priscille: Website Events Freebies Instagram <a href="https://www.youtube.co
Tue, February 18, 2025
The Transformative Power of Flower Essences: What Are Flower Essences and How Can They Help Me?
Have you ever once thought about how flowers could do more than brighten your day? What if they could actually support your emotional well-being, reduce your stress, and even spark creativity? After 270+ episodes, this is my first time ordering a guest product right after the interview. Yes, I am on the flower essence bandwagon HARD after this interview. But who wouldn't be after talking with Katie Hess, founder and flower alchemist of Lotuswei , a company dedicated to harnessing the essence of flowers to help us live more joyful lives? She’s an amazing educator and I learned so much in this conversation. In this episode, we learn: [04:41] How Katie started getting into the energetics of flowers [06:10] The ripple effect of 3% [08:12] What is a flower essence? [09:46] Why are bees attracted to flowers? [10:18] The concept of botanical wi-fi/flower wi-fi [14:01] Our disconnection from nature [15:48] Wind River Chimes [17:30] Plants with Superpowers [18:31] What is the human-flower connection? [21:45] Validating flower essence information [23:48] How do you study flower essence? [27:31] How is a flower’s energetic code captured and distilled? [30:32] The dilution process and its similarity with homeopathy [33:02] Essential oil vs flower essence [37:32] Most popular remedies and flowers that match [41:25] How can you experiment with and experience flower essences? [43:36] Take the flower essence test! [45:27] Synergistic flower essence blends [50:30] Flower essence that fits my lack of self-belief [51:29] Where can you order your flower essence? Mentioned in our conversation: Fierce Compassion Collection Quiet Mind Collection Gain Insights with Our Flower Reading Quiz Divine Truth Divine Within Want to find out which flower essence you can get started with? Check out the full show notes and blog here! Follow Lotuswei: Website <a href="https://instagram.com/lotuswei" rel="nofoll
Tue, February 11, 2025
Houseplant Confidence: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything
Lately, I’ve been hearing so many people talk about Mel Robbins’ Let Them Theory —this idea of letting go of control, shifting your mindset, and ultimately finding peace. And you know what? I realized that I went through a similar shift when it came to my plant care journey, and I want to share it with you in this episode. I'll talk about how we think about our plants, our plant care, and how that shift in mind can bring so much joy, not just to our plant parenthood but also to our lives. In this episode, we learn: [00:00] Concept of 'Let Them Theory' [01:27] My most popular episode! [02:54] I just launched my Growing Joy with Plants Masterclass! [04:29] What’s the root cause of your doubt? [07:35] Overwhelm and misinformation [08:58] How to reframe your “plant killer” identity mindset [09:50] How does social media affect your plant care mindset? [12:28] How to celebrate plant care [15:30] Add moments of serenity throughout your day with Wind River Wind Chimes ! [18:12] Pick a positive thought about [19:01] Treat every plant misstep as a learning experience [20:18] Take on a growth mindset [22:21] Evolving plant parent personalities [25:00] How to be a confident plant parent [27:09] Develop a relationship with your plants [31:43] Celebrate plant wins! Mentioned in our conversation: Growing Joy with Plants Masterclass Growing Joy Episode 43: Your Brain on Plants Growing Joy Episode 200: Common Houseplant Pest Identification and How to Get Rid of Fungus Gnats, Spidermites, Scale, White Flies and Mealybugs What's Your Plant Parent Personality? Understanding Natural Light Tropical Plant International Expo (TPIE) For mindset shifts and practices to help build your houseplant confidence, check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsor: Wind River Chimes Bring the gift of peace, serenity, and magic with chimes! Wind River is a Virginia-based company creating premium handcrafted and hand-tuned wind chimes for over 35 years. If you are looking for an amazing gift that can help you or your loved ones grow joy and find a moment of peace, a Wind River chime is the perfect option. P
Tue, February 04, 2025
Water Saving Techniques for Your Garden
How can we conserve water while maintaining healthy, attractive gardens, no matter what climate you're in? Record-breaking heat waves, devastating droughts, wildfires scorching millions of acres, floods turning streets into rivers—we've seen it all this year. As climate extremes test our resilience, our gardens are feeling the impact too. How do we ensure our gardens not only survive but also grow in these unpredictable conditions? Let’s talk about water-saving techniques and strategies to keep your garden lush and sustainable with Noelle Johnson, aka the “Arizona plant lady. ” She’s a horticulturist, landscape consultant, and the author of the new book, ‘ The Water-Smart Garden .’ In this episode, we learn: [02:53] How Noelle became a plant expert [04:36] Why water conservation is important [07:27] What does water conservation look like? [08:27] Identifying drought conditions [09:56] Water-saving tips for renters [10:49] What are the plants great for different plant zones? [13:43] Drought-tolerant plants [15:28] Espoma Organics’ premium gardening products [16:58] AHS Essential Guide to Perennial Gardening [18:52] Why you should go to a local nursery [20:34] Making soil more efficient at water retention [23:32] How mulch and ground cover help with water retention [26:36] What are ollas for water saving? [30:46] What are different ways of saving rainwater? (rain barrel, swale, creek beds, etc) [36:32] What is xeriscaping? [40:33] How can you reduce the water your lawn needs? [44:14] Smart irrigation controllers [45:30] Beginner tips for water conservation [47:20] Advanced water conservation strategies [49:14] ’ The Water Smart Garden ’ Mentioned in our conversation: Gardening Books by Noelle Johnson Drought.gov Growing Joy 253: 5 Tips for Growing in Hot Climates TruDrop self-watering planters - Crescent Garden For Noelle's complete list of water-saving tips, <a href="https://growingjoywithmaria.com/w
Tue, January 28, 2025
Plant Inspired Vacations
Did you know you can use your plant passion as inspiration for how and where you go on vacation? I'm sure many of us have already done this on a small scale. Maybe you've been on a trip and kept taking pictures of plants that look just like the ones you have at home. Or perhaps you've insisted on visiting a local plant shop or botanical garden while on vacation (guilty as charged!). But plant friends, that can be just the beginning of how you travel and botanize for your plant passion. And we're going to dive into everything you need to know about it today with my horticulturist bestie Leslie Halleck, who has been on the show many times, and Marcia Castro Rosenberg, listener-turned-plant-shop owner and also a dear friend of mine. Leslie and Marcia have actually teamed up to create a once-in-a-lifetime trip called Botany & Betterment in The Amazon! It's a seven-day riverboat and jungle adventure on the Rio Negro River in Brazil this August 2025. In this episode, we learn: [03:40] Get to know Marcia [07:51] Leslie’s botanizing trips [11:32] What is botanizing? [15:17] Support sustainable gardening with Espoma Organic’s premium gardening products! [16:52] Bring nature back to your garden with Kelly Norris's Your Natural Garden [18:55] What are their most memorable botanizing experiences? [25:37] What are the botanizing basics? [30:14] Where can you find plant keys & field guides [34:57] On creating the ultimate Amazon trip: ‘Botany & Betterment’ [39:23] Hiring local guides for your trip [43:50] Building community and personal growth [49:45] Where can you find more info about Leslie and Marcia Mentioned in our conversation: AllTrails Botany & Betterment in The Amazon! Tiny Plants , by Leslie Halleck Rooting For You Store To know more about Leslie and Marcia's botanizing adventures, check out the full show notes and blog here! Follow Leslie: Website Shop <a href="https://ww
Tue, January 21, 2025
Easy Houseplant Care, Houseplant Pest Control, and Motherhood and Plants
If you’re a plant lover, you’ve probably come across Chantel, the brilliant mind behind @channygrayhome on Instagram. Over the past few years, she has built a community of over half a million plant enthusiasts. But there’s so much more to her than her incredible follower count. In this episode, I’ll take you behind the scenes of my chat with Channy—where we talked about her plant history, her love for DIYs, her big move from the Arizona desert to lush Iowa, and how she juggles being a plant mom and a mom to three kids. In this episode, we learn: [03:15] How Channy and I met at a Botanical Garden [07:28] What has Channy’s plant journey been like? [15:14] Add serenity to your life in 2025 and beat the winter blues with Wind River Chimes ! [16:56] Start your kitchen garden today by grabbing a copy of Kitchen Garden Living by Bailey Van Tassel [19:10] What does pest prevention mean for Channy? [21:12] Channy’s new plant soap for pest control! [23:57] What does a bubble bath for plants look like? [25:07] How to balance motherhood and plant care [28:17] Top tips to make plant care easy and fun ! [30:06] Decorating with plant cuttings [32:03] Lechuza pon vs LECA [33:54] How did Channy get into DIY projects? [35:30] Moving to Iowa and preparing for changes [38:02] What does Channy’s family think of her plant collection? [40:38] What it feels like to have 500k+ followers [43:00] What are her future plans for Channy Gray Home? [44:30] Where can you find Channy on social media? Mentioned in our conversation: Growing Joy Ep 240: How to Move with Houseplants with Becca De La Plants Growing Joy Ep 226: How to Repot Houseplants Growing Joy Ep 109: Passive Hydroponics 2.0 and the LECA VS PON Debate Plant Soap by Channy Gray Home LECHUZA-PON Plant Substrate LECA Learn more about Channy's top housepla
Tue, January 14, 2025
Beneficial Insects For Effortless Houseplant Pest Management
When I visited the Seattle Spheres and saw the famous green wall with its 40,000 plants, I was mesmerized. But what really caught my eye were these strange little plastic baggies hanging off some stems. I wondered if they were hurting the plants at first. But then I looked closer, I realized those bags were filled with insects . Beneficial insects, to be exact. And they were there to manage pests naturally. So if you’re like me and have struggled with pests like spider mites, thrips, or mealybugs on your plants, this episode with Jamie Stanton from DMV Beneficials should show you how beneficial insects work in deterring pests naturally. GET THE FREE HOUSEPLANT PEST CONTROL DOWNLOAD HERE In this episode, we learn: [02:34] Download my new houseplant pest guide for free! [03:37] Meet Jamie from DMV Beneficials [06:59] What is a “beneficial insect” and what makes it beneficial? [09:59] Why not just use pesticides? [12:01] How do these beneficial predators work with your houseplants? [13:42] What are the risks of releasing beneficial insects in your home? [14:38] Can beneficial insects sting us? [15:19] Never worry about water restriction ever again by picking up a copy of " The Water Smart Garden " by Noelle Johnson [16:32] Discover high-quality organic gardening products with Espoma Organic [18:22] Stay away from these beneficial insects! [20:42] How to get started [28:10] Can we see the mites we release? [29:35] Beneficial insect against scales [29:46] Effective thrips management [33:44] Can you use beneficials in tandem with pesticides? [34:51] Top houseplant pests that give the most headaches [41:31] How does sustainability play into beneficials? [48:19] Where to find DMV Beneficials near you Mentioned in our conversation: Monterey Horticultural Oil What's Your Plant Parent Personality? GET THE FREE HOUSEPLANT PEST CONTROL DOWNLOAD HERE Learn how to use beneficial insects to protect your houseplants, check out the full show notes and blog here! Follow Jamie <a href="https://www.instagram.com/coppe
Tue, January 07, 2025
I Grew 40 New Plants in 2024: Ranked from Favorites to Flops
I can't believe we're already in 2025, but I am SO excited to spill all the tea about my wild plant experiment from last year. In 2024, I totally went for it and added over 40 new plant species to my collection—and it was quite the adventure! Some of these plants thrived, some flopped, and yes, some didn’t make it. So in this episode, I’m sharing it all—from my favorites to my fails—and what I learned along the way. In this episode, we learn: [01:51] Reflecting on 2024 [04:31] What’s your plant parent personality? [06:38] Why I now consider myself a low maintenance plant parent [09:08] How I fell in love with Ficus (and fell out of love with Calathea) [11:52] My success with Anthuriums and Alocasia [13:37] Why my most repurchased plants are philodendrons (+ pothos) [15:19] Start 2025 with soothing premium chimes with Wind River ! [17:00] Grow your best garden yet with the AHS Essential Guide to Organic Vegetable Gardening! [19:39] Why there is less light in your house than you believe [20:50] My top favorite plants in 2024 [33:44] My least favorite plants in 2024 [37:56] Plants that didn’t make it in 2024 :( [42:53] What's in store for my 2025 houseplant collection? Mentioned in our conversation: What's Your Plant Parent Personality? Growing Joy Ep 147: How to Care For Carnivorous Plants Indoors with Damon of California Carnivores Growing Joy Ep 269: Carnivorous Plants: The Houseplant Pest Control You Never Thought Of with Kenny Coogan Growing Joy Ep 247: Growing Joy "After Dark": Spilling the Planty Tea with Kamili Bell Hill and Agatha Isabel How Carnivorous Plants Can Be Used for Pest Control // Indoor Carnivorous Plants Full Soltech Highland Light and Wallygrow Eco Wall Planter Greenwall Set Up and Review ÅKERBÄR greenhouse, in/outdoor/white, 45 cm - IKEA For a complete list of my 2024 plant collection ranked, check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsors:
Tue, December 31, 2024
The Role of Nature in Personal Growth
What role do you think nature plays in your life? For me, it has always been a deeper way to improve my mental, physical, and emotional health. In fact, it’s not just me who thinks this way. The minute I hopped into the digital recording studio, I knew that my guest was someone very similar to me! I’ve been following Marcus Bridgewater, better known as Garden Marcus , for years, and I’m so happy to say that he surpassed my dreams of what this conversation on plants and wellness could have been. In this episode, we learn: [02:12] Who is Marcus from Garden Marcus? [04:49] Something we have in common! [09:03] How did Garden Marcus get started? [12:50] How did Marcus first start gardening? [17:01] Our crazy plant parent stories [18:56] Community and isolation [20:37] Why we need more green spaces [27:41] How to be a more “grounding” person [30:08] How disconnected is the world from nature? [33:08] Exploring plant life parallels [36:37] How to understand “feelings” [39:35] How to awaken to nature’s presence [43:27] How Marcus’s book came to be [46:11] Mind, body, and spirit [47:32] What it means to be “community loyal” [48:23] Garden Marcus vs. Marcus Bridgewater [51:04] Check out Seasons of Growth: The New Journal [53:30] Where to follow/find Garden Marcus Mentioned in this conversation: How to Grow: Nurture Your Garden, Nurture Yourself by Marcus Bridgewater Seasons of Growth: A Journal for Well-Being Inspired by Marcus Bridgewater Choice Forward Redwood National and State Parks (U.S. National Park Service) For more plant-life parallels, check out the full show notes and blog here! Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here ! Take the <a href="https://growin
Tue, December 24, 2024
Carnivorous Plants: The Houseplant Pest Control You Never Thought Of
Plant friends, did you know your houseplants can double as pest control? Carnivorous plants don’t just survive—they hunt. Venus flytraps can snap down on unsuspecting flies, while pitcher plants lure bugs into their slippery traps. These carnivorous plants themselves are nature’s own pest management system. So I’ve brought on a guest who knows everything there is to know about them: Kenny Coogan, the head of education at the International Carnivorous Plant Society . Kenny has been growing carnivorous plants for about 20 years, and about five years ago, he joined the ICPS as the education director. He quit his day job and turned his passion into his profession, running a carnivorous plant nursery in Florida. As he puts it, "Carnivorous plants are my life." In this episode, we learn: [01:47] What’s not to love about carnivorous plants? [04:52] Who is Kenny? [08:01] Some facts about Venus flytraps [09:57] What is a carnivorous plant? [12:54] Where do we find carnivorous plants outdoors? [15:36] Don’t let your houseplants wither this winter with Soltech Growlights! [16:57] Nourish your houseplants with Espoma Organic’s gentle and premium fertilizers! [18:57] What triggers carnivorous plants’ dormancy? [19:57] What carnivorous plants do to their prey [24:17] Specific care for temperate carnivorous plants [27:31] Specific care for tropical carnivorous plants [32:43] Can you feed carnivorous plants hamburger? (how to hand-feed them) [36:41] Trigger mechanism of Venus flytraps [38:48] How much light do Venus flytraps love? [42:58] What are the best houseplant-friendly carnivorous plants? [48:26] Watering and potting tips for carnivorous plants [50:30] Common mistakes and troubleshooting Mentioned in our conversation: International Carnivorous Plant Society ICPS Classroom Grants Verdant Lyfe Venus Fly Traps & More Carnivorous Plants Florida's Carnivorous Plants: Understanding, Identifying, and Cultivating the State's Native Species by Kenny Coogan Little Shop of Horrors (1986) - IMDb Carnivorous Plants Animated Series by ICPS <a href="https://www.carnivorou
Tue, December 17, 2024
How to Work with The Winter Equinox
As the winter solstice–or the longest night of the year–approaches, how does it reflect and represent you? This is the season of dormancy, a time when plants, the earth, and even we are drawn to rest, recharge, and prepare for growth. In this final installment of our 2024 seasonal sessions, on the pod once again is my dear friend and our resident green witch , Rachael of Our Infinite Nature . She shared with me how the winter solstice can help us honor cycles of rest and renewal. It was a lovely way to end a year of seasonal explorations, covering everything from the practical ways we can live in harmony with the season to what the quiet time of winter can teach us. In this episode, we learn: [03:55] What is the cyclical nature of life? [05:38] How to rebrand winter inside ourselves [10:38] How does the earth respond to winter? [13:48] How to prepare your winter garden [15:25] Give your plants the sunlight, even on the coldest days, with Soltech Grow Lights! [16:47] Find peace in the chaos with personalized Wind River Chimes! [19:26] Why focus on your inner growth [23:06] Astrological guide to winter solstice (Capricorn season) [29:39] Shop exclusive garden gifts and essentials at Gardener's Supply Company! [30:45] How to honor the winter solstice [37:08] What is the role of our nervous system? [39:19] Rest and digest [42:02] Winter solstice visualization/meditation [55:53] Where can you follow Rachael? Mentioned in our conversation: Growing Joy Episode 229: Why You Should Care About the Spring Equinox Growing Joy Episode 242: Why You Should Care About the Summer Solstice Growing Joy Episode 256: What You Need to Know About the Autumnal Equinox Get Rachael’s book, Self-Care for Eco-Anxiety Join the 2025 Intuitive Magic Group Coaching For Rachael's insightful recommendations on navigating the new season, check out the full show notes and blog here! Follow Rachael: Website Instagram TikTok
Tue, December 10, 2024
Create a Biophilic Office Space: Boost Your Workday Motivation by Adding These Plants to Your Office
According to a Human Spaces report, “workers in office environments with natural elements, such as greenery and sunlight, are 6% more productive at work and 15% more creative.” Personally, they’ve been my number one most useful tool for increasing joy throughout my workday, and they help me reduce eye strain from staring at my computer all day. So in this episode of Growing Joy with leafjoy® miniseries, we’ll be talking about biophilia, common problems of office plant care, and some practical tips to make your workplace more “green.” In this episode, we learn: [04:03] Why plants are helpful in office spaces [04:16] What is biophilia? [05:37] What is biophilic design? [06:51] How does biophilic design affect productivity? [08:58] What’s our relationship with sounds? [10:11] Impact of natural materials (eg. wooden contact paper) [11:19] What’s the right type of plant for your office? [12:50] Lowest entry: Proven Winners leafjoy® H2O Line [14:46] How to arrange plants in your office (to reduce eye strain) [17:06] Vertical plant solutions [18:57] What are some office plant care tips? [20:18] What to do when your office doesn’t allow plants Mentioned in this conversation: Human Spaces: The Global Impact of Biophilic Design in the Workplace leafjoy H2O® Collection | Proven Winners Growing Joy Episode 261: The Best Low Light Plants for Dim Spaces My $10 Biophilic Art For my complete suggestions on how to add nature to your office, check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsor: Proven Winners If you want to have success with houseplants, you’ve got to have two things: the knowledge to care for them successfully and healthy plants. Meet my new favorite houseplant grower: Proven Winner’s leafjoy™. With only the best plant genetics grown in a state-of-the-art, European greenhouse, you will not be disappointed in the variety and quality of your favorite plants from Proven Winner’s leafjoy™. This company has taken the guesswork out of plant shopping with plant tags that include scientific names and care gu
Tue, December 03, 2024
CaliKim on "10 Time Saving Tactics for a More Efficient Garden"
How do you have a life and a garden ? Between busy schedules, family time, and pretty lengthy to-do lists, how can we fit gardening moments into our lives without sacrificing precious time? As we close out our 2024 gardening season, it’s a great time to reflect on what worked, what flopped, and how we can make our gardens even better for 2025. This is exactly where CaliKim shines the most, and her new book, The 10-Minute Gardener , helps us become more efficient gardeners who can, as she says, “have a garden and a life.” In this episode, we learn: [03:48] What is Kim’s gardening background? [06:30] What does her garden & garden zone look like? [09:16] Why raised bed gardening is the best option in Florida [13:04] Why efficiency is important in gardening [14:33] Gift yourself or a loved one the gift of peace and joy with a personalized Wind River Wind Chime ! [16:03] Bring simplicity into your garden with Kelly Norris's new book, Your Natural Garden . [17:34] 3-minute gardening tasks [27:21] 5-minute gardening tasks [30:51] Simplify your gardening experience with Espoma Organic’s high-quality products! [38:03] How to plan your garden for dormant season [40:15] How to break down your garden tasks [43:13] 8-minute & 10-minute gardening tasks [49:06] 30-minute gardening tasks [51:00] Where can you find Kim on social media? Mentioned in our conversation: Pre-order 10 Minute Gardener by CaliKim The First Time Gardener: Raised Bed Gardening by CaliKim CaliKim's Smart Pots Fabric Planters CaliKim's Seed Collections CaliKim's Garden Kits Crescent Gardens TrueDrop planters Organic Gardening for Everyone: Homegrow
Tue, November 26, 2024
Winter Houseguest Plants: Outdoor Plants That Can Grow Indoors This Winter (and go right back outside next summer!)
What if there’s a way to enjoy your favorite outdoor plants year-round, save money, and keep them inside as houseplants during the winter? The answer lies in overwintering outdoor plants indoors, which is a brilliant technique I talked about with my friend and gardening expert, Janey Santos from Dig, Plant, Water, Repeat . Janey is a master gardener, YouTuber, and just an all-around plant genius, and she shared five incredible plants that can grow successfully indoors over winter and head right back outside next summer. In this episode, we learn: [03:27] Gardening in different climates [06:13] Plant swap announcement! [08:25] Why atrium is an ideal plant [10:31] Why coleus is the easiest plant to propagate [11:35] What are geraniums? [15:07] Why you should invest in grow lights [16:12] How to get personalized Wind River Chimes [17:42] Gardening solutions for your indoor and outdoor plants [21:05] Geranium vs. pelargonium [21:57] How versatile are begonias? [25:25] Caladiums—the up-and-coming plant [31:50] Why Alyssum is a special plant! [34:01] Find the perfect holiday gifts for gardeners and plant parents [35:06] Hypoestes (the Polka Dot plant) [38:15] Is gardening a budget hobby or not? [40:04] Watch our plant swap next week! [40:34] Where can you follow Janey on social media? Mentioned in our conversation: Growing Joy 253: 5 Tips for Growing in Hot Climates with Janey of Dig Plant Water Repeat The Florida Gardener Podcast Soltech Aspect™ LED Growlight Begonia Ferox Heart to Heart® 'Snow Flurry' - Shade Caladium Heart to Heart® 'Hot 2 Trot' - Sun and Shade Caladium Hippo® Rose - Polka Dot Plant Hippo® White - Polka Dot Plant Proven Winners <a
Tue, November 19, 2024
Vacation Proof Your Plants
How do you vacation-proof your plants before going away? The holiday season is fast approaching, which means many of us have already booked out-of-town trips that would require us to be away from home for a longer period of time. So how would you keep the plants back home alive while on vacation? It's not like we could water our plants while away, right? So in this episode, I want to make sure that stress never happens to you. I'm going to set you up with all that you'll need to know so you know your plants are content while you enjoy your holiday. In this episode, we learn: [02:01] Join my Patreon for amazing goodies [02:38] How to holiday proof your plants [03:34] What’s your magic number? (the number of days you’re gonna be gone) [05:57] Plant care tips for short trips (7 to 10 days) [10:30] Why self-watering planters would be perfect for you [11:30] Some DIY water-wicking system [12:11] Try watering globes/stakes [13:11] Plant care tips for longer trips (over 10 days) [15:25] Give your plants the light they deserve this winter with Soltech ! [16:59] Gift peace and joy this season with personalized Wind River Chimes ! [19:32] How to prep your plant sitter Mentioned in our conversation: What's Your Plant Parent Personality? TruDrop self-watering planters - Crescent Garden Watering Globes For all of my proven and tested vacation plant care tips, check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsors: Soltech Solutions Check them out at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code "bloom15". Wind River Chimes Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes. Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial
Tue, November 12, 2024
Give the Gift of Growth // Holiday Houseplant Gift Guide
Why are plants the perfect holiday gift? Plants symbolize so many things such as growth, life, and connection, so it only makes sense that we want our giftee to feel this. And unlike typical presents, if you pick just the right plant for whoever you’re gifting it to, trust that this will continue to grow and evolve long after the holiday season is gone—making them think of you every time they look at it. But if you’re not careful (and well-informed), that gift could turn into a time bomb of wilting leaves and shattered dreams. And before you know it, your giftee is calling themselves a plant killer. So this episode is all about a holiday houseplant gift guide that avoids the classic plant gifting pitfalls. In this episode, we learn: [03:45] Why do plants make the best gift? [04:52] What’s the biggest issue about gifting plants? [06:37] Why choose low-light plants as gifts? [07:21] How can you make plant gifting fun? [07:35] #1 Personalized terrariums [10:28] #2 Kokedama [12:33] Perfect plants to gift to your loved ones! [12:44] Perfect plant gift for mindful plant parents [13:38] Perfect plant gift for curious collector plant parents [14:36] Perfect plant gift for design-based plant parents [15:16] Perfect plant gift for urban farmer plant parents [16:09] Perfect plant gift for low-maintenance plant parents Mentioned in our conversation: Proven Winners leafjoy™ H20 Collection What's Your Plant Parent Personality? - Growing Joy with Maria Growing Joy Ep 261: The Best Low Light Plants for Dim Spaces Youtube video: HOW TO MAKE A TERRARIUM - Step-by-Step DIY Terrarium Tutorial! Proven Winners Fittonia Youtube video: How to Make a Kokedama // Perfect Plant Gift for All Occasions! Living Lace® Hurricane - Bird's Nest Fern Living Lace® Victoria - Bird's Nest Fern Living Lace® Twirly Whirly™ - Boston Fern <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/philode
Tue, November 05, 2024
Holiday Plant Care: Poinsettia/Christmas Cactus/Norfolk Pine Care
Christmas and the holiday season are coming! Which “festive” plants should you grow and how can you help them stay alive? For many people, nothing makes the holidays lovelier than getting a beautiful poinsettia or holiday cactus during this time. But there’s absolutely nothing worse than seeing the holiday plant that you fell in love with just wither before your very eyes because they need a different care than you’re used to. So today we’ll talk about how to care for classic holiday plants with horticultural expert Farid Khalil from Mahoney's Garden Center . In this episode, we learn: [04:32] Who is Farid Khalil from Mahoney’s Garden Center? [08:04] What do the holidays look like at Mahoney's? [10:20] What is a poinsettia and how do you care for it? [14:48] Give your plants the light they deserve this winter with Soltech Grow Lights ! [16:12] Pre-order Square Foot Gardening, 4th Edition now and get new plans, tips, and updates! [19:21] How to care for poinsettias successfully? [25:52] Are poinsettias toxic to pets and children? [27:24] What are some poinsettia alternatives? [30:04] Repot your holiday plants with Espoma Organic’s premium quality products! [31:20] Why Cyclamen is a nice holiday plant [32:51] How Cyclamen become associated with Christmas [34:39] How should you care for Cyclamen? [38:35] Christmas cactus vs easter cactus [40:20] How to care for a Christmas cactus [44:19] How to care for a Norfolk Island Pine [49:30] Why Lemon cypress is a good holiday plant [51:46] Get to know about Mahoney's Garden Center! Mentioned in our conversation: Mahoney's Garden Center The history of the Morel company, creator of cyclamen Schoneveld Breeding For Farid's garden center-tested holiday plant care tips, check out the full show notes and blog here! Follow Mahoney’s Garden Center: Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest <a
Tue, October 29, 2024
The Best Low Light Plants for Dim Spaces
What plants are great in low-light homes? That’s one of the most common plant questions that I get asked a lot. It’s popular because a lot of us don’t have those floor-to-ceiling windows that we often see on Pinterest and Instagram. The majority of us just have normal, low-light homes. Even my new house in Florida is actually extremely low-light! But of course, we all want our indoor garden to grow well, no matter what our lighting circumstances are. So here’s another Proven Winners episode to teach you how to choose the right low-light plants for your space and all the tips you need to know to make sure you’re taking good care of them. In this episode, we learn: [02:34] What is a low light (tolerant) plant? [03:30] Why low-light plants are popular [04:07] Why you should check out snake & ZZ plants! [05:25] How we overestimate the amount of light in our homes [08:13] Take my Plant Parent Personality™ test [08:35] Importance of rotating pots for low-light plants [10:01] Keep your plant's leaves clean [11:02] #1 Ferns [14:54] #2 Prayer plants [17:00] #3 Monstera [17:33] #4 Photos [19:13] #5 Dracaena [19:52] #6 Philodendron [21:20] Check out Proven Winner’s H2O Line! [22:41] Tips for “no light” situations Mentioned in our conversation: What's Your Plant Parent Personality? Understanding Natural Light 9 Tips for Greening Up Your Work From Home Office Set UP Living Lace® Davana Blue Star Fern Living Lace® Victoria Bird's Nest Fern Living Lace® Hurricane - Bird's Nest Fern Twirly Whirly™ Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) Sweet Dreams® NeverLand™ - Ctenanthe lubbersiana Beautifall® Off to Oz Pothos <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/epipremnum/beautifall-summer-nights-pothos-
Tue, October 22, 2024
This Trick Will Save You 100s at the Garden Center // Plant Parent Personality
Are you struggling to keep your houseplants alive? You might be one of many aspiring plant parents who find themselves in this annoying cycle, and you wonder why you can't seem to keep even the "easiest" plants alive. The problem is not finding the “right beginner plant” but understanding your own plant parent personality. So in this episode, I’ll tell you the five distinct plant parent personalities and how they can help you choose the right plants for your lifestyle. In this episode, we learn: [02:53] What's a Plant Parent Personality? [05:02] Is there a “starter plant”? [08:06] Are you a Mindful Plant Parent? [14:54] Find the perfect grow light that suits your plant parenting style with Soltech Grow Lights! [17:13] Find the right Espoma Organic products to nourish every type of plant in your home! [19:23] Are you a Low Maintenance Plant Parent? [24:45] Are you a Curious Collector Plant Parent? [31:45] Are you a Design-Based Plant Parent? [39:32] Are you an Urban Farmer Plant Parent? Mentioned in our conversation: What's Your Plant Parent Personality? Understanding Natural Light Worksheet TruDrop Self Watering Planters | Crescent Garden WallyGrow Planters Soltech Aspect™ LED Growlight leafjoy H2O® Collection | Proven Winners Lettuce Grow Click & Grow I Made A DIY Houseplant First Aid Kit for Your Worst Case Plant Problems Come Tour Homestead Gardens with Me! Lettuce Grow Farmstand Review: Set Up, 30 Day Recap and First Harvest for my Easy Green Smoothie! Lettuce Grow 3 Month Update: What I like and don't like so far and fertilizing tips DIY Houseplant First Aid Kit with Leslie Halleck The Art of the Plant Pause and Managing Plant Parent Overwhelm The
Tue, October 15, 2024
Behind the Scenes with a Garden Center Owner
What makes your local garden center feel so special? Don’t you notice that there’s something magical about them? It’s kinda shocking how little we understand as consumers about all the effort that goes into getting plants to us and onto our windowsills. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes at the Garden Center that we don't know about. That's why I'm committed to having more people on this podcast to peel back the curtain of the horticulture industry and help us better understand how our plants get to us. I'm excited to share my conversation with Jessie Jacobson of Tonkadale Greenhouse in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Jessie is an example of what a passionate multi-generational family business can look like. In this episode, we learn: [04:38] What is the story behind Tonkadale Greenhouse? [08:37] Growing vs selling plants [12:03] How does the business keep up with modern times? [14:01] What are the mission, vision, and core values of Tonkadale? [15:27] Gift peace and joy this season with Wind River Chimes! [17:05] Give your houseplants the organic love they deserve with Espoma! [20:34] What does Jessie’s day look like as a garden center owner? [23:33] Ordering and planning in gardening [25:08] Why you should always visit an independent garden center [26:26] Seasonal revenue + challenges [30:25] Be a better low-maintenance plant parent with Crescent Garden TrueDrop Self-Watering Planters! [32:37] What keeps Jessie motivated? (aka the joy of gardening) [36:26] What advice can Jessie give to aspiring garden center owners? [41:20] What’s next for Tonkadale Greenhouse? [44:05] Where can you find Tonkadale on social media and onsite? Mentioned in our conversation: What's Your Plant Parent Personality? Tonkadale Greenhouse For a deeper dive into the industry of garden centers, check out the full show notes and blog here! Follow Jessie: Website Instagram Facebook Pinterest YouTube Thank you to our episode sponsors: Wind River Chimes Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to
Tue, October 08, 2024
Budget Friendly Ways to Elevate Your Garden
Plant friends, if you are anything like me, you LOVE a good deal, especially when it comes to your garden. After all, it can be costly to buy every gardening tool out there that just seems to drain your bank account. Luckily for us, I picked the brain of my new plant friend—Robbie from Visit Our Garden . Robbie’s garden is a marvel in itself, but even more exciting is how he has mastered the art of making it look luxe on a budget. So in this episode, I’m sharing some of his budget hacks that you can apply to your own garden. In this episode, we learn: [03:30] Who is Robbie from Visit Our Garden? [07:41] What does Robbie’s garden look like? [11:14] Tip 1: Espalier + buying trees bare root [15:48] Create a successful garden with Gardener's Supply Company’s high-quality products! [17:11] Gift yourself or a loved one a moment of peace and joy with Wind River Chimes ! [21:22] Tip 2: DIY cement garden art [28:00] Tip 3: Painting your fence [30:44] Shop nutrient-rich mixes from Espoma Organic for easier, more sustainable gardening! [33:58] Tip 4: Shopping smart [40:34] Tip 5: Find inspiration in a lot of places (eg. Pinterest) [44:57] Where can you find Robbie on social media? Mentioned in our conversation: Growing Joy Episode 253: 5 Tips for Growing in Hot Climates with Janey of Dig Plant Water Repeat Cultivate'24 Is Espalier Worth It? Maintenance || Visit Our Garden Installing Espalier Honeysuckle On My Fence With Janey 🪴 || Visit Our Garden Fixing my espalier apple tree and planting and clematis 🌸🍎 || visit our garden Frog pot feet HomeRight Solid Color House & Fence Wood Stain | Behr For more of Robbie's best budget-friendly garden secrets, check out the full show notes and blog here!
Tue, October 01, 2024
How Plants Teach Us to Adapt to Change
Have you ever felt lost while experiencing change? In fact, I've been thinking a lot about the concept of transplant shock lately, as it has been a beautiful metaphor for what I am personally going through right now after moving 1,500 miles from New York to Florida . It's a plant-life parallel that gave me so much comfort and guidance during this season of discomfort and change, and I have a feeling that it will resonate with many of you. So in this episode, we’re talking about “ transplant shock ” and the change and the lessons we can learn during challenging times. In this episode, we learn: [02:24] How can we express change in different ways? [02:50] What are the top three stressors for humans? [04:18] Why did I experience transplant shock? [06:50] Wilted plant = transplant shock [07:54] Plant-life parallels and personal reflections [09:51] What is transplant shock? [10:33] What are the symptoms of transplant shock? [10:43] How can a plant recover from transplant shock? [12:21] What does transplant shock look like in humans? [13:36] How do you treat transplant shock in humans? [15:37] Bring more light and positivity to your plants and life with Soltech grow lights ! [17:03] Start planning your next gardening season with the Tiny Farm Planner by Jill Ragan! [18:28] Why you should be patient [20:55] Nutrient of “socialization” [22:00] How to turn transplant shock into growth Mentioned in our conversation: Growing Joy Ep 255: I Moved 80+ Plants Across the Country: Here's What I Learned Nextdoor Bumble BFF Meetup Mounts Botanical Garden Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program For useful insights on how to deal with change, check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsors: Soltech Solutions Check them out at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code "bloom15". Quarto: The Tiny Farm Planner: Record Keeping, Seasonal To-Dos, and R
Tue, September 24, 2024
What You Need to Know About the Autumnal Equinox // Seasonal Sessions
No matter what season it is, now being summer into fall, the shifting of the seasons provides an opportunity and an external trigger for us to reflect internally . I had my dear friend Rachael from Our Infinite Nature back on the show to help us navigate the upcoming season. If you've been following me, you know how magical she is—she’s my go-to for everything seasonal and spiritual. We’ve been doing these seasonal check-ins, and this episode is all about celebrating the fall equinox. Let’s chat about what’s going down this fall, not just with nature, but with us too. Time to chill, think things over, and gather what we've got. It’s time to slow down, reflect, and, of course, harvest. In this episode, we learn: [05:47] Nature rituals and Rachael’s parenting [08:05] The gift of a bird's nest [14:55] Wind River Chimes [16:38] Espoma Organic [18:56] How are our gardens, lawns, forests, and local ecosystems doing in the fall? [21:44] Death as part of nature's cycle [28:27] How to balance productivity and rest in the fall [29:14] How to balance elements of fire, water, and air [30:49] How Libra season correlates with the fall equinox [35:10] Why we should embrace the changes of eclipse season [37:01] Some personal practices to do this fall equinox [42:27] How do the elements of each season relate to our personal growth? [44:25] Meditation for the fall equinox [56:04] Connect with Rachael Mentioned in our conversation: Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear , book by Elizabeth Gilbert Growing Joy Ep 242: Why You Should Care About the Summer Solstice Growing Joy Ep 229: Why You Should Care About the Spring Equinox For Rachael's insights on how to embrace the new season's energies, check out the full show notes and blog here! Follow Rachael: Website Instagram TikTok Facebook YouTube Thank you to our episode sponsors: Wind River Chimes Visit windriverchimes.c
Tue, September 17, 2024
I Moved 80+ Plants Across the Country: Here's What I Learned
I don’t know how I survived moving all 80 of my houseplants across 1500 miles from New York to South Florida with my husband and our parakeet in our rented minivan. It was quite an adventure, and I learned so much along the way. Despite all the chaos, I only lost two and a half plants, which is an achievement! My husband got an amazing job opportunity. I am fully digital with my business. We wanted to move closer to family. So we decided to go for it! In this episode, we learn: [01:18] Why moving with houseplants is challenging [04:05] How does mindset influence the moving process? [05:51] Moving preparations and logistics! [08:20] Why minivans are a must for your plants! [09:53] What is the best way to pack your plants? [15:17] Bring a touch of home to your new space with a soothing Wind River Chime! [16:44] Learn how to create stunning bouquets with Lisa Ziegler’s Cut Flower Handbook! [18:26] What was the three-day road trip like? [22:39] Unpacking plants and settling into our new home! [23:02] How did the first 10 days go for our plants? [25:17] Simplify your move and your gardening with Crescent Garden TrueDrop self-watering planters [27:22] Adjusting to our new Florida home! [29:35] How we lost 2 plants during our move :( [31:26] How transplant shock is affecting me Mentioned in our conversation: Growing Joy Ep 217: I killed a bunch of plants this year, here's what happened: How to Do a Growing Joy Ep 61: How to Move with Plants Plant Audit Enterprise minivans U-Haul Lockable Storage Tote Footlocker PAR Meter Hygrometers Soltech Aspect™ LED Growlight For a complete rundown of my New York to Florida move, check out the full show notes and blog here!</a
Tue, September 10, 2024
Hoya Care for Beginners
There are so many different reasons to love hoyas, plant friends. They are gorgeous, drought-tolerant, and relatively easy to care for once you nail down a few key tips! Hoyas had a moment on social media in 2021 and 2022 due to their incredible diversity—Hoyas can look so different from each other, and if you’re a curious plant collector (see which one are you with my plant personality test ), this is the perfect genus for you! In this ongoing mini-series, I’ll take you through how to care for hoyas indoors and I will also introduce you to my favorite Proven Winners varieties! In this episode, we learn: [01:27] Why is Hoya the perfect plant? [03:12] How Hoya became part of my wedding! [03:49] Where can you find Hoyas? [04:43] Hoya care: lighting [06:01] Hoya care: watering [07:14] Hoya care: soil [08:05] Hoya care: humidity [08:31] Hoya care: potting [09:38] How to get your Hoya to bloom [12:18] How to trellis your Hoya [14:03] My favorite Proven Winners leafjoy™ Hoyas? Mentioned in our conversation: Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix Espoma Organic Orchid Mix Growing Joy Ep 226: How to Repot Houseplants YouTube Video: How to Repot houseplants Grow lights Endless Cascades™ Green Light™ - Hoya carnosa Endless Cascades™ Shining Sea Star™ - Hoya carnosa Endless Cascades™ Fresh Rain™ - Hoya rangsan Endless Cascades ™ - Quinquenervia Endless Cascades™ Shadow Falls™ - Hoya callistophylla Endless Cascades™ Sarawak Cream - Hoya latifolia For my proven and tested tips on hoya care, <a href="h
Tue, September 03, 2024
5 Tips for Growing in Hot Climates
Big news, plant friends. I've moved! After four wonderful years living in the Catskills my husband and I have packed up our lives–and my plants–and headed south to Florida. That’s from Zone 6B to Zone 10B! As a lifelong New Yorker, I've only ever known four distinct seasons. But now, I’m literally going to experience a whole new gardening action in a climate that feels almost tropical. And I'm feeling like a total beginner again. So, I called in the big guns—my friend Janey from Dig, Plant, Water, Repeat. She's a hot climate gardening expert, and she's got some amazing tips for us hot climate gardeners! In this episode, we learn: [00:00] I’ve moved to Florida! [04:36] What should you do when changing garden zones? [05:04] Who is Janey Santos? [12:16] What are temperennials? [13:47] What is “true annual”? [15:49] Wind River Chimes [17:24] Espoma Organic [18:50] What are other examples of temperennials? [22:03] What are some gardening tips for hot climates? [24:39] Why drip irrigation could be useful [29:09] Why should you use mulch? [31:09] The best kind of mulch [32:02] Garden Supply Company [37:56] Why should you know your season? [40:20] What does Janey’s garden look like? [43:42] Connect with Janey Mentioned in our conversation: Best for the West - Janey Santos of Dig, Plant, Water, Repeat Growing Joy Ep 176: Landscaping in the Southwest Growing Joy Ep 241: Small Space Cut Flower Gardening for Beginners Growing Joy Ep 06: Enjoy a Living, Potted Christmas Tree for the Holiday Season! Supertunia Vista® Bubblegum® Lantana Caladium Monrovia Youtube video: 🌱 Surprising My Pregnant Sister with a Dream Raised Bed Garden! Cool Flowers: How to Grow and Enjoy Long-Blooming Hardy Annual Flowers Using Cool Weather Techniques For Janey's reliable hot climate gardening tips, che
Tue, August 27, 2024
Pet Friendly Plants
You've probably seen that funny meme going around that says "pets are the new children, and plants are the new pets." I couldn't agree more! We're all out here treating our plants like our babies and our pets like our kids. But what happens when these two loves collide—and your toxic plant harms your pet? In this episode, I share the different plants that are safe for our furry babies, how to keep pets away from toxic plants, and other things to keep in mind when caring for both plants and pets. In this episode, we learn: [01:44] Things you need to know if you have pets and plants [04:10] Which plants are the most toxic for pets? [05:34] How do you keep your pets away from your plants? [09:07] Make summer unforgettable with a personalized Wind Chime! [10:42] Protect your pets and the planet with high-quality, organic plant products [13:10] Which plants are pet-friendly? [15:25] What other resources can help you? Mentioned in our conversation: Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants by ASPCA Pet Poison Helpline Mosser Lee ML1121 River Rock Soil Cover Grannick's Bitter Apple for Dogs Spray Bottle GJ EP 123: How to Manage Deer, Squirrels, Chipmunks, Moles, Voles and Other Animals in Your Garden with Brie The Plant Lady Thank you to our episode sponsors: Wind River Chimes Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes. Espoma Organic Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront . Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here ! Take the <a href="https://growingjoywithmaria.com/per
Tue, August 20, 2024
Anthurium Care 101
Anthuriums have everything a plant parent could want. This genus has the most widely distributed, easily grown plants as well as some rare and expensive collectibles. Both its leaves and flowers are also indispensable. I especially love it because of its heart-shaped leaves and its gorgeous long, skinny stems. And I’ll tell you all about it and how to care for it in this episode of Proven Winners Mini Series. In this episode, we learn: [02:17] Why I love Anthuriums! [02:55] Anthurium mental wellness note [03:56] High-level overview of the Anthurium genus! [06:56] Care #1: Watering your anthurium [07:21] Care #2: Light requirements for anthurium [08:07] Care #3: Humidity needs for anthurium [09:18] How to troubleshoot your anthurium problems [12:27] Take my Plant Parent Personality test ! [12;46] Thank you, Proven Winners Leafjoy ! [14:04] What are the different Anthurium varieties? [20:49] Which Anthurium variety suits your plant personality? Mentioned in our conversation: Dome Glass Cloche Glass Terrarium Grow Light Mini Watering Globe Set Arching Amour™ Alexandrite is Right™ (Crystallinum) Arching Amour™ Heart's Desire™ Arching Amour™ Tall Tale™ (Bird's Nest Anthurium) Arching Amour™ Follow Your Heart™ (Brownii) Growing Joy Ep
Tue, August 13, 2024
The Business of Horticulture
How do you level up from being a casual plant lover to a true pro in the horticulture industry? What does it take to become one? There are plenty of things we don't get as hobbyists about the horticulture industry—so much more happening behind the scenes than we can imagine. Fortunately, Leslie Halleck, a favorite guest on the podcast and one of my best plant friends, is here to tell us about how the horticulture industry works and how you might become part of it! In this episode, we learn: [03:45] How to turn plant passion into a horticultural career [06:54] What is Leslie's background in horticulture? [14:46] Don't let shorter days dim your plant's shine with Soltech grow lights! [17:01] Nourish your plants with Espoma’s premium organic products! [18:42] Leslie’s career transitions [23:04] What other jobs are in the horticulture field? [24:52] How do plants get from farm to store? [29:23] What affects plant prices and availability? [34:58] What are the common mistakes aspiring plantrepreneurs make? [40:53] What are the educational pathways in horticulture? [48:49] Why is horticulture mostly family businesses? [51:48] Women's positions in a male-dominated horticultural sector [53:27] Leslie’s new horticulture business courses + coaching programs [01:00:37] Where can you find out more about Leslie? Mentioned in our conversation: Cultivate '24 Tropical Plant International Expo (TPIE) COURSE: The Business of Horticulture COURSE: The Business of Selling Plants 'Tiny Plants' by Leslie Halleck Professional Horticulture Program | Longwood Gardens Horticulture Classes | New York Botanical Garden Master Gardeners - American Horticultural Society For a deeper look into the processes behind the plant industry, check out the full show notes and blog here! Follow Leslie: Website <a href="https://l
Tue, August 06, 2024
How to Use Nature as a Spiritual and Wellness Tool with Jessica Zweig
How many times have you heard someone say "My garden is my therapy" or "Plant care is self-care”? These phrases have become so popular lately, and they're absolutely true! As someone who's written a whole book on this topic, I can tell you that being connected to nature gives us so many gifts: perspective, gratitude, love, and as we'll explore today, reverence and reciprocity. I have a deep-rooted connection with Gaia (or Mother Earth) that I’m gonna share with my equally deeply spiritual friend, Jessica Zweig, business coach and author of ‘ The Light Work ’. We both have spookily similar experiences moving out of congested cities into nature and seeing the shifts in our systems and lives that have happened. I hope you take something good from this ep! In this episode, we learn: [06:38] Jessica’s evolution of connecting with nature [10:41] Moving to the countryside [14:40] Unwind and relax with Wind River Chimes [16:15] Begin your homesteading life with Simple Country Living by Annette Thurman [17:22] How does nature help alleviate our worries? [20:36] What is the practice of reciprocity? [23:14] What is the frequency of Gaia? [26:28] What are the codes of Gaia? [30:21] Successfully grow anything with Gardener Supply Company [32:17] Meeting the Kichwa Anangu tribe [36:45] Where can you find Jessica’s book? [38:25] Where can you find Jessica on social media? Mentioned in our conversation: Birds of Tennessee Field Guide (Bird Identification Guides) by Stan Tekiela Merlin Bird ID Simply Be by Jessica Zweig The Light Work by Jessica Zweig Comunidad Kichwa Añangu Lion’s Gate Activation Summit For Jessica's nature-based wellness practices, check out the full show notes and blog here! Follow Jessica: Website Podcast Instagram Facebook YouTube <
Tue, July 30, 2024
Garden to Table Recipes
Are you running out of ideas on how to use the tomato and cucumber harvest from your garden? As summer goes on, many gardeners end up with a ton of produce they don't know what to do with. Those eight tomato plants that seemed like a good idea in spring are now producing more than you can eat! But my guest this episode has got you covered with some of her delicious and creative ways to use up your garden bounty. I had an amazing conversation with Julia from Lemon Stripes about her new cookbook " Garden Grown ," and I'm excited to share some fantastic recipes and preservation techniques that will help you make the most of your tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs. In this episode, we learn: [05:51] Who is Julia and how did she start her gardening journey? [08:06] Julia’s small-scale homesteading project [11:15] What are her tomato recipes (tomato confit!) [15:24] Actionable garden solutions in any weather with Kim Stoddart's "The Climate Change Resilient Vegetable Garden" [16:52] How to preserve your harvest [19:12] How to make a tomato tart [21:58] What is cowboy caviar? [24:51] Fish with tomato recipe [28:17] Simple pickling recipes! [30:30] Cucumber Basil Margarita Recipe! [32:40] What is a hot and cold cucumber salad? [34:46] Marinated cucumbers (a snack homage) [39:03] Vegetarian rainbow rolls (with peanut sauce) [43:00] Herb salt and homemade teas! [47:08] Exploring shrubs and simple syrups [50:55] Where can you find Julia and her book, Garden Grown? Mentioned in our conversation: Growing Joy Episode 195: Homesteading for Beginners with Michelle Bruhn and Stephanie Thurow RITUAL ZERO PROOF Tequila Alternative Garden Grown by Julia Dzafic Anel Dzafic (@botanicalbosnian) For Julia's easy and delicious tomato and cucumber recipes, check out the full show notes and blog here! Follow Julia: Website Recipes Instagram </
Tue, July 23, 2024
Growing Joy "After Dark": Spilling the Planty Tea
Here’s a special late-night edition of Growing Joy with Plants: After Dark where I spill the planty tea and share a cocktail with my two incredible plant friends, Agatha Isabel and Kamili Bell Hill. You might know Kamili as @plantblerd on Instagram and Agatha as @agathatisabel on Instagram. They've been my real-life plant friends for years, and we recently had a blast at the New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show—and had a sleepover at Kamili's house the night before, which resulted in this episode! This is a candid chat as we dish the dirt on everything from embarrassing plant parent moments to the real talk about representation in the plant community. In this episode, we learn: [00:53] Growing Joy After Dark: Real conversations about plant parenthood [02:18] Plant connections and friendships! [05:36] What has their collection looked like over time? [11:18] What is the dark side of plant collecting? [13:37] Get a personalized wind chime! [15:11] Safe, high-quality potting mixes and fertilizers [20:29] What are their favorite plant species? [23:33] Plant care tips and humidity hacks [26:24] Grow houseplants even in low-light spaces [27:57] What is the balance between the joy and stress of plant care? [30:56] Taking care of plants when traveling [32:42] Resilient plants and hoyas [33:25] Some plant disaster stories [37:16] What's the craziest plant experiment they’ve done? [39:34] What are the signs of being a true "plant parent" [51:21] Where to find Agatha and Kamili on social media Mentioned in our conversation: The Orchid Show: Florals in Fashion | New York Botanical Garden Summer Rayne Oakes Bad Seeds on Apple Podcasts Bad Seeds on Spotify Happy Plants, Happy You by Kamili Bell Hill Houseplant Hookups by Agatha Isabel For our truest, deepest thoughts on plant parenthood, check out the full show notes and blog here! Follow Agatha: Website <a href="https://agathaisabel.com/pages/plant-ma-s
Tue, July 16, 2024
What is Regenerative Gardening and Permaculture?
Have you ever come across the terms "regenerative gardening," "permaculture," or even "chaos gardening"? These are all over social media lately, but what do they actually mean? And more importantly, how can we use these practices to grow happier, healthier plants while also helping Mother Nature? Today's episode is a deep dive into all of this with my new plant friend, Stephanie Rose, founder of Garden Therapy and author of 12 books, who is so committed to helping you garden for at least five minutes a day to receive the benefits gardening can give us. Let's break it down! In this episode, we learn: [04:15] How Stephanie got into regenerative gardening and built Garden Therapy [07:15] What is permaculture? [09:46] What is the origin of Stephanie’s ‘charity garden’? [14:55] Grow your dream garden with Gardener's Supply Company [16:39] Sustainable gardening with high-quality products from Espoma Organic [21:18] What is chaos gardening? [24:32] Regenerative gardening vs permaculture [26:36] What is the ‘no-till’ method? [29:34] Try Crescent Garden's self-watering planters [32:15] What is hügelkultur? [35:00] What is the relationship between lasagna garden and hügelkultur? [36:51] The difference between a regenerative approach to soil and a basic gardener's approach to soil? [38:44] Different water conservation methods for regenerative gardening [42:11] How does intensive planting benefit gardeners? [48:09] Why do regenerative gardens tend to have fewer pests? [51:26] Regenerative projects that Stephanie has planned for her new house? [58:47] Where can you find Stephanie online? Mentioned in our conversation: Northwest Flower and Garden Show Books by Stephanie Rose: Garden Alchemy Regenerative Garden Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer For Stephanie's regenerative gardening tips, check out the full show notes and blog here! Follow Stephanie: Website Facebook Instagram Pinterest <a href="h
Tue, July 09, 2024
Understanding Natural Light Levels for Thriving Houseplants // Do You Have Bright Light, Bright Indirect Light or Low Light for Houseplants?
You are likely overestimating how much light you have in your home for your houseplants, plant friends! Yes, it's a tough truth to swallow. In fact, the largest cause of houseplant death is a misunderstanding of light. That’s because our houseplants perceive light differently from us. Don’t worry, because I have your back. I've spent seven years learning about light and distilling everything I've learned into this one short episode to break down how you can confidently assess the natural light in your home and buy the correct plant that will do well in that environment. This episode is part of the Growing Joy with leafjoy mini series. Thanks to Proven Winners leafjoy for partnering on this episode. In this episode, we learn: [04:50] Why it’s important to know your light level before you go plant shopping! [06:06] How plants use light for photosynthesis to produce their food [07:22] Why chlorophyll is important [14:58] Why low light plants = low light tolerant [16:43] #1 Understanding your window orientation + light exposure [18:12] Look for obstructions outside your window [20:57] #2 Defining direct, indirect, and low light situations! [24:27] Supplement with grow lights [25:34] Troubleshooting common light issues Mentioned in our conversation: Gardening Under Lights by Leslie Halleck Soltech Aspect™ LED Growlight African Mask Plant - Alocasia longiloba | Proven Winners Monstera Deliciosa/Thai Constellation | Proven Winners FREE DOWNLOAD - Understanding Natural Light Plant Parent Personality Quiz Growing Joy Ep 182: Spring Houseplant Care For a complete guide on indoor light levels, check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsor: Proven Winners leafjoy If you want to have success with houseplants, you’ve got to have two things: the knowledge to care for them successfully and healthy plants. Meet my new favorite houseplant grower: Proven Winner’s leafjoy™. With only the best plant genetics grown in a state-of-the-art, European greenh
Tue, July 02, 2024
Interior Design for Beginners // Interior Design Principles for Houseplant Lovers
Plants just help liven up any space, that’s a fact. And I don't know if you know this, but I suck at interior design. It does not come naturally to me. I often overlook details—and interior design in general is about the details . I came to houseplants for the aesthetic because plants seem to be the common thread of all the design magazines, articles, and inspirations that I was reading as I was curating my apartment in New York City. And when you have a lot of houseplants, that can create a chaotic, cluttered interior. That's why I'm sitting down with interior design expert and my friend, Betsy Helmuth, the founder of Uploft Interior Design and the host of the Affordable Interior Design podcast to discuss some basic interior design principles that we can tailor specifically for houseplant lovers. In this episode, we learn: [04:21] What exactly is the focus of Betsy's Uploft Interior Design? [06:45] How to find your interior style [10:26] What are the most popular interior design styles? [14:01] Nature-based aesthetics you should keep our eyes out for [15:25] Give the gift of peace and beauty this summer with a personalized Wind River Chime! [17:00] Grow happier houseplants with Espoma Organic's high quality gardening products! [20:37] How do you blend two different interior design styles using a 'two-word phrase' approach? [27:54] Why choosing an inspiration piece is important [29:02] How to choose the right color palettes [33:18] Styling with plants and pots [34:59] What is the 60-30-10 rule? [39:32] Other rules and guidelines for starting interior design projects [43:03] How plant placement affects interior design choices [46:19] What are the common mistakes people make with art/wall decor? [48:45] Tips for people who are scared to get art [50:54] Innovative planter solutions [53:06] What can you do in the bedroom to make it cozy? [58:43] Where can you find Betsy on social media? Mentioned in our conversation: Affordable Interior Design: High-End Tips for Any Budget by Betsy Helmuth Apartment Therapy Houzz West Elm Pottery Barn World Market AptDeco <a h
Tue, June 25, 2024
Stop Killing Ferns! How to Care for Ferns
I have always been a fan of ferns, but for some reason, I could never manage to keep them alive . But those days are over, and I have done a complete 180 on ferns! If you've been listening to this podcast for a while, you've probably heard me say how I don't like ferns and how they're just not my recommended houseplant. However, for the past year or so, I've been successfully caring for ferns, and I'm obsessed. I've learned so much, and I can't wait to share my top tips with you! In this episode, we learn: [00:10] Ferns 101 [04:03] How resilient are ferns? [05:00] What are the brown spots you see on ferns? [05:34] Are ferns a good choice for a home with limited natural light? [06:32] How should you water your ferns? [07:33] The right kind of pots to use [09:13] How sphagnum moss helps keep ferns healthy [09:51] How important is the humidity for ferns? [11:40] What are the benefits of grouping plants together? [12:09] How to fertilize your fern [12:39] How to prune ferns [14:04] Troubleshooting tips for ferns [16:43] Proven Winners Leafjoy Fern species [17:49] What ferns are not recommended for beginners? [19:27] Ferns to bring home: Bird's nest fern [20:35] Ferns to bring home: Rabbit's foot fern [21:43] Ferns to bring home: Boston fern/Lemon button fern [22:15] Ferns to bring home: Staghorn fern Mentioned in our conversation: Self-watering planters Ceramic pot Sphagnum moss Glass cloche Grow lights Espoma Organic Indoor! Plant Food Bird’s Nest Ferns: Living Lace® Victoria , <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/asplenium/living-lace-hurricane-birds-nest-fern-asplenium-antiquum" rel="nofol
Tue, June 18, 2024
Why You Should Care About the Summer Solstice
Can you feel that summer energy in the air? The summer solstice is upon us—the longest day of the year and the official start of the summer season. For us plant parents, this transition is everything. All our patient tending in the spring is paying off as our gardens burst into full bloom. The summer solstice is a powerful energetic pivot point that I always like to honor and celebrate. And I am so delighted to have my dear friend Rachael of Our Infinite Nature join us again in this episode! Rachael is our resident modern green witch —she has such a beautiful way of connecting plants, nature, and spirituality. In our conversation, we explored what the solstice means from an energetic and astrological perspective, and how we can align ourselves with these potent seasonal energies. In this episode, we learn: [05:00] What does summer mean to Rachael? [05:27] What is the energy of summer? [06:30] Why fire is vital for growth in plants and humans [10:24] What is the difference between spring's action-taking energy and summer's action-maintaining energy ? [15:03] Make any summer gift unforgettable with a personalized Wind River Chime! [16:38] Take the stress out of summer gardening with Crescent Garden TrueDrop Self Watering Planters! [19:19] What's going on astrologically these days? [23:13] Is fire energy out of balance in our world, leading to burnout? [24:13] How can we use the elements (earth, water, fire, air) to address burnout, especially during the summer solstice? (and a little bit of meditation!) [29:57] Feed your plants with Espoma Organic for beautiful summer blooms and delicious harvests! [31:42] What are some ways to work with the element of air? [32:27] Connecting with the elements: water, earth, air [38:03] How do you ritualize the summer solstice? [41:25] Where can you find Rachael on social media? [41:52] Summer solstice meditation Mentioned in our conversation: DIY Spring Flower Crown | Easy Craft Tutorial! Growing Joy Ep 234: Eco Anxiety with Rachael Growing Joy Ep 223: Cultivating Intuition with Nature with Rachael Growing Joy Ep 223: Plant Magic: How to Be a Green Witch with Rachael For Rachael's recommendations on balancing the different elements this solstice, <a href="https://growingjoywithmaria.com/summer-solstice"
Tue, June 11, 2024
Small Space Cut Flower Gardening for Beginners
Some of my happiest childhood memories are of my mom's garden bursting with homegrown flower bouquets. Whenever we had visitors, she'd snip whatever was in bloom, bundle it up with herbs from her kitchen garden, wrap it in a wet paper towel and tinfoil, and gift it to our guests. I just thought it was the simplest, kindest way to grow joy for herself and for her friends—and that's the beauty of growing cut flowers. Speaking of beauty, I couldn’t get enough of this episode’s guest and her amazing book! Lisa Ziegler is the founder of The Gardener's Workshop and the author of the book I just devoured, ‘The Cut Flower Handbook.’ We had a high-level overview of what you need to know if you want to delve into cut flower gardening! In this episode, we learn: [04:13] What sparked Lisa's desire to grow cut flowers? [07:32] How did Lisa's hobby bloom into a flower farm? [10:23] Are spacing guidelines for cutting gardens important? [13:07] What is the best place for a cutting garden, and why is it different from where you usually plant flowers? [17:00] Where to get hassle-free self-watering planters [18:42] The best indoor and outdoor gardening products for you [21:08] What is Lisa’s garden zone? [21:47] Which cut flowers are best for beginners? [27:10] What are the recommended filler flowers to grow with Zinnias? [28:13] What are the benefits of starting seeds indoors versus direct sowing in the garden? [31:46] Annuals vs perennials [34:10] What are magnet plants? [37:17] Tps for setting up a low-maintenance cutting garden for beginners [45:49] How and when should you pinch plants in a cutting garden? [50:38] Is there a rule of thumb for how many leaves to leave when pinching or cutting back annuals in a cutting garden? [51:25] What are the biggest mistakes people make during harvesting? [55:59] Why are Bells of Ireland a coveted flower (and what is the secret to growing them)? [57:11] How can zone six growers use large grow bags to create a cutting garden with transplants and direct-sown seeds? [01:02:57] Poppy vs cosmos: which is easier to grow? [01:04:22] Where can you find Lisa on the internet? Mentioned in our conversation: Lisa Ziegler’s books: The Cut Flower Handbook Cool Flowers Vegetables Love Flowers </
Tue, June 04, 2024
How to Move with Houseplants
Moving is such a pain in the neck. Packing boxes, saying goodbye to familiar surroundings, and navigating new neighborhoods—it's enough to make anyone break a sweat. But you know what can be worse than that, plant friends? Moving with houseplants! If you know, you know, and if you haven't moved with your houseplant collection yet, consider yourself lucky. Our guest today just moved across countries and into a different garden zone. We've both moved multiple times in the last few years, dragging our plant collections of over a hundred plants each, far and wide. This conversation with Becca from Becca De La Plants was also very heartfelt, as we discussed not only moving with plants but also how it relates to our lives. In this episode, we learn: [03:32] What have the last couple of years looked like for Becca? [06:08] How does it feel to move into a completely different garden zone? (from zone 9 to 6) [09:06] Did Tucson spark Becca's gardening passion, or was it the Missouri land? [15:33] Make this summer unforgettable with personalized Wind River Chimes! [17:04] Discover how tending to your houseplants can improve your well-being with "Happy Plants, Happy You" by Kamili Bell Hill [18:06] How Becca’s houseplant collection changed since she moved to Missouri [19:56] How does Becca divide her time between plants, work, and her baby? [22:00] How did Becca decide which plants to keep when moving? [26:36] Maria’s method of moving plants [31:03] New home, new garden? Discover new gardening essentials at Gardener's Supply Company [33:52] Moving is stressful, let’s admit that [34:31] What other things should you do on moving day? [37:19] What difficulties arise in Becca's first month of adjusting to her new home? [41:58] Maria’s evolving home setups for podcasting [46:21] How life phases (motherhood, new homes, and personal growth) influence changes in style and confidence? [52:07] Becca’s profound experience with a plant that shifted her perspective on life [58:07] Advice for people moving to a completely different place [01:01:37] Take advice from the old ladies at a garden center [01:02:53] Where can you find Becca on social media? Mentioned in our conversation: Growing Joy Ep 151: Beginner's Guide to Greenhouses Interview with Maria: Planty Chat & How to Plan a Plant Event For Becca's moving experience and tips, <a href="https://growingjoywithmaria.com/move" rel="nofollo
Tue, May 28, 2024
Bird-Friendly Gardening
While we are stewards of the land, we are also stewards of the native animals that call it home. And birds, with their declining population, need our help to keep them flying high in our shared environment. Our responsibility is to protect their home, provide them with food, and minimize the threats they face. When I realized there was someone else who shares my deep passion for birds AND gardens, and that she wrote a whole book on making bird-friendly gardens , I knew I needed to meet and befriend her immediately. So in this episode, Jen McGuinness, aka Frau Zinnie, talks all about optimizing our gardens for our birds. If you follow me on social media, you know that I'm a crazy bird lady. I think Frankie, my parakeet, knows that this episode is special because he’s especially loud behind the scenes. In this episode, we learn: [05:29] How Jen became a plant/bird lady [08:08] What is Jen’s gateway bird? [09:31] What does bird-friendly gardening mean (beyond the bird feeder)? [13:17] How will a bird-friendly garden help you and your garden? [14:12] What is a native plant ? [15:26] Bring the soothing sounds of summer to your loved ones with Wind River Chimes [17:01] From balconies to backyards, grow your best garden yet with Gardener's Supply Company [18:37] What do birds eat? [23:07] What are the 4 major flight paths used by migratory birds? [28:48] What can we put in our gardens to help birds build nests? [31:41] Should you add a nesting box to your garden? [33:28] Nourish your plants and attract birds with safe, organic Espoma products. [35:27] How should you set up your bird baths? [40:36] How should you create a bird-friendly feeder setup in your garden? [45:02] How to choose bird-friendly native plants for your growing zone [54:28] What are some easy DIY projects to attract birds to a small balcony/garden plot? [57:53] Where can you find Jen and her book? Mentioned in our conversation: Growing Joy Ep 220: How to Make a Tiny Meadow in Your Yard with Graham Laird Gardner BirdCast Merlin Bird ID Birdsy Bird Buddy National Audubon Society <a href=
Tue, May 21, 2024
Hydrangea Care
Hydrangeas are beautiful flowers, and they represent a wide range of emotions in different cultures. Yes, they can be tricky to grow, but they are relatively low-maintenance with the right care! In this episode, you will learn everything you need to know about hydrangeas from Ryan McEnaney aka @ryanplantsplants, your new best plant friend. I bumped into him in Seattle during the Northwestern Flower Show a few weeks back. We grabbed dinner and it was crazy how much we clicked! Ryan is a fifth-generation member of Bailey Nurseries , which is known for their Endless Summer hydrangeas , Easy Elegance Roses , and First Edition shrubs . His lifetime spent with hydrangeas has given him a strong grasp on their care, and he’s willing to share these tips with us! In this episode, we learn: [06:13] What has Ryan’s plant parent journey looked like? [09:54] What are the 4 main species of hydrangea? [13:42] Understanding bloom cycles for pruning [16:56] Say goodbye to balcony watering stress this summer with self-watering planters! [17:23] Learn how to create the perfect cutting garden for bouquets with The Cut Flower Handbook [18:25] What is the blooming cycle of hydrangeas? [20:09] When should you prune hydrangeas? [22:40] How does soil affect the color of Hydrangea macrophylla blooms? [28:58] What should you know about planting hydrangeas in the ground? [30:12] What’s the general light guideline? [30:42] Common mistakes people make with planting hydrangea [31:23] Get everything you need, from containers to raised beds, with Gardener's Supply Company [32:40] Check your hydrangeas’ soil acidity with Espoma Organics [34:30] Why is it important to choose hydrangeas with flower buds? [42:42] How to extend the length of hydrangea blooms [48:26] Where can you find Ryan on social media? [48:43] Where can you get Ryan’s book ‘Field Guide to Outside Style’? Mentioned in our conversation: Northwest Flower and Garden Show Bailey Nurseries <a href="https://firsteditionsplants.
Tue, May 14, 2024
How to Water Your Houseplants: Everything You Need to Know About Watering
Did you know that watering is one of the most common causes of houseplant death? You saw a gorgeous new plant baby from a store, and then you brought it home full of excitement and good intentions. In fact, you wanted to do your best, so you read the watering instructions in the packet and tried to follow them as closely as possible… And then tragedy happens. The once vibrant leaves start to wilt, turn yellow, or fall off entirely. It’s a rookie mistake! But I’m here to share my hard-earned watering technique so you can keep your plants happy (and your plant parent pride intact). We’ve all been there, plant friends. In this episode, we learn: [02:27] Why, when, and how of watering houseplants [04:12] Why do our houseplants need water? [06:04] How do houseplants absorb water? [09:04] When should we water our houseplants? [10:54] Frequency errors in watering [15:00] How to determine soil moisture [16:00] What is top watering? [20:20] Grow your garden with the highest quality houseplants from Proven Winners leafjoy™ [21:52] What is bottom watering? [24:08] What are self-watering pots? [25:29] Why you shouldn’t use freezing water [26:18] Knowing when your plant needs water by weight [29:45] Why is drainage important in houseplant care? Mentioned in our conversation: Soil Moisture Meter Modern Sprout Watering Can Plant Mister Pump Sprayer Soil Probe WallyGrow Loop Hanging Wall Planter TERRAPOT TRCOT 10 Growing Joy Ep 219: How to Care for Alocasias Growing Joy Ep 228: Everything You Need to Know About Calathea Growing Joy Ep 232: Everything You Need to Know About Philodendron What's Your Plant Parent Personality? For my foolproof watering tips, check o
Tue, May 07, 2024
How to Use Nature to Improve Your Mindset
How can you use plants to promote more mindful thinking? In this episode, I had the most amazing chat with my longtime plant friend Brittany Gowan ( @brittanygowan ). Brittany and I go way back to our NYC plant mom days when we used to have plant swaps and brunches together. It is pretty wild how plants can bring people together like that. Brittany is one of a kind—she blends her skills in psychology and coaching with her deep love of nature. On the show, we discussed how plants can reduce stress, foster compassion, and increase joy. In this episode, we learn: [03:06] Who is Brittany Gowan? (one of my OG plant friends!) [06:16] Finding peace in a stressful job [10:12] What are some ways that city people can connect with nature? [12:59] Importance of noticing and appreciating “little things” in urban areas [16:03] Celebrate special moments and create lasting memories with Wind River Chimes [17:51] Discover fun, plant-filled projects that add joy to your life with ' ¡Verdura! – Living a Garden Life ' by Perla Sofía Curbelo Santiago [19:07] How has our ability to focus changed in a multitasking-driven society? [21:53] What are the metaphorical ways light/darkness can be interpreted? [28:20] How to develop compassion through plant care [30:09] Add a touch of spring to your home with Soltech's stylish grow lights [33:42] Finding joy in unexpected, small moments [39:32] How can plants and nature help with anxiety? [43:38] Returning to the wild and reconnecting with our roots [47:06] Meditation and mindfulness Mentioned in our conversation: Pause With Plants Podcast Brittany’s book: Turn to the Sun: Your Guide to Release Stress and Cultivate Better Health Through Nature Seattle Spheres For Brittany's mindful tips on growing joy through nature, check out the full show notes and blog here! Follow Brittany: Website <a href="https://www.instagram.com/brittanygowan" rel="nofo
Tue, April 30, 2024
How to Care for A Lot of Plants (AKA Have a Large Plant Collection)
If you have 250 plants in your home, what would you do? That seems like WAY too many plants to care for, right? But for Samantha Hermann, better known as @houseplusplant on Instagram, this is her second nature. She’s my newest plant friend, and I’m so excited to have a casual conversation with her on this episode (let me know if you want more episodes like this). Samantha has been successfully keeping that many plants alive and happy for years, and I’m sure it’s a lot of work. But she’s here to share her best tips for managing a large indoor plant collection without stressing out! In this episode, we learn: [04:46] Meet Samantha, the houseplant expert with over 250+ plant babies [05:37] What happened at the recent Tropical Plant International Expo? [11:22] When did Samantha start collecting houseplants? [15:09] Grow healthy plants in any corner of your home with Soltech’s stylish grow lights [17:26] Make your houseplants happy with Espoma Organic's high-quality, premium potting mixes [21:39] Why you should try new methods/species to avoid boredom and burnout [25:30] How Samantha’s plant collection has evolved over the years [30:51] What does Samantha’s research process look like for a plant? [32:30] Why is trial and error in plant care important? [36:25] How does she take care of her plants every day? [39:24] What is her approach to controlling pests? [45:44] How does she care for her plants while she is away? (and smart home gadgets!) [51:25] Tips for maximizing your plant space through styling and organization [57:23] What are the challenges she faced having to take care of a large plant collection? [01:03:03] Why you shouldn’t let plant care become a source of stress (dark side of plant care) [01:03:59] Tips for moms on how to manage both children and plants [01:08:35] Starting her Instagram plant account [01:11:20] When did she realize that she wanted to be a full-time plant content creator? [01:14:37] Where can you find Samantha on social media? Mentioned in our conversation: Tropical Plant International Expo (TPIE) Foliage Focus Foliage Pro Prop Drops | Market Botany Market Botany (@marketbotany) | TikTok Mossify <a href="https://www.aroid.org/show/" rel=
Tue, April 23, 2024
Eco Anxiety
Have you ever felt a sense of worry, fear, or anger when you think about climate change and the state of our planet? If so, you may be experiencing what's called "eco-anxiety." As plant lovers who are so connected to nature through our gardens and houseplants, it makes total sense that eco-anxiety could affect us. We care deeply about the Earth because we are part of it. So, let us spend some time with my dearest friend and resident green witch, Rachael Cohen, to better understand this concept. In this episode, we learn: [03:33] What is eco-anxiety? [07:14] Rachael’s personal story of identifying/managing eco-anxiety [09:45] Coping with eco-anxiety [11:21] How perspective affects happiness [12:16] What is the environmental impact of our actions, and how does it relate to our well-being? [15:21] Fill your homes with the most ethereal sounds with the new Wind River Eclipse Collection (use code GROWINGJOY) [17:26] Discover gardening tips, kitchen tricks, and family activities to reduce waste and save money with ‘ Simple Country Living ’ by Annette Thurmon [18:39] What is Rachael's book, Self-Care for Eco-Anxiety, all about? [20:01] Is corporate responsibility being misdirected, with consumers unfairly blamed? [22:30] How to shift from fight/flight to parasympathetic rest and digest mode [24:18] Somatic practices to release severe negative feelings associated with eco-anxiety [29:01] Finding neutrality and managing anxiety [30:10] What is the concept of “the mother tree” in Rachael’s book? [32:25] What is the mycelium network? [36:42] What are some ways we can give back to Mother Nature? [41:37] Rachael’s favorite strategy for bringing oneself back from an eco-anxiety spiral [43:23] How is the book constructed? [46:55] Where can you get the book? Mentioned in our conversation: Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest , book by Suzanne Simard The Overstory: A Novel , book by Richard Powers Growing Joy Ep 229: Why You Should Care About the Spring Equinox Self-care for Eco-Anxiety: 52 Weekly Practices for Positive, Personal Change Through the Power of Nature , book by Rachael Cohen Growing Joy Ep 223: Cultivating Intuition with Nature with Rachael of Our Infinite Nature Growing Joy Epis
Tue, April 16, 2024
Composting Basics
You may have heard that compost is the key to a healthy garden, and feeding the soil is more important than feeding your plants . And if you don't garden, you've probably heard about composting as an eco-friendly way to live more sustainably and support the planet. That is why I dedicate an entire episode explaining what composting is and how it works. My guest, Michelle Balz, is a true composting guru who has written, not one, but two incredible books solely focused on this amazing soil amendment. By the end of our conversation, you'll understand exactly what compost is made of, how it benefits your garden's soil, why it's so great for the environment, and best of all—how to successfully compost both indoors and out. In this episode, we learn: [06:49] What has Michelle’s journey been in composting? [09:24] How many different composting systems does Michelle have in her home? [10:20] Compost vs soil vs potting mix [12:02] What makes compost so special? [13:53] How does composting benefit the environment, ourselves, and our gardens? [14:31] Carbon sequestration [15:40] Discover the secrets to attracting birds to your garden with 'Bird Friendly Gardening'! [17:44] Skip the hassle of making your own compost with this organic Compost Blend! [20:51] How does composting impact gardeners? [26:42] How does compost help support the mycorrhizae? [27:20] What can and cannot be composted? [29:52] Is the composting ratio important? [32:18] What do we need to know about anaerobic/aerobic composting? [34:17] Indoor composting [35:07] How does vermicomposting work? [36:55] How can compost be extracted without worms? [40:30] Bokashi composting [42:57] Terracotta pot composting [45:22] What are the best composting options for outdoor gardeners? (bin and in-garden systems) [49:27] How do you know when the compost is finished/ready? [50:13] What is the life cycle of composting, how long until the first batch, and how can you nurture it effectively? [01:01:23] What is Hügelkultur? [01:02:45] What is an African keyhole garden? [01:05:14] Where can you find Michelle's books and social media? Mentioned in our conversation: Lomi tabletop composter No-Waste Composting: Small-Space Waste Recycling, Indoors and Out. Plus, 10 projects to repurpose household items into compost-making machines (No-Waste Gardening) , book by Michelle Balz Composting for a New Generation: Latest Techniques for the Bin and Beyond , book by Michelle Balz For Michelle's recommended composting methods, <a href="https://growingjoywithma
Tue, April 09, 2024
Everything You Need to Know About Philodendron
If you're a houseplant lover like me, chances are you already have a philodendron or two in your collection. These awesome tropical plants are some of the most popular and beloved houseplants for good reason—they come in tons of different shapes, colors and sizes, and they're relatively easy to care for too! In this episode, I'm going to give you the full rundown of everything you need to know about growing these amazing plants at home. We'll cover the basics of their natural habitat and key care requirements, and I'll introduce you to some of my current favorite philodendron varieties. In this episode, we learn: [03:50] Philodendron high-level overview [09:38] Care #1: Light [13:43] Care #2: Water [15:38] Care #3: Soil [16:05] Care #4: Humidity [17:08] Care #5: Fertilizer [17:39] Troubleshooting philodendron issues [19:10] Thank you Proven Winners leafjoy™ for sponsoring this episode! [21:01] Heartleaf Philodendron ( Philodendron hederaceum ) [22:21] Philodendron 'Brasil' [22:37] Philodendron 'Lemon Lime' (as seen on my podcast art!) [24:13] Prismacolor™ Brandtianum [25:16] Philodendron atabapoense [26:05] Philodendron 'Silver Sword' ( Philodendron hastatum ) [27:11] Prismacolor™ Philodendron Fozzie™ [28:38] Philodendron 'White Wizard' ( Philodendron erubescens ) [30:18] 'Prince of Orange' Philodendron [32:08] Prismacolor™ Sun Red Philodendron [32:33] Philodendron 'Pink Princess' Mentioned in our conversation: Prismacolor™ Sun Red - Philodendron hybrid Prismacolor™ Atabapoense - Philodendron hybrid Prismacolor™ Brandtianum - Philodendron hybrid Prismacolor™ Florida Green - Climbing Philodendron Prismacolor™ Fozzie - Fuzzy Petiole Philodendron Prismacolor™ Gloriosum - Creeping Philodendron <a href="https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/philodendron/prismacolor-hastatum-silver-sword-philodendron-philodendron-hastatum" rel="no
Tue, April 02, 2024
How She Grew The Sill: Plantrepreneur Eliza Blank
If you interact with the houseplant community online at all, you've definitely felt the impact of The Sill on our plant niche. I honestly can't believe that it took me a whopping 230 episodes to finally have Eliza Blank, founder of The Sill, grace the Growing Joy with Plants podcast! Her female founder story of recognizing a need for a houseplant brand and building it into a million-dollar company would make you feel empowered, as it did me. In case you didn’t know, The Sill was one of the OG plant brands that helped start the houseplant craze before the pandemic. And when I first started my podcast, they were also the first to reach out and show their support! So I want to take this opportunity to show you the story behind the success of The Sill live on stage at the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival in Seattle. In this episode, we learn: [00:30] The Sill and its impact on the houseplant community [05:23] How did Eliza get into houseplants? [07:28] How exciting/challenging is it to launch a houseplant brand early on? [11:20] How did The Sill come about? [13:13] How Eliza built a multimillion-dollar brand [14:25] Why “fake it till you make it” mindset works WONDERS! [15:47] Create the perfect Danish hygge atmosphere with Wind River Chimes [18:57] What was the struggle for The Sill during COVID? [20:34] Navigating challenges in the plant industry [22:23] What’s the process of sourcing and acquiring plants? [24:14] What’s Eliza’s definition of success (and has it changed over the years?) [25:10] What it feels like being a woman in a male-dominated industry [26:56] Trends and customer preferences in 2024 [29:01] What’s next for The Sill? [30:01] Eliza’s personal life and hobbies beyond plants [32:30] Eliza’s favorite client story! Mentioned in our conversation: Northwest Flower and Garden Festival Tropical Plant International Expo (TPIE) Growing Joy Ep 18: Prepping Your Houseplant For Spring and the Science Behind Fertilizer With Chris Satch from The Sill Growing Joy Ep 30 Orchid 101 with Chris from The Sill Growing Joy Ep 38: Transitioning Your Plants Back Indoors for Winter with Chris from The Sill For a deeper dive into The Sill's story, check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsor: Wind River Chimes Turn your home
Tue, March 26, 2024
Climate Proof Your Garden
Climate change is real, plant friends—and it’s impacting our world too fast! Because of that, it’s becoming extremely important for us plant parents/gardeners to adapt our practices to ensure our gardens can withstand the challenges that lie ahead. In fact, it’s already impacting our gardens in SO many ways—from unpredictable weather to increased pest infestations. So in this episode, I invited a new plant friend, Kim Stoddart, who is a passionate gardener, climate advocate, and author of " The Climate Change–Resilient Vegetable Garden ," to discuss strategies for building a climate-resilient garden. In this episode, we learn: [03:39] How Kim became a passionate climate activist and gardener [11:44] The Resilient Gardener vs. The Resilient Garden [15:06] Deepen your meditation practice with the Wind River Meditation Chime [16:49] Grow a thriving, climate-resistant vegetable garden with Espoma Organic! [19:03] What are the climate issues to consider when building a resilient garden? (doom & gloom) [20:44] What are the effects of soil erosion and flooding on gardens? [22:56] What does “no-till” gardening mean? [24:59] What helps the soil become more resilient? [33:52] What is rainwater harvesting and what are the strategies for building water resiliency? [38:45] What is the importance of seed sovereignty in creating a more secure and sustainable garden? [44:01] What specific steps can you take to strengthen your garden's pest resistance? [46:08] What is polyculture? [49:57] What is Kim’s current garden practice? (aka what her homestead looks like) [52:12] Where can you find Kim on social media? [52:55] Where can you get her book, Climate Change Resilient Vegetable Garden? Mentioned in our conversation: Growing Joy Ep 227: Homesteading Basics with Kevin of Epic Gardening Growing Joy Ep 191: The Mushroom Miniseries: How to Grow Mushrooms Indoors Growing Joy Ep 189: Companion Planting Basics with the Garden Managers of The Lodge at Woodloch, Ep 189 Growing Joy Ep 183: The Mushroom Miniseries: How to Grow Functional Mushrooms in Your Garden Growing Joy Ep 178: The Mushroom Miniseries: Mushrooms 101 Plus the Answer to "What is the Mushroom Growing in My Houseplant!" Growing Joy Ep 123: How to Man
Tue, March 19, 2024
Why You Should Care About the Spring Equinox
What are your plans this Spring Equinox? Spring equinox is like a special day when light and dark are balanced just right. As it draws closer, it comes with a reminder that nature has its own patterns that repeat over and over, and this particular event shows us that winter is ending and spring is starting… bringing new life and growth. Tuning into the Earth's frequencies during this season can help us grow and feel refreshed too. In this episode, I’m so happy to welcome back our residential green witch and my dear plant friend, Rachael of Our Infinite Nature ! She’s here to celebrate the upcoming Spring Equinox, share her insights on what's happening in the earth, sky, and ourselves during spring, and offer practices for connecting deeply with the powerful changes that happen in spring. In this episode, we learn: [01:58] Connecting with nature and the seasons [04:18] Cultivating intuition with plants [05:58] Why “awe” is a spiritual emotion [09:15] The importance of “seasonal living” [12:16] What is happening to the earth during Spring Equinox? [15:48] Brighten up your plants this spring with Soltech's grow lights! [18:01] Learn modern, low-maintenance approach to home food gardening with "The Layered Edible Garden " by Christina Chung [20:34] How external stimuli trigger personal growth/development [25:15] What are the astrological insights for the Spring Equinox? [29:33] In case you don’t know, I’m an Aries baby! [30:15] Why new moon in Aries = start of the new year (astrologically) [32:34] What are the positive aspects of the eclipse season? [35:09] Gardening tips for different moon phases [37:52] What are the best practices to nurture growth and vitality during spring? [45:51] Plants that embody spring energy [55:25] How to create your own seasonal bowl/altar [58:10] Spring awakening (a guided meditation) [01:08:10] Where can you find Rachael? Mentioned in our conversation: Growing Joy Ep 265 Everyday Plant Magic with Rachael of Infinite Succulent Growing Joy Ep 225 Indoor Plant Projects for Stress Relief with Perla Sofía Curbelo-Santiago Growing Joy Ep 223 Cultivating Intuition with Nature with Rachael of Our Infinite Nature Growing Joy Ep 219 How to Care for Alocasias Growing Joy Ep 209 <a href="https://growingjoywithm
Tue, March 12, 2024
Everything You Need to Know About Calathea
Calatheas have a bit of a reputation among plant parents for being dramatic "divas." And I'm not going to lie—they can be particular about their care. But don't let that scare you off! If you try to understand their preferences, you can totally grow lush, vibrant prayer plants at home. That’s what we’re going to talk about in this episode! In this episode, we learn: [01:44] Understanding calathea (now also called Goeppertia) [02:21] Why calathea isn’t for everyone (so set your expectations) [05:46] Why calatheas are the perfect statement plant! [06:17] Understanding the natural habitat of Calathea [06:51] Why calatheas are called “prayer plants” [07:41] High-level overview of Calathea [08:41] Calathea Care #1: Lighting [11:10] Calathea Care #2: Watering [14:42] Top tip: Calathea enjoy filtered water [15:28] Enjoy superior quality and a variety of plants from Proven Winners Leaf Joy! [17:14] Mindful goal reflection through daily plant check-ins [18:13] Calathea Care #3: Humidity [21:04] How do you create a microclimate for your plants? [22:02] Why Calathea are resilient [23:42] Calathea Care #4: Fertilizing [24:08] Calathea Care #5: Troubleshooting [24:46] Tip: Trim the brown edges off your Calathea! [28:20] Different Calathea species [28:43] #1 Rattlesnake plant ( Calathea lancifolia or Goeppertia insignis ) = low maintenance [30:01] #2 Calathea majestica Diamond Dazzler White Star [31:30] #3 Calathea picturata = drama queen [32:38] #4 Calathea orbifolia = Instagram favorite Mentioned in our conversation: Growing Joy Episode 224: Everything You Need to Know About Ficus Growing Joy Episode 219: How to Care for Alocasias Understanding Natural Light Worksheet Potting Soil Mix by Espoma Organic Terracotta Pots Ceramic Pots Plastic Pots For my personal ranking of popular calathea varieties, check out the full show notes and blog here ! Thank you to our episode sponsor: Proven Winners If you want to have success with houseplants, you’ve got to have two things: the knowledge to care for them successfully and healthy plants. Meet my new fa
Tue, March 05, 2024
Homesteading Basics
Is homesteading your ultimate dream? Because mine too, plant friends! Like most gardeners, I've always dreamed of someday creating a homestead and being more self-sufficient. I very much enjoy growing my own fruits, veggies, and herbs, but starting homesteading seemed a little scary. That’s why I was so excited to speak with gardening influencer Kevin Espiritu of Epic Gardening, who has spent the last few years turning his suburban property into an enviable homestead. Kevin shared his advice for transitioning from gardener to homesteader, one step at a time. In this episode, we learn: [04:43] Managing multiple projects and Kevin’s homestead building [04:51] What got Kevin interested in homesteading? [07:59] Homesteading vs gardening [09:14] What are the aspects/elements of homesteading? [11:15] What is “greywater” and its potential for water recycling? [14:17] Different uses of rainwater (and why you should start collecting them!) [15:22] Experience cozy mindfulness with Wind River Chimes! [16:53] Learn actionable steps to build resilience in your garden with ‘The Climate Change Resilient Vegetable Garden’ by Kim Stoddart [18:40] Kevin’s rainwater harvesting system (which gauges the amount of rainfall one can capture over a year) [21:59] How solar energy works and how the net metering system operates [26:47] What is the role of a pond in homesteading? [28:53] Creating an aquaponic system [31:30] Switch to Espoma Organic's soil, compost, and plant food for a healthier homestead garden. [33:24] How has Kevin's experience raising chickens been? [36:51] Chicken care tips! [39:12] Can you do homesteading indoors? [40:53] What was the inspiration for Kevin's orchard? [42:30] What are the various fruits grown by Kevin? [43:47] What is the food forest approach to growing food? [45:47] What is Kevin’s favorite way of preserving food? [46:55] What’s next for Kevin? [48:08] Check out Kevin’s book, Epic Homesteading Mentioned in our conversation: Book by Kevin Espiritu, Epic Homesteading Dr. Bronner's Soap BAR SOAP – Oasis Aquascape Carolina Coops ChickenGuard <
Tue, February 27, 2024
How to Repot Houseplants
Do you know that repotting and potting up mean different things? As our houseplants grow happily under our care, eventually they will outgrow their current pots. Determining whether your plant needs to simply have its soil refreshed (repotting) or be shifted to a larger container (potting up) can be challenging for new plant parents. In this episode, I will walk you through when to pot up versus repot, proper techniques for both, tips to avoid issues, and how to turn repotting into an uplifting self-care ritual by really tuning into your plants' needs and creating an environment that allows them to thrive. In this episode, we learn: [02:30] Things I learned about repotting in the last couple of years [03:34] Some personal plant care routines [04:59] Do some spring cleaning! [06:28] Repotting vs potting up vs potting up water-rooted cuttings [09:04] Some rules to remember in potting up [10:43] Do the two-inch “bump up” rule when potting up [11:59] When should you pot up? [13:08] What is repotting and why is it important? [14:36] How do you repot a plant? [15:03] Get stylish, minimalist grow lights your plants will love with Soltech! [17:16] Give your plants the love they deserve with Espoma's organic, eco-friendly potting mixes! [19:08] Common mistake people make when repotting/potting up [19:30] How do you pot up water-rooted cuttings? [21:02] General steps for repotting/potting up/potting up water-rooted cuttings [27:31] The best time to repot or pot up houseplants [29:05] Why you should not pot your houseplants in dirt from outside [32:00] Make sure that you saturate the soil! [32:35] Pay attention to the type of container or pot you are using [34:08] Use repotting as an opportunity for mindfulness [37:16] A letter to my pepper plant going into transplant shock Mentioned in our conversation: How to Repot Plants // A Step By Step Guide Growing Joy Ep 182: Spring Houseplant Care Growing Joy Ep 192: How To Overcome Burnout Through The Healing Power Of Nature Growing Joy Ep 200: Common Houseplant Pest Identification And How To Get Rid Of Fungus Gnats, Spidermites, Scale, White Flies And Mealybugs: Grow Better Potting Soil Mix by Espoma Organic Cactus Potting Soil Mix by Espoma Organic <a href="htt
Tue, February 20, 2024
Indoor Plant Projects for Stress Relief
Do you feel a little sad or bored being stuck inside this winter (at least those in the northern hemisphere)? I hope the winter months haven’t got you down too much because I know we’re all feeling a bit cooped up lately. That’s why I brought on a new plant friend, Perla Sofía Curbelo-Santiago, a gardening expert and horticultural therapist, to share some of her favorite simple DIY indoor plant projects to spark joy during these months. Note that these are all featured in her new book ¡Verdura! – Living a Garden Life , which celebrates little plant-inspired passion projects to nurture our creativity! In this episode, we learn: [01:53] Rebranding of my YouTube Channel [02:43] Introducing Perla Sofia Curbelo-Santiago aka Agrochic! [04:24] How did Perla develop her passion for gardening and plants? [07:05] How did Agrochic start? [09:38] How did Perla balance Spanish and English content? [11:32] What does her plant collection and garden look like? [15:08] Make meditation more relaxing and meaningful with Wind River’s Meditation Chimes! [16:51] Learn how to grow cut flowers with The Cut Flower Handbook’s beautiful illustrations! [18:41] Why are people drawn to nature and plants right now? [21:08] Seeking simplicity to escape social media overstimulation [22:08] Perla’s interesting success stories about bringing plants into clients' lives [29:17] What is nature’s role in mood and healing? [30:42] Concept of gardening as a means to reconnect with one's inner child [34:18] Rediscover a sense of "awe" and childlike wonder [38:21] What is Perla’s barefoot garden project all about? [45:02] How do you create a miniature garden for yourself? [50:34] Get Perla’s book and follow her on social media! Mentioned in our conversation: Book by Perla ¡Verdura! – Living a Garden Life: 30 Projects to Nurture Your Passion for Plants and Find Your Bliss Book by Florence Williams The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes us Happier, Healthier, and More Creative GardenComm My Garden Break KidsGardening For step-by-step tutorials on these indoor plant projects, check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsors: Wind River Chimes Bring more peace, serenity, and magic into your home with chimes. Wind River is a Virginia-based company creating premium handcrafted and hand-t
Tue, February 13, 2024
Everything You Need to Know About Ficus Care
I am completely obsessed with ficus! Over the last few months, I've been slowly collecting different ficus varieties and learning how to help them thrive. There's just something about the colorful leaves, sculptural shapes, and tree-like growth that makes me love this plant genus. I love my ficus collection and feel like this genus has been overlooked, with the fiddle leaf fig ( Ficus lyrata ) getting most of the hype. But there are so many gorgeous, easy-to-grow ficus species that make excellent houseplants. I have spent the last few months cultivating a variety of ficus so you can grow these beautiful plants at home. This episode is made in partnership with Proven Winners leafjoy houseplants. In this episode, we learn: [00:43] We’re all about ficus today! [02:49] Reasons to love ficus [04:03] Did you know Michael Scott from The Office has a Ficus benjamina in his office? [05:06] How about a Boston fern in Will & Grace ? [05:48] Why Ficus elastica is a good beginner plant [07:08] How do you care for ficus? [08:09] Ficus care #1: Light [09:11] Story about Figaro, my Ficus lyrata , before and after grow lights [11:11] Variegated/color = more light [12:27] Ficus care #2: Water [13:40] Why it’s important to make sure their leaves are clean [14:58] Ficus care #3: Humidity [15:56] Ficus care #4: Fertilizer [16:34] Ficus care #5: Pruning [17:52] Why you should wear gloves when pruning ficus [18:07] How to troubleshoot your ficus [18:15] Troubleshoot #1: Leaf drop [19:35] Troubleshoot #2: If it's not growing, it needs more sun [20:12] Get quality ficus plants that are resistant to leaf drop from Proven Winner Leafjoy! [22:37] Ficus lyrata [23:09] Ficus benjamina [24:00] Ficus benjamina ‘Twilight’ [24:27] Ficus benjamina ‘Anastasia’ [24:40] Ficus cyanthistipula [26:07] Ficus elastica [26:32] Ficus elastica ‘Abidjan’ [27:22] Ficus elastica ‘Tineke’ [27:50] Ficus elastica ‘Chloe’ Mentioned in our conversation: Office Ladies Podcast Growing Joy Episode 51: How To Live With A “Crazy Plant Person” Growing Joy Episode 125: Palm Care 101 With Chris Satch Soltech Aspect™ LED Growlight Cling-On® Anastasia - Weeping Fig -
Tue, February 06, 2024
Cultivating Intuition with Nature
How can we use plants to connect with intuitive energy? If you're anything like me, simply being around plants makes you feel happier, calmer, and more like your true self. I've always felt plants have some extra special magic that goes beyond their pretty leaves. That's why I was so excited to welcome back our resident “green witch" Rachael from Our Infinite Nature (formerly Infinite Succulent—yes, she just rebranded!) on the podcast this week to talk about how plant care can open up our intuition and help us reconnect with our own inner magic! In this episode, we learn: [02:46] Infinite Succulent just rebranded to Our Infinite Nature! [03:27] Check out Rachael’s Intuitive Magic Group Coaching [07:57] A little bit about Rachael’s background + certifications [08:53] When did she discover her mediumship and intuitive talent? [09:31] Reiki certification and intuitive coaching [10:53] What is intuition? [11:30] Understanding energy, spirit, and nature [12:35] Why is learning intuition similar to learning a language? [15:13] Experience mindfulness and coziness with personalized Wind River wind chimes! [16:54] Make gardening easy with Tony O'Neill's Simplify Vegetable Gardening book! [18:19] What is the symbiosis that happens when we get in tune with nature and with plants? [19:25] What is the importance of cultivating intuition in harmony with nature? [20:05] Impact of nervous system on intuition [21:20] Is instinct similar to intuition? [22:57] Take your Human Design personality! [24:50] How can we use plants to connect with intuitive energy? [26:17] Intuition is figuring out one's next step, not predicting the future [27:36] How to recognize subtle communication with nature [30:14] Get high quality potting mixes, fertilizers, and more at Espoma Organic [33:41] It's your choice to live life through magical lens or see it as trivial [34:50] What is the role of energy in our lives? [35:56] How working with plants allowed Rachael to experience life force energy [38:34] What are some activities that can help you connect with plants and your intuition? [44:12] How to connect with a tree? (a step-by-step guide) [50:34] Where can you sign up for Rachael’s Intuitive Magic course? Mentioned in our conversation: Growing Joy Ep 209: Plant Magic: How To Be A G
Tue, January 30, 2024
Humidity and Houseplants
Do I really need a humidifier? Why do my plants get crispy leaves when I crank the heat? When it comes to houseplant care, humidity is right up there with water and light as one of the most important factors. I’ve spent years stressing about humidity levels. Fortunately, I invited my dear plant friend and humidity expert, Leslie Halleck, for another session of Grow Better. Understanding the science behind humidity has helped me stop freaking out and keep my plant collection happy. In this episode, we learn: [04:44] Beware of random blogs you find online! [05:43] Why is humidity important and how does it affect the plants? [08:57] Important role of transpiration in a plant's health [13:32] The three terms you need to know (relative humidity, absolute humidity, vapor pressure deficit) [14:49] Grow your indoor garden like never before with Soltech's grow lights! [17:10] Cold air vs warm air [20:54] Is your hygrometer relative or absolute humidity? [22:45] Why is it so much drier in the winter? [25:18] How elevation affects vapor pressure deficit [31:00] Methods for increasing humidity [31:48] Why misting doesn’t work [33:36] Why pebble trays also don’t work [35:04] Why grouping plants together work [37:40] Is growing plants under glass effective? [40:25] Leslie’s obsession with glassware and mushrooms [41:26] What is burping? [42:07] What are Wardian cases? [42:50] What are Orchidariums? [49:13] How Leslie maintains the humidity in her house [51:01] Check out Leslie’s Tiny Plants [52:14] Sign up for Leslie’s courses! [54:37] Where can you find Leslie on social media? Mentioned in our conversation: Botany for Gardeners Course, UCLA Extension Indoor Plants: Care and Maintenance Course, UCLA Extension Leslie’s Book Tiny Plants Growing Joy Ep 169: How To Prep Your Houseplants For Winter Growing Joy Ep 107: How To Care For A Large Plant Collection How to Care for Alocasia // My Favorite Alocasia Varieties! // Alocasia Care Guide Leslie’s Architectural Digest interview <br
Tue, January 23, 2024
Top 5 Seed Starting Mistakes with Joe Gardener
It’s almost that glorious time of year again...seed starting season! I don’t know about you, but this is hands-down one of my favorite times in the garden. There’s just something touching about growing those tiny pieces of potential life into healthy plants and vegetables. However, I’d be lying if I said I’ve had perfect success right off the bat. Seed starting has a bit of a learning curve, but making mistakes is all part of the fun and learning in the garden! As long as you don’t lose an entire flat of precious tomato seeds (guilty!), then it’s fair game. To help you avoid disappointment and heartache in your seed starting endeavors, I brought back renowned gardener Joe Lamp’l to share the top mistakes he sees people make. With years of seed starting expertise, including creating his online Master Seed Starting Course that I absolutely love, he’s seen it all. Get $100 off Joe’s Master Seed Starting Digital Course! Discount only applies through January 29th, 2024 so grab it while it’s live! In this episode, we learn: [05:13] Joe’s OVG Course and adding flowers to his garden [08:25] How long has Joe been growing his garden from seed? [08:51] Understanding the nuances of seed starting [09:17] What is the educational value of the seed-to-plant process? [11:56] What are the challenges and differences in seed starting compared to caring for houseplants? [12:49] How did Joe come up with the top 5 seed starting mistakes? [14:09] Misconceptions people have when it comes to starting seeds [15:35] Seed starting mistake #1: Your seeds don’t germinate! [15:53] #1.a Soil temperature is not appropriate [16:37] #1.b You plant them too deep or too shallow [19:05] #1.c They’re getting either too much or too little water [22:52] Seed starting mistake #2: Maintaining proper soil moisture (weigh your soil!) [26:47] You can use a moisture meter! [29:12] Seed starting mistake #3 Light requirements [30:42] Blue and red light frequencies promote growth more than other light frequencies [34:18] Why Joe recommends investing in a grow light [35:24] Seed starting mistake #4 Gardeners often don’t read seed planting guidelines [40:08] Older seeds may not be viable for planting (so check the sell date!) [41:25] #5 Process of “hardening off” (preparing seedlings for outdoor life) [48:21] Where can you enroll in Joe’s seed starting class? [53:18] Sign up for Joe's Master Seed Starting Course before January 29 and get $100 off! [54:01] Where can you find Joe on social media? Mentioned in our conversation: Joe's Master Seed Starting Course -- Get $100 of
Tue, January 16, 2024
Attract Pollinators with a Tiny Meadow in Your Yard
When I think of the word “meadow,” I imagine a glorious landscape filled with grasses and wildflowers swaying in the breeze. While beautiful, these meadows also seem completely out of reach for most home gardeners. But in this episode, meadow expert Graham Laird Gardner, author of ‘Tiny and Wild: Build a Small Scale Meadow Anywhere,’ is here to show us that we can recreate tiny meadows, even on the smallest scale. In this episode, we learn: [03:40] How Graham became the “meadow man” [06:27] Living off-grid in Puerto Rico [07:54] Why did he write a book about meadows? [11:34] We are nature! [13:22] What makes a meadow a “meadow”? (and why it’s better than cut flower garden) [15:31] Treat yourself to a comforting, soothing moment with Wind River Chimes [17:01] Learn self-sufficiency and homesteading with Kevin Espiritu's book: Epic Homesteading [18:27] What are the benefits of adding a meadow to your yard or local community garden? [21:10] What makes a native plant native, and how much of your meadow should be native plants? [24:11] Are all native plants perennials? [26:10] Are shrubs and trees what distinguish a meadow from a forest? [26:27] How little of a lawn could be converted without significantly affecting the overall effect? [27:52] What are the components of a meadow? [31:30] Consider seasons and species when planning your planting [32:26] Understanding meadow maintenance [35:04] What are the basic design elements that you need to think about in a meadow? [35:23] Site Selection [36:17] Layering and plant selection [38:40] Is there an ideal sun exposure for a meadow? [39:56] How do you balance the wild and the chaotic when designing a native plant meadow? [43:18] Seeds vs plants [48:08] Why should you have a meadow? [50:04] Where can you find Graham on social media? Mentioned in our conversation: Book by Douglas W. Tallamy, Bringing Nature Home: How You Can Sustain Wildlife with Native Plants Book by Graham Laird Gardner, Tiny and Wild: Build a Small-Scale Meadow Anywhere Book by Kevin Espiritu, Epic Homesteading: Your Guide to Self-Sufficiency on a Modern, High-Tech, Backyard Homestead Homegrown National Park Catskill Native Nursery For a complete list of meadow gardening basics, check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsors:<
S9 Enull · Tue, January 09, 2024
Everything You Need to Know about Alocasia
If there is one genus of plants that has captured my imagination for years but repeatedly evaded me, it’s Alocasia. These tropical plants with their large, alien-esque leaves and jewel-toned undersides have long obsessed me. I’d often pick them up from the garden center, only to watch them rapidly decline in my dry, temperate home. But after lots of trial and error, I’ve finally cracked the code to make them thrive! In this episode, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about growing Alocasia houseplants, including care tips, troubleshooting, and some of my new favorite varieties that are thriving in my home. In this episode, we learn: [00:00] Maria’s experience with Alocasia [02:21] Why Alocasia is not difficult to care for—it just requires very high standards of care! [02:43] Why Alocasia are called alien-like plants [03:34] Characteristics and other common names of Alocasia [05:02] Where do Alocasias grow naturally? [06:31] Alocasia Care #1: Light requirements (bright indirect light) [09:06] Light is very independent of every person's own environment! [10:30] Alocasia Care #2: Soil moisture (keep them in evenly moist soil) [11:58] 2 different ways that you can measure soil moisture [13:34] What types of pots can you use for your Alocasia? [14:47] Alocasia Care #3: Humidity [15:28] Why you should use a humidifier [17:20] Other tricks to increase humidity in your home [18:19] Alocasia Care #4: Fertilizer (fertilize when you see growth) [19:13] Alocasia Care #5: Dormancy (aka quiescence) [20:11] Use plant-life parallels for your personal growth [20:50] Alocasia troubleshooting tips [21:24] Understanding your Alocasia's needs [22:25] How to save a plant from dying [24:20] Find the best Alocasia varieties for your plant collection with Proven Winners LeafJoy! [26:41] What are the different Alocasia species? [27:11] Alocasia 'Ninja' [27:46] Alocasia cupraea [28:49] Alocasia baginda ' Dragon Scale' [30:08] Alocasia longiloba [30:46] Alocasia watsoniana [31:33] Alocasia macrorrhiza 'Stingray' Mentioned in our conversation: Growing Joy Ep 46: Understanding Natural Light: General Rules Growing Joy Ep 47: Understanding Natural Light: Measuring Tools Growing Joy Ep 74: Grow Lights 101 With Leslie Halleck Growing Joy Ep 92: Begonias With Marc From NYBG Growing Joy Ep 200: <a href="https://growingjoywithmaria.com/g
S9 Enull · Tue, January 02, 2024
2024 Goals for My Houseplants and Garden
Happy New Year, plant friends! And you know what that means—time for some serious reflection about the previous year and thinking about how we want to step into 2024! I'm all about assessing what worked and what didn't across all areas of life. But today, let's talk about plants and how you and I can use them to cultivate as much happiness as possible in the coming year. When we show up consistently for our plant hobby, I firmly believe it can help us feel better, more peaceful, and more grounded. So I carved out some time to get clear on my goals based on what 2023 taught me. The name of the game is joy, calm, and some nervous system regulation from our plants! In this episode, we learn: [03:31] Let's talk about what our community aims for in 2024! [05:55] Here’s a framework to help you set your own goals. [06:50] #1 Look back at how 2023 treated you and your plants (what brought you joy and what didn’t?) [07:53] #2 Set goals for 2024 (think about how your plants will fit into that) [10:01] #3 Don't forget to write them down! (as accountability for yourself) [10:59] Exciting news—Billy and I are heading south! [13:45] Goal #1: R&D (Research & Development) year [15:05] Try the new Wind River Meditation Chimes for ultimate relaxation! [16:48] Grow your best vegetable garden ever with the all-in-one guidebook [18:00] I want to make new plant friends (and get familiarized with the area) [19:31] Goal #2 figure out sustainable routines [21:08] What is habit stacking? [21:42] Take a quick 3-minute break from work [22:38] Goal #3: Reconnect with the first-year plant parent Maria [25:13] Follow me on my social media! [25:40] Exciting new content coming your way - expect episodes on houseplants, gardening, and finding wellness through nature's lens! Mentioned in our conversation: Growing Joy Ep. 165 Everyday Plant Magic With Rachael Of Infinite Succulent Ep 217 Plant Audit episode (not yet published) Book by Maria Failla Growing Joy™: The Plant Lover’s Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) Plant Parent Personality Quiz Book by Cal Newport Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World For a deeper dive into creating sustainable routines, check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsors: Quarto: Gardening Know How – The Complete Guide to Vegetable Gardening Looking for a new gardening boo
Tue, December 26, 2023
I killed a bunch of plants this year, here's what happened: How to Do a Plant Audit
Happy almost New Year, plant friends! For my last episode of 2023, I wanted to get a little reflective about the joy and growing parts of “Growing Joy.” This year, I bravely held a funeral for many of my houseplants that were no longer bringing me joy. Yes—I lost a LOT of houseplants this year. Some of the plants I said goodbye to weren’t even fully dead yet. They just weren’t happy in my home anymore, and I took it upon myself to consciously let them go in a ritualized way that released me from guilt. This is a taboo subject for some plant parents. But I believe we need to openly discuss “plant loss” to release guilt and make space for more plant joy. So I’ll be walking you through my plant funeral experience, and how you can perform your own plant audit to grow even more joy in 2024! In this episode, we learn: [00:00] I recently held a funeral for my dead houseplants this year [01:21] Why I performed a plant audit of my entire collection! [03:47] Let’s celebrate plant loss together [04:09] An excerpt from my book about plant death [04:41] Two options when a plant dies [04:52] Option A: Let it confirm you're a failure, then give up [05:21] Option B: Allow it to make you more curious and a better plant parent [06:33] Why I had such dramatic plant loss this year (I was diagnosed with melanoma!!) [08:52] Allow your plant collection to grow and change as much as you will in your lifetime [09:40] Why I felt guilty about failing to care for the Hoya plants Marcia gave me [10:25] Learn 30 simple and budget-friendly gardening projects with ¡Verdura! – Living a Garden Life [11:45] Find your perfect houseplant with Proven Winners LeafJoy's high-quality, diverse selection [13:53] Steps for performing your own plant audit [14:26] #1 Give yourself a nice amount of time, play music, clear table space [15:33] #2 Walk through your entire collection and assess its state [17:09] #3 Revisit neutral plants - do they spark joy or not? [18:20] #4 Gratitude ritual [19:20] #5 Figure out the highest vibe way to discard your plants [19:56] #6 Donate your healthy plants [20:19] You’re still a good person! [20:56] Consider "life audit" too - are aspects that need culling? [22:05] Where can you find me on social media? Mentioned in our conversation: Book by Maria Failla Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) Book by Perla Sofía Curbelo-Santiago ¡Verdura
Tue, December 19, 2023
Being Organic Before Organic Was Cool: The Story of Espoma Organic
I still clearly remember the first time I used an Espoma product—their liquid indoor plant food to be exact. I had struggled so much with trying to find the right fertilizer for my houseplant collection, leading to a huge mess all over my kitchen from failed mixing attempts. But when I tried their simple liquid formula, I finally had the answer to my search, and healthy, thriving plants with gorgeous growth. And I became a lifelong Espoma convert! Little did I know then about the impressive 95-year history behind this organic garden brand. Espoma has been family-owned for four generations , starting way back in 1929. As my passion for gardening expanded over the years, Espoma continued to be my go-to for quality potting mixes, organic fertilizers and magical “tones” to feed all my container plants and garden beds. I’ve loved learning more behind the scenes over the past several years while partnering with Espoma on the Growing Joy podcast. The Brunner family leading this company today truly feels like family themselves in how they’ve supported my own budding planty business. In this episode, I wanted to highlight their heritage, expertise, and products that have nourished gardens for nearly a century. In this episode, we learn: [04:48] An overview of what four generations of Espoma’s 95 year-history looked like! [18:03] How was Jeremy's first 10 years at the company after he graduated? [18:25] How they address each other at work [20:07] How has the family business influenced their company culture and relationships with employees? [22:51] Where can you find the best-quality cultivated indoor plants? [24:49] What does being “keepers” of the company mean for Jeremy? (Stewardship model) [27:02] What is the Bank of Espoma? [29:27] What's the history of their famous Holly Tone? [33:19] How do they approach Espoma’s product development? [38:43] On expanding and building a new facility! [44:07] Why Espoma hid its sustainability approach? (organic before organic was cool!) [49:10] How do they navigate the complexity of different certifications? [52:05] On solar-powered facilities and sustainability commitments! [53:50] Their greatest accomplishments as a family-run company [01:00:40] How the Espoma brand has evolved on social media [01:05:43] What does Jaime enjoy most about the business and working with her family? [01:08:11] The story of how my lime tree Limey was successfully shipped to Florida! [01:09:38] Where can you find Espoma? Mentioned in our conversation: Growing Joy Episode 193: War Gardens, Victory Gardens Or Pandemic Gardens: The History B
Tue, December 12, 2023
4 Things You Need to Know about Winter and Houseplants
The winter can be challenging for indoor tropical houseplants that thrive in hot, humid environments. While our houseplants do not experience the true dormancy of outdoor deciduous plants (plants that drop all their leaves at some point in the year), they can enter a period of slowed growth known as “ quiescence .” During this time, they require adjusted care to stay happy and healthy. After keeping houseplants for many winters and making my share of mistakes, I want to share the knowledge I’ve gained about their winter care needs in this episode. In this episode, we learn: [04:05] Dormancy vs quiescence [05:47] Why winter is a great time to explore your inner quiescence [06:25] #1 The light levels are going to change [07:14] Why some plants might have more light availability during winter (exception to the rule) [08:29] Few things to do to help your plants survive the winter when there is less light available [10:13] #2 Your houseplants are going to hate your heaters [12:18] Tips for dealing with dry heat [15:05] Where can you find quality products for your indoor and outdoor planting needs? [16:43] Looking for unique and soothing chimes as a holiday gift? [18:48] #3 Winter is the time that pests like to show up [19:51] How to deal with plant pests [21:41] #4 Fertilize if you see new growth [23:28] I just got a Monstera Thai constellation! [24:26] Bonus Tip #1: Don't freak out that much about dropping leaves [25:36] Bonus Tip #2: If you’re dying, force bulbs inside! [27:14] Key insights you can learn to experience quiescence in your life! Mentioned in our conversation: GJ Ep 158: Grow and Make Essential Oils With Chris Satch GJ Ep 200: Identification And How To Get Rid Of Fungus Gnats, Spidermites, Scale, White Flies And Mealybugs: Grow Better With Leslie GJ Ep 208: Diy Houseplant First Aid Kit With Leslie Halleck Soltech Aspect™ LED Growlight Espoma Liquid Fertilizers Painters Tape For additional tips on winter plant care, check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsors: Espoma Organic Make sure your plants are all set for the new season! Espoma Organic is dedicated to making safe indoor and
Tue, December 05, 2023
9 Jobs in Horticulture
Have you ever wondered, “Could working with plants really be my full-time job?” Well, dear plant friend, the answer is a resounding yes! There is a whole world of opportunities waiting for you in the horticulture industry should you decide to turn your plant passion into a career. In this episode, we’ll dig into 9 jobs in horticulture with my dear friend, Daniel Fuller. Daniel is a national council member for the Australian Institute of Horticulture, host of the “Plants Grow Here” podcast, and a writer for publications like the Hort Journal Australia. With over a decade of experience as a maintenance gardener, he offers a valuable perspective on helping people find meaningful careers in horticulture. In this episode, we learn: [04:06] How Daniel built his career in horticulture [09:32] What's the easiest way to quickly enter the horticulture industry and gain experience? [09:49] #1 Maintenance gardening [10:11] #2 Retail nurseries [13:14] What's the best way to learn maintenance skills when you're just getting started? [15:28] Where can you find sleek, minimalist grow lights that complement your home decor? [17:22] Looking for unique and soothing chimes as a holiday gift? [18:50] #3 Production nurseries [20:47] Why Cert 3 is important in Australia [21:33] #4 Plant breeding [24:06] What’s the difference between breeding and production? [28:37] What’s the difference between garden designers and landscape designers? [30:18] Where can you find quality products for your indoor and outdoor planting needs? [36:26] #5 Landscape construction [38:34] #6 Leadership and management [43:50] #7 Sales [46:02] #8 Education [47:26] #9 Media and content creation [55:41] Where can you follow Daniel Fuller? Mentioned in our conversation: TAFE NSW Australian Institute of Horticulture New York Botanical Garden Hort Journal Australia Hort People Growing Joy Ep. 208: DIY Houseplant First Aid Kit With Leslie Halleck Growing Joy Ep. 80: Plant Laws And Plant Patents Crimes Against Horticulture on Facebook Book by Simon Sinek, Leaders Eat Last <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/dk/podcast/ep-160-nursery-industry-secrets-production-wholesa
Tue, November 28, 2023
How Much Lights Do My Houseplants Need?
Do you ever look around your home and wonder if your houseplants are getting enough light to thrive? Without the right amount and type of light, even the most pampered plant will struggle to survive. Yet many of us wing it when it comes to taking care of our houseplants. We stick that new fiddle leaf fig in a corner and wonder why its leaves droop. Or we assume a windowsill equals “bright indirect light” without really knowing what that means. I know it’s time to bring attention to this overlooked aspect of being a plant parent! That’s why I invited my OG plant friend, Darryl Cheng of House Plant Journal, to explore an engineer's approach to understanding light for houseplants. In this episode, we learn: [05:50] Check out Darryl’s previous and upcoming books! [08:51] Why is light so important for houseplants? [12:18] What does it mean to have an “engineering mindset on a plant”? [14:00] What are the different types of lights? [16:41] Why it’s hard to measure light with your eyes [18:43] Find easy-care and quality plants perfect for any room from Proven Winners Leaf Joy [23:15] How can beginners assess their light situation without using a meter? [25:00] How to differentiate between direct light and indirect light? [27:12] How does understanding and measuring light exposure affect the care of houseplants? [30:38] Difference between foot candles, lux, and lumens [34:26] How do houseplants adjust to indoor light from natural light, and what are the challenges? [36:56] What is the first step that you should take in measuring light? [43:16] What was Darryl's motivation for creating his LTH meter? [44:22] How has Darryl’s light meter been inspired by more complex light meters? [50:26] How to gather the best data using your light meter [55:27] Darryl's light meter development process [01:02:46] Where can you find Darryl on social media? Mentioned in our conversation: How to Make a Living Succulent Wreath - Succulents and Sunshine Michaels Greenery Terrarium 17" Living Wreath Sphagnum Moss Form Greening Pins Growing Joy Ep 168 Grow Your Own Tea: Intro to Herbalism With Juliet of Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine Growing Joy Ep 178 The Mushroom Miniseries: Mushrooms 101 Growing Joy Ep 183 <a
Tue, November 21, 2023
5 Houseplant Crafts that Make Amazing DIY Holiday Gifts
The holiday season is officially here! As much as I love this festive time of year, gift-giving can be stressful for me. I always struggle to find meaningful, budget-friendly presents that make my loved ones happy. But this year, I'm spreading holiday cheer by gifting my friends and family homemade plant-inspired presents. Not only is this a budget-friendly idea—it also allows me to share my plant passion with the special people in my life. Plus, don’t you agree that plants make wonderful gifts, plant friends? In this episode, I'm sharing 5 DIY planty holiday gift ideas from simple to more advanced. Of course, I’m going to make sure there’s something for every skill level and budget. Let's get crafting! In this episode, we learn: [00:00] What are some affordable DIY plant-themed holiday gift ideas? [04:58] #1 Thrifted propagation station [08:10] #2 Windowsill herb garden [10:30] #3 Stylish Kokedama [15:07] Looking for unique and soothing chimes as a holiday gift? [16:35] Looking for the best plant genetics and tailored care for your garden? [18:52] #4 Succulent Wreath [25:06] #5 Personalized Terrarium [31:20] Accompany your DIY crafts with my book ! Mentioned in our conversation: How to Make a Living Succulent Wreath - Succulents and Sunshine Michaels Greenery Terrarium 17" Living Wreath Sphagnum Moss Form Greening Pins Growing Joy Ep 168 Grow Your Own Tea: Intro to Herbalism With Juliet of Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine Growing Joy Ep 178 The Mushroom Miniseries: Mushrooms 101 Growing Joy Ep 183 The Mushroom Miniseries: How To Grow Functional Mushrooms In Your Garden Growing Joy Ep 191 The Mushroom Miniseries: How To Grow Mushrooms Indoors For a more detailed description of each DIY gift, check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsors: Wind River Chimes Bring more peace, serenity, and magic into your home with chimes. Wind River is a Virginia-based company creating premium handcrafted and hand-tuned wind chimes for over 35 years. If
Tue, November 14, 2023
How to Put Your Garden to Bed for Winter
The peak gardening season may be over, but there are still important tasks to do in the garden before winter arrives. As we enter fall and approach winter, it's time to start prepping our garden beds to go dormant. Properly putting your beds to rest sets your garden up for success when it awakens refreshed in spring. In this episode, gardening expert Resh Gala ( @reshgala ) tells us everything you need to know to properly put your garden to bed for the winter! This episode is a bit of a plant geek fest, so prepare yourselves, plant friends! In this episode, we learn: [05:19] Resh's gardening journey and how understanding soil quality led to her success [07:53] How does Resh balance gardening, extending the growing season, and self-care in her small backyard garden? [09:37] Creating a greenhouse effect in snowy conditions with bent metal or PVC pipes [11:24] Why preparing and "putting to bed" gardens for winter is important [13:20] What are the sustainable gardening practices for winter that you should know about? [16:57] Importance of adding compost to garden beds before winter to improve soil health [19:13] What should be done in spring to prepare the soil for planting? [20:18] Nourish your garden with Espoma Organic's diverse range of organic composts [22:19] Gift a touch of harmony this holiday with Wind River Wind Chimes [25:10] Why cover crops are a valuable addition to regenerative gardening and soil enrichment [28:54] Why it’s easy to grow garlic during winter (keeps pests away, resilient, and is a gardener’s favorite!) [32:09] Why is it important to reflect on the gardening season as part of self-care in plant care? [34:09] Resh’s favorite list of what to grow in preparation for the next garden season (tomatoes and cucumber varieties) [39:59] What kinds of flowers does Resh like to grow in her garden to attract pollinators? [48:19] Pre-order Resh's upcoming book Vegetable Gardening Made Easy later this year [50:52] Where can you find Resh on social media? Mentioned in our conversation: Building and Installing a Low Tunnel Hoop House — Resh Gala Growing Joy Ep 168 Grow Your Own Tea: Intro To Herbalism With Juliet Of Chestnut School Of Herbal Medicine Growing Joy Ep 199 How To Grow Garlic With Jill Winger Growing Joy Ep 200 Common Houseplant Pest Identification And How To Get Rid Of Fungus Gnats, Spidermites, Scale, White Flies And Mealybugs <a href
Tue, November 07, 2023
How to Grow Citrus Indoors
Have you ever wandered through the citrus section of a nursery, inhaling the sweet scent of Meyer lemons and key limes, and thought “Oh my, I want one”? As someone who impulse purchased a struggling lime tree years ago—which I named Limey, by the way—growing citrus indoors is possible with the right care and conditions. Citrus plants can be great houseplants if you set them up for success, and they present a unique opportunity to engage all five senses! In this episode, I invited my long-lost dear friend Danny Trejo from Via Citrus to share with you everything you need to know to cultivate your own indoor citrus plant, from choosing the right variety to proper care for growth and fruiting. In this episode, we learn: [00:00] What citrus varieties has Maria grown over the years? [11:59] What is Danny's background with citrus? [15:01] Try Soltech's high-quality grow lights and get 15% off with code BLOOM15 [17:23] Where can you get the best citrus soil mix and citrus tone fertilizer? [19:39] What citrus varieties does Danny recommend for beginners? [21:20] Other citrus varieties Via Citrus are growing [24:13] What conditions do citrus plants need to thrive indoors? [28:01] Grow light specifications for citrus (a crash course) [31:28] Why you should have a proper watering schedule [34:09] Soil care and drainage hole for your citrus [35:52] How often should you fertilize citrus? [37:11] How to prepare your citrus in the winter [38:37] When is the best time to prune your citrus plants? [41:40] How to increase humidity for citrus in the winter [42:53] What are some common citrus troubleshooting tips? [44:08] Can you grow citrus from seeds? [45:28] What is grafting? [49:53] How to ensure that your plant's buds develop into fruit [51:52] What exciting new sustainable pot line is Danny creating? [55:06] Where can you find Danny on social media? (use code ‘GROWINGJOY' for 10% discount!) Mentioned in our conversation: Growing Joy Ep 206 The History Of Italian Gardens And Italian Citrus With Helena Attlee Growing Joy Ep 203 How To Bring Your Plants Indoors For The Winter YouTube video Limey’s Grand Adventure // Flying My Lime Tree To Florida Helena Attlee’s book, The Land Where Lemons Grow: The Story of Italy and Its Citrus Fruit We The Wild Soltech Aspect Lights Collection <a href="https://www.e
Tue, October 24, 2023
Plant Magic: How to Be a Green Witch
Do you ever wish you could invite a little more magic into your life? As fall approaches and the spooky season of Halloween is upon us, many of us long to connect with something… mystical . But magic doesn’t have to be complicated or even supernatural, plant friends. The energy of nature that surrounds us every day provides plenty of opportunity for wonder, spiritual connection, and manifestation! To guide us, I’ve invited my dear friend Rachael Cohen, who is a wonderful example of a modern green witch. While terms like "witch" can carry a stigma, Rachael shows how nature offers a portal to our intuition, healing, and inner wisdom. In this episode, we learn: [07:25] Rachael’s journey to becoming the “Green Witch” [12:54] How did making art with succulents help Rachael find peace? [15:18] Get a free engraving with code 'growingjoy' at Wind River Chimes [19:29] Complex history behind the term “witch” [21:54] How does Rachael define a witch? [27:24] What is magic? [29:21] What does it look like to be a “Green Witch”? [30:30] Where can you find top-tier houseplants grown in the state-of-the-art European greenhouse? [33:09] Connection between seasons, menstrual cycles, elements, and spirituality [36:48] How do green witches use the cycles of the moon? [39:06] New moon vs full moon and the different energies they release [42:00] Try to read The Farmer’s Almanac to learn more about the moon [47:37] How does Rachael work with plants as a green witch? (active plant magic vs passive plant magic) [48:31] Different energies and creation of herbal teas [52:41] How to identify the uses of herbs [55:57] What makes people choose tinctures over teas? [57:41] Spells can include rhymes, but intention matters more than words [01:01:27] How do you create a spell bag for financial abundance? [01:04:18] Should planting intention spells align with the new or full moon? [01:05:50] Strategic plant placement impacts energy flow based on Feng Shui and yin/yang qualities (aka passive plant magic) [01:11:58] Working with seasons and elements [01:16:26] Where can you find Rachael on social media? Mentioned in our conversation: Growing Joy Episode 60: Live Taping! DIY Succulent Crowns With Infinite Succulent Growing Joy Episode 165: Everyday Plant Magic With Rachael Of Infinite Succulent Rachael’s book Everyday Plant Magic: Change Your Life Through the Magical Energy of Nature Rachael’s book Infinite Succulent: Miniature Living Art to Keep or Sha
Tue, October 17, 2023
DIY Houseplant First Aid Kit
Caring for houseplants often means dealing with pests, diseases, or cultural issues at some point. Having a houseplant first aid kit prepared allows you to quickly treat problems and nurse your plants back to health. In this episode, our favorite horticulturist Leslie Halleck shares must-have items to include in your DIY houseplant first aid kit so you can effectively treat plant problems as soon as they pop up! In this episode, we learn: [00:17] What is a Houseplant First Aid Kit? [09:46] What is horticultural oil, when is it used, and how does it differ from neem oil? [12:57] Neem vs neem oil [15:03] How to brighten up your home and keep your houseplants happy all year with high-quality grow lights [17:28] DIY houseplant first aid kit essentials: Fungus Gnats Death Drop and neem oil! [19:44] Is neem oil safe as a leaf shine for plants, or does it potentially harm them by clogging stomata or pores? [22:58] Why should you include fungicide/bio-insecticide in your first aid kit for houseplants? [25:52] Does fungicide reverse leaf damage? [27:46] Sanitizing vs sterilizing (plus products you should use while pruning) [28:48] What is insecticidal soap? [30:18] What are systemics, why do they work, and when should they be used? (heavier chemical) [32:18] Where can you find the best houseplants with scientific care guides and color-coded collections? [34:15] Where can you find high-quality organic fertilizers and potting mixes? [40:50] How do hydrogen peroxide and BT work in dealing with houseplant pests? [41:43] What is a "drench" in systemic pesticide application? [44:16] Why should you have rooting hormone in your first aid kit? [45:19] Best tools/gears for your first aid kid! [45:20] What are sticky traps? (monitoring tool) [47:07] Rubber gloves Leslie recommends! [50:15] Why should you use separate snippers/tweezers/pruners for gardening tasks? [51:57] Folding potting mat! [53:58] Hygrometers/glass domes [57:31] Grow lights [01:00:19] PAR Meter (for professionals) [01:03:36] Maria’s favorite—magnifying glass! [01:16:17] Moisture meter [01:08:49] Check out Leslie’s books! Mentioned in our conversation: Amazon storefront for all products mentioned Physan Leslie Halleck’s Books Episode 204 How to Identify Houseplant Disease Episode 200 Common Houseplant Pest Identification and How to Get Rid of Fungus Gnats, Spidermites, Scale, White Fl
Tue, October 10, 2023
Rooted in Generosity: Inspiring Harmony Through Wind Chimes and Why You Need Them in Your Garden
Wouldn't it be nice to wake up every morning to the hypnotic sound of wind chimes gently drifting through your bedroom window, plant friends? The delicate tones of wind chimes dancing on the breeze can turn an ordinary morning into a magical experience. In this episode, I spoke with the owners of Wind River Chimes to uncover the history, craftsmanship, and meaning behind these musical garden ornaments. If you’re a constant listener, I’m sure you know them as one of my podcast sponsors! Patty, Jamie, Luke, and I talked about the joyful art and science behind creating beautiful chimes that connect us to soothing sounds and special memories. In this episode, we learn: [00:10] Why wind chimes have become significant for Maria’s mental health [03:51] Let’s welcome Patty, Jamie, and Luke from Wind River Chimes! [05:30] What are their favorite Wind River chimes? [07:39] History of Wind River Chimes [08:53] How Jamie and Patty got involved and eventually bought the company in 2005 [10:54] How has the company evolved since they assumed leadership? [14:03] How the wind chimes are made (tuned pipes, specific alloys, thick walls) [17:13] How the tones and scales are designed [18:57] The emotional experience provided by chimes [19:46] The primal connection of humans to music [21:45] What is the science of sound? (alloys, testing, parts designed for optimal tone) [24:55] What are their favorite emotional customer stories involving the chimes? [31:20] Why does the company commit to donating 20% of their profits to charity? [34:04] What "harmony" means to the Wind River Chimes team Mentioned in our conversation: Corinthian Bells Windchime For a deep dive into the science of soothing chime sounds, check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsor: Territorial Seed Company Are you ready for the fall gardening season? Skip the lines at the garden center and let Territorial Seed Company deliver top-of-the-line, healthy and hardy plants right to your door. They have a great line of pre-grown plants, an expansive seed catalog, and over 40 years of experience delivering the best seeds and plants for everyone's garden. Whether you are looking for leafy veggies, flowers or edible plants in either seed or seedling form, Territorial Seed Company has your back. Get 10% off by visiting territorialseed.com/growingjoy - discount applied at checkout. Follow Wind River Chimes: <a href="https://windriverchimes.com/" re
Tue, October 03, 2023
The History of Italian Gardens and Italian Citrus
Ever heard the saying, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade"? You bet those lemons might have come from an Italian garden, plant friends! To celebrate Italian American Heritage Month, this episode brings us all about the history of Italian gardens and citrus cultivation with Helena Attlee, an expert on Italian gardens and author of the book The Land Where Lemons Grow. We will talk about Italy's epic obsession with gardens and citrus fruits over the centuries. In this episode, we learn: [00:00] What is the deep-rooted connection between Italian culture and gardening? [07:36] How Helena became passionate about Italian gardening [11:48] Helena’s garden features and the cultural significance of citrus in Italian agriculture [13:57] Why is it not advisable to grow citrus in Britain? [15:00] Get your fall planting and feeding essentials from Espoma Organics! [16:30] Gift the magic of soothing melodies this season with Wind River Wind Chimes [18:23] What recurring cultural garden themes did Helena find in all her visits? [22:05] Revival of Italian gardening [28:05] What sustains edible gardening in Italian culture, especially in lower and middle-class communities? [29:59] How volcanic ash from active volcanoes benefits plant growth, particularly in regions like Sicily and Naples [31:11] What inspired Helena to write her book, The Land Where Lemons Grow? [34:30] Importance of Italian citrus farming and its link to the mafia's rise [41:13] Health benefits of blood oranges and lemon juice, especially in preventing scurvy [44:11] What are Helena’s top favorite gardens to visit in Italy? [46:41] What would be one way to elevate your gardens in an Italian way? [47:34] Where can you find Helena on social media? Mentioned in our conversation: Book by Helena Attlee The Land Where Lemons Grow Books by Georgina Masson Russell Page Grandi Giardini Italiani For a deep dive into Italian gardens you can explore up to the present, check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsor: Espoma Organic Make sure your plants are all set for the new season! Espoma Organic is dedicated to making safe indoor and outdoor gardening products for people, pets, and the planet. They have an amazing variety of high-quality, organic potting mixes, garden soil, fertilizers, and pest control products that are organic and eco-friendly. To top it all off, they have a
Tue, September 26, 2023
Houseplant Styling Tips, How to Be A Professional Houseplant Stylist and All Things Maryah Greene
If you love styling your indoor plants and have an eye for design, becoming a professional plant stylist may be the perfect side hustle or full-time career for you, plant friends! Plant styling has exploded in popularity recently, as more people discover the therapeutic benefits of surrounding themselves with plants. In this episode, we'll share insights from Maryah Greene, a successful New York-based plant stylist and influencer, on how she built her brand Greene Piece. You'll learn Maryah’s tips for starting a plant styling company, calculating rates, and her new children's book, ‘Good Things.’ We'll also cover her top plant styling techniques to create cohesive, harmonious plant designs tailored to you and your space. In this episode, we learn: [03:26] Maryah on balancing plant collections and responsibilities [05:48] Why Maryah created Greene Piece and the inspiration behind it [08:09] How did Maryah's Japan experience shape her passion for plant teaching? [14:20] How did Maryah manage her first year offering plant-related services as a side hustle? [17:43] How did Maryah determine her pricing strategy for her plant business? [20:43] Navigating initial business paperwork and finances [24:02] Embracing entrepreneurship and appearing on Good Morning America! [28:55] What was the impact of Maryah's decision on her work and career prospects? [31:21] How does Maryah maintain balance and fulfillment in her business? [36:34] What’s the difference between plant styling and being a plant doctor? [38:14] Maryah’s journey as a content creator and influencer in the plant community [41:01] Maryah on evolving brand partnerships [44:59] Top three plant styling tips! [49:13] What is the story behind Maryah's book "Good Things"? [53:53] How did the Black Lives Matter movement influence Maryah’s decision to write the book? [56:36] Emotional impact of the book on both children and adults [56:36] Working together on illustrations with Alleanna Harris [01:00:08] How does the book help parents and teachers discuss emotions and loss with children? [01:02:37] Where can you find Maryah and her book on social media? Mentioned in our conversation: Maryah Greene's book Good Things Growing Joy Ep 185 The Power Of Therapeutic Horticulture Plant Swaps by Summer Rayne Oakes Maryah on Good Morning America Razorbill <a href="https://www.alleannaharris
Mon, September 18, 2023
How to Identify Houseplant Disease
Is your houseplant suddenly dropping leaves, getting spots, or just looking sick? Plant diseases can strike fear into any plant parent's heart. One day your plant baby is thriving, and the next it's on the decline! Plant diseases happen to the best of us. Even expert growers deal with fungal, bacterial, and viral plant infections. The good news is that many common houseplant diseases are treatable if caught early. But plant friends, you need to first know how to accurately identify them. In the third episode of the Grow Better series with my dear friend, Leslie Halleck, we explore how to spot symptoms, diagnose plant illnesses, build a first aid kit, and nurse your plants back to health. In this episode, we learn: [07:00] What is a plant disease? [09:55] Why do plants get these diseases? (the disease triangle) [11:47] Factors involved when a pathogen meets a host [13:11] Difference between signs and symptoms [16:36] Challenges of identifying plant symptoms [20:17] Is it enough to know what the disease is before you start treating it? [20:51] General guidelines for identifying different types of diseases (fungal, viral, and bacterial) [24:37] What are some common misconceptions about bacterial and fungal disease infections? [28:19] Disease #1 Powdery Mildew [30:46] Enjoy a 15% discount on Soltech’s Grove LED Bar Light as a member of the Growing Joy community! [32:30] Does the idea of gifting mindfulness through resonating wind chimes intrigue you? [34:30] Disease #2 Molds [38:12] Disease #3 Leaf spots [41:14] Importance of having fungicides in a houseplant care kit! [43:14] Disease #4 Root rot [45:05] Considerations for propagating specific species (e.g., African violets) [48:23] Why do viruses generally have no effective treatments? [48:43] What are the go-to resources for diagnosing plant disease? [56:26] What is the best course of action for treating black rot on a Dracula or any orchid? [59:25] Keep your plants healthy by practicing prevention and environmental management Mentioned in our conversation: Leslie Halleck’s Books David Gerald Hessayon Books For disease-specific treatment guides, check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsor: Soltech Solutions Bring the beauty of nature into your home. Sol
Tue, September 12, 2023
How to Bring Your Plants Indoors for the Winter
The days are getting shorter and the temperatures are dropping, how do our plants adjust to this change? For us houseplant parents, this signals that it's time to start transitioning our outdoor summer plants back indoors. While it may seem simple to just pick up your plant pots and haul them inside, there are important steps to follow for a smooth transition. In this solo episode, I'll walk you through the entire process of bringing your houseplants indoors in 3 phases: Preparation, Transition, and Maintenance. Follow these 7 steps and you'll have healthy plants that continue thriving inside all winter long! In this episode, we learn: [03:23] Why it's essential to bring your plants indoors during the winter [05:54] Bringing plants indoors requires three distinct stages: preparation, transition, and maintenance [06:15] #1 Check your plants thoroughly for pests [07:36] How to get rid of the pests [08:59] #2 Prune or trim any abnormal or damaged leaves [10:15] #3 Check the soil and repot if necessary [11:27] Where can you get high-quality soil and plant food for the fall gardening season? [13:00] Why Kamili Bell Hill’s ‘Happy Plant, Happy You’ is your next best plant care reference [14:26] #4 Bring your plants indoors slowly or gradually [15:50] #5 Choose the best location in your home for your recently sun-exposed plants [17:24] #6 Quarantine your plants and check for pests weekly [18:55] #7 Adjust watering and fertilizer for indoor conditions Mentioned in our conversation: Indoor Houseplant Fertilizer Happy Plants, Happy You For a step-by-step guide on winter plant prep, check our the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsors: Espoma Organic Make sure your plants are all set for the new season! Espoma Organic is dedicated to making safe indoor and outdoor gardening products for people, pets, and the planet. They have an amazing variety of high-quality, organic potting mixes, garden soil, fertilizers, and pest control products that are organic and eco-friendly. To top it all off, they have a huge sustainability commitment with a 100% solar powered plant, zero waste manufacturing and eco-friendly packaging. Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront . Quarto: Happy Plants, Happy You by Kamili Bell Hill Plant care IS self-care! In this book, author Kamili Bell Hill, a beloved guest on the pod, shows how taki
Tue, September 05, 2023
How to Can and Ferment Vegetables and Fruits from Your Garden
When you grow an edible garden, you likely end up with a surplus of fresh produce at the peak of each growing season. Rather than letting those precious veggies and fruits go to waste, consider preserving them through time-tested techniques like canning and fermenting. These methods allow you to safely store your garden harvest so you can enjoy homemade jams, pickles, sauces, and more throughout the year! In this episode, you'll learn the basics of canning and fermenting from renowned homesteader, canning expert, and author Stephanie Thurow. In this episode, we learn: [06:06] How Stephanie got into canning and fermenting [07:42] What's the strategy behind the timing of canning? [09:53] Difference between canning and fermenting [11:53] Is fermentation a shelf-stable process like canning, or does it require refrigeration? [13:37] Why is it advised to consume a spoonful of fermented food each day, such as sauerkraut? [14:31] What is the storage setup for Stephanie's canned and fermented goods? [15:22] Materials you need for water bath canning [16:43] Why is a rack required when using your 4th burner pot for canning? [19:00] Where can you find premium, handcrafted wind chimes that are perfect for gifting? [20:32] Where can you find potting mixes, composts, and fertilizers for indoor and outdoor gardening? [23:05] Steps to prepare for a canning session [28:28] Common mistakes beginners make when canning [31:11] What are the basic requirements for fermenting vegetables? [32:16] Why "The Cottage Garden" is your ultimate resource for understanding the history, evolution, and stunning modern interpretations of cottage garden design [33:47] Difference between dry salting and brining in fermentation [35:44] Are there any precautions or cleanliness practices to follow during fermentation? [36:25] What do you need to know about fermenting basics? [38:31] What is the recommended timeline for fermenting different types of foods? [39:36] Common troubleshooting tips for fermenting to avoid issues like mold? [40:24] Should you follow recipes? [41:01] Where can you find trusted online recipes for fermentation and canning recipes? [42:15] What are Stephanie's favorite fermentation and canning recipes? [46:12] Unique or unusual items Stephanie has tried pickling [49:12] Where can you find Stephanie’s books online? [51:30] How do you break the seal on the tightly sealed jars? [52:35] Where can you find Stephanie on social media? Mentioned in our conversation: Growing Joy Episode 195: Homesteading For Beginners With Michelle Bruhn And Stephanie Thurow Nationa
Tue, August 22, 2023
How to Forage for Healing Plants in Your Backyard
For most of us, the plants growing in our backyards and neighborhoods go overlooked. We mow them down or walk right over them without a second glance. But did you know many of these plants have been used medicinally for centuries? In this episode, we'll share fundamental tips from an expert forager, herbalist, and hiker, Heather Houskeeper. You'll learn basic plant identification skills, foraging best practices, and uses for several common medicinal "weeds." In this episode, we learn: [07:14] How Heather became a botanical hiker [09:30] Juliet’s Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine [13:14] What does sheep’s sorrel taste like? [18:54] What should you know when trying to make foraging your new hobby? [16:11] How does Heather's approach to foraging align with the concept of homesteading? [20:04] Where can you find the best chimes for your lawn and garden? [22:15] Why is plant identification key, especially specific to region, important? [25:35] Why is a magnifying loop helpful in the process of identifying plants? [26:36] Tips for your first foraging adventure [28:35] How to approach and communicate with a plant while foraging [30:51] How does sensory experience enhance plant-human connection? [31:35] What are good harvesting practices, especially if you're on public land? [36:21] General guideline for harvesting plants without causing harm to the overall population [37:38] What is the best way to identify plants while foraging? [38:34] Why is it important to use scientific names when searching for plant information? [39:47] Botanical terms and concepts that beginner foragers should understand [40:09] Radial and bilateral symmetry in flowers [42:33] Parts of a flower [44:22] Leaf arrangement and leaf shape [48:18] Herbalist terms you should know for medicinal purposes [50:44] Medicinal properties and uses of common plants [54:04] Healing properties of sorrel plant family [55:15] Healing properties of plantains [59:14] Healing properties of yarrow [01:02:37] Where can you find Heather online? Mentioned in our conversation: The Lodge at Woodloch Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine Growing Joy Episode 168 Grow Your Own Tea: Intro To Herbalism With Juliet Of Chestnut School Of Herbal Medicine Love and the Long Path A Guide to the Edible and Medicinal Plants of the Mountains to S
S8 E200 · Tue, August 15, 2023
Common Houseplant Pest Identification and How to Get Rid of Fungus Gnats, Spidermites, Scale, White Flies and Mealybugs: Grow Better with Leslie
As houseplant parents, most of us will inevitably encounter some type of pest infestation at some point. Seemingly overnight, our beautiful, thriving plants can become under attack by bugs we didn't even know existed! Pests can quickly damage and even kill our treasured plants if left unchecked. In Episode 2 of the Grow Better Series, my dear friend Leslie Halleck is back to teach us how to identify the most common houseplant pests and take action to get rid of them fast. In this episode, we learn: [02:07] Happy 200th episode, plant friends! [07:29] Why experiencing plant infestations is common and not a sign of failure [10:16] How do your plants become infested with insects? [13:30] How fungal diseases and viruses spread through plants and insect vectors [16:58] How overwatering or misting can activate fungal spores brought in on new plants [17:14] What are the symptoms of a plant pest outbreak that we should regularly look for? [18:20] #1 Identifying fungus gnats [20:08] Where to find potting mixes, composts, and fertilizers for indoor and outdoor gardening? [22:51] Say goodbye to dark corners with Soltech’s all-new LED grow bar light. [24:52] How to deal with fungus gnats [29:40] #2 Identifying spider mites [31:32] What is the impact of spider mites on leaves? [32:05] Using a handheld microscope for insect identification [33:14] Why do you need to choose the right insecticide? [39:47] #3 Identifying mealybugs [40:43] How to combat mealybug infestations [42:56] What are the different organic control methods to manage mealybugs? [44:07] What is systemic pesticide? [45:31] Other eco-friendly alternatives [47:22] #4 Identifying scale insects [48:09] How scales manifest and why they are difficult to manage [50:11] How to deal with scale manifestations [53:12] #5 Identifying thrips [57:01] How to identify thrips damage [58:42] #6 Identifying aphids [58:57] How to get rid of aphids [01:01:13] #7 Identifying whiteflies [01:03:05] Why you should have a first-aid kit for plants [01:04:10] Homemade pest control remedies [01:07:14] When is a plant past the point of no return with pest outbreak? [01:09:18] Can you propagate a plant under pest attack? [01:13:00] Where can you find Leslie on social media? Mentioned in our conversation: Books by Leslie Handheld microscope For a detailed how-to of houseplant pest management, check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode spons
Thu, August 10, 2023
Check Out the Old Fashioned On Purpose Podcast
I hope you LOVED this weeks episode on How to Grow Garlic with Jill Winger! Jill was an amazing and has an incredible podcast of her own all about homesteading and slow living called Old Fashioned On Purpose I wanted to introduce you to in, incase you dream of a homestead or slower way of living. Type in "Old Fashioned On Purpose" into the podcast player search bar and go subscribe or click this link! https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/old-fashioned-on-purpose-podcast Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Tue, August 08, 2023
How to Grow Garlic
Garlic is a staple in so many savory dishes, but if you've only ever cooked with the sad grocery store bulbs, it's time to see garlic's true potential by growing your own. The depth of flavor and variety that homegrown garlic offers blows store-bought out of the water. Lucky for us, plant friends, growing our own garlic at home is so easy! In this episode, homesteader extraordinaire Jill Winger walks us through how to grow garlic step-by-step, select varieties, grow, harvest, and store your own garlic for a steady supply of flavorful garlic all year long. In this episode, we learn: [03:09] Garden Society shoutout [05:17] What led Jill to embrace homesteading? [07:01] Check out Jill’s blog and podcast! [09:29] How Jill's garden has evolved over the years [11:23] Jill’s early years of homesteading and its long-term evolution [13:18] Why homesteading involves continuous trial and error [13:54] How long has Jill been growing garlic? [14:59] Homegrown vs. store-bought garlic [15:57] How to select the right garlic to grow [16:08] Choosing a reputable garlic seed source [17:24] Softneck vs. hardneck garlic [19:19] Where to find a wide variety of hardneck and softneck garlic for pre-order? [21:07] Where to get quality potting mix and soil for garlic growth over the winter? [24:05] What else is needed to grow garlic besides cloves? [25:37] When is the best time to plant garlic? [26:41] Why garlic is low maintenance [27:28] What steps should be taken to prepare garlic for planting? [28:32] How deep should you plant the clove under the soil? [29:21] Why garlic doesn't rot or freeze despite delayed stalk growth in winter [30:32] What’s the next step after planting garlic? [32:39] How does the harvest timing affect the taste and texture of garlic scapes and bulbs? [33:52] How do you know the garlic is ready to harvest? [35:03] How do you “cure” fresh garlic? [37:01] Tips for storing garlic for a long time [38:35] Common garlic growing issues and how to address them [39:36] Jill’s favorite garlic recipes [41:35] How did Jill’s homestead slowly evolve? [43:48] How reconnecting with nature and sustainable living creates a natural ecosystem Mentioned in our conversation: Garlic Scape Pesto Recipe How to Braid Garlic How to Plant Garlic How to Braid Onions </li
Tue, August 01, 2023
How They Built a Million Dollar Company: Plantrepreneur Profile with Soltech
Soltech has achieved remarkable success in recent years, growing from a small startup to a million-dollar business. For long-time listeners, you probably bought their grow lights already using my coupon code Bloom15 , and I’m sure you love them as much as I do! And for those who haven’t, join me in this episode as we talk in-depth with Soltech’s founders and my dear plant friends—Chris, Mike, and Paul—about their remarkable journey, the challenges they overcame, and the strategies that propelled them to the pinnacle of success. In this episode, we learn: [06:13] Get to know the three people behind SolTech [09:33] What is it like to create a multi-million dollar plant brand? [11:28] Which came first, their friendship or the business? [12:19] What role did plants play in their college lives? [12:58] When did they realize the untapped potential and demand for high-quality grow lights [15:58] The tale of Soltech grow lights [19:17] Where can you find premium, handcrafted wind chimes that are perfect for gifting? [24:03] Difficult sacrifices the founders had to make [25:45] Living together and building Soltech [26:52] What was their method of accountability and reinforcement for their shared vision? [30:48] Reassuring signs of progress amid challenges and doubts [34:19] How did community development become integral to Soltech? [37:34] Low-cost strategies that resulted in significant results [44:02] House plant grow lights vs. cannabis cultivation lights [45:26] Why is manipulating the photosynthetic spectrum important in creating a full spectrum grow light? [47:02] Why different plants require different colors in the spectrum [49:12] New product launching soon: Grove LED bar light [54:27] Tips for installing a grow light and ideal plant distance [58:38] Obstacles and teachable moments [01:08:13] What were some notable moments or achievements in the past year that Soltech's founders go "holy shit"? [01:16:38] Where can you find Soltech on social media? Mentioned in our conversation: Soltech Comprehensive Plant Guide Soltech Top Plant Books and Guides Aspect Grow Lights Highland Grow Lights Vita Grow Lights PRE-ORDER THE GROVE
Tue, July 25, 2023
The Power of a Therapeutic Garden to Help Us Feel Better
Gardening has long been known for its therapeutic advantages and as a place of calm and peace in the middle of a hectic schedule. Garden therapy can relieve stress and enhance our mental and emotional health. In this episode, we'll look at 9 gardening practices that can help you develop a deeper connection with nature—and yourself. In this episode, we learn: [05:11] Therapeutic benefits of gardening during tough times [09:40] How gardening can help you with focus and monotasking [10:55] The connection between gardening and mindfulness [12:55] 9 therapeutic garden activities for a more joyful gardening experience [13:01] #1 Turn your garden visits into a self-care reflection moment [17:08] Where can you find the best tone fertilizers for your indoor and outdoor plants? [21:09] Engage your 5 senses! [21:18] #2 Sight (being fully present in the beauty of nature) [22:53] #3 Smell (enjoy aromas and incorporate them into daily routines) [24:56] #4 Sound (especially bird songs!) [26:54] #5 Touch (trace leaf outlines and feel their textures) [28:38] #6 Taste (try your homegrown produce!) [29:56] #7 Affirmations (to your plants and yourself) [33:24] #8 Grow flowers [35:39] #9 Look for plant/life parallels Mentioned in our conversation: Merlin Bird ID GJWM Episode 186 The History Of Houseplants With Jane Perrone GJWM 188 The Art Of Aromatic Gardening With Amy Of NYC Aromatica For a closer look into these therapeutic gardening practices, check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsors: Espoma Organic Ensure a thriving garden with the right products! Espoma Organic is dedicated to making safe indoor and outdoor gardening products for people, pets, and the planet. They have an amazing variety of high-quality, organic potting mixes, garden soil, fertilizers, and pest control products that are organic and eco-friendly. To top it all off, they have a huge sustainability commitment with a 100% solar powered plant, zero waste manufacturing and eco-friendly packaging. Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront . Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to C
Tue, July 18, 2023
Overwatered vs Underwatered Plants, How Much Light Do Indoor Plants Need and More Common Houseplant Problems: Grow Better with Leslie
Do your plants get enough water and light? These questions are typically asked, and the answer is often "It depends." But this answer is more meaningful than you might think, which will be explained in today's episode of our new series, "Grow Better," featuring Leslie Halleck. As a certified horticulturist with extensive experience in plant care, Leslie is here to share her insights on the subject of overwatering and underwatering, offer valuable insights into the optimal light requirements for plants, and explore the common challenges plants encounter. In this episode, we learn: [07:04] Who is Leslie Halleck and what is her background in plant care? [08:24] How has social media impacted plant parenthood and gardening? (aka green guilt) [10:32] Why losing plants is normal even for horticulturalists [12:06] Why do plants need time to adapt when moving from a greenhouse to our homes? [16:51] How are watering and light related in plant care? [20:39] Where can you find stylish grow lights with full spectrum warm white light? [25:04] How relative humidity affects houseplants [27:24] Other key challenges that gardeners face with outdoor plants [31:52] How can you tell if a plant is dying? [38:10] How does excessive light affect plants? What is phytotoxicity? [41:18] Other effects of low light on plants [41:54] Signs and symptoms of overwatering and underwatering in plants [48:10] What causes leaf drop? [51:35] What are the key indicators and signs of nutrient deficiency in both houseplants and garden plants [57:06] How can you distinguish between healthy and unhealthy yellow or pink foliage on plants like Cissus discolor that lack green leaves? [01:00:05] Why it is important to know the plant's environment and care habits [01:03:03] When is the right time to dispose of a plant? [01:10:30] Where can you find Leslie Halleck on social media? Mentioned in our conversation: Grow lights Hygrometer Books by Leslie Halleck: Gardening Under Lights: The Complete Guide for Indoor Growers Plant Parenting: Easy Ways to Make More Houseplants, Vegetables, and Flowers <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Plants-collecting-itty-bitty-houseplants-eb
Tue, July 11, 2023
Homesteading for Beginners with Michelle Bruhn and Stephanie Thurow
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a homesteader? A growing number of people are turning to self-sufficiency and sustainability in their way of living. However, homesteading can seem intimidating, especially when social media portrays it as an exclusive lifestyle requiring acres of land and living off the grid. The good news is that it doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing lifestyle! In this episode, learn how Stephanie Thurow and Michelle Bruhn, co-authors of the book Small Scale Homesteading and absolute BFFs, are making homesteading accessible to everyone—no matter how much land you have. They share their experiences with gardening, chicken keeping, maple sugaring, and more, all while living on less than an acre in the suburbs of Minneapolis. In this episode, we learn: [06:43] Stephanie & Michelle’s homesteading journey [13:08] The challenges of gardening in different regions (know your last frost date) [16:24] How Stephanie & Michelle’s friendship and shared interests led to their book “Small-Scale Homesteading” [17:55] Where can you find a range of cold-tolerant crops for your fall and winter gardens? [19:58] Where can you find the perfect wind chimes to add a touch of beauty and mindfulness to your surroundings? [17:51] What is the role of community in their homesteading journeys? [24:32] What is the difference between gardening and homesteading? [26:40] What inspired Michelle and Stephanie’s move from gardening to homesteading [30:50] Tips for transitioning from gardening to homesteading [40:21] Michelle on seed starting [43:36] What are the easiest seeds to save? [44:59] How can you preserve your homegrown food? [46:45] Fermentation vs pickling [48:36] What is water bath canning? [51:21] Things you should know about raising chickens! [01:01:13] Further homesteading stories and experiences from Michelle & Stephanie Mentioned in our conversation: Book by Stephanie Thurow & Michelle Bruhn Small-Scale Homesteading: A Sustainable Guide to Gardening, Keeping Chickens, Maple Sugaring, Preserving the Harvest, and More Can It & Ferment It: More Than 75 Satisfying Small-Batch Canning and Fermentation Recipes for the Whole Year WECK Home Preserving: Made-from-Scratch Recipes for Water-Bath Canning, Fermentin
Tue, July 04, 2023
The History of Flowers with Noel Kingsbury
Flowers have totally mesmerized people for ages with their awesome colors, shapes, and smells. We're totally obsessed with them, and they've been a huge part of our cultures, traditions, and personal bonds for as long as we can remember. In this episode, we're going to talk about the history of flowers with a celebrated garden writer, Noel Kingsbury. We'll explore the history and meanings behind flowers, how they've evolved alongside pollinators, and the special relationships we have with these amazing plants. In this episode, we learn: [05:22] When did Noel’s passion for plants and flowers start? [07:41] Noel shares his earliest plant memory [08:47] The inspiration behind Noel's book “ The Story of Flowers ”? [11:19] What is cultivation and how has it changed throughout the centuries? [12:43] Similarities and differences observed in the various human civilizations [15:37] Difference between high and low culture in plant profiles [16:32] Why is dahlia considered a low-brow flower in old British history? [18:36] Where can you find handcrafted wind chimes perfect for wedding and housewarming gifts? [20:13] Where can you find all your potting mix, planting soil, and fertilizer needs for gardening? [22:18] Are orchids considered high-class flowers? [23:54] What is the significance of flowers' affordability and accessibility throughout history? [25:30] Symbolism of the Iris flower in different cultures and civilizations [28:16] How flowers create a sense of identification and long-term connections with people [31:08] Why flowers and pollinators are in a lockstep co-evolutionary relationship. [33:47] What fact surprised Noel the most in his research about flowers? [36:17] Interesting facts about common flowers found in your garden [39:15] What brought Noel to Portugal? [39:29] Opium poppies have a complicated history with varying legalities [40:48] What lotus flowers symbolize [42:06] What is Noel’s favorite flower? [43:25] Where can you find Noel on social media? Mentioned in our conversation: Book by Noel Kingsbury The Story of Flowers: And How They Changed the Way We Live Thursday Garden Chat for Garden Masterclass Book by Jane Perrone Legends of the Leaf For a full list of flowers and their symbolism, check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsors: Wind River Chimes
S8 E193 · Tue, June 27, 2023
War Gardens, Victory Gardens or Pandemic Gardens: The History Behind Why People Grow Plants in Hard Times
Gardening is already a popular hobby, but the pandemic has revived an interest in growing plants. Many of us plant parents turned to gardening to keep busy, improve our mental health, and even grow food as we were forced to spend more time at home. Similar to this occurrence is the Victory Gardens of the past. In this episode, Maggie Stuckey joins us to review the history of Victory Gardens and their surprising role in society throughout the last hundred years. We also explore why people are so drawn to plants in tough times! In this episode, we learn: [00:00] War Gardens, Victory Gardens, or Pandemic Gardens [05:30] Maggie shares an excerpt from her book about gardening as a manifestation of hope [08:07] Growing up in rural South Carolina where farming and vegetable gardens were prominent [10:46] How Maggie’s book on container gardening became a go-to gardening resource, challenging the belief that vegetables couldn't be grown in containers [13:46] Drawing parallels between the current gardening movement and past Victory Gardens [14:13] Where can you find trusted products for gardening, such as potting mix, garden soil, and fertilizer? [16:18] Where can you listen to enchanting wind chimes and choose from various colors, sizes, and sounds? [20:47] What is the history of Victory gardens? [26:45] Community gardens during World War II in Boston, Washington, D.C., and Minneapolis [27:50] The concept and history behind community gardens [29:40] What motivates people to start gardens during challenging times like war, pandemics, or personal struggles? [33:22] The therapeutic nature of gardening and how it simplifies life and reconnects people with nature [36:36] The importance of in-person human interactions and actions [37:18] What are common mistakes made by new gardeners and why do they occur? [44:16] Why did Maggie include edible flowers in her book? [47:40] What should beginner gardeners grow in three containers for a successful first garden experience? [50:26] Heartwarming stories in Maggie's book and the one that warmed her heart the most [53:55] Where can you find Maggie’s book, The Container Victory Garden: A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Your Own Groceries ? Mentioned in our conversation: Territorial Seed Company Kitchen Counter Collection Hydroponic planter Maggie Stuckey’s book The Container Victory Garden: A Beginner’s Guide to Growing Your Own Groceries <br
Tue, June 20, 2023
How to Overcome Burnout Through The Healing Power of Nature
How do you handle burnout? We have all asked that question at some point because modern society has a lot of demands, and it's become too easy to feel overwhelmed. But what if there was a free and accessible tool that could help you turn towards yourself again, away from overstimulation and crazy schedules? In this episode, I will share with you my own experience with deep depression and severe burnout, and how I found healing through making major life shifts centered around spending more time in and with nature. In this episode, we learn: [00:24] Maria shares her experience with depression and severe burnout over the past three years [01:54] Plants are a great way to reconnect with a part of ourselves that modern society ignores [10:24] How is burnout defined? [12:27] How do you recover from burnout? [13:25] What is Attention Restoration Theory? [14:23] First type of attention: Directed Attention [14:37] Second type of attention: Involuntary Attention (aka fascination) [16:10] Involuntary attention practices to help you find balance in life [16:14] Look at a plant before you look at your screen [18:00] Thank the trees [18:36] Pair it with gratitude [19:25] Ritualize engaging with nature [22:54] Go outside [23:02] Forest bathing and its benefits [25:51] Mental health walks [26:44] Get your bare feet on the earth (aka grounding/earthing) [28:36] Practice mindfulness through plant care [30:53] Lean into scent [33:24] Two different types of plants for healing purposes [33:38] Slow burn plants [35:57] Quick win plants [38:23] Pruning back to inspire growth Mentioned in our conversation: My Neighbor Totoro (1988) - IMDb HigherDOSE Infrared PEMF Mat Growing Joy Episode 188 The Art Of Aromatic Gardening With Amy Of NYC Aromatica Pocket Wall Planters | WallyGrow We Can Do Hard Things with Glennon Doyle on Apple Podcasts For a detailed list of Maria's recommended practices, check out the full show notes and blog here! Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants)
Tue, June 13, 2023
The Mushroom Miniseries: How to Grow Mushrooms Indoors
Do you want to learn how to grow mushrooms at home? In the third episode of our Mushroom Mini-series, Billy and I share how you can enjoy the process of growing mushrooms indoors. Our relationship as co-hosts, and more importantly, as life partners, has made this journey more delightful. We enjoy our time together as self-proclaimed “mushroom farmers,” learning and growing together. In this episode, we are grateful to welcome back Louis from North Spore who shares his mushroom expertise and beginner-friendly tips! In this episode, we learn: [05:42] What is it like being a mushroom farmer? [06:40] Multiple harvests from the grow kits through proper moisture management [08:51] Debunking magic mushroom misconceptions [2:44] Billy and Maria’s positive experiences with Lion's mane mushroom [14:34] How do you grow mushrooms indoors? [14:44] #1 Spray & Grow Kits (The perfect beginner species!) [18:02] #2 Fruiting Blocks [19:17] Where can you get premium quality growlights? [21:05] Where can you find delightful wind chimes that make for a perfect gift choice? [22:23] #3 Martha Tents (aka North Spore’s Boom Room) [25:36] How do you avoid mold with a Martha tent? [28:18] What's the ideal humidity level on the humidistat for the fruiting blocks? [30:39] What comprises a fruiting block and what goes into making it? [32:17] How do you distinguish spawns versus spores? [37:13] How do you pasteurize something? [37:58] What would be three great beginner mushrooms to start in a grow tent? [40:09] Economics of mushroom cultivation [42:26] Can a Martha tent enable a wider range of mushroom growth compared to a mono tub? [43:21] #3 Mono tub [50:22] What are the two substrates of Nameko mushrooms? [54:23] Who is North Spore? Mentioned in our conversation: How to Make a Martha Tent Mushroom Fruiting Chamber ‘BoomRoom’ Automated Mushroom Martha Tent Grow Kit How to Make a Monotub: The Complete Monotub Tek Guide Using a Spray & Grow Kit Fruiting Block Kits Spray & Grow Kits Monotub
Bonus · Thu, June 08, 2023
Check out the Bad Seeds Podcast!
Introducing the Bad Seeds Podcast, by our dear friend, Summer Rayne Oakes! Bad Seeds is a new podcast from School of Humans and iHeart Podcasts that investigates a growing area of crime that you might have never heard of: plant crime. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, plant crime has been on the rise. From timber poaching in Zambia to cactus smuggling in the US' national parks, Bad Seeds explores a variety of cases where people have stolen plants - having huge repercussions on our environment and in turn...us. All of Bad Seeds' episodes are out now. You can listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Head over to subscribe and binge! iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-bad-seeds-112229352/ Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bad-seeds/id1680791653 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1MsbtuahueZqPiGa5SA9Yn Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Tue, June 06, 2023
How to Stop Killing Succulents: Succulent Care and Propagation Guide
Succulents are beautiful, low-maintenance plants that are perfect for us busy plant parents. They're also total badasses. However, they can be quite tricky to care for if you don't know what you're doing. In this episode, I have invited my “succy” friend Andrea from Justsuccit.com to shed some light on the facts and fiction surrounding succulent care! In this episode, we learn: [00:17] Why succulents can mislead and frustrate people [07:34] How did Andrea become the expert succulent plant lady she is [08:48] Fascinating geometry of echeveria and other rosette-type succulents [11:25] How Andrea’s multifaceted business operates [12:13] Carefully tending to succulents is important due to their specific care needs [14:09] 3 reasons why you’re killing your succulents [14:51] Where can you find a fast-draining potting mix for succulents, cacti, and citrus plants? [17:01] Where can you pre-order garlic to grow your own bulbs and scapes? [19:26] Why you should try succulents [19:59] Are lithops considered succulents? [22:44] How do you stop killing your succulents? (aka succulent care!) [23:27] #1 Before watering, check the soil [25:09] Adaptations in succulent leaves that are affected by watering [26:36] #2 Place your succulents in direct sunlight [31:23] #3 Beware when your succulents start stretching [33:46] #4 Place your succulents in fast-draining soil [35:56] #5 Keeping airflow in check [38:00] Few ways to propagate your succulent [38:09] #1 Leaf propagation [41:13] #2 Stem propagation [44:20] What are the best practices for removing a fully withered leaf? [44:44] Plant life parallel: a poetic act of a mother plant nourishing offspring [48:17] How can you “embrace the succ” and ensure you and your succulent thrive? [50:54] Most powerful lesson Andrea learned from her succulents Mentioned in our conversation: Soltech Grow lights Espoma Organic Cacti Potting Mix Plant-Life Parallel Reel Abraham Hicks For Andrea's recommended succ care, check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsors: Espoma Organic Make sure your succulents have the right soil and nutrients! Espoma Organic is dedicated to making safe indoor and outdoor gardening product
S8 E191 · Tue, May 30, 2023
The Power of Therapeutic Horticulture
Have you ever thought about the healing power of plants beyond just their aesthetic appeal? As plant parents, we know how much fun it is to take care of our plants, but did you know that therapeutic horticulture is a practice being used in hospitals, retirement homes, and even correctional facilities? Today, we're exploring the concept of therapeutic horticulture with the guidance of expert teacher Hilda Krus, who has been a horticultural therapist for over two decades, working with inmates at Rikers Island, New York's largest jail. Let’s dive in! In this episode, we learn: [08:16] How Hilda Krus became a therapeutic horticulture expert [17:06] What is AHDA? [21:07] Is horticultural therapy the same as therapeutic horticulture? [24:34] Need a plant-based meal delivery system that eases bloat and boosts energy? [27:41] How creating a comfortable and easy space in a garden requires intentional work [31:53] What lessons did Hilda learn after working at Rikers Island for 20 years? [42:15] How can horticultural therapy programs get government funding? [49:09] Hilda describes her routine and a student's typical day at Rikers [51:21] What is the layout of the garden at Rikers Island? [53:46] How is the food they grow on-site at Rikers Island being used? [56:26] Did any of Hilda's students choose to work in horticulture after finishing her class? [59:14] Are you looking to create a spa-like ambiance in your home with beautiful chimes? [01:01:37] Inspiring stories in Rikers' therapeutic horticultural program [01:03:56] What is the Horticultural Society of New York? [01:11:03] What classes does Hilda teach at NYBG? [01:12:13] Hilda’s recommended horticultural books! Check out the Therapeutic Horticulture Summer Intensive at the NYBG! Mentioned in our conversation: Soil Science I Introduction to Plant Science The Science of Tree Communication Introduction to Horticultural Therapy Therapeutic Horticulture Certificate Program Growing Joy Episode 37: Horticultural Therapy <a href="https://www.ahta
Tue, May 23, 2023
Companion Planting Basics with the Garden Managers of The Lodge at Woodloch
Did you know that plants can also be friends? If you’ve followed me on Instagram this year, you will know about the love affair I am having at The Lodge at Woodloch , a luxury resort and spa, about an hour from where I live. A very interesting aspect of the Lodge at Woodloch is the Blackmore Farm, their regenerative organic farm that grew 9500 lbs of produce for the Lodge’s Restaurant last year! And it is run by only two guys, Sam and Derrick, whom I’ve invited to share their passion for soil biology and sustainable gardening… and to spill all the beans (pun intended) on their companion planting secrets! In this episode, we learn: [08:09] How The Lodge at Woodloch’s farm developed over the years [12:20] What is the significance and meaning of companion planting? [13:10] The "fruit, root, leaf, aromatic herb, and flower" formula for companion planting [14:05] The relationship between plant taste and companion planting [14:46] Borage, Borage, Borage! [16:46] Where can you get a huge selection of flowers, herbs, vegetables, and fruits this winter? [18:15] Philosophy behind The Lodge’s motto and how it can be applied to small-scale gardens [26:04] How did Sam and Derrick begin their journey into gardening without formal degrees in agriculture? [28:59] Gardening's growing popularity and valuable lessons from experienced gardeners [30:03] Benefits of using borage as a trap crop in the garden [34:26] Why it’s important to harvest companion plants as they mature [37:01] How companion planting helps you to stay on top of pests and diseases [38:42] When planting potatoes, are you supposed to remove the roots along with the greens of shallow-rooted greens? [39:12] What to do if the roots of the greens and onions become intertwined [39:21] Is it harmful to remove roots from the soil? [42:18] How often does The Lodge use natural pesticides? [45:10] Direct sow or pot-start: which is best for planting established seedlings? [46:43] What should you plant withA annual flowers like zinnias or sunflowers? [49:36] What’s a good companion plant for roses? [52:08] Best way to plant potato leeks [53:43] What does “blanching” mean? [55:26] A few tips for succession planning [59:32] Where can you find Sam and Derrick work on social media? Mentioned in our conversation: The Biggest Little Farm Grow bag The Lodge at Woodloch Passion Classes For Sam and Derrick
Fri, May 19, 2023
Mini Episode: 5 Ways to Use Scented Plants to Reduce Stress and Increase Joy
Plant friends, we are changing things up. We're taking a detour from our typical long-form content to introduce a new format — mini-episodes — taken from our rich conversations. These episodes are meant to be your bite-sized lessons about how to use nature to bring joy into your life. And in this first episode, inspired by our recent interview on aromatic gardening, we’re going to talk about 5 practical steps to incorporate scent into our daily routines. In this episode, we learn: [00:26] What these mini-episodes are about [01:18] Why smell is important for memory and stress relief [02:39] #1 Going for a restorative post-rain walk [03:21] #2 Utilizing essential oils [03:59] Different ways to diffuse essential oils [04:43] Some essential oils and plants you can use! [06:04] #3 Growing scented plants (if you’re not into oils) [08:06] #4 Interplanting aromatic plants with edible plants [08:39] #5 Making yourself a mini bouquet Check out the 5 tips in detail, read the full show notes and blog here! Follow Maria and Growing Joy: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here ! Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle) Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon ! Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.c
Tue, May 16, 2023
The Art of Aromatic Gardening with Amy of NYC Aromatica
Do you love the smell of fresh flowers or the aroma that wafts through your home as you cook with herbs? Smell might not be the first thing we think of when it comes to gardening, but it's actually a super powerful way to bring joy to our gardens! In fact, our sense of smell has strong associations with our long-term memories and emotions. Today, we're chatting with my friend Amy Anthony, a certified clinical aromatherapist and aromatic gardener, who will share her expertise on how aromatic gardening can cultivate joy, calm, and memories through scent. In this episode, we learn: [05:08] How Amy's passion for plants led to her expertise in aromatherapy [06:46] How the process of obtaining an aromatherapy certification works [09:33] How scents can trigger memories through the olfactory system [14:28] Is the connection between the olfactory system and the brain due to the nose's proximity? [16:57] Where can you find high-quality potting mix and fertilizer for your garden? [19:06] Are you searching for personalized and premium wind chimes for Mother's Day? [22:37] What is aromatic gardening and which plants are its focus? [24:54] Various plants that repel pests or deer [26:26] Can you easily grow aromatic plants, distill their oil, and use it at home? [27:41] Why you should add aromatic plants to your garden [30:57] Amy grows aromatic plants to make tea, hydrosols, and tinctures [34:51] What are the recommended methods for brewing lemon balm tea? [36:56] What’s your go-to resource for identifying plant diseases, preventing animal damage, and setting up a successful garden? [37:52] Amy's recommended plants to promote relaxation [40:09] Which plants are ideal for an afternoon energy boost? [42:31] Which plants promote connection with oneself or others in the context of aromatherapy or sensuality? [45:50] What non-culinary herbs should you try growing? [49:20] Which staple plant is recommended for aromatic gardening? [53:04] Where can you find Amy on social media? Mentioned in our conversation: Book by Dr. Qing Li Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness Poem by Twyla M. Hansen The Other Woman NYC Aromatica Plant Talks NYC Aromatica Online Classes For a list of herbs, flowers, and their benefits, check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our
Bonus · Thu, May 11, 2023
Check out the Decorating Tips and Tricks Podcast!
Did you love this weeks episode with Kelly from Decorating Tips and Tricks on Interior Design Trends for your Garden? If so, listen to her trailer, and go check out the Decorating Tips and Tricks Podcast and subscribe! Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Tue, May 09, 2023
9 Interior Design Tips to Apply to Your Garden
Interior design principles are not limited to our indoor spaces! For us plant parents, interior design and gardening may initially appear as separate domains, but there are numerous similarities between the two—so much so that the principles of one can be applied to the other. In this episode, we'll learn from Kelly Wilkniss of Decorating Tips and Tricks podcast as she shares nine valuable interior design tips that can be applied to transform your garden into a stunning, cohesive, and joyful space. In this episode, we learn: [04:50] How has Kelly’s gardening passion intersected with her interior design career? [07:16] What inspired Kelly to do an all-white garden [08:45] What is Kelly’s interior design style? [10:30] Kelly’s opinion on modernizing antiques [12:01] How did she transition from being a lawyer to an interior designer? [14:08] Where can you find stylish lights for upgrading indoor plant environments? [16:04] Where to find a personalized Mother's Day gift that includes handcrafted wind chimes [20:31] Tip #1 Take a photo of interior and exterior spaces (it promotes a cohesive design flow!) [21:56] Tip #2 Limit your color palette [25:18] Tip #3 Create a flow [33:49] A must-have book for outdoor living area design ideas with mix-and-match suggestions and before-and-after pictures [35:10] Tip #4 Plant in odd numbers [37:55] Tip #5 Layering! [40:44] Tip #6 Balance and scale [44:26] Tip #7 Visual noise [48:48] Tip #8 The touch of black [52:08] Tip #9 Not having ugly storage [01:00:13] Where can you find Kelly on social media? Mentioned in our conversation: Growing Joy Episode 145 Interior Design Trends and Houseplants With Betsy From Affordable Interior Design Wayfair sheds Growing Joy Episode 180 Minimalism and Plants With Stephanie of Sustainable Minimalist For all of Kelly's design tips and notes, check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our episode sponsors: Soltech Solutions Soltech Solutions makes the grow lights you’ve heard me talk about for years: whether you are looking for a pendant light, track lighting, or a simple bulb to screw into any standard light fixture, Soltech has got you covered. They offer quality products with great customer service, free shipping, and a 90-day money-back guarantee. Keep the sun shining and the plants green inside your home with Soltech Solutions. Check them out at <a h
Tue, May 02, 2023
The History of Houseplants with Jane Perrone
Where did our houseplants come from and what’s the history behind them? From Babylonian gardens to the healing power of herbs, houseplants have been used for centuries to cultivate joy in our lives. In this episode, I spoke with Jane Perrone, OG planty podcaster and author of the newly released Legends of the Leaf . Jane has spent years researching and collecting stories, lore, and surprises about our beloved house plants, and is here to enlighten us about their history. Let’s learn all about the monstera, the spider plants, and more that have been in homes for generations! In this episode, we learn: [05:26] Meet Jane Perrone and learn about her latest book Legends of the Leaf [11:38] Insight into Jane's book and its structure [14:13] What was Jane’s research process in writing her book? [16:47] Was aloe vera part of Cleopatra's beauty routine? [18:19] What is the impact of plants on air quality? [20:13] Where can you find quality indoor and outdoor gardening products? [22:19] Where can you get flower and vegetable transplants to create an effortless garden? [24:13] What is the cultural significance of the Aspidistra plant throughout history? [28:37] How did Aspidistra become a popular houseplant? [30:32] History of the spider plant and its cultural significance [34:23] Are you looking for a book to start your first container garden? [36:23] What is Colonial botany and why was it an important field of study? [39:37] Dark history of Dieffenbachia [46:23] History of the Boston fern and why it became popular [51:40] Why is the monstera plant a must-have for any plant lover? [54:48] Who worked on the illustrations for Jane's book? [58:07] Where can you purchase Jane's book? [01:05:46] Where can you find Jane Perrone on social media? Mentioned in our conversation: Jane Perrone’s book Legends of the Leaf D.G. Hessayon’s book The House Plant Expert Biodiversity Heritage Library George Orwell’s book Keep the Aspidistra Flying Gracie Fields’ song The Biggest Aspidistra In The World Netflix film Enola Holmes German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe American Sitcom <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Will-Grace-Season-1
S8 E184 · Tue, April 18, 2023
Grow Your Own Salad: How to Grow Lettuce from Seed to Harvest
Did you know that the freshest and most delicious lettuce comes from growing them yourself? At home, Billy and I haven't bought a plastic box of lettuce in months and enjoy fresh salad almost daily! We've been growing lettuce hydroponically indoors and are now gearing up to start our outdoor lettuce garden. In this episode, we're joined by Nicole Burke from Gardenary, who shares her expertise on growing lettuce and how you can start your own lettuce garden, even if you don't have a lot of space or experience! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a houseplant parent looking to expand your plant collection, this episode has something for everyone. In this episode, we learn: [00:03] Maria shares indoor hydroponic lettuce growth and outdoor lettuce garden prep. [06:02] Why lettuce is ideal for first-time food-growing houseplant parents. [06:53] What is Gardenary all about? [08:23] How Nicole makes beautiful raised-bed gardens [14:19] Where are 98% of the United States lettuces grown? [17:01] What materials are needed for lettuce? [20:47] Where can you find a wide array of quality lettuce seeds and seed mixes? [23:27] Where to get a potting mix, soil, fertilizer, or compost for your garden beds/containers? [25:15] What lettuce does Nicole recommend for beginners? [24:34] Lettuce Category #1: Loose leaf [29:15] Lettuce Category #2: Head lettuce [31:09] Is Nicole indoor-starting or direct-sowing lettuce? [32:32] How do you calculate when it's time to start direct sowing? [35:55] What is the process of growing lettuce from seed? [36:14] Process #1: If you have limited space [40:40] Where to find a nutrition program for weight management, more energy, and clear skin? [42:55] Process #2: If you live in an apartment [46:01] What are Nicole’s tips for harvesting? [47:53] What mistakes do people commonly make in growing lettuce? [49:58] How to eat Swiss chard [52:23] Have you heard of Nicole’s newest book Kitchen Garden Revival ? [57:45] Where can you follow Nicole? Mentioned in our conversation: Growing Joy Episode 120 Designing and Planning My Garden // Coaching With Nicole of Gardenary Ivette Soler’s book The Edible Front Yard: The Mow-Less, Grow-More Plan for a Beautiful, Bountiful Garden Hydroponic planter Nicole Burke’s book Kitchen Garden Revival Nicole’s Burke’s book <a hre
Tue, April 11, 2023
The Mushroom Miniseries: How to Grow Functional Mushrooms in Your Garden
What if you could grow functional mushrooms next to your tomato plants? In this episode 2 of the Mushroom Miniseries, Billy and I continue our exploration of the world of mushrooms in partnership with North Spore and their expert mycologist, Louis Giller. Today's episode focuses on growing mushrooms in your garden and covers topics such as integrating mushrooms into a traditional garden and the benefits of cultivating mushrooms alongside your plant babies! Enjoy an exclusive 10% off your mushrooms, use code 'GROWINGJOY' at northspore.com ! In this episode, we learn: [05:35] Benefits of Lion's Mane mushroom supplements for improved focus and energy [09:15] Why should you grow mushrooms in your garden? [10:45] Specific vocabulary in mushroom cultivation [12:43] Is mushroom DNA diverse or uniform across different areas? [15:30] Why you can't simply grow any mushrooms in soil alone [17:15] Are mushrooms annuals or perennials? [20:14] Where can you find full spectrum plant lights to bring the beauty of outdoors inside this April? [22:16] Where can you find a healthy meal delivery program? [24:52] What protections exist for preventing other mushroom species from colonizing a bed of ripe food and confusing the farmer? [26:29] Can you harvest mushrooms immediately after inoculating your garden beds? [27:35] What mushrooms are best for beginners to grow in the garden? [29:30] Do you need a lot of space to grow a good harvest? [30:29] Do worms compete or work with mycorrhizal? [32:25] What materials do you need for growing mushrooms in your garden? [34:44] Where can you find a wind chime that would make the perfect gift these holidays? [36:21] How can you grow mushrooms in your mulch? [41:04] Does a denser, ground-level plant provide better shade for the mushrooms?? [44:00] Is there a general rule for spacing the insertion points when inoculating a bale of hay? [44:49] How do mycorrhizal networks and mold coexist in nature, particularly in damp and dark environments? [48:09] How to create a mushroom container for small gardening spaces [52:49] What are the required maintenance tasks for growing mushrooms during the season? [57:03] What is the difference between cutting and pulling mushrooms during harvesting? [58:23] Best beginner mushroom varieties that are resilient to temperature and humidity changes [59:40] Different mushrooms that you can grow in different garden zones or different climates [01:00:56] What is the process of inoculating logs for growing mushrooms? [01:03:48] What's the purpose of wax capping your mushrooms? [01:05:29] Can mushroom inoculation be done before or after the fros
Tue, April 04, 2023
Spring Houseplant Care
Are you ready to give your house plants the love and care they deserve this spring? It's that time of year again where we shed our winter blues and embrace the sunshine and fresh air of a new season. And what better way to welcome the change than by spring cleaning for your plant babies? In this episode, we've got you covered with a checklist of things to do to set your plants up for success this season, while also cultivating joy and mindfulness in the process! In this episode, we learn: [02:42] What is spring cleaning for your houseplants [03:45] How the health of your plants can reflect your mental state [04:00] Spring Houseplant Care Checklist [04:09] 1. Understanding how the change in daylight affects plant care [05:09] 1.a. How to adjust watering frequency during spring [08:10] 1.b. More light equals more photosynthesis (Ensure your plants are getting enough light!) [10:18] 2. Mind your temperature (Keep your plants in a comfortable environment!) [11:20] 3. Spring cleaning! [13:10] 3.a. Prune brown and yellow leaves to promote growth [16:45] 3.b. Why you need to wipe your leaves [19:30] Where can you get plant-rich meals delivered to your door? [22:22] The best place to get safe and easy-to-use gardening products for your houseplants [24:17] 4. Refresh soil if necessary [25:45] 4.a. Repot or pot up your plants [29:41] 5. Fertilize if your plant is growing [31:23] 6. Consider the pros and cons of moving plants outside in the spring [36:06] 7. Why it is important to assess your plant collection [38:18] How tending to your plants can reveal interesting parallels between them and your life Mentioned in our conversation: Hygrometer Humidifiers Soltech Grow Lights Lomi composter Espoma Insect Control <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Elegant-Home-Fashion-Cabinet-2-Door/dp/B008UQKOQQ/ref=sxin_17_ac_d_rm?ac_md=3-3-dGFibGUgdG9wIGN1cmlvIGNhYmluZXQ%3D-ac_d_rm_rm_rm&content-id=amzn1.sym.b09913c7-88ee-4b06-b977-3fd4ebd29a25%3Aamzn1.sym.b09913c7-88ee-4b06-b977-3fd4ebd29a25&cv_ct_cx=curio+cabinets&keywords=curio+cabinets&pd_rd_i=B008UQKOQQ&pd_rd_r=a908974d-e02d-4545-8b79-4f94576f1adb&pd_rd_w=zR352&pd_rd_wg=FZDkQ&pf_rd_p=b09913c7-88ee-4b06-b977-3fd4ebd29a25&pf_rd_r=2G8PNDQT4VWJQ
Tue, March 28, 2023
Top Gardening Mistakes to Avoid in your 2023 Garden with Joe Lamp'l
Are you ready to take your gardening skills to the next level and avoid common pitfalls? Spring is finally here, and it's time to get ready for gardening season! But before you start planting, it's important to know what not to do in your garden. That's why we've brought back Joe Lamp'l of joegardener.com to share his expertise on common gardening mistakes and how to avoid them. From beginners to seasoned gardeners, there's something for everyone in this fun and informative discussion! In this episode, we learn: [03:41] Why you shouldn’t fear mistakes when starting a garden! [06:05] How gardening mistakes can lead to unexpected positive results and help you improve [08:00] What is the guideline for seed sowing density in intense planting method? [08:43] How often should you check on your seedlings to prevent legginess and promote growth? [10:15] Why seedlings need special care to grow properly [11:01] What are the biggest gardening mistakes? [12:23] #1 Forgetting to plan! [15:15] What is the definition of garden planning and how should you do it? [16:13] What is necessary for successful gardening planning? [17:39] Plan your balcony garden with a diagram and use garden planners to organize your planting [20:00] How did Joe feel about starting gardening with two rose bushes? [21:07] What's the order for planning tasks (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly) when planting for spring, summer, and fall? [24:00] Where can you find container varieties of plants specifically bred for limited-space gardening? [27:35] #2 Overdoing it! [28:54] Why does gardening make us feel optimistic and ambitious? [32:34] #3 Improper spacing! [35:27] Why are plants forgiving? [36:07] #4 Leaving your soil bare! [38:50] How can one mitigate the negative consequences of bare soil? [40:31] Joe’s favorite type of mulch! [42:37] #5 Planting too early or too late! Oopsies! [44:20] How fix the problem if you started gardening either too early or too late? [47:23] Where can you find a personalized gift with a variety of colors, sizes, and sounds available? [49:35] List of garden hurdles you might face! [49:34] #1 What if you have an apartment? [50:38] #2 What should you do if you have a garden with space but has low light or shade? [51:50] What if you don’t have a budget for gardening? [54:55] #3 What if you’re overwhelmed? [56:13] How to avoid weed overwhelm [59:18] What is Joe’s new course Organic Vegetable Gardening all about? [01:03:20] Joe explains what a single module in the OVG course would entail [01:06:55] The OVG course is on sale for $100 less during its launch week! Mentioned in our conversation: Territorial Seed Company’s <a href="https://gardenplanner.t
Tue, March 21, 2023
Minimalism and Plants with Stephanie of Sustainable Minimalist
As plant parents, we love our green babies, but sometimes we can get carried away with our collections. With life returning to normal, we might feel like it's time to simplify our spaces and make room for new experiences. Today's episode is all about embracing the joy of living with less. We're joined by Stephanie, the host of the Sustainable Minimalism podcast, to talk about how the principles of minimalism can bring positivity and happiness into our plant parenthood journeys. So get ready to enjoy some uplifting conversation on how to create a healthy and balanced plant collection! In this episode, we learn: [03:04] Maria’s recent trip to Florida and her experience with outdoor plants [05:58] How did Stephanie become a sustainable minimalist and what journey did she take to get there? [08:57] How can regret and shame be used as a tool for positive change? [10:23] Do you throw your stuff away, give it away, or return it? [13:01] Why you should not let the “investment shame” hold you back from letting go of items that no longer serve you [15:15] Where to get a variety of edible flowers that can add beauty to your garden and unique flavors to your dishes [17:41] Are there any hidden signs of overwhelm people should watch out for when deciding to go minimalist? [21:13] What tools can you use to resist the urge to buy something new when trying to declutter? [25:01] Books and resources Stephanie recommends for those interested in minimalism! [26:33] What are the first steps you should take toward decluttering? [31:51] How wind chimes can be a beneficial addition to a mindfulness practice [34:28] Where can you find high-quality, safe, and eco-friendly indoor and outdoor gardening products? [36:13] Stephanie’s top minimalist takeaways that could inspire anyone interested in minimalism, and how it could apply to your plant collection [36:56] #1 Using cost per use as a metric! [38:19] #2 Space is more valuable than your belongings! [38:51] #3 Memories do not reside in items! [39:47] #4 Multiples of an item keep us cluttered! [42:04] How do you know if it's time to celebrate getting a new plant and be more intentional about what you buy? [43:07] #5 Pair your next purchase with something wonderful going on in your life! [45:29] Follow Stephanie and Sustainable Minimalist! Mentioned in our conversation: Growing Joy Episode 111: The Art of the Plant Pause and Managing Plant Parent Overwhelm Growing Joy Episode 86: Pause With Plants to Release Stress and Increase Calm With Brittany From the Pause With Plants Podcast Marie Kondo<
Tue, March 14, 2023
Living Soil, Planttok and Creativity Through Plants with Dirty Roots Berlin
Have you ever wondered about the fascinating world of soil biology and the joy of creativity through plants? In this episode, we're joined by Adam from @dirty_roots_berlin to learn all about the importance of living soil, growing your own soil, and using nature to combat nature. Plus, we'll dive into how TikTok offers a refreshing and diverse platform for sharing your love for plants and exploring your unique personality! We'll also discuss how plants can help us reconnect with our sense of awe and wonder and inspire us to embrace creativity and curiosity in unexpected ways. So get ready to join us for an inspiring and enlightening discussion about all things green! In this episode, we learn: [00:05] How caring for plants helps us reconnect with our inner child and inner student [02:49] TikTok is teeming with creators sharing their plant expertise! [05:13] Adam, creator of Dirty Roots Berlin, talks about his unique approach to plant care [07:24] The best way to take care of plants may not be what you think it is [08:24] Why Adam likes collecting large plants and those that serve a function (featuring Bee Baths!) [10:03] What inspired his bee garden and how did the idea of using a 3D printer for set pieces lead to the bee bath design? [11:50] How Adam's curiosity about plant nutrients and microbes led to an innovative approach to indoor gardening [16:10] Why did Adam move to Berlin and how has his plant collection changed? [18:56] Why is it important to have the best bedding for a good night's sleep? [21:24] On the importance of replicating natural conditions for successful houseplant care [24:26] What are those “globes” and what makes them different? [28:17] What is soil biology, or living soil, and how does it contribute to nutrient cycling for plants? [37:52] How can plants help people reconnect with their inner creativity and awe? [39:51] Should you sanitize your houseplant scissors? [43:41] What are some cost-effective ways to propagate plants, and why is failure important? [46:59] What's different about the plants in Berlin's grocery stores and garden centers? [48:00] How can grow lights help bring spring and summer indoors year-round? [49:55] Adam's distinct method of engaging with his audience on TikTok. [55:32] How do TikTok and Instagram engagement differ? [58:32] Have you seen Adam’s planty bathroom? [01:00:09] Who are Adam's favorite TikTok creators? [01:01:19] Where can you follow Adam on social media? Mentioned in our conversation: Bee Baths Growing Joy <a href="https://growingjoywithmaria.com/episode-
Tue, March 07, 2023
The Mushroom Miniseries: Mushrooms 101 Plus the Answer to "What is the Mushroom Growing in My Houseplant!"
Are you ready to dive into the magical world of mushrooms? We're excited to introduce the Mushroom Miniseries , our four-part exploration into the incredible, functional world of mushrooms. From learning about their adaptogenic nature to understanding how they grow, we're here to take you on a journey of discovery! Join me and my husband Billy as we partner with mushroom expert Louis Giller from North Spore to explore everything from how to grow mushrooms outdoors and indoors to discovering the incredible benefits mushrooms can offer our health and wellbeing. Our journey began with a simple walk in a nature preserve, and now we're bringing this passion project to you! Welcome to the wonderful world of mushrooms! In this episode, we learn: [00:56] This episode’s special guest! [02:02] Billy and I started exploring mushrooms after watching ‘Fantastic Fungi’ [05:57] An overview of our four-part mushroom miniseries! [07:57] Who is Louis Giller and why is he so crazy about mushrooms? [11:31] Mushroom appreciation! [12:36] How we started this passion project [16:42] What is the difference between mushrooms and fungi? [19:00] Are you looking for a product that improves plant growth while reducing water usage? [20:40] Where can you get high-quality potato seeds this summer? [22:50] What differentiates fungi from flora? [25:21] What is the main purpose of mushrooms? [27:08] Let’s explore the Wood Wide Web! [30:54] What determines the fungus' fruiting body structure? [35:38] Do potting mixes and composts with mycorrhizae help plants absorb water and nutrients faster, and how does this work? [37:05] What are the little yellow mushrooms growing in your houseplant soils? [39:36] What are adaptogenic mushrooms? [40:40] Chaga and Reishi mushrooms: their anti-inflammatory benefits and unknown mechanisms [43:43] Why mushroom have high-end protein content [48:56] Ready to prioritize your health by investing in your sleep with the comfiest bedsheets [51:07] Are the Cordyceps from The Last of Us TV show real? [53:21] Louis’ best mushroom-related books for beginners! [57:37] What are the mushrooms that Loius regularly consumes? [59:31] What are some affordable ways to grow mushrooms at home? Mentioned in our conversation: Champs Trade Shows Paul Stamets’s film Fantastic Fungi Pizza ai Funghi Giuliana Furci <a
Tue, February 28, 2023
The Evolution of Plant Parenthood with Adam, Becca and Nicole from Potted Together
Are you always seeking out new plant friends to swap plant care tips and experiences with? This episode is perfect for new plant parents looking to learn from experienced plant lovers or anyone who wants to be part of a community of plant enthusiasts. Join me as I chat with the Potted Together trio Adam, Nicole, and Becca about the evolution of plant parenthood, the different seasons of plant care, and all the topics that only true plant friends would discuss. So grab a cup of tea and listen to the conversation! In this episode, we learn: [02:28] Meet my new budgie, Frankie! [02:53] Plant Friend Hangs [03:12] Meet Adam, Becca, and Nicole from Potted Together! [13:30] How their friendship started [17:55] What made the three decide to start a podcast together [20:02] Difference and advantage of podcast vs youtube [22:22] How have Adam's feelings about plants changed over time? [26:00] Nicole's experience as a plant parent [27:32] Where can you find Oprah's favorite bed sheets? [29:45] Safe and high-quality potting mix and fertilizer for your houseplants [32:27] Becca's plant parenthood journey! [35:56] Which plants did they regret buying and which ones did they love? [36:09] Nicole's Philodendron Florida vs glosorium [37:35] Adam's Hoya carnosa ‘Grey Ghost’ vs Monstera Thai Constellation [40:05] Becca's variegated alocasia vs Pilea peperomioides [43:40] Why Maria thinks Rhaphidophora tetrasperma should never go out of style [44:13] Which plant would you choose if you had to keep only one houseplant and get rid of everything else? [49:48] Adjusting your plant care approach through the seasons [54:09] Unforeseen consequences of being a plant parent [59:51] How the online plant community has evolved and grown, especially during the pandemic [01:05:15] What changes have they seen in Plant-Tube, and what the trends will be for the community in 2023 and 2024 [01:11:25] What are Adam, Becca and Nicole’s favorite plant memories? Mentioned in our conversation: Nicole’s YouTube video My Clean Leaves Summer Rayne Oakes ’ YouTube channel Hilton Carter ’s Instagram Nick Pileggi ’s YouTube channel Let's Talk Hoya podcast The Green Plant Instagram Growing Joy <a href="https://growi
S8 E176 · Tue, February 21, 2023
Landscaping in the Southwest with Tina from The Desert Botanical Garden
Many of us might think of deserts as barren wastelands, but in reality, the desert is a planty oasis within itself! There are towering saguaros, rosette aloes and agaves, and pollinators flitting between prickly pear flowers. To walk us through this underrated environment, we have a very special guest: Tina Wilson, the Director of Horticulture at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona. We take a closer look at the amazing vegetation that thrives in the desert, and how you can create your own thriving desert landscape. Tina also shares her expertise on how to cultivate a lush desert landscape that is heat-tolerant and drought-resistant, perfect for those living in the Southwest garden zones. In this episode, we learn: [04:58] How Tina Wilson became Director of Horticulture at Desert Botanical Garden [06:13] Tina's duties as Director of Horticulture [08:04] Unique vegetation in Arizona [10:02] What is desert landscaping? (and its 3 characteristics!) [13:08] Gardening zones in the Southwest [14:06] Key factors to consider when landscaping in the desert [14:42] Right plant at the right location! [15:51] What are the plants recommended for desert landscapes? [16:46] The impact of the southwestern sun on plants [18:17] Protecting plants from sunburn with shade cloth [19:16] What is a plant palette? [21:08] Where to find the best bamboo bedding for health and comfort? [23:36] Want to grow fresh berries in your own garden? [25:09] The importance of water conservation and irrigation in the desert [26:22] Why reduce grass/turf in desert landscapes? [29:24] The process of renovating a yard: soil profiling and testing [31:07] Why are native desert plants so well-suited to desert conditions? [33:34] An overview of desert plants' root systems [34:17] How a Saguaro cactus stays upright despite its shallow root system [35:53] Exploring water harvesting techniques [37:02] What are some of the drought-tolerant plants? [40:20] Tina's favorite pollinator-attracting plants [42:04] Maria's experience at the New York Botanical Garden [42:39] Join Desert Landscape School now for an exceptional learning experience. [45:26] Is there a season for growing food in the desert? Mentioned in our conversation: Channy Gray Home Elevated Gardening New York Botanical Garden Desert Botanical Garden Marriott Hotel
Tue, February 14, 2023
How Seeds are Produced: Behind the Scenes of How Our Seeds are Selected, Grown, Tested and Multiplied with Territorial Seed Company
How are seeds produced, manufactured, and make it to our gardens? Every gardener knows the joy of going through seed catalogs and visiting garden centers to select the perfect mix of herbs, vegetables, and flowers to grow in their own garden. But what we might not often consider is the journey of those seeds—from the years-long process of selection, cultivation, and production to the moment when we lovingly plant those tiny specs of potential into the ground. In this episode, Andrew Billing and Kat Barlow from Territorial Seed Company take you on the journey of the seeds from the minds of passionate seed growers to the hands of gardeners! In this episode, we learn: [03:33] Are you taking seed packets for granted? (Territorial Seed Company’s purpose!) [06:08] Who is Andrew Billing? [06:28] Who is Kat Barlow? [07:48] Understanding Territorial Seed beyond the advertisements [08:48] What makes the climate at Territorial Seed and the plants grown and tested there so hardy? [10:35] What is gardener's itch? [12:28] Territorial Seed introduces new dahlia varieties [13:52] Territorial Seed's different approaches to sourcing seeds [15:42] How does farm sourcing work? [16:27] How does Territorial Seed preserve seed genetics using seed vaults? [19:00] How does Territorial Seed decide what seeds to grow in-house? [21:10] How does trend forecasting play a role in the sourcing and selection of seeds? [23:57] What is shishito pepper and how did it become popular? [25:21] Where can you find quality-built grow lights? [26:52] How wind chimes can enhance your mindfulness practice [29:28] What are some tried and true favorite seed varieties at Territorial Seed? [32:44] The seed trialing process at Territorial Seed [37:39] What is the timeline for developing marketing materials before sourcing seeds at Territorial Seeds? [39:17] How many years does it take to trial a seed and bring it to market? [39:55] What criteria determine if a seed is selectable or not? [40:49] What are the reasons seeds are cut back or not offered? [42:33] Determining when seeds are ready for market [43:57] Differences in trialing edibles vs flowers [46:10] Where can you find quality weighted blankets for overall better sleep? [48:38] What is the process of breeding better seeds? [52:15] How does Territorial Seed collaborate with other seed companies and outside farmers? [53:40] From mass production to nationwide sales: the seed distribution process [56:24] How does Territorial Seed pack and produce seeds? [1:04:20] Kat and Andrew's favorite seeds to grow [1:08:22] What new seed varieties do Territorial Seed look forward to? [1:13:32] Territorial Seed's upcoming products that can grow seeds in small containers
Tue, February 07, 2023
Can Plants Feel? Unmasking Plant Intelligence with Paco Calvo and Natalie Lawrence
Have you ever wondered if plants have intelligence and emotions in the same way that humans do? Plant intelligence is a topic that has been gaining more attention in recent years. The idea that plants are not just passive organisms, but actively respond to their environment and make decisions, is fascinating. To delve deeper into this subject, we are joined by two experts in the field: Paco Calvo, a professor of philosophy of science and the principal investigator at the MINT Lab, and Natalie Lawrence, a writer and illustrator with a Ph.D. and MSc in the history and philosophy of zoology. Together, they will share their knowledge and insights on plant intelligence and explore the ways in which plants communicate, learn, and make decisions. Whether you're a gardener, a scientist, or simply curious about the natural world, this episode will give you a new perspective on the intelligence of plants. In this episode, we learn: [06:32] Who is Professor Paco Palvo? [07:01] Why is MINT Lab in the philosophy department instead of the plant science department? [09:28] Who is Natalie Lawrence? [10:00] The relationship between animals and plants: biophilia [13:34] What is anthropophilia? [16:26] What role do houseplants play in our relationship with nature? [18:04] How humans have shaped the phenotype, or characteristics, of plants through agriculture [20:09] What special message would you engrave on your wind chime? [22:40] The best way to sleep better and feel calmer naturally in no time! [25:58] Different types of intelligence displayed by plants [26:39] How do we see from a plant’s perspective? [27:27] Tip 1: Observe the plants’ behavior through time-lapse photography [27:45] Tip 2: Monitor the plants’ electrophysiological states [28:14] Tip 3: Observe the plant holistically through naked eyes (the most important!) [32:41] Melatonin synthesis in plants: what we can learn [34:57] How vines (climbing plants) have evolved to locate host trees through senses like "sniffing" [36:59] Where to get the best quality and variety of seeds for ease of planting experience this year! [38:35] Sourcing a wide variety of high-quality soil, fertilizer, potty mix, and more! [40:24] What are some of the ways vines (climbing plants) can find their host trees? [42:04] Are plants smarter? (Hint: It’s not what you think!) [44:07] What are the limits of technology when it comes to understanding plant intelligence? [46:56] Do plants have feelings? [50:24] Do plants understand music? [53:35] What is plant blindness? Mentioned in our conversation: Planta Sapiens: The New Science of Plant Intelligence , book by Paco Calvo and Natalie Lawrence <a href="http
S8 E173 · Tue, January 24, 2023
Seed Starting Basics with Joe Lamp'l
Seed starting is such a joyful and empowering experience for any plant parent. The reward of successfully taking a dormant seed, germinating it and nurturing it into the full plant that it’s destined to become encourages more mindfulness and joy in the garden. However, it can also be intimidating and stressful for many. In this episode, Joe Lamp’l of Joe Gardener discusses some common seed-starting challenges and how to overcome them, as well as some tips for starting your own seeds. In this episode, we learn: [02:02] Jessica's Zweig’s Be. book and branding agency [03:03] Why seed starting is a lifelong skill [05:43] About Joe Lamp’l [09:42] Why starting your own seeds and doing it organically is very important [17:45] Maria’s definition of “Gardener's Itch” [20:53] How to keep track of your seeds over multiple seasons [28:16] The key date to understand when starting seeds [34:14] For a home gardener, these plants are too hard to start indoors [39:52] How to read a seed packet [40:50] How deep should you plant seeds? [53:25] Things you need to know before buying a germination mat [56:08] How long do seeds last? [01:02:38] The importance of dampening your seed starting mix before you plant your seeds [01:03:52] Which light is best suited for your seeds? [01:07:13] How do you water your seedlings? [01:12:19] How to avoid overwatering and underwatering your seeds [01:15:24] Joe Lamp’l greenhouse updates Get $100 off Joe’s Master Seed Starting Digital Course! Discount only applies through January 30th, 2023 so grab it while it’s live! Mentioned in our conversation: Joe’s Master Seed Starting Course (click this link to get $100 off) BE by Jessica Zweig Farmer's Almanac Photo holders at Michael's Craft Store Greenhouse Megastore Jill McSheehy's Greenhouse Heat Mats, Grow Lights, Propagation Dome on Territorial Seed Company Espoma Organic Seed Starter Mix <a href="https://www.espoma.com/product/espoma-organic-potting-soil-mix/" r
S8 E172 · Tue, January 17, 2023
Caudex Plant Care with Plant Daddy Pod
Are you ready to add some unique, eye-catching beauty to your plant collection? Meet the caudex plant—also known as the foot, Stephania erecta , or even the Potato Plant. While these plants may be stunning, they can be a handful to take care of without proper knowledge. Join us as we explore the world of caudex plants with expert guests Stephen and Matthew from the Plant Daddy Podcast. From the well-known Stephania erecta to other varieties that are more accessible and easy to care for, we'll share everything you need to know to be successful with caudex plants. In this episode, we learn: [05:07] Are you pronouncing “caudex” correctly? [06:11] Who are Stephen and Matthew of Plant Daddy Podcast? [11:59] What is a caudex plant and why is it called a “potato plant”? [16:21] Finding caudex plants in the wild [18:31] Using caudex plants as decorations [20:21] How Stephania erecta became so popular among caudex plants [23:29] Did Stephania erecta live up to its hype? [25:04] Challenges to growing and caring for Stephania erecta [30:05] Are you looking for hand-knitted, sustainably made weighted blankets? [32:57] Where to find high-quality seeds and edible flowers [34:55] Some tips on how to grow your own flowers! [35:44] Maria's personal experience with growing Stephania erecta [37:16] What other caudex plants are easy to grow? [37:35] Caudex plant #1: Stephania kaweesakii [38:18] Caudex plant #2: Ant plant [38:50] Caudex plant #3: Dioscorea [39:25] Caudex plant #4: Bigfoot plant ( Gerrardanthus macrorhizus ) [40:00] Legalities and considerations when buying Stephania erecta [43:05] How can you verify whether the caudex plant you bought is legal? [46:09] What is the best way to care for caudex plants? (Hint: Research is key!) [50:02] How to water caudex plants correctly [56:58] Choosing the right soil for your caudex plants [01:01:10] Where to find wind chimes for your garden or house [01:04:02] Get quality gardening products for your next gardening season [01:06:03] What do we need to know when caudex plants go dormant? [01:10:46] What is ant plant and why is it easier to maintain? [01:19:59] Other caudex plant types (ficus, tropical, botanical, etc.) [01:21:00] Matthew and Stephen's plans for their plant collections in 2023 Mentioned in our conversation: Spray bottles Joshua Weissman , Youtube channel <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falling_for_Christmas#:~:text=Falling%20for%20Christmas%20is%20a,lodge%20owner%20widower%2
S8 E171 · Tue, January 10, 2023
What to Do When a Plant Dies with Cassidy from Succulents and Sunshine
Are you a plant killer? It's a question that plagues many of us who have tried our hand at gardening, only to have our beloved plants wilt and die despite our best efforts. But fear not! In this episode, Cassidy Tuttle of Succulents and Sunshine explains that it's all a matter of understanding your plants and their specific needs. Come join us as we take a deeper look at how to deal with plant death. In this episode, we learn: [00:00] Does being a plant parent mean you’re also a plant killer? [05:24] Who is Cassidy and how she became the plant parent she is today [06:00] What is Succulents and Sunshine about? [10:55] Cassidy's take on how plant parents handle plant death [12:45] Trying to keep an echeveria succulent alive [14:36] When to toss vs. treat your plants [it's simple!] [16:24] The importance of a plant care routine [18:34] Why it’s important to know your plant number [19:27] Emotional attachment to our plants [feat. Maria's lime tree story] [22:20] Maria's experience with generational plant gifts [25:45] What Cassidy learned from every plant failure [25:52] Tip #1 Be more attentive to your plants [26:18] Tip #2 Different plants require different care [27:41] Tip #3 Don't be too hard on yourself; plants die in the wild too [28:43] Where to get plant seeds that are guaranteed to last longer [30:40] Get quality grow lights that will last and look stunning next to your plants [32:31] Why most of the plants we have aren’t designed to live in our homes. [34:39] Why Haworthia is most suitable as your indoor succulent [36:37] Should you try to grow the same plant again or let it go completely? [41:20] What are some ways to reduce your plant collection? [44:13] Learning to let go of dying plants [48:32] The mental cost of holding onto something that no longer serves you [51:23] What are the two options when you kill a plant? Mentioned in our conversation: Snappy pots Smart Passive Income Hygrometer Lomi composter For an in-depth look into plant deaths and generational plant gifts, check out the full show notes and blog here!
Trailer · Thu, January 05, 2023
Growing Joy with Plants Podcast Trailer
The answer to a happier, more connected life could be simpler than you think: learning to care for plants and connect with nature. Houseplants and gardening do more than beautify our homes and lawns, the act of caring for them helps us reduce stress, increase joy and cultivate connections with ourselves, others and the earth. Deep, right? On the Growing Joy Podcast, learn alongside host and author Maria Failla to not only care for plants, but how to simply and affordably use plants to manage your overwhelm, anxiety and stress and live a happier, more connected and calm life. Plant care is self care. Come grow some joy with us. Follow along on socials @growingjoywithmaria Take the Plant Parent Personality Test https://growingjoywithmaria.com/personality Grab our free downloads: https://growingjoywithmaria.com/freebies Visit the website! https://growingjoywithmaria.com/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Trailer · Tue, January 03, 2023
We changed our name! Bloom & Grow Radio is now Growing Joy with Maria!
We changed our name! Bloom & Grow Radio is now Growing Joy with Maria! This is just a mini episode reminding you that this week you’ll see our name and podcast art change. But don’t worry: it's the same Maria, same planty heart and inspiration, just a new upgraded look inspired by my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover’s Guide to Cultivating Happiness. I feel like this rebrand is like a juvenile Monstera that has grown into a fenestrated one! Last week’s episode titled “We’re Growing” is a deep dive on the motivations behind this rebrand. My business coach actually interviews ME about everything that’s gone on behind the scenes since I took this podcast full time. Here are the improvements you’ll enjoy this year because of this rebrand: Weekly episodes instead of every other week 2 episodes about plant care per month (which is what B&GR currently delivered) and then two MORE episodes that can be community panels about plants/gardening or interviews with wellness experts who specialize in nature based therapies like forest bathing, horticultural therapy, biophilia, plant intelligence and more. So we’ve DOUBLED the content! On this mini episode, I take you behind the scenes of the audio design and inspiration for our new theme song. Get excited to explore how to build a rich, beautiful, joyful life alongside your plants. This year is going to be filled with so much UNBELIEVABLE educational content to help you 1) care for your plants successfully but then 2) take it to the next level and explore just why plants make us happy and how plant care can be the most effective form of self care. Let’s keep blooming and keep growing JOY, Plant Friends! Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Tue, December 27, 2022
We’re Growing: How Embracing Life and Mental Health Challenges Can Positively Affect a Business with Callie, my Business Coach
I have been hard at work over the past years to grow my business and bring you better content and experience. We want to thank you for being a part of our journey and sharing your love for plants with us. This 2023, we are so excited to announce that we are rebranding into Growing Joy With Maria! In this episode, I’m joined by my friend and business coach, Callie England, to share with you the behind-the-scenes of my business, life, mental health challenges, the lessons I have learned, and why I’m rebranding. In this episode, we learn: [01:46] We are growing: Bloom & Grow is rebranding! [03:02] Here's what's upcoming! [04:13] Exploring wellness through the lens of plants [05:32] Growing Joy with Maria: Keep Blooming and Growing Joy! [06:48] Meet Maria’s business coach and friend, Callie England [09:44] Maria and Callie's friendship history [11:03] How Callie went from WallyGrow to coaching creative entrepreneurs [11:47] Callie’s battle with cancer [13:25] Maria and Callie’s first phone call – and the beginning of everything [14:26] What makes entrepreneurship lonely? [15:38] Women empowerment in business [18:21] Bloom & Grow’s evolution from a passion project to a full-time career [20:49] Securing sponsorships for your business [22:19] Getting recognized in a plant shop! [23:57] Getting through the pandemic as an entrepreneur [26:22] Maria's concern about monetizing Bloom & Grow [28:14] What Maria learned from working with ad agencies [30:27] Keeping business and brand reputation in balance [34:17] Maria's mental health journey through Bloom & Grow [38:37] Healing your mind through plant care [45:10] Authenticity and toxic positivity [47:13] What can we expect from Growing Joy in 2023? [52:10] Callie's creative process behind Growing Joy's rebranding [54:12] The drawback of doing many things all at once [54:42] Knowing when to say “No” [57:18] How to get in touch with Callie! [1:00:20] Sneak peek of the next Growing Joy With Maria’s episodes! Mentioned in our conversation: WallyGrow Cats Bloom and Grow Radio's first 10 episodes: Episode 1: The Story Behind Bloom And Grow Radio! Episode 2: Top 5 Houseplants For Beginners And Learning Kindness With The Sill’s Christopher Satch <a href="https://bloomandgrowradio.com/episode-3-succulents/" rel=
Tue, December 20, 2022
How to Prep Your Houseplants for Winter
How do you prep your houseplants for winter? Winter is coming, and for some of you plant friends, it’s already here! Plant parents tend to fear winter, but as long as you understand the changes your plants are experiencing, it doesn’t need to be nerve-wracking. After living through multiple winters with my plant babies, specifically in small apartments and large homes, I’ve definitely learned a lot through trial and error. In this episode, we will go through as many tips and insights as possible to help set you and your plants up for success through the winter. So, plant friends, let's dive in and learn how winter impacts our plants and some actionable steps to take to ensure their health and happiness! Give the gift of Growing Joy! Gift your loved ones copies of Growing Joy and get a free personalized bookplate and month to the Garden Party! Visit bit.ly/giftgrowingjoy to redeem! In this episode, we learn: [05:28] The effect of light on the growth of plants [06:52] How winter impacts your plants [07:34] Why leaf drop isn’t necessarily bad [07:55] Do some people experience more light in winter? [09:15] What is quiescence and how does it affect plants? [10:09] Are all plants dormant during the winter season? [10:50] Is preemptive pruning really necessary? [11:30] Supplementing high-light plants with grow lights during the winter [13:14] How should you water your plants during winter? [14:29] Which is better? Watering routine or plant care routine? [15:47] Beware of the one-size fits all suggestions on plant care [16:41] Why you shouldn’t assume your plant is dead [18:19] Things to keep in mind with plant shopping during winter [21:30] Where to get seeds for your spring garden [22:52] The best gardening products that are safe for you, for your pets, and for the planet [24:21] How your plants get affected by humidity [26:03] Using a humidifier in your household [29:03] How to protect your plants from drafty windows during winter [30:40] How to clean your humidifiers [31:46] When can you stop watering your plants? [32:42] How to deal with pest outbreaks during winter [34:21] How can you apply this concept of quiescence to yourself? [37:08] The rule of 10% less in adapting acquiesce in your life Mentioned in our conversation: YouTube video My Home Grow light Tour! YouTube video Moisture Meter and Hygrometer Review Grow Lights <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08CGM8DC7/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?creative=9325&cr
Tue, December 13, 2022
Grow Your Own Tea: Intro to Herbalism with Juliet of Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine
How can we use plants medicinally in our lives? Plants heal us in more ways than one, and one of the less-known practices is herbalism. Most of the plants and herbs we use today were used for medicinal purposes in ancient times and are, in fact, still used in many cultures around the world as natural remedies. In this episode, Juliet Blankespoor, the founder of the Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine, will teach us many different and easy ways that we can use plants as medicine so we can expand our knowledge on this whole field of plant benefits. In this episode, we learn: [04:58] What led Juliet Blankenspoor to become interested in herbalism [08:52] What makes plants medicinal, and have they been proven by doctors? [11:51] Energetics of plants and how to complement their energies with people's [15:49] How do you determine your own energy constitution? [16:45] Who is Wim Hoff and what are the possible benefits of cold showers? [19:16] What's the best way to get started with this completely new field of medicinal benefits? [22:22] Where to get the best seeds for your spring garden [23:38] The right choice for safe indoor and outdoor gardening products [27:03] What are the properties of Mint? [28:30] Some of the commonly used herbs that we might not be aware of [30:01] What tonic means in the context of herbal medicine [32:36] What are the medicinal properties of chives? [33:58] How we can prepare tea from fresh and dried herbs [38:16] Is there any medicinal value to the mint stem? [39:43] What other herbs can you grow to make your own tea? [44:13] Your next favorite kitchen appliance! [47:19] What are some of the most versatile medicinal plants Juliet recommends exploring that aren't found in a traditional culinary garden? [48:19] What plants should you add to your culinary garden for medical benefits? [52:38] Juliet Blankespoor’s favorite herbs that you can add to your cooking recipes [57:39] What can you learn from the book 'The Healing Garden: Cultivating and Handcrafting Herbal Remedies'? Mentioned in our conversation: The Healing Garden: Cultivating and Handcrafting Herbal Remedies , book by Juliet Blankespoor Tea strainers Wim Hof Method SPECIAL OFFER : Juliet is offering the Bloom & Grow Audience 10% off all her courses. Email maria@bloomandgrowradio.com to get the special coupon code to redeem your discount. For a list of recipes and remedies of Juliet's recommended herbs, <a href="https://blooma
S7 E167 · Tue, November 29, 2022
How to Adjust to Moving to a Different Garden Zone with Mama Failla
How do you tackle a different garden zone than what you’re used to? Moving can be a tremendous and significant change in our lives, with so much excitement and opportunities awaiting us in new places. However, for gardeners like us, it can mean a scary and stressful time starting from scratch with our gardens, especially in a completely different gardening zone. This is what Mama Failla, an expert gardener in Zone 7, had to learn and adapt to when she and Father Failla moved to a Zone 10, which is in tropical Florida. In this episode, Mama Failla imparts practical gardening and motherly advice on moving and facing the different seasons of life with optimism and resilience. Give the gift of Growing Joy! Gift your loved ones copies of Growing Joy and get a free personalized bookplate and month to the Garden Party! Visit bit.ly/giftgrowingjoy to redeem! In this episode, we learn: [01:36] Maria’s updates from sunny Florida [03:06] A gift idea for yourself and for your other plant friends [06:03] How moving can influence one’s self and gardener identity [11:22] What has moving from New York to Florida been like for Mama Failla? [13:42] How long does it take to adjust to a new garden zone? [17:09] The difference between New York soil and Florida soil [20:22] The best plant accessories for gifting this holiday season [23:43] What are practical ways to prepare for a new garden zone and climate? [28:34] On the importance of determining sun exposure in your new garden [31:40] Why you need to consider growing in pots or container gardens [33:52] Where to get the best advice on your new garden zone [37:48] The best gardening products to set your garden up for success [40:17] Why gardening should be fun and experimental! [43:49] Mama Failla shares how she deals with the current season of life she’s in [49:29] What are Mama Failla’s plans for her garden next year? [52:51] Maria’s reflections on transitions and her gardening journey Mentioned in our conversation: BAGR Episode 20: Talking Tomatoes With Craig LeHoullier And My MOM BAGR Episode 91: My Mom’s 10 Tips For Beginning Gardeners And Edible Landscapers FREE 2-week trial to the Garden Party! To see Mama Failla's new gardening zone checklist, check out the full show notes and blog here! Thank you to our
S7 E166 · Tue, November 15, 2022
How To Keep Your Plants Alive While On Vacation
Are you worried about leaving your plants at home this holiday season? When I was constantly on the road for shows as a musical theater performer, I became a professional traveler and learned a lot of dos and don’ts when it comes to leaving your plant babies at home. The experience can be scary: it can make traveling—what is supposed to be exciting and relaxing—a time filled with anxiety. In this episode, I share many helpful tips you can start implementing on your plant collection so you can enjoy your vacations and holidays stress-free! Give the gift of Growing Joy! Gift your loved ones copies of Growing Joy and get a free personalized bookplate and month to the Garden Party! Visit bit.ly/giftgrowingjoy to redeem! In this episode, we learn: [01:28] Maria’s fall updates [02:24] Have you been to the kindest and plantiest corner of the internet yet? [03:03] The perfect planty gift for your loved ones this holiday [04:56] What inspired Maria to do an episode on plants and traveling [09:46] Your next favorite kitchen appliance! [12:40] Understanding your plants’ lighting needs when you’re on vacation [15:12] The importance of using grow lights in your home [17:37] How to make sure your plants get good air circulation while you’re gone [19:28] Maria shares her experience of accidentally leaving her plants in extremely hot temperatures [21:31] How to keep your plants watered while you’re away [25:23] Different watering hacks when on vacation [29:36] Where to get stylish and functional plant accessories for gifting [33:40] Why you need to cut off dead and yellowing leaves from your plants [35:31] Should you hire a plant sitter when you go on vacation? [40:40] Why putting your plants in the bathtub while you’re away might not work [41:33] How to avoid root rot in plants [42:34] Why the greenhouse method won’t work when you’re on vacation [44:33] Maria’s reminder about the role of plants in our lives [46:17] What to keep in mind as you travel and move around this holiday season Mentioned in our conversation: Self-watering planters Watering spikes Watering orbs Watering Can plantsitter app FREE 2-week trial to the Garden Party! For a detailed summary of Maria's tips and tricks, check out the full blog and show notes here! <
Tue, November 01, 2022
Everyday Plant Magic with Rachael of Infinite Succulent
Do you believe in magic? When we were kids, it was so easy—almost natural—for us to believe in magic. There was a certain charm to casting spells, making potions, or even wishing on a random star on a starry night. For many of us, as we grew older and we found ourselves in different unexpected directions, we started to let go of our belief in magic. Fortunately, our plants are the best bridge to reconnecting us with this magic, with ourselves, with our curiosity, and even with things yet to be known, and here’s Rachael of Infinite Succulent to tell us more about plant magic. In this episode, we learn: [01:19] Have you been to the kindest and plantiest corner of the internet? [02:49] What this episode is about [06:29] Who is Rachael and what does she do? [07:44] Maria shares a heartwarming story about Rachael [09:11] Rachael’s academic background, her professional journey, and how she ultimately became the nature connector she is today [16:09] How Rachael got started with energy work [18:18] What Rachael’s new book is about [18:50] How does Rachael define magic? [21:36] On the divine timing and trusting the universe to take you where you need to go [24:32] Why has connecting with nature never been more important than today? [27:33] How can plants help us move energy more intentionally? [30:16] What do negative ions in plants do for our health? [31:41] Where to get the best seeds for your 2023 garden [32:36] How to combat the low humidity in your home [34:37] Why biophilia is becoming a necessity, especially in workplaces [36:40] On green witchcraft and connecting with nature through different ways [39:22] Why connecting with plants is an inherent trait and experience in all of us [43:33] On worshipping nature, religions, and finding spirituality in nature [46:25] Different ways to connect with plant magic [50:57] How do we know which plants have which energies? [53:12] On connecting with the moon and our emotions [57:36] Rachael’s magical experience that resulted from her ritual on abundance [01:00:34] How plants teach us to be more open to new information and ideas [01:03:05] Maria’s current definition of magic [01:04:33] Where to find Rachael and her book online [01:05:39] What is sacred reciprocity? What is true magic? [01:07:12] Maria’s reflections on magic, plant magic, and spirituality Mentioned in our conversation: Everyday Plant Magic: Change Your Life Through the Magical Energy of Nature , book by Rachael Cohen Infinite Succulent: Miniature Living Art to Keep or Share , book by Rac
Tue, October 18, 2022
Plant Care for Earth Care with Farmer Nick
How can our plant hobby make this world a better place? For me, learning to care for plants was the gateway drug for becoming more aware of how much growth opportunity I had when it came to caring for the earth. I've discovered that there are so many ways to lead a sustainable life, especially with our plant care journey. In this episode, I invited back Nick Cutsumpas, aka Farmer Nick, to further guide us in making small shifts that have a big impact on our planet’s wellbeing. In this episode, we learn: [00:52] Maria’s fall updates [01:56] What today’s episode is about [05:53] Who is Farmer Nick? [08:04] Nick shares his plant journey from backyard gardener to plant coach and landscaper [13:42] The most important value to your plant number [15:22] Applying approachability and relatability to our plant care [18:05] Why houseplants as a hobby encourages us to keep learning [19:42] Dealing with plant death and adjusting your plant care [24:28] What is the concept behind ‘mindful neglect’? [26:42] Where to get the best grow lights to get your plants through winter [27:57] How to reduce your food waste and garbage footprint [29:45] On the misconception that plants can be stressful and take up a lot of your time [34:47] Tips for a more sustainable and eco-focused plant parenthood [39:43] Nick’s plant setup in his new home [42:30] How houseplants can jumpstart our journey to sustainability [45:46] How growing plants lessened Maria’s meat consumption [47:24] Why every step for a sustainable lifestyle matters [50:10] Where to find Nick and his book online [51:33] A thank you to new Garden Party members Mentioned in our conversation: Plant Coach: The Beginner's Guide to Caring for Plants and the Planet , book by Nick Cutsumpas BAGR Episode 110: Low Waste Plant Parenthood with Farmer Nick Instant Dream Home, series by Netflix For a deep dive into our conversation on sustainable plant parenthood, check out the full show notes, blog, and tips here! Thank you to our episode sponsors: AIRCARE Take care of your health while maintaining your indoor jungle aesthetic with AIRCARE's latest line of 27 different stylish and smart humidifiers to humidify your home and life. AIRCARE has been producing quality humidifiers for over 70 years for all types of homes, with cool features like a digital screen that shows you the humidity level and time, multiple LED light colors, and even warm and cool mist settings! Visit <a href="https://aircareproducts.com/" rel
Tue, October 04, 2022
Heart Centered Gardening with Danielle LaPorte
Taking care of plants is putting our love into practice. Even if it’s not something we actively think about or do, this hobby of ours revolves around kindness, care, and deepening our love for ourselves, other people, and our planet. We lead with love when it comes to our plant collection, and there is no one else more perfect to talk about love than bestselling author, spiritual leader, fellow plant lady, and an inspiration to thousands of people everywhere, Danielle LaPorte. In this episode, we learn: [00:34] Life updates from Maria [02:03] What to expect from this plant-parallel episode [03:54] How to avoid sad-looking indoor plants [05:33] Caring for a Buddhist pine according to Danielle! [06:54] How plants help us through our limiting beliefs [09:28] Danielle shares her plant parenthood journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way [15:45] Who is Danielle and what are the core values that she lives by? [20:16] How can personal development be unproductive to living our best lives? [23:40] Why are plants and love deeply connected? How does Danielle see the relationship between nature and the self? [28:03] How to keep your home, your plants, and yourself hydrated [30:03] Where to get the best fertilizers, potting mixes, and more [31:28] The healing benefits of Hinoki essential oil [32:35] Different works of art that show gratitude to nature [33:40] In what ways has Mother Nature helped Danielle heal? [37:55] On turning inward and shifting perspectives on the things we identify as [40:47] What is the difference between embodiment and feeling? [43:06] How does Danielle define love? How can we embody love in everything we do? [44:20] What is the practice of weeding thoughts? How do negative thoughts influence the way we move in the world? [45:50] How powerful self-talk can be and why we need to avoid negative mindset [49:35] Overcoming body image issues and honoring your body [53:29] What is the heart center? Where do we start with feeling into our heart center? [56:17] What does Danielle hope people take away from her newest book How To Be Loving ? [58:00] Why our love for plants can expand into love for everything [58:50] How to join Danielle’s book launch [01:00:22] Maria on why you should add Danielle to your following list! Mentioned in our conversation: How to Be Loving: As Your Heart Is Breaking Open and Our World Is Waking Up , book by Danielle LaPorte The Desire Map Experience: A Guide to Creating Goals with Soul , book by Danielle LaPorte <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Starte
Tue, September 20, 2022
3 Easy DIY Houseplant Projects to Utilize Vertical Space
Are you running out of space for your plants? Growing your plant collection can be quite the challenge when all your countertops, tablespace and even floorspace have been populated with your plant babies. Don’t fret any longer, plant friends, as we got the most beautiful and mess-free DIY projects for you to make the most out of your vertical space at home! In this episode, learn alongside me as Erin Harding of @houseplantclub and @cleverbloom gives us step-by-step tutorials on three amazing yet easy DIYs for your vertical garden. In this episode, we learn: [00:25] Maria’s eureka moment for this episode! [01:53] Updates on country living and hummingbirds [05:06] Welcome, new Garden Party members! [06:57] The easiest way to compost your food scraps [11:06] Who is Erin and how did Clever Bloom and Houseplant Club get started? [15:14] On the importance of evolving with your plant collection [18:26] Erin and Morgan’s brilliant first and second books [22:12] How Erin curated her personal aesthetic and developed her passion for DIY [24:56] Why accessibility and variety encourage people to DIY [27:22] Why you should use vertical space for your plants [31:40] How to make a modern beaded macrame plant hanger [35:15] The best and most stylish grow lights for your home [37:14] Where to get humidifiers for your home and for your health! [39:37] Different ways to customize your macrame plant hanger [44:41] Step-by-step tutorial of DIY air plant driftwood piece [48:03] Watering your air plants in your DIY driftwood plant accessory [50:09] What is a kokedama and how does it work? [52:04] What are ideal plants to use in a kokedama? [53:38] How to make your own kokedama [55:59] Bringing natural beauty into your home through DIY projects [01:00:12] Erin’s favorite DIY project in her latest book [01:03:20] Where to find Erin (and Morgan!) online [01:04:53] A friendly reminder for this fall season Mentioned in our conversation: How to plant a room: and grow a happy home , by Morgan Doane and Erin Harding BAGR Episode 16: Mounting Epiphytes And The Creation Of Cleverbloom.Com For the step-by-step tutorials of these 3 DIY projects... visit the full show notes and blog here! Follow Erin: <a
S7 E161 · Tue, September 06, 2022
Fall Gardening Tips with Joe Lamp'l
Did you know that fall is secretly one of the most wonderful gardening seasons? As we move into fall and the air starts feeling colder, you might be thinking that gardening season is well over. But good news, plant friends! Fall is an amazing time to extend your growing season and plant a different variety of edible plants. To guide us through this underrated gardening season, Joe Lamp’l of Joe Gardener joins me in a conversation and shares basic knowledge and tips for successful fall gardening. In this episode, we learn: [01:10] Hello, autumn and new and old plant friends! [02:23] Celebrating Joe Gardener’s new book! [04:50] Making gardening accessible to all levels of gardeners [07:29] What Joe has been up to since his last Bloom and Grow ep [14:27] Why is fall the best season to garden? [16:24] Things to consider when doing a fall garden [18:36] How to plant lettuce seeds [19:29] How to thin seedlings [21:34] When to plant fall crops [22:46] Why do crops taste better after being exposed to frost? [23:21] Joe’s favorite and beginner-friendly crops to plant in fall [25:59] When and how to plant garlic for the best harvest [27:30] How to harvest and use garlic scapes [28:57] Fall vs other gardening seasons [30:46] The best companion for your garden [32:05] Where to get stylish and effective grow lights [34:13] Why fall gardening is an opportunity to mentally reset [37:21] How gardening in fall can help with our mental health [39:19] Why Joe advocates thinking like a plant [42:51] Why intuition is key to growing plants [46:02] Joe shares the process behind the beautiful photos in his new book [48:49] How empowering information can be when growing plants [53:55] Where to get Joe’s latest book ‘The Vegetable Gardening Book’ [57:48] Maria’s garden updates Mentioned in our conversation: The Vegetable Gardening Book: Your complete guide to growing an edible organic garden from seed to harvest by Joe Lamp'l Organic Vegetable Gardening official waitlist - SIGN UP HERE! Bookshop.org For full show notes that capture all the amazing info Joe shared... visit our blog about this episode here! Follow Joe: Website Instagram Facebook
S7 E160 · Tue, August 23, 2022
Self-Care Through Plant Care
Plant care is self-care. We hear this phrase a lot these days and I just wrote a book entirely dedicated to this topic. If you are a plant parent, no matter what stage you are in, you know that this hobby is so much deeper than just making our home environments look beautiful; they are, frankly, about beautifying our internal worlds as well. Creating space and time for us to connect with nature and connect with ourselves. If you’ve been a longtime listener, you know this is my favorite topic to wax poetic about, and I found a beautiful kindred spirit in this episode's guest. Niyya is known as @thebloomjourney on Instagram and is a huge believer in nature-based self-care herself. Niyya and I have been IG friends for a while and this conversation was so fun, there are tons of insights to gain from it about how deep and true self-care and plant care can be connected. Let's dive in! Order my book! Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [00:51] What to expect from this episode [02:21] How to get in touch with Maria [03:00] Where to connect with plant friends in an ad-free platform [06:12] How Niyya showed up for Maria at her book launch [08:09] How plants can help during isolation and uncertainty [09:08] Why plant people are the best kind of friends [10:26] Who is Niyya and what is The Bloom Journey about? [11:47] How plants helped Niyya deal with social anxiety and find her passion [17:37] How the concept of seed dormancy can be applied to our lives [21:51] What was Niyya’s experience growing up with plants around? [24:35] Niyya and Maria’s common allergy to mosquitoes and how it disconnected them from nature [28:08] What plants can teach us about the seasons of life [29:34] Learning how to let go through plants [30:18] Why you should try planting garlic this garden season! [31:39] Bring the sun in your home during winter months [33:44] Dealing with plant overwhelm by doing a plant pause [36:36] Why you should take care of plants that work for you and for your lifestyle [38:08] Why Maria recommends Rhaphidophora's [39:02] What plant-life parallel keeps getting reflected back to Niyya recently? [42:37] The art of mindfulness and how plants help us reconnect with ourselves [46:05] How plants influenced Niyya’s interest for hiking and taking care of her body [51:31] The importance of being true to ourselves and to our growth, despite losing followers <
Tue, August 16, 2022
What is Transpiration and Why is it Important for Our Plants? // Knowledge Nugget #6
As we are in the hottest month of the year for us northern hemisphere folk, I thought it was just fitting to share this little nugget of knowledge with you on transpiration and how water moves through our plants as we are likely watering our plants more than we ever have. In this Nugget of Knowledge, Garden Society's resident horticulturist Leslie Halleck gives a little more insight on a familiar yet essential aspect of caring for plants - understanding how they use and move water. I'm sure I'm not the only one noticing the effects of transpiration on our plants as we move through this heat, so let's dive in! Order my book! Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [00:02] Are you overwatering your plants? [00:36] What is a nugget of knowledge? [01:51] What you’ll get when you join the Garden Society [02:16] What is transpiration in plants? [02:49] What does transpiration do for plants? [04:58] Your open invitation to horticulturist-led plant lectures! Follow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Take the Bloom and Grow Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle) Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon ! Instagram and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadio Tiktok: @bloomandgrowradio Subscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! /Bloomandgrowradio Website: www.bloomandgrowradio.com Join the (free) Garden Club: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: <a href='https://redcircle.com/br
S7 E159 · Tue, August 09, 2022
Houseplants that Bloom
Houseplants are celebrated for their amazing foliage, but I think we overlook an another amazing ability, a specific subcategory our favorite indoor plants have—the ability to bloom! Some people say we are intrinsically connected to flowers because way back when, they signified fruit. Personally, I just think they are joyful as hell with their bright colors and let's be frank, we all need a little more joy and color in our lives. To give us a better grasp of this beautiful subcategory, I've invited back Lisa of The Houseplant Guru to talk about the must-knows of houseplants that bloom, and how reconnecting with this group of plants can help us reconnect to generations we might never know. Order my book! Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [01:13] Maria’s garden updates [02:34] Welcome, new Garden Party and Garden Society members! [04:15] Introducing Lisa, a beloved Bloom and Grow Radio guest [06:38] African violets and their underrated beauty [08:27] What are the differences in plant care between foliage houseplants and blooming houseplants? [13:25] How long should grow lights stay on for flowering houseplants? [14:13] How does photoperiod affect the bloom cycle of a plant? [15:42] Can you put orchids under grow lights? [16:59] Do blooming houseplants need fertilizer? [20:24] What to do when your orchids don’t bloom [21:52] The perfect and most sleek grow lights for year-round indoor lighting [23:24] Where to get an easy-to-use and most varied selection of fertilizers and tones [25:10] How to get orchids to re-bloom [26:26] Maria and Lisa share their thoughts about collecting plants and moving homes [29:51] Best blooming houseplants for beginners [30:59] Why do you need to turn your holiday cactus all year round? [31:53] What is the trick for beautiful and healthy African violets? [33:36] Best blooming houseplants for beginners (continued) [36:17] Best blooming houseplants for intermediates [38:38] Are Gerbera daisies appropriate houseplants? [39:37] How to make blooms last longer [40:37] Should you fertilize your plant while it is in bloom? [41:04] Lisa’s favorite blooming houseplants [41:44] Where to get Lisa’s latest book! [43:27] Maria’s personal story on how blooming plants connected generations of their family [48:17] Closing remarks Mentioned in our conversation: BAGR episode 133: <a href="https://bl
S7 E158 · Tue, July 26, 2022
Intro to Essential Oils with Chris Satch
Plant friends, you probably know my brain broke a little bit last year when Dr Elle Barnes explained plant science and how the smells we know and love are actually something called VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, that plants use to communicate with each other. I had another mind-blowing experience as I researched my book Growing Joy and learned that scent and smell is one of the most powerful senses for memory and feeling. No wonder candles and essential oils are so popular! For this episode, our guest Chris Satch, a dear friend and Bloom and Grow's repeat guest, breaks down and dives under the surface to explain the what's and why's behind essential oils. Time to get exploring! Order my book! Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [00:50] Introducing Chris [02:48] How is this episode about essential oils? [05:44] How Chris became the plant parent he is today [07:50] What is essential oil? [09:32] What makes up the essence of a plant? [11:13] What are VOCs and what are their different functions? [13:38] The truth behind the smell of freshly cut grass [14:37] How Maria has been engaging her sense of smell in the garden [15:35] How plants can attract or repel pests based on their smell [17:20] How do secondary metabolites work? What is the natural function of caffeine? [19:36] How do you make your own essential oils? [20:08] What is the process of enfleurage? What are the basic components of enfleurage? [22:04] What is cold pressing or cold extraction best used for? [22:44] How does the distillation process work for essential oils? [23:16] The advantages and disadvantages of steam distillation [26:39] What is one mistake people make when extracting essential oils? [28:14] What is the extraction method? Why don’t some people prefer extraction? [32:31] Where to get the best fertilizers for all your garden needs [34:58] How to grow a year-round garden with foolproof seeds [36:57] What is the most accessible method to make your own essential oils? [39:42] Extracting lavender essence at home using steam distillation [41:44] Applying the extraction method at home for lavender essential oil [44:00] Chris’ recommended method for beginners [46:46] What are the different compounds that make up our favorite and not-so-favorite scents? [51:39] An easy way to further enrich and explore your growing garden! [54:36] Chris’ favorite esse
Mon, July 18, 2022
How Often Should I Change My Propagation Vessel Water? // Knowledge Nugget #5
As plant parents, I'm sure you can agree with me when I say that propagation water situations can bring about SO many questions: Does it need to be changed? Why is it cloudy? Can I just leave it and reuse it? That is why I am so excited to bring this Ask our Horticulturist Anything, or AHA, snippet to you where Leslie Halleck, Garden Society's resident horticulturist, answers common propagation questions, including the best time to take cuttings off your mother plants. Learn along! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society! The Bloom and Grow Garden Society is your one-stop shop for plant parenthood growth. When you join, you'll gain full access to the Garden Party Community Platform and App PLUS monthly plant care lectures with Horticulturist in Residence Leslie Halleck, monthly office hours with Leslie to troubleshoot your personal plant care issues and monthly Growing Joy Calls with Maria to develop our community of Society Members and explore the plant/person connection. Click here to join us! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [00:46] What are nuggets of knowledge? [01:46] How to level up your plant education [03:26] How often should you change your propagation water? [04:07] What factors affect water propagation? [05:34] When is the best time to take plant cuttings? [06:16] How to host a plant swap and share cuttings with other plant friends! [06:45] Where to get horticulturist coaching for your personal collection Follow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio: Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Take the Bloom and Grow Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle) Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon ! Instagram and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadio Tiktok: @bloomandgrowradio Subscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! /Bloomandgrowradio Website: <a href="http://www.bloomandgrowradio.com/" rel="n
S7 E157 · Tue, July 12, 2022
Engage Your Senses with Plants at the NYBG
When I started researching the plant/person connection for my book, Growing Joy , something that surprised me was how limited my view of the plant/person relationship was to sight and taste. I knew I could enjoy looking at my plants and when appropriate, eating the ones I grew, but I realized that I was disconnected from my other three senses when it came to my plant collection. This conversation with Marc Hachadourian is all about our senses and feelings with plants - taped live at the New York Botanical Garden! We share simple and efficient ways to engage all your senses in the garden in this special ep. Let's get to it! Order my book! Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [01:15] Updates on Growing Joy [02:06] What to expect from this episode [02:31] Why you should visit New York Botanical Garden (or your local botanical garden!) [04:18] Upcoming exciting live Growing Joy events [06:15] Who is Marc and how did he become the plant parent he is today? [07:40] A little introduction about Maria and Growing Joy [09:34] An excerpt from Growing Joy ’s chapter “Plant Seeds of Delight” [12:14] How to overcome our fear of failure and explore our sense of wonder in the garden [15:33] How plants and gardening deepen our connection to ourselves [17:22] Marc shares a story of gratitude in NYBG after the lockdowns [21:54] An exercise of mindfulness to reconnect with our senses while in the garden [23:56] How Marc engages his sense of touch in the garden [27:01] Why temperature is an important component of plant care [28:25] How plants stimulate our sense of smell; different common smells from plants [31:45] How smell can indicate what’s good and what’s bad in the garden [33:55] Why smell is the strongest of the senses [35:39] An excerpt on taste from Growing Joy [37:25] How to make use of your sense of taste better [39:09] The foolproof way to grow your garden! [40:37] Fertilizers and plant foods for all types of plant parents [43:14] How growing our own food and tasting our hard work reconnects us to loved ones [45:44] How to engage your sense of hearing in the garden [49:29] Marc’s favorite sounds growing up and exploring rainforests [50:35] Why we shouldn’t underestimate the power of silence [55:29] The beginning of Growing Joy , “Open Your Eyes” [58:44] Why Marc believes observation
S7 E156 · Tue, June 28, 2022
How Our Community Grows Joy
Plant friends, the most awaited day is here: it's Growing Joy 's Pub Day! To celebrate Growing Joy hitting the bookstores and to give thanks to the wonderful community behind Bloom and Grow, I've asked community members to share with us how plants help them grow joy. This episode is a wonderful reminder of what plants can do for us: from helping us learn about the world around us, to rediscovering our inner child, to guiding our healing may it be a spiritual, mental, or emotional, to building a community of like-minded plant people, and many more. I'm so excited to bring to you this heartwarming compilation, and of course, my love letter to plants, Growing Joy: A Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (And Plants) . Enjoy! Order my book! Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [00:09] What this special episode is about [02:35] Pub Day is here! [03:20] What Growing Joy is about [04:26] The irony behind Growing Joy [05:03] How a community made Growing Joy possible [07:50] An excerpt from Growing Joy ’s chapter ‘Practice Kindness’ [09:23] How plants help us connect with ourselves and with other people - Jane [10:46] How plants bring calmness and remind us it’s okay to take things slow - Christy [11:44] How plants remind us of the special bonds we have with people - Meredith [12:21] A little fun fact about the humble beginnings of Bloom and Grow [14:20] How plants bring us joy while traveling - Aaron [15:21] How plants help us accept failure as part of our growth - Toni [16:22] How plants encourage us to learn something new every day - Marc, Marie & Miles [17:49] How plants help us grow joy by learning, sharing and giving - Samantha [20:24] Cultivating your curiosity with plants, beyond Growing Joy [21:25] How plants help us heal physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually and more - Nancy, Pamela & Willow [27:26] How growing flowers helps grow joy - Michael [28:00] How growing your own food brings joy - Jodi [29:09] How taking care of lithops grow joy - Jamie [30:22] How plants give us a sense of purpose - Tina [31:53] How plants reignite our passion and help us pursue careers that we love - Roos, Chloe, Ami, Rachael, Renee & Bailey [38:17] How plants build a community that grows joy - Nicki & Steven [40:08] Maria shares tips on building a community and enjoying activities together</li
Sun, June 26, 2022
NYC Plant Swap this Tuesday 6/28!!!
Join my Plant Swap & Book Launch Party at Greenery Unlimited! Tuesday 6/28 June 28th Greenery Unlimited in Brooklyn 7-8 Plant Swap 8-9 Cocktails by JuneShine and a book signing! It's totally free, just RSVP here Order my book! Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S7 E155 · Tue, June 21, 2022
Cultivating Curiosity with Plants with Tyler Thrasher
Plant friends, we are diving deep about how and why plants are such a fantastic tool for cultivating curiosity. Beyond making my home look beautiful, the greatest gift plants have given me is reinvigorating my connection with the natural world, and my inner student and child. As kids, we are blessed with this childlike wonder that gets so easy to lose touch with as we grow older, and plants bring that back to us. Our guest, Tyler Thrasher, is just the kind of person to learn how to cultivate curiosity with plants, as he is one of the most innovate, unique plant people hanging out on the internet. So get ready to not just care for your plants today, but to cultivate your own curiosity within you! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society! The Bloom and Grow Garden Society is your one-stop shop for plant parenthood growth. When you join, you'll gain full access to the Garden Party Community Platform and App PLUS monthly plant care lectures with Horticulturist in Residence Leslie Halleck, monthly office hours with Leslie to troubleshoot your personal plant care issues and monthly Growing Joy Calls with Maria to develop our community of Society Members and explore the plant/person connection. Click here to join us! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [01:21] Exciting Growing Joy announcements! [03:55] How Tyler became the plant parent he is today [06:16] What was Tyler’s experience exploring his interest in nature as he was growing up? [07:44] How plants teach us about growth and resilience [09:42] Do you need a degree to study plants? [12:43] How plants reignite our curiosity about the world around us [16:13] How do you cultivate your curiosity even during the bad times? [19:57] Why human curiosity is evolution speaking [23:54] How Tyler’s greenhouse has changed over the years [27:17] What does Tyler’s collection look like at present? [28:24] Safe and quality indoor and outdoor gardening products [29:48] How to grow your food year-round! [32:14] What is a sport in plants? [33:24] Developing The Sport Hunting Guide and making variegated plants more accessible [38:19] What are different ways to rediscover your passion and love for plants? [41:24] What steps did Tyler take in exploring his curiosity about his first hybrid? [44:35] How many hybrids does Tyler have today? [46:31] How did Tyler learn how to crystallize flowers? How did he explore this curiosity? [48:17] What does Tyler’s lab setup look like? [49:02] How long does it take to crystallize something? [51:32] What does Tyler’s learning process look li
Wed, June 15, 2022
LIVE NY & Philly Events PLUS an AMAZING Giveaway!
Lots of free online and IRL events happening in the world of Bloom & Grow! The Cultivating Happiness Giveaway happening on IG through June 16th Details to enter at @bloomandgrowmaria on IG Urban Jungle PHILLY Event THIS FRIDAY June 17th at 6 pm RSVP HERE NYC Plant Swap and Launch Party at Greenery Unlimited June 28th at 7 pm RSVP HERE Pre-order your copy of Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) Here! - hitting bookstores on June 28th! Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Tue, June 14, 2022
Does Isolating Plants and Castile Soap Actually Work? // Knowledge Nugget #4
There is so much confusion on the internet and so many different contrasting practices around how to treat fungus gnats and what to do with a plant when you bring it home. Some people insist on isolating plants for two weeks, some people dismiss that practice. Some people say to sprinkle cinnamon on the soil surface to combat fungus gnats, some say completely swap new soil. One of our Society members, Barbara, asked about whether or not castile soap works and if we really need to isolate our plants - and our Horticulturist in Residence, Leslie Halleck, enlightens us about how these insecticidal soaps actually work to eradicate pests. So in this ep, I gift you this small nugget of knowledge to give you some answers to this common question! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society! The Bloom and Grow Garden Society is your one-stop shop for plant parenthood growth. When you join, you'll gain full access to the Garden Party Community Platform and App PLUS monthly plant care lectures with Horticulturist in Residence Leslie Halleck, monthly office hours with Leslie to troubleshoot your personal plant care issues and monthly Growing Joy Calls with Maria to develop our community of Society Members and explore the plant/person connection. Click here to join us! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [01:49] What it’s like to have a horticulturist in residence! [02:15] The plantiest and kindest corner of the internet for YOU [03:43] What is castile soap made of? [04:26] How does castile soap work on pests? [04:45] The most effective way to get rid of fungus gnats [05:44] Does isolating plants work? How do you quarantine plants? [07:20] How to check plants for pests [08:42] How to join the Bloom & Grow Garden Party and Garden Society Follow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio: PRE-ORDER LINK: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Take the Bloom and Grow Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle) Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon ! Instagram and Facebook: <a href="htt
S7 E154 · Tue, June 07, 2022
How to Make Terrariums, Paludariums and Vivariums
Terrariums have played a huge role in my plant collection and life. I recently created a good luck terrarium to bring into the recording studio to record my audiobook for Growing Joy: The Plant Lover’s Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) and had such a special experience planting up this tiny mason jar terrarium, filling it with special plants, stones and crystals, and carrying it in my backpack around NYC while I fulfilled this dream of recording my audiobook. Terrarium guru, Patricia of Doodle Bird Terrariums, breaks down the differences and similarities of terrariums, paludariums, and vivariums and equips us with the knowledge you need to set your first one up after listening to this ep! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society! The Bloom and Grow Garden Society is your one-stop shop for plant parenthood growth. When you join, you'll gain full access to the Garden Party Community Platform and App PLUS monthly plant care lectures with Horticulturist in Residence Leslie Halleck, monthly office hours with Leslie to troubleshoot your personal plant care issues and monthly Growing Joy Calls with Maria to develop our community of Society Members and explore the plant/person connection. Click here to join us! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [00:47] The magic of terrariums [05:22] How Patricia became the plant lady she is today [06:33] Why Patricia loves terrariums [07:03] How terrariums can have restorative effects on people [09:02] What are the differences among terrariums, vivariums, and paladariums? [11:56] What are the benefits of growing plants in terrariums? [12:32] What are common terrarium problems and how do you solve them? [14:36] How do you put isopods in your terrarium? [15:55] Maria’s first terrarium story [17:45] How different is it to set up a terrarium, a vivarium, and a paladarium? [18:39] What materials do you need for a basic terrarium? [20:30] Open terrariums vs closed terrariums [21:45] Where can you source terrarium containers? [23:25] Which plants are NOT recommended for terrariums? [25:56] Can you use beneficial insects in an open terrarium? [27:19] How much soil is needed in terrariums? [28:06] Where to get seeds, flowers, and herbs to start in the summer! [29:30] Potting mixes tailored to your specific gardening needs? Yes, please! [31:22] How to plant up a terrarium [32:21] Patricia’s recommended drainage layer setup [34:06] How do you water a terrarium? What water should you use for terrariums? [36:21] How often should you open a closed terrarium? [37:23] Patrici
S7 E153 · Tue, May 17, 2022
Popular and Unique Aroids to Try this Summer with Enid of NSE Tropicals
Aroids have always been fascinating, with their different leaf shapes, structures, and texture, it's no surprise that this set of plants is only growing more and more popular today. In this episode, we welcome back the queen of the aroids, Enid from NSE Tropicals, to discuss five popular and unique aroids to try growing this summer! Enid is just such a well of knowledge on more unusual aroids and she shares some more unique types that we might want to introduce to our collections. This episode is definitely geared towards you curious collector plant parent types out there, so let's dive in! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society! The Bloom and Grow Garden Society is your one-stop shop for plant parenthood growth. When you join, you'll gain full access to the Garden Party Community Platform and App PLUS monthly plant care lectures with Horticulturist in Residence Leslie Halleck, monthly office hours with Leslie to troubleshoot your personal plant care issues and monthly Growing Joy Calls with Maria to develop our community of Society Members and explore the plant/person connection. Click here to join us! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [00:49] Free membership to the Garden Society? Yes, please! [02:47] Enid’s book and NSE Tropicals updates [05:40] Why are aroids so popular? Why are aroids the perfect beginner houseplants? [08:31] What makes houseplants ‘rare’? [11:59] Aside from NSE Tropicals, where can you source 'rare' plants? [13:11] What you need to know when sourcing plants internationally [15:57] What do people need to look out for when buying plants abroad? [17:04] Where to get the best seeds for your spring garden! [18:27] The best and wide-variety selection of plant tones and fertilizers for you [20:28] Unique Aroid #1: Philodendron tortum [23:57] The magic of watching a houseplant leaf unfurl [24:43] Unique Aroid #2: Philodendron bernardopazii [27:01] Unique Aroid #3: Anthurium veitchii [29:28] What kind of light do these rare aroids need? [29:58] Unique Aroid #4: Anthurium ‘Selby’s Silver’ [32:10] Shoutout to Bloom and Grow listener, Joey! [34:36] Unique Aroid #5: Philodendron distantilobum [36:54] Bonus plant: The Offolteranium [37:57] Enid shares the inspiration behind her book Welcome to the Jungle [38:59] Where to get Enid’s book [41:16] Take advantage of this sweet Growing Joy offer! Mentioned in our conversation: Welcome to the Jungle: Rare Tropical Housepla
S7 E152 · Tue, May 03, 2022
Preserving Asian Heritage Through Seeds and Stories
Seeds do not only provide us with food to eat, but they represent the future and also allow us to reflect on our history. They are heirlooms, a connection to our ancestors and their stories. In this episode, on Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we celebrate stories of Asian culture and connection to nature and food through seeds, with YC Miller from Kitazawa Seed Company. YC walks us through the importance of preserving our heritage through seeds and the stories we share and tells us heartwarming stories from Kitazawa customers on how a simple vegetable can carry so much family history and pride. Let's dive in! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society! The Bloom and Grow Garden Society is your one-stop shop for plant parenthood growth. When you join, you'll gain full access to the Garden Party Community Platform and App PLUS monthly plant care lectures with Horticulturist in Residence Leslie Halleck, monthly office hours with Leslie to troubleshoot your personal plant care issues and monthly Growing Joy Calls with Maria to develop our community of Society Members and explore the plant/person connection. Click here to join us! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [00:49] Have you heard about this MAJOR announcement? [02:34] How YC became the plant person she is today [05:24] How growing food can reconnect us with our heritage [09:56] Maria shares her family’s history with food as Italian immigrants [12:28] How two brothers built Kitazawa Seed Company [14:32] Why preserving seed diversity is an important part of the immigrant experience [17:44] Where and how does Kitazawa source their seed varieties? [22:45] The best potting mixes for your spring garden! [24:25] Get your spring garden started with high-quality seeds [26:00] What are the differences between Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino eggplants? [28:05] What does the process of bringing a new seed variety to the market look like for Kitazawa Seed Company? [28:35] Touching stories on food and Asian heritage from Kitazawa’s customers [32:51] Different Asian recipes for bitter melon [36:21] YC’s recommended Kitazawa varieties for starters [38:01] How to grow gourds in your garden [41:00] YC’s current favorite plant to grow and their favorite recipes with it! [44:20] Why you need to grow pak choi or bok choy [45:41] Where to get in touch with YC and Kitazawa Mentioned in our conversation: Kitazawa Seed Co Eggplants (Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino) Korean peppers Peril
S7 E151 · Tue, April 19, 2022
Beginner's Guide to Greenhouses
I feel like there comes a time in every plant parent's life when we start to get really curious and excited about having a dedicated space for all of our plants. If you are an outdoor gardener, the promise of a greenhouse for seed starts and overwintering plants is even more promising! I’ve had several different moments in life where I’ve Googled greenhouse kits but never crossed the finish line due to the overwhelming and somewhat intimidating aspect of installing them properly (and the price tag). Hopefully, this episode will set you up for success if you feel like you’re ready to take the leap of installing a greenhouse - whether it's a small kit, or a large structure in your backyard - consider this episode a beginners guide to building the greenhouse of your dreams! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society! The Bloom and Grow Garden Society is your one-stop shop for plant parenthood growth. When you join, you'll gain full access to the Garden Party Community Platform and App PLUS monthly plant care lectures with Horticulturist in Residence Leslie Halleck, monthly office hours with Leslie to troubleshoot your personal plant care issues and monthly Growing Joy Calls with Maria to develop our community of Society Members and explore the plant/person connection. Click here to join us! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [01:49] The inspirations behind this episode! [04:13] What to expect from this episode [06:15] How Patrick became the plant person he is today [10:10] Patrick shares his greenhouse setup [11:35] Things to consider before planning a greenhouse [12:28] Why do you need a license for your personal greenhouse? [15:00] What direction should a greenhouse face? [16:44] Pros and cons of different greenhouse materials [20:29] DIY greenhouse vs greenhouse kit [23:41] Patrick’s advice when exploring greenhouse kit options [25:07] What to consider for your greenhouse flooring [27:02] Where to get healthy pre-grown plants [28:13] The best indoor and outdoor gardening products [30:52] Different types of greenhouses and ventilation settings [33:08] How to calculate greenhouse heating and ventilation requirements [34:31] Different types of fans and vents for greenhouse ventilation [37:28] How do you run power to your greenhouse? [39:16] How much does a good beginner greenhouse cost? [42:33] Common misconceptions about greenhouses [43:37] How greenhouses help in pest control and management [45:45] Troubleshooting greenhouse ventilation and humidity issues [46:40] What is the ideal temperature for a greenhouse? <
Sun, April 17, 2022
I Want to Hear YOUR Story: Join the #GrowingJoyChallenge
Plant friends, in celebration of the launch of my new book, Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants), which is about my personal journey with plants, I want to celebrate YOUR stories on launch day. Growing Joy is not just about my personal journey with my plants, it's about the thousands of stories I have heard from listeners about how plants have helped them heal, grow and find more joy. This is your official invitation to join the #GrowingJoyChallenge and share YOUR story with the world. Tune in for the details! Submit your stories here by April 30th! In this episode: [00:37] What plants mean to Maria [00:57] Why Growing Joy is about YOU [01:57] How you can share your story with the world! [04:36] In-depth tutorials for the #GrowingJoyChallenge [00:57] How to pre-order Growing Joy [05:39] Let’s cultivate more joy in the world! Submit your stories here by April 30th! Growing Joy Pre-Order Link Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society! The Bloom and Grow Garden Society is your one-stop shop for plant parenthood growth. When you join, you'll gain full access to the Garden Party Community Platform and App PLUS monthly plant care lectures with Horticulturist in Residence Leslie Halleck, monthly office hours with Leslie to troubleshoot your personal plant care issues and monthly Growing Joy Calls with Maria to develop our community of Society Members and explore the plant/person connection. Click here to join us! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! Follow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio: Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Take the Bloom and Grow Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle) Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon ! Instagram and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadio</
Tue, April 12, 2022
What is Seed Scarification? // Knowledge Nugget #3
Growing your own plants from seeds is one of the most gratifying experiences in the garden. Watching a tiny seed become a full-grown plant just gives you the most amazing feeling as a plant parent. However, seed starting is a whole different science and practice on its own and requires special soil, different care, grow lights and water monitoring, and interesting practices to make sure that your seeds actually sprout: seed scarification is one of those practices that may seem intimidating, but takes your seed starting game into a whole different level. Leslie Halleck, my plant friend and Bloom and Grow Garden Society's resident horticulturist, gives us the know-how behind seed scarification in this Knowledge Nugget! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society! The Bloom and Grow Garden Society is your one-stop shop for plant parenthood growth. When you join, you'll gain full access to the Garden Party Community Platform and App PLUS monthly plant care lectures with Horticulturist in Residence Leslie Halleck, monthly office hours with Leslie to troubleshoot your personal plant care issues and monthly Growing Joy Calls with Maria to develop our community of Society Members and explore the plant/person connection. Click here to join us! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [01:29] How to access Leslie Halleck’s planty lectures [02:59] What is seed scarification for? [04:16] Different ways to scarify a seed [04:32] Mistakes to avoid when doing seed scarification [07:05] Your open invitation to the Garden Society! Follow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio: PRE-ORDER LINK: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Take the Bloom and Grow Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle) Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon ! Instagram and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadio Tiktok: @bloomandgrowradio Subscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! /Bloomandgrowrad
S7 E150 · Tue, April 05, 2022
Bulb Basics with Jenks Farmer
They produce some of the most desirable flowers we know and love, but a bulb can be very confusing to an amateur gardener. We look at this little stub and think, "Seriously, a daffodil is going to sprout up from this thing?" As tropical houseplant growers, bulbs can be a totally different game when it comes to caring, with different sets of tips to be mindful of. Jenks Farmer is a bulb expert and lifelong gardener and in this ep, he joins us to break down everything you need to know about bulbs. Let's dive in! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society! The Bloom and Grow Garden Society is your one-stop shop for plant parenthood growth. When you join, you'll gain full access to the Garden Party Community Platform and App PLUS monthly plant care lectures with Horticulturist in Residence Leslie Halleck, monthly office hours with Leslie to troubleshoot your personal plant care issues and monthly Growing Joy Calls with Maria to develop our community of Society Members and explore the plant/person connection. Click here to join us! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [00:49] Growing Joy updates and invitation [02:04] Watering technique tips and water quality lecture [04:05] How Jenks became the bulb expert he is today [07:35] What is a bulb? How do we identify bulbs? [11:52] Listener question: When is the best time to plant alliums? Will the plants reproduce over time? [12:43] Where can you find bulbs in nature? [14:33] Beginner terms: Annuals vs perennials [15:10] What is a naturalized garden? [16:29] When do you plant different kinds of bulbs? [18:35] How does ground temperature trigger bulb growth? [19:03] How do you force bulbs indoors? [23:14] How do bulbs grow? Why do we need to divide bulbs? [24:53] The best gardening products for any gardening situation [26:14] Where to get pre-grown plants and seeds for your spring garden [27:47] Why do we need to dry bulbs? How do you store dry bulbs? [28:16] How do you store caladiums? [31:04] Jenks’ indoor bulb recommendations [32:00] Do all bulbs go dormant? [34:21] How do you plant bulbs? Do bulbs have to be planted right side up? [35:32] What is the ideal soil mixture for bulbs? How often should you fertilize bulbs? [37:08] How deep should bulbs be planted? Why is depth important? [39:17] Jenks’ bulb recommendations for every season! [42:05] Why does Jenks like crinums? [42:50] Where do crinums originate from? [44:11] Where can crinums grow in the country? [45:29] Why Jenks wrote a book on crinums [48:04] Where to find Jenks
Tue, March 29, 2022
Limey's Grand Adventure // Flying My Lime Tree to Florida
This might be the CRAZIEST thing I’ve done with my plants but this has also been such an extraordinary experience as I fly our lime tree, Limey, from New York to Florida! I am so excited to share the experience with you and talk about the citrus alley Mama Failla and I made in their beautiful Florida home. I document the entire journey of flying with a plant including the thought process, plant modifications, legal processes and the next few days' updates in an Youtube Vlog: https://youtu.be/jtelXljM1gk Let me know which part is your fave! Pre-order Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) Join the Bloom & Grow Garden Society Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S7 E149 · Tue, March 22, 2022
How to Start a Product Based Planty Business plus a big announcement with Samantha from Hemleva
Plant friends, this has been in the works for almost two years and I am so excited to finally be able to share it with you! Two YEARS of quietly working on a very special project with our guest, and not being able to talk about it! We will dive more into this project in the second half of this episode, but more importantly, we get to know Samantha Leung. Samantha, the founder of the well-known plant brand Hemleva, is the real deal. She's so freaking smart, she's kind, she's generous, she's honest, and she’s built her business with such integrity and hustle and grown a thriving business that creates botanically inspired products. In this episode, we are so lucky to be joined by Samantha to learn how she got to where she is now, and I’ve been lucky enough to have gotten to know her offline over the last year because we’ve been working on a very special project! Find out what it is in the ep! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society! The Bloom and Grow Garden Society is your one-stop shop for plant parenthood growth. When you join, you'll gain full access to the Garden Party Community Platform and App PLUS monthly plant care lectures with Horticulturist in Residence Leslie Halleck, monthly office hours with Leslie to troubleshoot your personal plant care issues and monthly Growing Joy Calls with Maria to develop our community of Society Members and explore the plant/person connection. Click here to join us! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [01:27] What to expect from this episode [04:26] How one woman’s jewelry collection was used to make diplomatic history [05:41] What was Samantha’s first-ever product? [06:28] How Samantha got started with pins [08:44] Why are plants important to Samantha? [10:28] How plants carry our memories with them [12:26] Where did Hemleva get its name from and what does it mean? [15:10] What was Hemleva’s first year in business like? [17:50] How did Samantha go about Hemleva’s logistics and business requirements? [20:04] What other crafts has Samantha tried building a business for? [23:02] Maria shares some of the challenges as a woman entrepreneur [26:15] How does Samantha handle her entrepreneur days? [27:42] Where to get the high-quality vegetable plants this season [29:17] The best indoor and outdoor gardening products for you and your pets [31:47] How does Samantha ideate, develop, and execute a product? [33:56] What tools does Samantha use to create a product? [35:27] How does Samantha source people and businesses she works with? [37:49] What does the process or ordering samples look like for Hemleva? [39:3
S7 E148 · Tue, March 08, 2022
Rubber Plant Care Guide and Frequently Asked Questions with Raffaele from Ohio Tropics
Rubber plants don't get enough credit in the tropical plant world. These humble plants are always available at the garden center but tend to get overlooked for some of our sexier Instagram-worthy plants. In this episode, we will dive into the many reasons why rubber plants are fantastic plants with Raffaele of Ohio Tropics. The first part is going to be an overview of general rubber plant care and different types of rubber plants, and then the second half is actually frequently asked questions that Raffaele answers and troubleshoots. Welcome, plant friend! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society! The Bloom and Grow Garden Society is your one-stop shop for plant parenthood growth. When you join, you'll gain full access to the Garden Party Community Platform and App PLUS monthly plant care lectures with Horticulturist in Residence Leslie Halleck, monthly office hours with Leslie to troubleshoot your personal plant care issues and monthly Growing Joy Calls with Maria to develop our community of Society Members and explore the plant/person connection. Click here to join us! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [00:43] Maria’s plant and personal updates [02:12] Introducing Raffaele from Ohio Tropics [03:14] Your invitation to a free 10-day virtual garden festival! [03:58] What to expect from this rubber plant episode [06:40] How Raffael became the plant parent he is today [10:06] What is a rubber plant? [11:26] Do rubber trees produce latex? [12:53] Where can you find rubber plants in nature? [14:33] What are the different types and varieties of rubber plants? [18:54] How to water rubber plants [21:27] Raffaele’s watering tip using a turkey baster [23:21] How much sunlight does a rubber plant need? [27:35] Are rubber plants low-light plants? [28:35] What kind of soil mix is good for rubber plants? [30:52] Where to get pre-grown plants and seeds for your spring garden [32:09] The best indoor and outdoor gardening products [34:49] How to fertilize rubber plants [37:11] Rubber Plant FAQ #1: Why is my rubber plant not growing? [39:03] Rubber Plant FAQ #2: How do I get my rubber plant to branch and be bushier instead of taller? [39:51] What is the air layering propagation method? [44:15] Rubber Plant FAQ #3: Why are my new leaves smaller than the older ones? [45:32] Rubber Plant FAQ #4: Why are my rubber plant leaves dropping? [48:20] Why overwatering can cause issues to your plant (in ways you might not expect) [49:12] Rubber Plant FAQ #5: My plant looks healthy, but the branches are all over the place; why
Tue, March 01, 2022
Do plants see brightness? What is PAR? // Knowledge Nugget #2
Has the concept of “bright indirect light” ever confused you? Or how to measure your light in your home in general? Or how to figure out when you need to supplement with grow lights, and if you get grow lights, how to set your plants up for success under them? Light is probably the most confusing topic when it comes to our plants. It was definitely my biggest pain point when I was starting out as I had so many plants in what I thought was indirect light… but it was actually extremely low light. Lucky for us, Leslie Halleck, my plant friend and Bloom and Grow Garden Society's resident horticulturist, breaks down brightness and PAR for us in this Knowledge Nugget. Let's dive in! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society! The Bloom and Grow Garden Society is your one-stop shop for plant parenthood growth. When you join, you'll gain full access to the Garden Party Community Platform and App PLUS monthly plant care lectures with Horticulturist in Residence Leslie Halleck, monthly office hours with Leslie to troubleshoot your personal plant care issues and monthly Growing Joy Calls with Maria to develop our community of Society Members and explore the plant/person connection. Click here to join us! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [00:19] Is light your biggest pain point in your plant care? [00:54] What to expect from this mini-series episode [01:25] What are Knowledge Nuggets? [03:26] Why brightness is not important [04:06] What is PAR and why is it important to your plants? [05:13] Which spectrums of light are optimal for photosynthesis? [06:22] Why do plants grow best in red light? [07:11] Where to get the best horticulturist-led plant education [08:34] What the next Node of Knowledge lecture is about Follow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio: Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Take the Bloom and Grow Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle) Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon ! Instagram and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadio Tiktok: @bloomandgrowradio Subscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! /Bloomandgrowradio</a
S7 E147 · Tue, February 22, 2022
How to Care for Carnivorous Plants Indoors
We’ve likely all had some sort of run-in with a carnivorous plant: maybe bringing one of those little venus flytraps at the hardware store home to realize you had no idea how to care for it, maybe marveling at the wide array of carnivorous plants at your local botanical garden, and maybe even getting to see a fly land on one, or maybe it’s just knowing the man-eating plant Audrey II in the musical Little Shop of Horrors . However you’ve engaged with carnivorous plants, you’ve likely figured out that they are really a whole subsect of plants of their own, require very specific care, and might get you if you don't care for them correctly. Lucky for us, we are joined by carnivorous plant expert Damon from California Carnivores for an incredibly informative episode about everything we need to know about these mysterious, hungry plants! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society! The Bloom and Grow Garden Society is your one-stop shop for plant parenthood growth. When you join, you'll gain full access to the Garden Party Community Platform and App PLUS monthly plant care lectures with Horticulturist in Residence Leslie Halleck, monthly office hours with Leslie to troubleshoot your personal plant care issues and monthly Growing Joy Calls with Maria to develop our community of Society Members and explore the plant/person connection. Click here to join us! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [01:02] Introducing Damon [03:22] Damon’s history with carnivorous plants [08:24] What are carnivorous plants? What characteristics make up a carnivorous plant? [14:25] Where to find carnivorous plants in the wild [16:14] Why conservation of carnivorous plants is a must [18:50] How long have carnivorous plants been around? [20:09] Damon shares what he thinks of Little Shop of Horrors musical [22:19] The right kind of water for carnivorous plants (and how to identify them in a store!) [28:08] The best carnivorous plants to grow indoors (Venus flytrap, pitcher plants, butterworts) [31:36] Are you planning your garden already? [33:32] Level up your plant education with a horticulturist! [35:43] What is the best growing media for carnivorous plants? [38:22] Why you shouldn’t use terracotta pots for your carnivorous plants [40:16] How to use grow lights on carnivorous plants [42:13] Should you fertilize carnivorous plants? [43:06] How to feed your Venus flytrap and Cape sundews [46:53] Fertilizing your pitcher plants [49:35] How much humidity do carnivorous plants need? [50:48] How to make your Venus flytrap go dormant [52:11] Can you fertilize your
Tue, February 15, 2022
New Mini-Series: Knowledge Nuggets! What is a Peperomia Inflorescence? Ep 1
Welcome to a new mini-series for Bloom & Grow Radio: Knowledge Nuggets. They will be 5-10 minute episodes that show up once a month, in addition to our regular episodes, and will highlight one "nugget" of plant nerd education taken from the Node of Knowledge Plant Science lectures Leslie Halleck gives in the Garden Society. These lectures are so good, I couldn't help sharing a teeny bit with you! Episode one is a snippet from our AHAs (Ask Our Horticulturist Anything) where members can hop on a zoom call with Leslie and troubleshoot their plant collections with her. Do you remember the first time one of your peperomia grew an inflorescence or flower? Have you ever seen one before? I remember the first time when my watermelon peperomia threw off a ton of inflorescence, these weird spikey things popped out of the plant and I had no idea what they were. In the first episode of Knowledge Nuggets, Leslie Halleck is giving you insight into what these spikey things are and more importantly, what we need to know about them when they show up in our collections. Let's get learnin'! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society! Stop struggling with your plant collection and start THRIVING with he Bloom and Grow Garden Society. Expert led houseplant & gardening education with a community of plant friends… at your fingertips. When you join, you'll gain full access to the Garden Party Community Platform and App PLUS monthly plant care lectures with Horticulturist in Residence Leslie Halleck, monthly office hours with Leslie to troubleshoot your personal plant care issues and monthly Growing Joy Calls with Maria to develop our community of Society Members and explore the plant/person connection. Click here to join us! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [00:40] What to expect from this episode [03:54] Troubleshooting your plant problems [04:57] What is an inflorescence and why do peperomias have them? [05:27] How to prune peperomia inflorescence [06:06] How to keep variegation in plants / how to grow a fuller, bushier plant [08:05] Where to get personalized plant coaching from a horticulturist Follow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio: Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Take the Bloom and Grow Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle) Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Fri
S7 E146 · Tue, February 08, 2022
Exploring the Past, Present and Future of Black People in Horticulture with Colah from Black int he Garden
It's been such a joy having fellow podcasters join me in the pod as they never disappoint and have such wonderful insights about plant parenthood and plantrepreneurship. I met this episode's guest in 2020 and figured it was time to have her back on to catch up and explore a concept she’ll be tackling on the next season of her show: the past, present, and future of black people in horticulture. Colah has created an amazing brand called Black in the Garden that has blown up in the last couple of years, and created a space for so many people to feel seen within the plant community. Tune in as we share an important conversation about historic black plant people and their rich yet less discovered contributions to plant society. Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society! The Bloom and Grow Garden Society is your one-stop shop for plant parenthood growth. When you join, you'll gain full access to the Garden Party Community Platform and App PLUS monthly plant care lectures with Horticulturist in Residence Leslie Halleck, monthly office hours with Leslie to troubleshoot your personal plant care issues and monthly Growing Joy Calls with Maria to develop our community of Society Members and explore the plant/person connection. Click here to join us! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [00:57] Maria’s plant updates [05:30] Who is Colah and why she started her podcast, Black in the Garden [09:16] How has Colah’s plant collection changed through her personal transitions? [15:07] What it’s like to have a plant-sitter [16:52] Reevaluating the lesson of resiliency as a Black woman [19:16] Moving forward and seeking opportunities presented to you [22:04] Letting go of things that don’t bring you joy [23:11] Why Wangari Mathai is Colah’s most inspirational historic Black figure [25:26] Making the diaspora of Black people known and accessible [29:09] Where to get the best seeds for this growing season [30:45] Indoor and outdoor gardening products for people, pets, and the planet [32:30] Jerome the Gnome and Colah’s update on inclusivity in garden products [34:26] Black representation in media and podcasting [38:59] Colah shares recent recognitions for Black people in horticulture [41:51] Horticulturist Abra Lee and her mission to uncover the history of Black garden clubs and societies [46:08] Ideating and self-publishing the Black in the Garden Coloring Book [49:58] Acknowledging white privilege in horticulture [52:52] Why Colah is exploring the past, present, and future in Black in the Garden podcast [55:41] What
Mon, February 07, 2022
Exploring the Past, Present and Future of Black People in Horticulture
It's been such a joy having fellow podcasters join me in the pod as they never disappoint and have such wonderful insights about plant parenthood and plantrepreneurship. I met this episode's guest in 2020 and figured it was time to have her back on to catch up and explore a concept she’ll be tackling on the next season of her show: the past, present, and future of black people in horticulture. Colah has created an amazing brand called Black in the Garden that has blown up in the last couple of years, and created a space for so many people to feel seen within the plant community. Tune in as we share an important conversation about historic black plant people and their rich yet less discovered contributions to plant society. Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society! The Bloom and Grow Garden Society is your one-stop shop for plant parenthood growth. When you join, you'll gain full access to the Garden Party Community Platform and App PLUS monthly plant care lectures with Horticulturist in Residence Leslie Halleck, monthly office hours with Leslie to troubleshoot your personal plant care issues and monthly Growing Joy Calls with Maria to develop our community of Society Members and explore the plant/person connection. Click here to join us! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [00:57] Maria’s plant updates [05:30] Who is Colah and why she started her podcast, Black in the Garden [09:16] How has Colah’s plant collection changed through her personal transitions? [15:07] What it’s like to have a plant-sitter [16:52] Reevaluating the lesson of resiliency as a Black woman [19:16] Moving forward and seeking opportunities presented to you [22:04] Letting go of things that don’t bring you joy [23:11] Why Wangari Mathai is Colah’s most inspirational historic Black figure [25:26] Making the diaspora of Black people known and accessible [29:09] Where to get the best seeds for this growing season [30:45] Indoor and outdoor gardening products for people, pets, and the planet [32:30] Jerome the Gnome and Colah’s update on inclusivity in garden products [34:26] Black representation in media and podcasting [38:59] Colah shares recent recognitions for Black people in horticulture [41:51] Horticulturist Abra Lee and her mission to uncover the history of Black garden clubs and societies [46:08] Ideating and self-publishing the Black in the Garden Coloring Book
S7 E145 · Tue, January 25, 2022
Interior Design Trends and Houseplants with Betsy from Affordable Interior Design
Houseplants and interior design: you’d think these two passions would go together like two peas in a pod, but they can sometimes be at war with each other. We can find ourselves desperately wanting to style plants in rooms with no light, or getting overwhelmed with figuring out how to make our homes look planty and not cluttered. Many plant people don't know the first thing about interior design trends, and many interior designers don't know the first thing about plant care (even if they want to have plants in their designs). Luckily for us, I recently met Betsy, of the Affordable Interior Design podcast, and we decided to huddle up and see how we can match our compatible but different skill sets together and came up with this collaborative episode! Betsy breaks down various design styles, and I match plants that would suit those aesthetics. It’s a super fun chat that I hope will leave you ready to elevate your home and grow more joy in your lives! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society! The Bloom and Grow Garden Society is your one-stop shop for plant parenthood growth. When you join, you'll gain full access to the Garden Party Community Platform and App PLUS monthly plant care lectures with Horticulturist in Residence Leslie Halleck, monthly office hours with Leslie to troubleshoot your personal plant care issues and monthly Growing Joy Calls with Maria to develop our community of Society Members and explore the plant/person connection. Click here to join us! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [01:11] What to expect from this episode [04:40] A little info on Maria’s design style [05:41] The importance of deliberate plant corners [07:32] How Betsy became the interior designer she is today [09:59] Why people feel intimidated by interior design [12:22] How interior design and plant care can be similar [14:42] Tip #1: Don’t be afraid to go big! [16:43] Tip #2: The rule of thirds // the rule of odd numbers [18:47] Tip #3: How to design a bookshelf [22:35] Is color-blocking your books still in? [25:33] How to prevent plants from overgrowing in spaces on your shelf [26:56] What is bohemian style and how to execute it? [31:40] How many colors can you have in a room? [34:14] How do you mix and match different textures effectively? [35:09] The best indoor and outdoor gardening products [36:13] Where to get quality seeds for this year’s garden [37:55] Incorporating plants into your boho home [39:09] Modern vs contemporary design styles [41:17] What is minimalism? [42:44] How to achieve clean lines in your home [44:18] Adding col
S7 E144 · Tue, January 11, 2022
Streamlining and Simplifying Houseplant Care / Checking in with guys from the Plant Daddy Pod
Happy New Year, plant friends! I hope you had great holidays and like me, are looking forward to a fresh start in 2022. In the first episode of Season 7, I invited some of my favorite planty podcasters back: Stephen and Matthew of the Plant Daddy Podcast, for a really fun conversation inspired by streamlining and simplifying our houseplant care routines. This convo is really rooted in reflecting on 2021 and learning from the transitions we all went through and these guys are just so lovely, so insightful, and thoughtful about their approach to plant care. They share plant care efficiency tips that I think we can all adapt to our own plant care routines! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society! The Bloom and Grow Garden Society is your one-stop shop for plant parenthood growth. When you join, you'll gain full access to the Garden Party Community Platform and App PLUS monthly plant care lectures with Horticulturist in Residence Leslie Halleck, monthly office hours with Leslie to troubleshoot your personal plant care issues and monthly Growing Joy Calls with Maria to develop our community of Society Members and explore the plant/person connection. Click here to join us! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [00:35] Happy new year, plant friends! [03:36] Stephen shares the transitions he and his collection went through in 2021 [07:28] Matthew’s life and plant collection updates [14:48] How plant rack systems work // Tray Method [17:13] How to group plants in your plant rack [17:40] Different ways of watering plants efficiently [23:42] Stephen shares his plant rack setup [25:00] The biggest change Matthew applied to his plant care [27:25] 3 tips to maintaining your urban jungle with thriving plants [29:34] Plant care efficiency tip: hang plants by the window! [30:56] How much light do your bookcase plants need? [33:02] Where to get the best seeds for this growing season [34:07] What you’ll get when you join the Garden Society! [36:01] Maria’s experience maintaining her plants through four different home environments [37:38] Acclimating your plants to varying growth conditions [38:30] Why grow lights are great investments [39:54] What Matthew’s plant care routine looks like today [40:59] How Stephen engages with his plants [43:24] How your plant parent personality changes with your plant collection [47:58] What’s your favorite aspect of your plant care routine? [50:22] What are you not liking about your plant care routine recently? [52:53] Matthew and Stephen share their plant intentions for 2022 [54:27] Maria’s
Bonus · Thu, January 06, 2022
Bonus episode: Plant Inspired Meditation for the Start of 2022
Hi Plant Friends, our official first episode of Season 7 of BAGR starts next week with the return of the guys from the Plant Daddy Podcast for a great talk about streamlining houseplant care in 2022, but since it’s the first week of 2022, I wanted to share a sweet moment with you that we recently had on a Growing Joy Call in the Bloom & Grow Garden Society: a 3 minute meditation, on the turn of the year, through the eyes of our plants. It’s just a little something I’m sharing in hopes you can carve out 5 minutes of time this week to get cozy, sit with your plants, listen, reflect and get excited for 2022. If meditation, visualization or general planty cheesiness isn’t your thing… skip this episode and meet us back here on Tuesday Jan 11th for a highly informative episode to celebrate the launch of the new season! If you are interested in joining us in Bloom & Grow Virtual Garden Society, visit community.bloomandgrowradio.com to sign up! Next live lecture is this Wednesday January 12th and it’s a Seed Starting Intensive for Vegetables, Flowers AND Indoor Plants! The next Growing Joy Lecture will be about Sowing Seeds of Intention for the 2022 on Jan 18th. All calls get recorded and live in the platform for your binging delights :) Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Tue, December 28, 2021
Finding Joy through Plants in a Season of Transition: Reflecting on 2021
When I think back on this last year, transition is the word that comes to mind. We are literally transitioning into a new year, but I'm sure everyone went through some form of transition this year: a new home, family additions and losses, job changes, and more. And as we grow through those transitions, our plant collection evolves too. I personally went through a tremendous transition this year and my plant collection and plant parent personality completely shifted. These transitions in my plant parenthood brought up a lot for me: feelings of shame, failure, or almost a rigidity to stick with what I used to do. In moving through this transition, I found some really helpful practices and concepts that helped me ebb, flow, and grow that I wanted to share with you today. So, this episode is rather different than our other episodes: it’s highly personal and I get into the nitty-gritty of some behind-the-scenes of this growing business and my life. No ads, no interviews, no guests—just checking in! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society! The Bloom and Grow Garden Society is your one-stop shop for plant parenthood growth. When you join, you'll gain full access to the Garden Party Community Platform and App PLUS monthly plant care lectures with Horticulturist in Residence Leslie Halleck, monthly office hours with Leslie to troubleshoot your personal plant care issues and monthly Growing Joy Calls with Maria to develop our community of Society Members and explore the plant/person connection. Click here to join us! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [00:56] Why transition is an important conversation today [02:26] How Maria’s plant parent personality and plant collection have changed this year [03:37] What to expect from this year-end episode [05:45] Maria’s questions to YOU, the listener [08:03] How the Bloom and Grow listener community inspires Maria and the podcast [11:00] Why plants improve our lives [11:30] Updates on the Bloom and Grow Radio podcast [13:40] The different transitions Maria went through this year [15:05] Planty practices to find more joy and stillness in your life [15:16] Why you should have your morning coffee with your plants [18:13] The benefits of engaging with plants during the day [20:23] Shifting how you see plant care and your plant number [22:09] Explore your plant curiosity [23:02] Use planty affirmations and some of Maria’s personal examples [25:44] Maria’s big announcement! [30:27] A very special (and secret) snippet Mentioned in the conversation: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Hap
Tue, December 14, 2021
Wedding Flower Crash Course for To Be Weds / My Botanically Inspired Wedding Series
There is so much power in flowers, plant friends. A flower is so much more than a bloom, but an expression, a connection to something deeper. Whatever our known or unknown bias for blooms is, flowers are little joy bombs just waiting to be cut or grown. It’s undeniable that flowers also can play a huge part in a wedding day: from the ceremonial bouquet and corsage to the ceremony and reception flowers can be used to enliven a wedding day, and also express a part of yourself through your choices. But as a tropical foliage lover, I was actually tremendously out of my depth when it came to understanding what went into wedding florals, or flowers in general when I was planning our wedding. As wedding florals are also a huge investment, I found myself going through a little wedding floral crash course of my own and with my florist, Corina of The Botaniste. In this episode, Corina and I share all things wedding flowers so that you know where to start come your wedding planning! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society! The Bloom and Grow Garden Society is your one-stop-shop for plant parenthood growth. When you join you'll gain full access to the Garden Party Community Platform and App PLUS monthly plant care lectures with Horticulturist in Residence Leslie Halleck, monthly office hours with Leslie to troubleshoot your personal plant care issues and monthly Growing Joy Calls with Maria to develop our community of Society Members and explore the plant/person connection. Click here to join us! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [02:22] Introducing Corina [04:16] What to expect of the last episode of My Botanically Inspired Wedding Series [09:29] Corina shares her experiences planning wedding florals with couples [10:33] Why Pinterest is every bride’s best friend AND worst enemy [11:52] How Corina became a plant lady and how she started The Botaniste [17:29] Corina’s biggest influences in floral styling [18:18] What are current and upcoming trends for wedding flowers? [19:46] What elements are there in a tablescape? [22:28] Is there a difference between wedding flowers and event flowers? [26:14] Maria shares her decision-making process with her wedding florals [28:02] How flowers elevate any event [29:26] How to preserve your wedding flowers [31:00] What are the best and the worst flowers to have at your wedding? [34:01] Which flower is an alternative to peonies? [35:54] New rose varieties to try in your wedding flowers [39:27] How to condition cut flowers [41:23] How to keep cut hydrangeas from wilting [42:58] Where to get the best organ
Tue, December 07, 2021
26 Ways to Incorporate Plants Into Your Wedding / My Botanically Inspired Wedding Series
From the moment I got engaged, and frankly, even before that, I knew that I wanted to have the plantiest wedding possible! My plants are a huge part of me and I wanted to incorporate that aspect into our wedding. I didn’t want my wedding to be houseplant-themed, but I wanted houseplants and nature to be woven into our day seamlessly, in a refined way that felt special. Katie O’Neil of Katydyd Events, our wedding planner, joins me in this episode to talk about the different ways we added plants to our wedding, and some that didn't make it but were totally great ideas! This is one of my most anticipated episodes—I literally waited two years!—and I can't wait to share everything with you. Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society! The Bloom and Grow Garden Society is your one-stop-shop for plant parenthood growth. When you join you'll gain full access to the Garden Party Community Platform and App PLUS monthly plant care lectures with Horticulturist in Residence Leslie Halleck, monthly office hours with Leslie to troubleshoot your personal plant care issues and monthly Growing Joy Calls with Maria to develop our community of Society Members and explore the plant/person connection. Click here to join us! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! Check out this episode's full blog with photos here ! In this episode we learn: [00:28] Why Maria wanted a planty wedding [04:40] Introducing Katie; Maria and Billy’s wedding angel [10:36] Mama Failla’s wedding advice [11:53] How Katie became the epic wedding planner she is today [14:34] Maria’s biggest wedding advice for everyone! [16:56] How plants have developed as a trend in the bridal industry [17:58] Hoya kerrii as tablescape and wedding favor [21:36] What questions to ask yourself when planning a wedding with plants [22:56] Katie’s ultimate wedding planning goal [23:45] Finding the balance between a plant-themed wedding and a you-themed wedding [26:04] How to pick your wedding venue and Katie’s professional advice [31:15] How to incorporate plants into your invitations and signages [34:19] Using seed paper for your invitations [35:25] Incorporating plants into your wedding dress and suit [40:09] ‘Something blue’, wedding shoes, and floral hairpins [43:37] Picking out your color palette and bridesmaid dresses [44:36] Where to get your seeds for the upcoming growing season! [46:58] What you’ll get when you join the Garden Society [48:37] How to repurpose your bridal bouquet and your bridesmaids’ bouquet during the receptio
Tue, November 30, 2021
3 Plant Inspired DIY Wedding Ideas that Live On After the Big Day Uploaded
Plant friends, I am so excited to finally bring you this planty wedding series, after almost two years of waiting! This month, I’m bringing you the Botanically Inspired Wedding Series on Bloom and Grow Radio, where we explore all aspects and intersections of weddings and plants. We have something for everyone in this series whether you love to DIY, are curious about the floral industry and how to make a great bouquet, or just really fun ways to incorporate houseplants into your wedding in unique exciting ways! In this first episode of the series, we share DIY projects that stretch a dollar, because all three projects we discuss can be repurposed in your home to live on forever! Let's get DIY-ing! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society! The Bloom and Grow Garden Society is your one-stop-shop for plant parenthood growth. When you join you'll gain full access to the Garden Party Community Platform and App PLUS monthly plant care lectures with Horticulturist in Residence Leslie Halleck, monthly office hours with Leslie to troubleshoot your personal plant care issues and monthly Growing Joy Calls with Maria to develop our community of Society Members and explore the plant/person connection. Click here to join us! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! For a step-by-step tutorial of the DIY copper arbor, click this link! In this episode we learn: [00:20] Introducing the Planty Wedding Series [05:45] What to expect from this episode! [07:13] Introducing Marianne [08:10] How to use your wedding arbor during and after your wedding [10:19] DIY wedding copper arbor level of difficulty [12:05] How to customize your own wedding arbor [14:30] Putting the arbor in place on your wedding day [15:20] How to place flowers on your wedding arbor [17:53] Where to get the plantiest gifts this holiday season! [20:03] The planty home collection of your dreams [22:09] The best filler flowers and star flowers for your wedding arbor [25:56] Cheaper alternatives for copper pipes [27:49] How to transition your wedding arbor into the garden [32:30] The idea behind Maria’s wedding green wall [34:41] How to add hanging planters to your green wall [36:01] One of Maria’s favorite parts in their wedding! [38:09] How to make sure your guests take home your wedding favors [39:22] Where Maria sourced their 100 hoya hearts [41:01] Maria’s tips for sourcing terracotta pots for your wedding [42:14] What to expect when adding houseplants to your wedding [45:58] Maria’s word to the wise for tho
Tue, November 16, 2021
Snake Plants 101 with Chris Satch
Snake plants are completely underrated. These “low light-tolerant” plants are often thrown into dark corners, dusty offices, and bathrooms with no windows due to their notoriously hardy personalities, but there is so much more to this beautiful collection of plants than just their ability to survive. Their leaves come in the most mesmerizing shapes and I think they are one of the most giftable plants around because no matter who you are gifting, and what their lighting situation is, a snake plant will likely be able to handle it. That is why I'm excited to finally have a deep dive into this set of plants with no other than repeat-guest and plant friend, NYC Plant Doctor himself, Chris Satch! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society! The Bloom and Grow Garden Society is your one-stop shop for plant parenthood growth. When you join you'll gain full access to the Garden Party Community Platform and App PLUS monthly plant care lectures with Horticulturist in Residence Leslie Halleck, monthly office hours with Leslie to troubleshoot your personal plant care issues and monthly Growing Joy Calls with Maria to develop our community of Society Members and explore the plant/person connection. Click here to join us! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [00:39] Why Maria LOVES snake plants [04:55] Why snake plants are the most giftable plants [06:06] Are snake plants Dracaena or Sansevieria ? [09:32] Where do you find snake plants in nature? [10:06] Are snake plants low-light plants? [11:08] The structure of a snake plant [13:43] How snake plants photosynthesize [18:02] How much light do snake plants need? Can you burn them? [19:16] How often should you water snake plants? [21:22] What your snake plant looks like when it needs watering [23:24] How do you get a snake plant to flower? [24:13] Do snake plants need fertilizer? [26:23] Where to get sustainable hanging planters [29:12] The best giftable planty products this season [32:14] Chris’ confession about the best potting media for snake plants [34:49] Maria’s confession about her first snake plants [35:57] How to divide and repot snake plant pups [38:00] How tall should a pup be before you separate them? [41:23] Why do snake plants droop? How do you strengthen their leaves? [43:33] Troubleshooting floppy snake plant leaves [46:06] How do you get snake plants to be fuller? [47:33] Chris’ favorite snake plant species [52:28] Why you should wipe the dust off your snake plant leaves [54:05] What life lessons can we learn from snake plant
Tue, November 09, 2021
Plantrepreneurship, Plant Styling and Planty Tiktok with Reagan Kastner
Plantrepreneurship, or entrepreneurship in the plant space, feels like it’s at an all-time high these days. With the massive shifts our society has gone through, people are feeling more drawn to plants and so many businesses are popping up designed to serve our plant community, and many members of our community are looking to transition into the world of plants professionally! I’ve noticed more and more plant consultants popping up on my social media feeds, and when I was thinking of an inspiring plantrepreneur to bring on this show, Celebrity Plant Stylist Reagan Kastner came to mind. I’ve had my eye on Reagan since she took #planttok or planty TikTok by storm earlier in 2020. Reagan is a serial entrepreneur with a really interesting career path and has used social media to her advantage to grow her planty business as a planty stylist and consultant. Listen to her plantrepreneurship journey below! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society! The Bloom and Grow Garden Society is your one stop shop for plant parenthood growth. When you join you'll gain full access to the Garden Party Community Platform and App PLUS monthly plant care lectures with Horticulturist in Residence Leslie Halleck, monthly office hours with Leslie to troubleshoot your personal plant care issues and monthly Growing Joy Calls with Maria to develop our community of Society Members and explore the plant/person connection. Click here to join us! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [00:34] Introducing Reagan [03:56] Don’t have a degree in horticulture? You’re welcome here! [06:06] How Reagan became the plant lady she is today [07:41] Where Reagan’s plantrepreneurship began [11:11] How did Reagan come up with the idea for Stylush? [14:41] Being a plant influencer, a business owner, and a plant stylist all at the same time [17:38] Who does Reagan turn to for business advice and resources? [19:10] Reagan’s advice for your first-year plantrepreneurship [22:09] How do you get started in the plant styling business? [24:51] How to figure out your plant styling pricing [25:38] What license do you need to buy wholesale plants? [27:04] Where to get the best planty holiday gifts! [30:21] How to install the green wall of your dreams (like Maria!) [33:33] How to compute your hourly rate as a plant stylist [37:59] What is Reagan’s relationship with social media regarding her brand? [40:26] The importance of having the right tools for your business [42:22] Should you keep a content calendar? [45:33] What does Reagan’s hiring process look like? How big is her current team? [47:20]
Bonus · Wed, November 03, 2021
I've waited almost a year to tell you this: Why I created the Bloom & Grow Garden Society
This special mini episode of the podcast is just a little one on one with you and me: where I’m going to peel back the curtain and give you the inside scoop on why I created the Garden Society and how you, my community of listeners, where my muse. We will also dive into all the delicious goodies that are part of it’s membership and later on in the episode, I invite the Garden Society’s Horticulturist in Residence, and beloved guest of BAGR, Leslie Halleck on to talk about her reason for joining me and what she’s excited to bring to our community of Garden Society members. Plant friends, the Bloom & Grow Garden Society has been almost a year in the making. After reviewing your 2020 listener surveys, I heard that you wanted 1) a safe space for our community to grow together (The Garden Party Platform was the answer for that!) and 2) more deeper dives and opportunities to continue to dive deeper into plant parenthood. I started to think about how I, your plant friend next store, could create that for us. And it hit me: a garden society. Back in the day, plant and gardening enthusiasts would gather at local garden and community centers for garden society meet ups, where they could nerd out with fellow plant geeks to get expert level education from guest speakers, trade tips and techniques and show off their prized plants. Nowadays, meeting in real life isn’t quite as practical. Our plant community and community of listeners extends way beyond a local garden center, we are an international, world wide web of beautiful planty humans. So I’ve created a VIRTUAL Garden Society, so everyone is invited, no matter what corner of the earth you live in- especially considering that I myself live in the middle of the woods in Upstate NY! The Bloom & Grow Garden Society, in partnership with the Society’s Horticulturist in Residence, Leslie Halleck, is your new go to place for deeper, concentrated Plant Parenthood Growth. In it, we will be giving you lectures, meetings and materials to help grow your plant care knowledge, your plant collections, and yourselves. Inside the Garden Society, you’ll find: Monthly “Node of Knowledge” plant care lectures rooted in science with Horticulturist in Residence, Leslie Halleck Monthly “Ask our Horticulturalist Anything” to troubleshoot your personal plant issues with Leslie (yes that’s right, an opportunity every month, to troubleshoot your plant collection with a horticulturist, not a billion blogs or youtube videos that don’t apply to you) Private conversation space with other plant friends to discuss mon
Tue, November 02, 2021
Planty Fake News/ 3 Plant Care Myths Busted with Leslie Halleck
Whether you've been around the block of plant parenthood a few times or you're just beginning your journey, you’ve likely seen some version of what I like to call "planty fake news" or plant care myths: allegedly fool-proof hacks that seem too good to be true, old wives' tales that have been translated one too many times, or plant care claims that just seem super confusing. When I started my journey from plant killer to plant lady , I fell prey to a lot of these myths, and this podcast is a testament to all of the trends and trials of my plant parenthood journey. I’m lucky to have a plant friend in Horticulturist Leslie Halleck to turn to when I now see something suspect on the internet. I'm lucky to be able to text her and ask "does this 10 plank care hack video even make sense?", so I thought I’d bring our internal text thread to the podcast and “bust” several plant care hacks and myths we’ve both seen circulating. Also, exciting news , Leslie and I have been keeping a secret from you for what feels like a year. Tune in to find out what it is! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society! The Bloom and Grow Garden Society is your one stop shop for plant parenthood growth. When you join you'll gain full access to the Garden Party Community Platform and App PLUS monthly plant care lectures with Horticulturist in Residence Leslie Halleck, monthly office hours with Leslie to troubleshoot your personal plant care issues and monthly Growing Joy Calls with Maria to develop our community of Society Members and explore the plant/person connection. Founding Society Members get 25% through November 9th. Click here to join us! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [03:13] Maria and Leslie reveal their BIG secret! [04:38] The goals behind Garden Society [06:02] Why the community is called Garden Society [10:04] Maria gets real about plant hacks [10:44] Plant Care Myth #1: Houseplants clean your air [12:37] NASA’s study on air-purifying plants [15:34] Where does the oxygen we consume most come from? [18:33] How many plants per square foot do you need for better air quality at home? [21:03] Do plants emit pollutants in the air? [22:19] How plants get rid of VOCs or volatile organic compounds [23:50] The psychological value of plants in our homes [24:13] The positive effects of plants on our physical state [25:12] Plant knowledge is power! [26:28] Plant Care Myth #2: Potting up your plants every two years [28:07] The truth about repotting plants [30:00] The whys and whens of bumping up a plant [31:40] When is a soil refresh necessary versus repottin
Fri, October 29, 2021
Maria's Favorite Things 2021
I'm so excited to geek out on my favorite planty products with you, plant friends! The holiday season is just around the corner, and what perfect way to show your appreciation and love for the plant parents in your life (or for yourself) than to give them great planty gifts? The holiday season is also a great way to maybe invite our non-planty friends to try growing! I've got an amazing list of plant accessories, plant gift sets, books, and more—with exclusive coupon codes to support our beloved sponsors and the Bloom and Grow Radio podcast. Happy listening! So you know, I have an affiliate or sponsor relationship with some of the companies mentioned below. Others I have no relationship with and just love to their stuff. Regardless of my affiliation, every item on this list is something I've used, loved, or have been recommended by trusted plant friends. PS: if you're a fan of the show, supporting BAGR sponsors with our provided sponsor codes and links is a great way to support the podcast! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society! Click here to join the waitlist Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [00:52] Maria’s exciting news! [02:26] Why this year’s Favorite Things is different [03:52] Why Maria loves doing ‘Maria’s Favorite Things’ [05:04] How Maria chose her favorite things this year [06:02] Plant Care Accessories [13:12] Gift Sets, Stocking Stuffers, Teacher Gifts, and Hostess Gifts [17:46] Planters [20:53] The best and cutest gift set for new parents [21:34] Luxurious and efficient Grow Lights [26:09] Maria’s Favorite Books [29:41] The houseplant nursery to watch out for [31:54] Monthly exclusive and educational content to subscribe to! Mentioned in our conversation: Plant Care Accessories Modern Sprout Watering Can [code: BLOOM21 for 15% off] Govee Hygrometer with Bluetooth (2 pack) Thermpro Hygrometer (2 pack) Terrarium tools Soil scoop Macro and Wide Angle Lens with LED Light and Travel Case Botanopia Plant Stakes (set of 4) WallyGrow Placemats [MARIA15 for 15% off from Novembe
Tue, October 19, 2021
Aquatic Plants and Planted Aquariums 101
I admit it, plant friends; I was totally unaware of a total subsect of the plant community: the planted aquarium world. There is a whole corner of the plant world dedicated to elevating our common fishtanks to living, growing underwater worlds that look like art. Aquatic gardeners are using aquatic plants to aquascape insanely beautiful aquariums. It is biophilia in the highest sense because you have so many aspects of the natural world indoors, and you even get to keep cute fishies! I had many of you request this episode but, to be frank, I've only health with above-ground houseplants so I was totally out of my depths. I figured I’d turn to Karen, an avid aquatic gardener who has written a step-by-step tutorial on how to assemble planted aquariums for a chat about the basics of aquatic plants. Get ready to dive into the wild world of aquatic plants and gardening! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party! Join us in the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet : our private community platform and app with dedicated conversation topics, quarterly meet-ups, regional groups and the ability to find plant friends near you and so much more! Join the Garden Party and become a Plant Friend! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [01:06] Introducing Karen [03:33] What to expect from this conversation [05:20] How Karen became the plant lady she is today [07:40] The importance of knowing your plants’ natural habitat [08:42] Why are planted aquariums becoming popular again? [10:33] Basic houseplants vs. aquatic plants [12:04] How do you trade aquatic plants? [13:33] What are aquatic plants and how do they grow underwater? [15:04] The different types of aquatic plants [19:48] How are emersed and submersed aquarium plants different [21:24] The basic requirements for a planted aquarium with live plants [23:43] What does ‘cycled’ mean? [25:57] Why do you need to let your plants settle in the aquarium before introducing fish? [28:43] Where to get bacteria that your aquarium needs [30:04] Three uses of filters in your aquarium [33:07] How to prep your plants for winter [34:51] Learn from a horticulturist! [37:06] What water to use in your aquarium [38:31] How to figure out the water you have at home [39:52] Troubleshooting your aquarium water [42:03] Why do you need to change the water in your aquarium? [43:17] Using fertilizer in your aquarium [45:08] What type of substrate works best for your aquarium? [50:23] Aquarium lighting and the basics [53:26] The most important lighting factor for your aquari
Tue, October 05, 2021
Lessons from Plants for 2021
Plant friends, I've been sharing with you my overwhelm, burnout, and general processing of everything that's happening in our world right now. It’s been so nice to connect with so many of you who share similar feelings. I'm also grateful to have had my plant collection to turn to and use as a tool for wellness in these trying times. Several of you had recommended Lessons from Plants by Beronda Montgomery and from page one, I felt like I had met a Plant Soul Sister in this author. Her book seemed to be the answer to my prayers about the struggles of understanding the science behind these phenomena I witness and take meaning from. Beronda has the scientific understanding to deep dive into lessons we can take away from plants. She joins me in this episode to share lessons we can learn from plants for specific scenarios many of us went through in 2021. Let's dive in! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party! Join us in the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet : our private community platform and app with dedicated conversation topics, quarterly meet ups, regional groups and the ability to find plant friends near you and so much more! Join the Garden Party and become a Plant Friend! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [01:08] Introducing Beronda [02:56] Maria’s wonderful announcement! [05:03] How Beronda became the plant parent she is today [07:17] Beronda shares her planty educational background [08:55] What Maria loves about Lessons from Plants [10:50] Bridging the gap in the plant community [12:46] What plants teach us about loss and pruning back [15:01] What is culling: how to apply the concept of culling in our lives [17:04] Why dormancy is important for us and our plants [18:37] How to honor the losses we’ve had [19:34] What plants teach us about transitions [20:45] Plants rest, and so should we! [21:02] How to address your plants’ light needs in the winter [22:26] Where to get safe indoor and outdoor gardening products [24:48] How plants teach us to regulate our resources [26:18] How we make ourselves prone to burnout [27:37] The lessons of sensitivity and self-awareness from plants [28:27] How lack of self-reflection can lead to lack of resources for everyone [29:14] How much time do we need for self-reflection? [30:10] Maria’s small ways to interact with her plants more often [31:04] Why plants are symbols of resilience [32:27] How repotting plants and moving homes are the same [35:14] Pioneer species or pioneer plants and what they do [37:04] How we can be all pio
Tue, September 21, 2021
Designing and Revitalizing a Garden in a New Home
2020 had us all looking at our homes and asking ourselves if our current lifestyles were truly working for us or if it was time for a change. Billy and I desired more space, more nature, and a new opportunity to grow, which is why we moved upstate. An interesting question rose up when we moved and stared at our new surroundings and new gardening zone with a bit of overwhelm: now what? I've heard this question from so many members of our community who also made a big move, purchased a new home, and are looking at their new landscapes with wide eyes and lots of questions. In this episode, I invited Stephen Orr, editor of one of my favorite magazines and a gardener going through this process himself, to join me for a conversation about his journey to rejuvenating and experimenting with his new garden, or gardens , in his new home in Cape Cod. Can't wait to learn with you! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party! Join us in the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet : our private community platform and app with dedicated conversation topics, quarterly meet ups, regional groups and the ability to find plant friends near you and so much more! Join the Garden Party and become a Plant Friend! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [00:00:57] Introducing Stephen [00:05:20] Why Maria is obsessed with Better Homes and Gardens [00:06:30] How Stephen’s parents influenced him to be a plant person [00:09:42] Popular houseplants in the 70s according to Stephen’s mom’s collection [00:15:16] Why it’s important to identify the soil type in your garden [00:17:35] Animal pressure and other factors to consider when looking for a new home with a garden [00:20:01] How to prepare your new garden for the seasons [00:22:13] Know which plants work best for your garden through your neighborhood [00:23:44] How to preserve old gardens and rejuvenate lilacs [00:25:27] Things to keep in mind when moving into a house with history [00:27:03] Where to get efficient and stylish grow lights for your home [00:28:21] How to have garlic all year round [00:29:54] How to transform a sandy area into a gravel garden [00:32:07] The best plants for seaside gardens [00:32:58] How to train plants to thrive in difficult conditions [00:35:51] Conducting your own garden research [00:37:06] Where to begin when starting a new garden in a new home [00:38:44] Common mistakes new homeowners make with their garden [00:39:41] How to avoid new home overwhelm [00:41:29] Stephen’s garden experiments: raised beds and a mini meadow [00:46:01] How to do
Tue, September 07, 2021
Plant Parent Confessions with Members of the Garden Party Platform
Honestly, I've been feeling so overwhelmed and uninterested in curating my thoughts and feelings about plants and plant parenthood. It’s been a hell of a year and although I’m all about keeping it positive, I’m also all about keeping it real. And lately, social media has made it hard to share authentically. That's why when Christy, a Garden Party founding member, started this plant parent confessional in the Garden Party platform, members had space to post about things they do that wouldn’t pass the Instagram cut: plant fails and “bad” plant parent practices. So, this episode is community-based, from Garden Party members who called in and submitted their confessionals. I'm sharing them with you in hopes to just normalize the messiness of plant parenthood and tell you that no matter where you are on your plant parent journey, you’re welcome here :) Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party! Join us in the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet : our private community platform and app with dedicated conversation topics, quarterly meet ups, regional groups and the ability to find plant friends near you and so much more! Join the Garden Party and become a Plant Friend! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [01:39] What inspired Maria to have a confessional episode [04:28] Meet Christy, one of Garden Party’s Founding Plant Friends [05:23] Plant care confessions: fertilizing, repotting, disinfecting tools, and more [07:29] How imperfections are the best learning opportunities in plant parenthood [08:14] A Tradescantia zebrina "Purple Tinge" confession [09:59] Why we should normalize falling out of love with our plants [10:51] A confession about cuttings and propagation [12:33] Repotting in the fall and winter, does that make you a bad plant parent? [14:04] Where to get the best indoor and outdoor gardening products [15:40] The best seed provider for year-round harvest! [17:03] A frugal plant parent confession [18:09] When you give good plant parent advice— that you don’t do yourself! [19:56] Do you isolate your new plants when you bring them home? [22:12] When Maria caught Billy in a cute plant parent moment [23:22] A plant parent’s ‘lazy approach’ [24:44] The pressures of Instagram and color editing your plants [26:12] How social media can affect the way we perceive our plants and our own plant journey [28:21] Maria’s reminder: take care of yourself, plant friend! [29:28] Maria’s confessions [31:24] The plant parent practice that helped Maria regain her plant parent confidence and joy [33:41] Plant parenthood
Tue, August 24, 2021
Culinary Medicine from Our Gardens
Not only is growing your own food a fabulous hobby and a way to reconnect with the food chain, the earth, and yourself, it’s also a way to serve our bodies in a deeper way by feeding them with fresh, organic produce. Not to mention, a freshly picked cherry tomato or piece of lettuce tastes infinitely more delicious than a store-bought one. I’ve really enjoyed diving deep into gardening through the My First Garden Series on this podcast, and as a way to celebrate all our hard work, I've invited someone to help us make the best out of our harvest! Dr. John la Puma is a trained chef and doctor who has committed his life to culinary medicine and eco medicine. In this episode, we talk about the nutritional value of the foods we are growing, and some fun ways to prepare our harvest (we are both Italian-American and have lots of fun recipes we riff on throughout the episode!). Let's get cooking! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party! Join us in the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet : our private community platform and app with dedicated conversation topics, quarterly meet ups, regional groups and the ability to find plant friends near you and so much more! Join the Garden Party and become a Plant Friend! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [00:05:55] Maria shares her ‘fresh from the garden’ dinner of kohlrabi! [00:07:24] Dr. John’s favorite kohlrabi recipe [00:09:25] How Dr. John became a culinary medicine chef and how his farming journey began [00:10:57] What is eco medicine? How can we apply this concept to our daily lives? [00:15:09] Why gardening is the gateway to reconnecting with nature [00:17:45] How umbellifers like carrots and fennels enable you to use less fertilizer in the garden [00:19:27] How the pleasure of eating can help you eat and become healthier [00:21:06] What does a more vibrant color of a fruit or vegetable mean for nutrition? [00:22:35] How to bring out the lycopene in your tomatoes (it’s good for the heart!) [00:27:00] The beneficial differences between cooking with fresh herbs versus with dried herbs [00:28:31] How to grow turmeric, its health benefits, and the best ways to use it in cooking [00:30:13] Dr. John’s fun kumquat alcohol recipe! [00:31:33] The best way to keep animals from your garden [00:33:23] How to help your plants grow with lights [00:35:40] Dr. John’s gentle reminder about store-bought vs organic and home-grown food [00:37:02] How to grow and how to use Mexican oregano in your dishes [00:39:35] Maria’s favorite plant to grow and how she uses it in the kitchen [00:39:57] The health benefits
Tue, August 10, 2021
Plant Care Routines: The Plant Friend Hang Series
Plant Routines : the crucial part of every plant parent's plant care practice that ensures that our plants (and our minds) are happy and healthy. Going from plant killer to plant lady, I found that I became as attached to my plant care routine, as I was to my plants. The act of disconnecting with a screen to reconnect with these plants and nature, is also a way to clear space to reconnect with yourself. I have learned that a plant care routine practice is so much deeper than just a soil moisture check: they let us check in with our plants, and more importantly, with ourselves. Plant care is truly self care. Everyone’s plant care routines are different, like unique snowflakes, so I brought together a fantastic group of plant friends to have a new format of podcast episode call the "Plant Friend Hang" to dive deeper on this topic. Come and meet them! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party! Join us in the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet : our private community platform and app with dedicated conversation topics, quarterly meet ups, regional groups and the ability to find plant friends near you and so much more! Join the Garden Party and become a Plant Friend! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [00:02:36] Maria’s personal and podcast updates! [00:05:49] Who is Kamili, how her plant parent journey began, and why she won’t say her plant number! [00:07:41] A little fun discussion about Hoya and their recent popularity as houseplants [00:10:17] Paul’s plant parent background, his current collection, and why he recommends pothos for everyone [00:13:35] How Tiffany became @plantmamah, how plants helped her recover from a brain injury, and why she is obsessed with Hoya [00:18:20] What’s the weirdest thing you do with your plants? [00:27:04] What does your plant care routine look like on a daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis? [00:35:21] Where to get the best indoor and outdoor gardening products (and plant-specific tones!) [00:37:06] The best options for all your plants’ lighting needs [00:38:24] Why you should bring your plants outside during summer [00:40:48] Maria shares how she realized that her self-care and mental well-being are connected to her plant care [00:43:46] How has your plant care evolved through time? Have you noticed personal shifts as your plant care routine changes with your collection? [00:45:45] Why killing a plant should not make you feel ashamed and guilty [00:49:00] What is your most favorite and least favorite plant chore? [00:53:17] Paul shares his mad scientist soil mix equation! [00:56:42] H
Tue, July 27, 2021
How to Root Bare Nodes or "Wet Sticks"
The first time I heard about wet stick propagation, I had no idea it even existed! That's why when I got an offer from a listener, Joey (@joey_de_la_plants), for a variegated Monstera 'Albo' wetstick (and I knew I wanted that plant but I had no idea what “wetstick” meant), I went down a research rabbit hole to know more about the process of rooting it. For the last 5 months, my node has not only rooted, but started growing!. So when I connected with Payton from Bloom Daddy Plants—who actively uses this method all the time to run his shop—I knew we had a super fun episode on our hands. And boy, did we go overboard with the cross-platform collaboration surrounding this episode! Tune in to learn all about node propagation, and join the Philodendron "Pink Princess" Wetstick Giveaway on Instagramfor the chance to win your own Philodendron 'Pink Princess' wet stick to try this method yourself!! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Join us in the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet: our private community platform and app with dedicated conversation topics, quarterly meet ups, regional groups and the ability to find plant friends near you and so much more! Join the Garden Party and become a Plant Friend! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [03:35] What to expect in this cross-platform episode (and where to find them!) [04:51] How to get your own Philodendron ‘Pink Princess’ wet stick! [07:17] Who is Payton, how his journey as a plant parent began, and how Bloom Daddy came to be [10:05] Should we refer to plants as ‘rare’? [13:00] Breaking the myth surrounding node propagation [14:15] What is a ‘wet stick’? Its many other names and how to identify a node [18:00] Why node propagation is used in nurseries [19:33] 4 things you need for node propagation [20:53] The ideal humidity level for your nodes (and cheaper alternatives for humidity chambers!) [24:37] Where to cut a node from and how to do it [25:50] Where to get the best garlic varieties for your year-round garden [27:14] How to protect your greens and veggies from wildlife [29:08] At what angle should you cut a node? [29:54] When do you put the node in a prop box? [30:43] Why you should let your node callus over [31:02] How to activate your node (and make it happy!) [32:48] Differentiating levels of moisture, and what the best moisture level is for your node [35:23] How much space should you leave between your node and your prop box? [37:17] The ideal light situation for your node prop box [40:06] Transitioning your node after it establish
Tue, July 13, 2021
Flower Power: How to Grow Cut Flowers All Season Long (for Beginners)
When I first got into gardening, I got very fixated on the food I could grow for myself, but what I’m realizing is growing flowers can be as appealing as growing food — and flowers, being the pollinator magnets they are, are crucial to a healthy garden and a healthy mind. I’ve been so curious about cut flower gardening and connected with this episode's guest on Clubhouse, and started picking her brain about what cut flowers I should try as an ultra beginner. Brooklyn's passion for plants, her sensitivity, and her knowledge are things I've been wanting to share with this community! We also share heartwarming stories about our mothers and the lessons they taught us. I hope this episode brings you joy, just like flowers do! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Join us in the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet: our private community platform and app with dedicated conversation topics, quarterly meet ups, regional groups and the ability to find plant friends near you and so much more! Join the Garden Party and become a Plant Friend! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [00:02:23] Maria’s garden update [00:05:40] Who is Brooklyn and how she became a flower farmer [00:08:31] Why everyone should have flowers in their garden [00:09:15] Brooklyn shares the personal connection she feels when growing flowers [00:12:08] Things to consider before growing flowers in your garden [00:14:06] The best flowers to grow for beginners: sunflowers, zinnias, strawflowers, and more [00:17:05] A quick recap on annuals vs perennials [00:18:32] The best perennial flowers to grow for blooms year after year [00:21:22] How to plan your flower garden so you have blooms all year long [00:25:48] Brooklyn’s favorite ‘cut and come again’ flowers [00:27:16] How to make the best soil mix for your flowers [00:29:30] When to use fertilizers on your flowers [00:31:04] Where to get the best potting mix, compost and fertilizer for your garden [00:32:41] Where to order your garlic for this season [00:35:03] Why you want to fertilize your flowers (and some signs that they need it!) [00:36:12] Determining how much light your flowers need [00:37:30] Maria shares her experience with her first garden and reading seed packets [00:41:17] How to transplant your flowers and harden them off [00:44:27] How to pinch flowers, what is it for, and when you should do it [00:48:04] What should you do with your flower’s first bud? [00:48:25] What is deadheading and how to do it properly [00:51:03] Brooklyn’s growing tips for peonies [00:52:43] How to
S5 E127 · Tue, June 29, 2021
The Studies Behind the Plant/Person Connection with Dr Sue Stuart-Smith
#plantsmakepeoplehappy, this hashtag has almost 8 million posts so far and there’s a reason for it. It’s just true. Plants, nature, and the act of witnessing life itself make people happy, more connected, and more empowered. The plant/person connection is hard to explain, yet everyone knows it. We all feel this connection to our plant collection. Our hearts swell with new growth, and sometimes even grieve losses. Over the last year and a half, I’ve dove rather deeply into exploring this plant-person connection, reading several incredibly inspiring books one being written by our special guest today. Dr Sue Stuart Smith took me on a journey of this plant/person connection and made me feel so seen. I knew I just had to have her on the show, so find a cozy spot and let's dive in! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Founding Plant Friend discounts running through July 1st! Then prices go up! Become a Founding Plant Friend! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [00:27] Why we’re taking a deep dive into the plant-person connection [06:04] How Sue became a vegetable gardener and a plant lady [09:17] Sue’s background in psychiatry and psychotherapy [11:30] How Sue realized the plant-person connection based on her own experiences in the garden [13:18] The topics that Sue explores in her book “The Well Gardened Mind” [16:50] Explaining plant blindness and the two aspects of this occurrence [18:42] What is a plant mentor and why they’re important to the development of people’s interest in plants and in nature [20:16] Maria shares her own experience with plant blindness and with her own plant mentors [21:30] How plant mentors can help eliminate the feeling of plants being alien to people [22:09] How the pandemic has paved the way for people to get back in touch with nature [23:49] Where to get the best grow lights for all types of plant lighting needs [25:25] Have you joined the plantiest place on the internet? [27:46] The perspective that plants give Maria about time and moving forward [29:43] What are some life-garden parallels that Sue has learned over time? [32:20] How seeds encourage positive anticipation and trigger future plans [33:57] Why gardening is about relationships and how it is more than just a hobby [35:12] Who is Harold S and what important concepts did he introduce to the plant-person relationship [37:02] What is urgent biophilia and how today’s context of a global pandemic and crises triggers this need [40:03] Geosmin, petrichor, and how evolution developed our sensitivity to the natural world [43:16] How gardening promote
Mon, June 28, 2021
I did something exciting! Welcome to the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App!!!!!!
In this mini episode, I share the why behind the creation of the Garden Party Community Platform & App and give you all the details of what’s inside! Become a Founding Plant Friend of the Garden Party (Offer expires July 1st- you can get a whole years membership for the amount of one 8 inch plant!) https://community.bloomandgrowradio.com/ Check our a tour on the Youtube Channel! Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S5 E126 · Tue, June 15, 2021
In-Ground Gardening Basics with My New Plant Friend, Melody
This isn't a story about gardening, plant friends. This is an episode on plant friendship. Melody is a local gardener who lives 15 minutes from me and has one of the most unbelievable gardens I’ve ever seen! Her backyard is a whimsical garden oasis, with a gazebo, greenhouse, and a different flower or bloom everywhere you look. In this episode, I share the story of how I met Melody and Melody gives us a deeper understanding of soil, how it's alive, and how to make it the best soil for growing. Hear all of Melody's great tips on keeping your soil rich and how plants teach us the importance of coexistence. Listen to our gardening story below! Get on the waitlist for the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Launch Be the first to gain access and founding member discounts through joining our waitlist Snag your spot on the waitlist here Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [03:39] The changes to Maria’s gardening plans and a preview of her friendship with Melody [07:50] The story of the attack rooster [08:06] How Maria and Melody met and became friends [09:23] Melody shares her rich horticultural background and how she became the plant lady that she is today [11:11] How community-supported agriculture (CSA) helped address food shortage during the first months of COVID [12:54] Store-bought vegetables vs homegrown and organic vegetables [14:05] Melody discusses one of the biggest problems in agribusiness and food nutrition [15:23] What is in Melody’s amazing live soil [16:37] The three different types of soil and their characteristics [19:41] What type of soil is best for the garden? [21:01] Why you need the best soil for your plants [21:13] Where to get the best indoor and outdoor gardening products [22:39] How to best keep animals away from your greens [25:14] How to keep weeds from growing in your garden with a collinear hoe [27:07] Melody’s first year gardening [28:28] How to keep your soil rich and how to format your garden [30:12] Melody’s tips on designing an in-ground garden [31:17] How to use compost in your garden [33:28] A little trivia about sweet illicium, and the importance of knowing your beneficials [34:59] Bees in the garden and why you shouldn’t be scared of them [35:55] How plants teach us the importance of co-existence [36:36] Garden beginner tip: try square gardening! [38:21] Why you should examine the roots of your plants and what they can teach you about your garden [39:38] Maria and Melody’s plants this growing season [42:35] Maria shares the wonderfu
Tue, June 01, 2021
Palm Care 101 with Chris Satch
When I look at a large gorgeous palm, outside or indoors, I immediately get tropical vibes from their huge leaves, the way they sway in the wind, and the way the leaves cascade over their delicate stems. They just have a certain something that creates an instant jungle vibe. However, palms are also notoriously tricky plants to successfully care for! Lucky for us, Chris of NYC Plant Doctor comes to the rescue with expert advice and knowledge on how to properly care for our palms, and how not to kill them as I did with my fan palm. Enjoy! Get on the waitlist for the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Launch Be the first to gain access and founding member discounts through joining our waitlist Snag your spot on the waitlist here Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [00:04:16] Chris shares his insane window setup in his new New York apartment! [00:06:38] Some interesting trivia about the Arecaceae family [00:08:04] The most common palms that you probably didn’t even know you know: coconut palm, carnauba palm, date palm, and more! [00:11:15] Where the Arecaceae family got its name [00:11:33] Three morphological groups of palm: rhizomatous, lianas, and arborescent [00:14:53] Where palms grow in nature, their history, and their uses over time [00:17:23] Why you won’t see rings in your palms [00:19:53] Examples of cold-hardy palms and where to find them [00:22:47] Chris gets real about palms: they are hard for beginners! [00:23:16] Watering and humidity needs of your palm plants [00:25:07] How to differentiate salt damage vs humidity issues in your palms [00:26:39] Should you use distilled water or rainwater for your palms? [00:28:44] The right soil for the palm you have [00:30:38] Signs that your palm is happy, and signs that it’s not [00:31:19] How much light do palms need? Chris shares a big myth-buster about palms and light [00:32:41] Chris explains why palms can be difficult to grow: they are temperature-sensitive [00:33:48] Did you know you can extend your garden harvest through fall and even over winter? [00:35:12] The biggest threat to your garden [00:36:42] How to fertilize your palm tree - and why they don’t need much! [00:40:59] Chris expert advice on repotting your palms [00:41:54] Why you should not plant your palms in terracotta pots [00:43:44] The most common pests of palms, and why Chris doesn’t have palms in his home [00:45:17] Maria talks about the one important aspect of plant parenthood: knowing what works for you and what doesn’t [00:49:33] How to propagate your palms</li
S6 E124 · Tue, May 18, 2021
4 "Plant Care Hacks" I No Longer Do and Other Shifts in My Plant Care Practice
Plant friends, I’ve been fortunate enough to take a lot of deeper dives in the science of plant care since quarantine happened and my outlook on plant care and the hobby of keeping plants has dramatically shifted in the last year and a half. I find myself turning away from blogs and towards textbooks and have a new deep appreciation for the horticulturalists on this show who can truly dive deeper with us and explain the why behind the how of all the practices we are told to do on care cards and social media posts. The combination of over 120 episode interviews, and now all these hours in the courses, has been enlightening and I wanted to come clean about these shifts I’m making in my personal collection and plant care practices. Thank you for learning alongside me and I hope this episode helps you keep blooming and keep growing through your plant parenthood journey! Get on the waitlist for the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Launch Be the first to gain access and founding member discounts through joining our waitlist Snag your spot on the waitlist here Check out 3 Planty Date Night Ideas with Billy on Youtube! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [05:07] Why Maria is sharing her plant hacks (past and current), shifts in her plant parenthood, and ‘aha!’ moments [06:57] Been There Done That Plant Hack #1: Being obsessed with humidity (and some humidity tips from experts to help you with your humidity problems) [12:00] Two humidity hacks that Maria is not doing anymore: misting and pebble trays [12:43] The truth and risks behind misting your plants [14:51] Been There Done That Plant Hack #2: Living by your plant care cards [17:12] Maria shares an exciting feature of the Bloom and Grow Garden Party [18:24] Been There Done That Plant Hack #3: Understanding light based on plant diagrams and not based on your specific light situation [19:29] Maria’s experience dealing with a low light situation for her plants and how she became a super sleuth for sunbeams [23:34] Been There Done That Plant Hack #4: Planting in pots without drainage holes! [25:22] Maria’s two easy hacks for pots without drainage holes [27:42] Plant Parenthood Shift #1: Converting plants from semi hydro to soil [28:38] Maria’s bonus hack: use leca to root your plants [29:28] The best companion after a planty day [31:16] Growing season is not just for spring and summer, you can now have fall and winter harvest! [33:16] An update on Limey, Maria’s lime tree [34:42] Plant Parenthood Shift #2: Addressing p
S5 E123 · Tue, May 11, 2021
How to Manage Deer, Squirrels, Chipmunks, Moles, Voles and Other Animals in Your Garden with Brie The Plant Lady
When I polled our listener community about your top requests for outdoor garden-related episodes, the number one request surprised me: it wasn’t managing fertilizer, succession planting, or garden design. It was how to manage pesky animals getting into your gardens! Today, I have the answer to your prayers: Brie from briegrows.com walks us through such a comprehensive list of practices and solutions for managing pests and other critters in the garden. This conversation really helps us rethink the way we approach animals in the garden and I’m excited for you to learn from Brie as I did! Get on the waitlist for the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Launch Be the first to gain access and founding member discounts through joining our waitlist Snag your spot on the waitlist here Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [00:06:05] How Brie became Brie The Plant Lady [00:08:59] Brie shares her greatest achievement in plant propagation [00:11:29] Maria’s experience with squirrels and deer in the garden [00:14:15] Do we call them ‘pests’ or ‘animals’? Brie shares an important reminder about animals in nature [00:18:29] Maria shares a totally honest story about critters #nofilter [00:19:02] How to identify chipmunks from squirrels, and what their usual behaviors are in the garden [00:21:03] How to use hot peppers as animal repellent [00:24:18] Different and easy ways to use peppermint oil as animal repellent (hint: seashells!) [00:26:49] How to prevent squirrels and chipmunks from digging holes in your garden beds [00:29:07] Using vole king bags to protect your bulbs from animals [00:30:20] Vole king bags vs chicken wire planters [00:31:11] Shrews vs voles vs moles [00:32:47] How to deal with moles in the garden [00:33:21] Why you should use less mulch in the garden [00:35:12] Where and how to plant garlic as vole repellent (and hit two birds with one stone!) [00:39:16] Do you need to worry about burrowing animals if you have raised beds? [00:40:40] What are groundhogs and how to keep them away from the garden [00:43:14] Squirrel damage vs groundhog damage [00:45:29] Setting up a wildlife camera for better animal surveillance in the garden [00:47:02] Where to get the best eco planters (with gorgeous color selections!) [00:49:24] The best and easiest deer fence kits for your garden [00:51:16] The idea behind trap crops and how to apply them in the garden [00:54:25] The different plants that help repel rabbits [00:57:26] How often should you apply repellents to your plants? [00:5
Tue, May 04, 2021
Plants and Pets: What You Need to Know // Pet Proof Your Plants
Did you know that some of our favorite houseplants are actually toxic to pets? I was able to interview Anastasia from Leaf & Paw about Pets and Plants and how to be both a pet parent and a plant parent. Anastasia has a blog dedicated to her passion for collecting plants while caring for her two cats and a hedgehog. In this episode, she walks us through what we need to know about toxicity, how to style with pets in mind, and the top 10 best and worst plants for our pets. Let's dive in! Get on the waitlist for the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Launch Be the first to gain access and founding member discounts through joining our waitlist Snag your spot on the waitlist here Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [03:41] What this episode has in store for you, plant friend! [05:13] How Anastasia became both a plant parent and a pet parent, and how Leaf and Paw came to be [07:19] Why it’s important to know how to have plants and pets together [08:37] What is toxicity in plants? How do you approach toxicity when it comes to your pets? [12:11] Are there levels of toxicity in plants? What should you do when your pet eats a toxic plant? [13:38] How to prevent your pets from eating your plant collection: utilize your home architecture [15:08] Why understanding your pet can help you keep them away from your plants [16:02] How to style with floor plants while keeping them safe from your pets [17:21] Do river stones and vinegar spray work for pet-prone plants? [18:56] The best company after a day of gardening and propagating plants! [20:57] Where to get organic and pet-safe potting mixes and gardening products [22:45] What symptoms should you look out for if your pet has ingested a plant? What should you do if your pet has ingested a toxic plant? [25:14] How to use substances like fertilizer and insecticide in your plant care while being mindful of your pets [28:05] The best and most informative resources for pet care and plants [30:06] The top 10 most toxic plants for your pets: pothos, monsteras, ficus, and more [36:50] The top 10 best non-toxic plants for your pets: pepperomias, calatheas, hoyas, and more [42:20] Bonus special AND non-toxic plant: banana trees! [43:47] Maria and Billy’s puppy fever and their future fur baby plans Mentioned in our conversation: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Pet Poison Hotline Thank you to our
S6 E121 · Tue, April 20, 2021
Plant Trend Alert: Tiny Plants with Leslie Halleck
New Trend Alert! Tiny Plants are the curious collector's dream, and an awesome option for plant parents who are working with limited space OR are obsessed with teensy tiny adorable things like me. Leslie Halleck, one of the favorite recurring guests for Bloom and Grow Radio, joins us again to talk about her obsession with Tiny Plants, tips for caring for them, and a matchmaking session where she pairs the perfect tiny plant for each plant parent personality. Get ready to learn about teensy, tiny adorableness! Pre-Order Leslie's new book: Tiny Plants Get on the waitlist for the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Launch Be the first to gain access and founding member discounts through joining our waitlist Snag your spot on the waitlist here Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [05:29] Leslie shares how she spots plant trends and what the trend of small plants has changed in people’s lives [08:25] How Leslie got into the tiny plants hobby, her internship in the Puerto Rican rainforest, and her history with ferns [14:37] Do micro species have different DNA from regular plants? Why do they stay tiny forever? [18:22] The different tiny plant species featured in Leslie’s book and why you should get into the world of tiny plants [19:11] Why lithops are not beginner-friendly tiny plants and Leslie’s advice for taking care of them [20:47] Caring for tiny plants vs caring for regular plants, is there a difference? [23:18] How taking care of tiny plants serves as a wellness ritual for Leslie [25:25] Hunting for rare species is fun, according to Leslie [26:26] Tiny Plants bonus: know about the best plant vendors for your next tiny plants! [28:10] Where to get the best planty gifts for mother’s day [30:14] Maria’s favorite companion at the end of the day (aside from Billy) [32:11] Maria and Leslie’s current tiny plant favorites [34:51] How to style with tiny plants and why you have more options with them! [38:32] Why Maria is excited to take a deeper dive into the tiny plants world [39:50] How tiny plants make it easier to incorporate nature into your home [41:08] Maria shares one of the reasons she loves and appreciates plant parenthood [42:56] The best tiny plants for mindful plant parents [44:30] Are you a low-key plant parent? Here are the perfect tiny plants for you [45:26] Aesthetic and urban jungle tiny plants for the design-based plant parent [47:25] Edible tiny plants for the urban farmer plant parent [50:15] The tiny plants genus to check out if you’re a curious collector typ
S6 E120 · Tue, April 13, 2021
Designing and Planning my Garden // Coaching with Nicole of Gardenary
I think we all know that there are a lot of lessons to be learned in the garden and that's twofold: literally how to garden and how to grow food, reconnect with our food chain, and deepen our relationship with nature. I am so excited to deepen my gardening knowledge this summer with My First Garden Series, where I troubleshoot and try my first shot at outdoor gardening outside of the tiny balcony garden that I have had since I've launched the show. In this episode, I invite Nicole from Gardenary for an in-depth garden coaching, sprinkled with wonderful insights about self-love, reconnecting with nature, and just life in general. Let’s dive in! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [00:04:40] The exciting news for the Bloom and Grow community! [00:08:23] Who is Nicole Burke of Gardenary, how she turned into a gardener, and how gardening has helped her regain her sense of self [00:11:37] How the idea behind Gardenary came to be and Nicole’s ultimate dream for the company [00:15:10] Maria shares her first garden experience, her gardening education, and what she hopes to accomplish this gardening season [00:16:47] The advantages of raised bed gardening vs row gardening and in-ground gardening [00:18:03] The minimum space, cost, and time requirements for beginner gardeners [00:22:07] Nicole’s raised bed suggestion for long and rectangular plots of land and how to work with constraints in your garden [00:25:20] What is the maximum width for a garden bed? How much space should you put in between your garden beds? [00:30:43] How to address garden planning overwhelm and why Nicole believes gardening shouldn’t take time [00:32:45] Why setting up your garden properly is doing 90% of the work [00:34:37] Maria shares her favorite stroll and gardening companion [00:36:25] Where to get the best grow lights for all plant needs and the best seed starter packages for this season! [00:39:06] The best gardening advice Maria has gotten from her mom [00:39:54] Nicole shares the meaning behind her saying “think about nature” and how to reshape our thinking when it comes to plants and their growing abilities [00:43:47] Which plants should you mix in in your bed? How understanding plant families and the best seasons to grow them can give you the best yield [00:47:04] Should you be mindful of shading when combining large plants with smaller ones? Nicole shares the better factors that you should consider: temperature and timing [00:49:39] Where should you face your beds? [00:50:53] Should you start flowers from seeds or from seedlings? What are the best flowers to grow for beginners? [00:54:06] The best smaller sunflowers to grow and where to place them
S6 E119 · Tue, April 06, 2021
Intro to Bonsai
Do any of you remember that store in the mall that sold mini bonsai trees and meditative water features? I was pretty obsessed with them as a kid and was so taken with these tiny trees, all the miniaturization of these beautiful, serene scenes. I definitely had and killed several of those trees in my teenage years, and I’m put at ease to hear I’m not the only one after speaking to many of you on Instagram about bonsai and our guest today, Bjorn from Eisei-en Bonsai. We cover a lot about this niche hobby of bonsai within an already niche of plant care, so let's get to it! Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [00:04:44] How Bjorn became the bonsai expert he is today [00:05:35] How long does a bonsai apprenticeship take? What are typical duties for a bonsai apprentice? [00:07:31] Bjorn shares his experience in Japan and being an apprentice [00:09:16] How to properly pronounce ‘bonsai’ and what it means [00:09:40] What is a bonsai? How do you classify a tree as a bonsai tree? [00:10:56] Can you turn any tree into a bonsai? [00:11:54] Apical dominance vs lateral dominance [00:14:14] How to measure bonsais and the different bonsai size classifications: shohin and chuhin [00:16:03] Where did bonsais originate from? [00:17:43] How do you differentiate between indoor bonsais and outdoor bonsais? What are great plants for both types? [00:19:29] How much light do bonsais need? [00:20:25] The basic bonsai potting mix: pumice, lava rock, and akadama (yes, it’s Japanese!) [00:22:01] How much fertilizer does your bonsai need? What kind of fertilizer should you apply to your bonsai? [00:23:26] Bonsai and teabags: how to ‘tea’ your bonsai when adding fertilizer [00:24:19] Why growing bonsais is about practicing control [00:25:00] How to take care of sick bonsai trees and what the long-term goal is for growing bonsais [00:26:02] What bonsais can teach us about patience [00:26:20] Where to get the best soil mixes for all plant needs [00:27:36] How to keep deer and wildlife from your garden [00:29:27] Do you want your bonsais to bloom? [00:30:51] How often should you water bonsais? Bjorn gives us the how-to and why’s on watering bonsais [00:34:32] Bonsai and shade cloths: where should you place your bonsai? What is a bonsai’s ideal light situation? [00:36:20] Bonsai pruning 101 [00:37:32] Plant nerd facts: what are the growth hormones auxin and cytokine and what do they do? [00:40:05] Why are bonsai trees in small and shallow pots? [00:41:20] How much of a bonsai tree’s roots should you prune? [00:42:48] Why spring is the best time to prune your bonsai [00:43:41] Root galls
S6 E118 · Tue, March 23, 2021
Understanding Hardiness Zones, Frost Dates and Microclimates in the Garden, #118
I’ve always known that Hardiness Zones and Frost Dates are important to planning your outdoor garden… but plant friend, I’ve never quite understood what they were or why they were so important. I’ve gotten as far as typing my zip code into the hardiness zone website, getting my “number” and then pretty much not doing anything with it. As I look to plan my first grown up garden this summer, I knew I needed help, so I asked Rochelle Greayer, of the renowned garden design website Pith & Vigor, who has years of garden design under her belt to help break all of these important concepts down for us, to better understand our outdoor environments. So many lightbulb moments in this episode let's dive right in. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [04:46] What Maria has in store for fellow novice gardeners like her this summer! [05:40] How Rochelle went from flying aircraft and satellites to a full-time garden designer [08:34] What Rochelle loves about garden design—and Maria’s luxury spa biophilic experience [10:00] The many careers you can get into if you want to pursue a plant profession [11:26] Do plants really clean the air in your apartment? Maria discusses this hot topic circulating in the plant community [13:10] The topics that Maria wants to understand about outdoor gardens [13:49] What are hardiness zones? What are the pros and cons of the USDA Hardiness Zones? [17:23] The difference between the USDA hardiness zones and the American Horticultural Society (AHS) Heat Zones [18:39] What does a plant’s hardiness mean? [19:20] Once you know your hardiness zone, how do you apply that information to your outdoor garden? [21:11] Does hardiness matter for annual plants? [21:58] How do frost dates differ from hardiness zones? What are frost dates actually for? [23:10] Why it is important to know frost dates—beware of last frost! [25:54] What’s more important between hardiness zone and frost dates? [26:25] The best seeds, soil, and fertilizers for your indoor and outdoor garden this season! [29:48] How to plan your garden with your hardiness zone and frost dates information [31:02] Frost date hack: you can extend your growing season inside! [32:31] Understanding how a plant supports itself during growing season [35:06] What are the Sunset climate zones? [36:58] Listener question #1: How much does microclimate affect your predicted garden zones? What is a microclimate? [39:31] How do you know if you have a microclimate in the garden? [41:06] Listener question #2: What methods can be used to push gardening zones, if a plant is hardy just outside your gardening zone? [41:43] Why it’s important to pay attent
S6 E117 · Tue, March 09, 2021
Alocasia Care with Enid from NSE Tropicals
Of all the plants I’m feeling drawn to these days, Alocasia are at the top of my list. I feel like their weird, semi heart shaped, semi ovular shaped leaves look like little alien heads looking at me, popping out from my collection to say hello. They are oddly friendly but also strange looking plants that I’m obsessed with. There are so many reasons to love Alocasia, from the unique leaf shape, to their gorgeous vein patterns and the incredible variety of colors you see, I’m particularly entranced by Alocasia cuprea. Today we are joined by Enid from NSE Tropicals againt o dive deep into Alocasia care and best plants for different types of plant parents. I dare you to not try this amazing genus of plants after listening, sweet plant friend. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up! In this episode we learn: [04:13] Reintroducing Enid, why Maria is OBSESSED with alocasia, and what this episode has in store [05:19] Where can you find alocasias in nature? [06:00] With their similar beautiful features, how can you tell alocasias and anthurium apart? [07:44] What Maria loves about alocasias [08:17] Do alocasias love humidity? What kind of potting mix is ideal for them? [10:35] How often should you water your alocasias? [10:53] Is there a particular light situation that alocasias like? [12:41] What you should always remember when taking care of alocasias (or anthuriums!) [13:27] Enid shares how often she uses fertilizer and what fertilizer she uses on her alocasias [14:20] The experience behind why Maria is intimidated by alocasias [14:42] What happens to alocasias during their dormant period? What are things you can do when they are dormant? [17:42] Where to best get your garden planting needs this season! [19:37] Is there a perfect starter plant for everyone? Maria compiled the best ones suited for YOU [20:55] What is a corm and how does it function for alocasias? [21:25] How do you propagate alocasias? Can you propagate from their leaves? [22:06] Enid shares the most common mistake you might be making with your alocasias! [22:41] How do you save an alocasia from root rot? Can you STILL save it? [24:06] On the ground or in a pot, what’s the best way to keep alocasias upright and prevent them from tipping over? [25:13] What potting situation do alocasias prefer? [26:03] The possible explanation on why your alocasia is growing more flowers than leaves [27:21] Is preventing your alocasias’ dormancy harmful for them in the long-term? [28:53] You alocasias are actually pretty smart! [29:35] Enid’s alocasia recommendations for all stages of plant parents! [30:18] Maria and Enid share their stories with the hardy
S6 E116 · Tue, February 23, 2021
Houseplant Identification Basics with The Crazy Botanist
So we’ve all been in a garden center and picked up a plant, or had a friend give us a cutting and look at the plant in our hands and think “ummm what is this thing?” Today’s episode is all about learning some basic skills for identifying houseplants and how to observe our plants in order to get to know them better. We are joined by Derek of The Crazy Botanist for a higher level conversation about basic houseplant identification, and how to change our thinking around plants to see them for their leaf shapes, flowers and other identifying factors instead of just a name. This episode is a nice palate cleanser that encourages us to zoom out in our relationship to plants, in addition to the intense nerdy specifics we always like to deep dive on. I hope you enjoy it. In this episode we learn: [02:05] Introducing Derek and episode key ideas [04:17] How Derek got into the plant parent life, where his obsession with plants started, and how he uses his degree in Botany! [06:23] How are plants classified? What is binomial nomenclature and how is it used to classify any living organism? [09:32] Derek breaks down the hierarchy of binomial nomenclature and the questions related to each denomination [12:54] What should we be looking for when identifying houseplants? What should we keep in mind when describing plants for identification? [15:33] What is the best—and easiest!—way to identify leaves? [17:39] Derek emphasizes the importance of proper communication in plant identification [18:26] Why Maria recommends having screen-free time with your plants [19:06] Derek shares his method of identification when going plant shopping—which you can also do! [21:07] A short history of plant identification methods and how the internet has made plant identification easier today [23:24] Where to get the most amazing indoor and outdoor gardening products and the best potting mixes [24:24] The best resource for your seed starting this season [26:30] How do you identify the flowers in your houseplants? Derek enumerates some factors that will help you with flower identification. [33:10] What identifying factors should you look for in stems? Do snake plants even have stems? [35:06] What are some houseplants that don’t look alike but are actually closely related? [37:03] Are there plants that look alike but are not related? Of course! [38:52] How do you tell maranta, calathea, ctenanthe, and stromanthe apart? [42:59] Where does The Crazy Botanist go for plant identification resources? [46:26] Derek reiterates the importance of accessible and understandable scientific communication [48:00] A little begonia identification lesson with help from the American Begonia Society! [51:20] Maria reflects on plant identification and how it helps us become better plant parents and better members of the pla
S6 E115 · Tue, February 09, 2021
Anthurium Care with Enid from NSE Tropicals
When I think Jungle Vibes, anthuriums always come to mind. Their large leaves, mesmerizing vein patterns in the leaves, long slim stems and gorgeous flowers have such a prehistoric look to them. There is so much more to the world of Anthuriums besides the one you can always pick up in the grocery store, so today we welcome back the queen of the aroids, Enid from NSE tropicals to do a deep dive on Anthurium care. NSE Tropicals is one of the most sought after rare plant provider in the US. Restocks routinely sell out in minutes and we are lucky that the mastermind behind it, Enid joins us today for an in depth discussion. Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast, because Enid will be back next month, to discuss Alocasia care! In this episode we learn: How Maria’s wishlist plants have changed since she first started collecting [02:15] How you can help grow the Bloom and Grow Radio community! [04:00] Enid shares the wonderful story behind the NSE Tropicals, and its 21 year-old plant collecting history! [05:11] Why anthuriums are starting to be a big trend within the plant community [06:22] The interesting environment and origins of anthuriums [06:56] Basic care tips for indoor anthuriums on soil mix and humidity [11:05] Enid’s quick plant hack on increasing humidity [13:19] How to properly water your anthuriums [14:32] What’s the optimal humidity level for indoor anthuriums? [16:37] Do different varieties of anthuriums need different types of light? [18:08] Enid shares her own observations between anthuriums in a greenhouse versus anthuriums in open-air setups [19:19] Why plant parents should always consider the natural environment of their plants [20:06] Where to best get your garden planting needs this season! [21:08] Enid explains why your leaves shouldn’t feel hot to the touch [23:27] How to REALLY know your plants according to Enid [24:11] Are anthurium leaves drooping normal? How do you differentiate between an unhappy plant and normal plant behavior? [25:31] The nasty pests you should be looking out for when taking care of anthuriums and how to get rid of them the right way [27:10] General fertilizer tips for anthuriums and Enid’s recommended brands [29:08] What is pollination for? What are inflorescences? [30:19] Enid’s top 3 anthurium recommendations for beginner plant parents [34:24] Enid’s top 3 anthurium recommendations for advanced plant parents [35:12] Maria shares her future anthurium plans and what to expect from the next episode with Enid [37:03] Mentioned in our conversation: BAGR Episode Aroids 101 Part 1 BAGR Episode Aroids 101 Part 2 <a href="https:/
S6 E114 · Tue, January 26, 2021
Seed Starting 101 with Joe Lamp'l, #114
So many of us got bitten by the outdoor gardening bug last year and learned there is no better way to connect with the food we eat.. then by growing it. My passion for growing edible plants has grown, like my space has. My first garden was a tiny box full of herbs and one tomato plant on our tiny balcony three years ago, and since then, the balcony containers grew, and now I’m excited to be in our first home with acres to farm this summer. Starting these edible plants from seed has been a bit intimidating, but in my efforts to continue growing as a plant parent, I’m ready to take the plunge and dive in. Starting from seed offers us the ability to be in control of the varieties we grow, plan in advance and save lots of money in the long run. My dear friend and mentor Joe Lamp’l- the "joe behind joe gardener" is the king of organic gardening and has an amazing seed starting course launching this week and was kind enough to stop by and give us the inside scoop on seed starting basics, and inspire us to deepen our curiosity about where food comes from and empower us to grow it ourselves. If this episode or topic inspires you... join me in Joe's 2021 Master Seed Starting Course! Enrollment is only a week long and closes February 2nd, 2021! Use my affiliate link here and get access to the private zoom call with Joe and Myself specifically for our Bloom and Grow Community! We will have the call in March, after we have all binged the course, and troubleshoot our specific questions with Joe and grow as a community together! In this episode we learn: [00:00:10] Maria shares her favorite experiences and benefits of seed starting [00:02:11] Where to get the best seeds for your spring and summer gardens this year [00:06:20] Joe demystifies seed starting and why you shouldn’t be nervous about starting your own garden! [00:07:24] What Joe does for a living and where you can check out for more of his gardening tips [00:09:39] Why Joe emphasizes understanding the why’s of gardening and plant parenthood [00:10:17] Maria shares her own experience with growing seeds and why she didn’t give it a ‘real shot’ prior [00:11:12] Joe talks about the rewarding feeling of starting from a seed versus seedling [00:12:43] The sense of ownership that seed starting instills in us [00:13:31] How growing your own garden expands your food choices [00:14:26] What Maria learned about seed starting versus seedlings when she grew her own tomatoes [00:16:47] Joe answers the question we’re all thinking about: how much do we need for a successful seed starting setup? [00:16:56] Breaking down the materials, the cos
S6 E113 · Tue, January 19, 2021
Plants & the Home Office: Why and How to Green Up Your Work From Home Office Space // #plantywfh, ep 113
So we have said goodbye to 2020 and all of the insanity that came with it, but there is something we haven’t said goodbye to: working from home. Many companies have pledged to work from home well into 2021, leaving us sitting in our sweatpants, computer monitors and weird makeshift home offices with reluctant acceptance. People are spending more time than EVER indoors and at their screens, and that’s why it’s never been MORE important to have plants not only in our homes, but in our work from home office set ups. Since WFH isn't going anywhere, in 2021, I'm choosing to reframe it from a frustration to an opportunity. An opportunity to have complete control over our WFH environment and create our desk space oasis to look exactly like we want it. Today’s episode is all about the why and how behind bringing plants into our workspaces, whether you are still working from home or are back in your office. Cobbling together a work from home set up was STRESSFUL in 2020, in our old apartment I had a desk that folded up into the wall, so I couldn’t even decorate and settle in the way I wanted. But now, as we turn the page to 2021, let’s shake things up create some stress free and joyful moments in our lives! For me the solution here has been plants and something that blew me away recently is how many people in our community are going HAM on their workspaces with plants. I posted my planty wfh set up on IG in December, asking if anyone else created a jungle oasis at their desk the way I did in 2020, and SO many of you sent pictures of your amazing planty home office set ups , and asked for help and ideas for how to set up your own. So this episode is for you plant friends, inspired by you and members of our community, and I hope everyone walks away from this episode with one idea to incorporate a little more green into their daily workflow. I’ve broken this episode into two sections: the WHY where we dive into the reasons why having plants are so important in our space and talk a little about biophilic design and then part two the HOW. I share ideas inspired from the WHY section, break down the ways I incorporated plants and biophilic design into my home office and then review some photos listeners sent in and hope their setups might inspire you as well. Get the free download with 9 Tips for Greening Up Your Work From Home Office Space In the episode we learn: [02:07] Why Bloom and Grow Radio is doing an episode on #plantywfh spaces [04:39] Check out Maria’s Planty WFH space tour [05:03] What to expect from this episode on work from home setups and biophilic design [06:50] The AMAZING and unbelievable benefits of engaging wit
S6 E112 · Tue, January 12, 2021
Humidity Deep Dive and Winter Plant Care with the Plant Daddy Podcast Daddies, #112
One of the biggest questions I’ve gotten from our community is how to understand humidity and watering better. As we are in the depths of winter, humidity is a big topic and focus in our plant care routines, and you are going to hear a LOT about it today in a nerdy deep dive with two other plant podcasters, the daddies of the Plant Daddy Podcast Stephen and Matthew. I knew there couldn’t be a better guests than these two guys who are total nerds and maybe the only two other people who get as jazzed as doing weird deep dives into plant care as I am. This conversation was supposed to be 40 minutes and ended up being 90 because we just couldn’t stop talking about plants and winter and humidity and problem solving and I hope your inner plant nerd sees the inner plant nerd in us and just smiles and feels seen. So kick back, cozy up with your plants and enjoy episode 112 of the Bloom and Grow Radio Podcast! Just wanted to let you plant friends know during the time of this interview I got REAL curious and polled you guys about which brands of hygrometers you use (those are the humidity meters we talked about in the episode) and I’ve become a bit obsessed at putting them all over my house and comparing and contrasting the humidity levels in different rooms- from the bedroom to the bathroom to the living room. Check out this youtube video on my hygrometer and moisture meter review. In this episode we learn: [00:05:32] Matthew and Stephen share their personal histories with plants, and Matthew’s previous plant number (it was A LOT) [00:09:31] Matthew and Stephen’s gateway plants and how the difference in their plant interests pave way to a more diverse discussion in their podcast [00:11:03] How the Plant Daddy Podcast came to be [00:14:18] Maria shares the idea behind doing a deep dive episode on humidity and winter plant care [00:15:20] What happens to your plants during winter, the changes you might see in them as it grows colder, and figuring out the light your plants need [00:18:48] Are you making sure that the heat and cold in your home are optimal for your plants? [00:21:10] Should you really just water your plants less come winter time? Matthew has a different and smart answer! [00:22:19] A glimpse into Maria’s opera days: a wet rag on top of the radiator for more humidity [00:24:03] Should you leave your plants touching or close together? [00:25:29] Let’s talk about dormancy! Yes, your plants also take some time to sleep [00:26:29] Matthew’s insightful perspective on plant dormancy and seasonal changes [00:28:36] Stephen’s easy and practical tip to understand plant dormancy [00:32:23] Are your plants required to go through dormancy? Maria, Matthew, and Stephen share their own experiences with controlled
Trailer · Mon, January 11, 2021
Trailer: Bloom and Grow Radio Podcast
Learn to care for plants successfully and cultivate more joy in your life with episodes of the Bloom and Grow Radio Podcast. Ever killed a houseplant before? Host Maria Failla can relate. That’s why she interviews planty experts to get answers to the plant care questions we all have, but might be nervous to ask: like what the heck IS bright indirect light? What is soil and potting mix made up of? Or What IS the best way to water my plants? Tune in to stop killing your plants, learn how to get them to thrive and most importantly, how plants can help us grow a little more joy in our lives while we “Keep Blooming and Keep Growing”! Subscribe to the show on iTunes or your preferred podcast player so you never miss an episode Not sure where to start? Check out the Bloom and Grow Radio Episode Catalogue where all the episodes are broken down by genre: Individual Plant Care, General Plant Care, Nerdy Plant Science, Plants & Wellness, Gardening & more! Want more Bloom and Grow Content? Check out the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show for companion videos and tours of Maria's collections and Planty Projects Follow @bloomandgrowradio on IG for daily planty inspiration. Take the Bloom and Grow Plant Parent Personality Test to unlock your inner plant parent potential with recommended plants, planty projects and podcast episodes tailored specifically for your personality Become a Patreon Plant Friend and support Bloom and Grow Radio for less than a fancy coffee a month! Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S5 E111 · Tue, December 29, 2020
The Art of the Plant Pause and Managing Plant Parent Overwhelm
What a year it’s been. I’m thankful 2020 is coming to a close and excited for 2021, I think a silver lining 2020 has given us is truly understanding the power of plants and how they can help us relieve stress and cultivate more joy in our lives. My goal for Bloom and Grow is to help everyone successfully care for plants for that exact reason, to make the world a kinder and greener place. Now… there is also a dark side to this hobby of plant care. There is a moment in all of our lives where our hobby teeters the thin line between joyful and stressful. Where we fall so deeply in love with plants, maybe we bring too many home at once, or go through a season of life where we can’t care for our collection and then feel disappointed in ourselves. I initially thought my struggles with plant parent overwhelm have been unique, an outlier in our community, but after hearing from you in the listener survey, or in dms and emails, I know this moment of Plant Parent Overwhelm is something we all struggle with. On this episode of BAGR, we revisit highlights of Episode 43: Your Brain On Plants, in which I interviewed Dr Caitlin Vander Weele, a neuroscientist about what chemically happens in our brain when we get addicted for plants. The conversation was eye opening, and on this topic, feel like the things Caitlin shares shed so much light on a problem so many plant parents struggle with at one point through out their plant parenthood. After snippets of that episode with Caitlin, I then share experiences, strategies and suggestions on how to deal with Plant Parent Overwhelm and how to go on a plant pause. In this episode we learn: [03:09] Why Maria wanted to tackle plant parent overwhelm in this special episode [07:17] How this AMAZING liquid fertilizer lessened my stress about plant care [08:56] Maria narrates her personal experience with plant pause and Billy’s intervention when she peaked her plant obsession [10:11] What is dopamine? How does taking care of plants, or successfully growing an herb garden in Maria’s case, release dopamine and fuel our plant craze? [13:16] Dr Caitlin explains how the dopamine in our brains can cause compulsive behaviors a.k.a. buy more plants than we intend [14:41] What is a neurotransmitter? Dr Caitlin describes the molecules, synapses, and receptors in layman’s terms, for better understanding of that new plant high! [17:16] How are plants different from our other ‘material obsessions’? What is oxytocin and why does taking care of plants (and babies) release this hormone? [19:12] The four major stages of compulsive buying behavior: anticipation, preparation, shopping, and regret [21:31] Dr Caitlin explains different research and hypotheses
S5 E110 · Tue, December 15, 2020
Low Waste Plant Parenthood with @farmernicknyc
One of the major things that plants do is help connect us with nature. I think as plant parents, once we use plants to reconnect with ourselves and make our homes look beautiful, they also get us thinking more about nature and the earth and how important it’s preservation is. So today’s episode is exploring just that: plant parenthood and low waste living, and what it means to make intentional decisions about preserving our planet while taking care of ourselves and our plants. I think we are all anxiously looking at 2021 and getting excited about the changes that will come. This is the time to set new years resolutions and just think about how we want to show up in 2021 for ourselves and I think more importantly, there are global conversations happening about how we can show up for those around us and the environment. As I continue to fall deeper in love with plants, I’m finding that I’m falling deeper in love with nature itself and feeling a stronger sense of responsibility to take care of our planet. I’m so excited to welcome Nick Cutsumpas of @farmernicknyc to the podcast and share this conversation with you and to inform and encourage our community to think about how we can apply these concepts of low waste living to not only our lives, but to our hobby of plant care. Nicks been a plant friend of mine for a while and I’ve loved learning more about sustainability from him, and figured he is the perfect intersection of plant parent and environmental activist to have for this chat about how to lead more sustainable lives as humans and plant parents. In this episode we learn: [00:02:26] Introducing Nick Cutsumpas and episode key ideas [00:07:18] What Nick does, what started his plant journey (mothers DO know best!), and how plants served as his ‘saving grace’ when he moved into the city [00:10:38] Check out Nick in Netflix’s new show The Big Flower Fight! [00:11:14] What is regenerative environmental action? Nick explains sustainability vs regenerative [00:13:22] Are houseplant people practicing regenerative methods with their plants? According to Nick, to see is to believe when it comes to taking care of our environment [00:15:01] How Maria realized she could be doing more sustainable practices [00:15:22] Maria’s current idea obsession: plant blindness — Nature Not Furniture! [00:16:32] What Maria thinks of ‘zero waste’ and her reservations with the movement [00:17:17] Nick shares why he thinks plant blindness is similar to waste blindness [00:17:37] Why Nick strives for low waste consumption vs zero waste, how we as consumers can apply low waste consumpti
S5 E109 · Tue, December 08, 2020
Episode 109: Passive Hydroponics 2.0 and the LECA VS PON Debate
I’m so excited to welcome back Kay from @inrootedlove for a next level conversation on the soil free Semi Hydroponic or Passive Hydroponic Lifestyle. You might remember Kay from episode 77 an Intro to Semi or Passive Hydroponics- so now that year has passed and our community has been experimenting with this style of growing- she’s joining me again discuss what a year of passive- hydro has looked like, dive deeper into the concepts and answer listener questions. For those of you who don't know: Passive Hydroponics is a method for keeping plants not in soil, but in LECA or PON Lechuza (inorganic substrates) and managing their nutrients yourself, instead of using potting mix. It’s a plant parent lifestyle many people swear by. I initially was NOT sold on the complexities of preparing LECA, measuring nutrients and more, but after a year of experimenting with passive-hydro I definitely see the value in this practice! So if you haven’t listened to that first episode - I highly recommend starting there before listening in on this one. Two other ways to learn about Passive Hydro this week! Giveaway: Head over to @bloomandgrowradio on IG to enter our Passive Hydro Starter Kit Giveaway! We are giving away two rooted cuttings of Kay's marble pothos and two net pots with enough LECA and Lechuza to plant up each cutting in the substrates and conduct your OWN experiments! Youtube: Kay and I also made a companion video for the BAG Youtube Show where Kay gives us a mini LECA vs Lechuza tutorial and actually shows us how to pot up a plant types of substrate. If you’re curious on her techniques, click the link in the show notes to check the video out after you listen to this episode! FYI The Bloom and Grow Website got a pretty epic makeover and I’d love for you to head on over and check it out- you can learn a little more about me, snag all of the freebies I’ve created for ya over the years, shop the Bloom and Grow Merch and Plant Friends Apparel line AND we’ve got a shop now that houses all the sponsor discount codes, my favorite books and courses and more. Thanks to Digital Grace Design for doing such an amazing job. In this episode we learn: What Kay's Plant Number is How Kay manages to keep 200+ plants in her home happy and healthy with NO grow lig
S5 E108 · Tue, November 24, 2020
How to Use Plants to Create Restorative Environments, #108
I recently took Intro to Horticultural Therapy at NYBG and Anne Meore, my teacher, joins me today to discuss the biggest lessons learned in class, review some studies we learned about on the science behind the plant/people connection and to discuss the concept and use of restorative spaces. As I “bloom and grow” as a plant parent and a business I am becoming more curious about the science behind the plant/person connection. The more I learn and read about plants as restorative instruments for human body and spirit, I’m realizing plants not only make people happy, but can help us heal faster and restore our brains to their natural state. We have never needed these tools MORE, especially after this year which has kept us all inside and glued to screens. Everyone can create a restorative environment in their own home, so Anne walks us through the components of a restorative space and then we brainstorm some awesome ways to create a restorative space even in our limited indoor environments. I wanted to thank NYBG for letting me take Intro to Hort Therapy with Anne, our guest today. If you are NY based, NYBG is open and magical during the winter. Discover the peaceful winter beauty across NYBG’s 250 acre landscape, from the winding trails of their old-growth forest to their arboretum collections of historic trees and ornamental conifers and get cozy in their conservatory with every tropical plant you could imagine. It’s a really spirit lifter and restorative space for me, especially in the winter. Plus, the Holiday Train Show returns this year for Members only and is on view through January 31. In this episode we learn: Why Anne became a Horticultural Therapist How 2020 has caused Maria and Anne to re-evaluate their priorities and plants have been instrumental Using plants to cope with the trauma of Covid Directed vs Involuntary attention Directed attention and mental fatigue What is mental fatigue and how does it negatively impact us 4 Key Components of a restorative space: Being Away, Fascination, Extent and Compatibility, and what they mean How simple views of nature can help: Views from a Window and Views to Nature: Effects on Attention Attention Restoration Theory How to create a restorative environment indoors Mentioned in our conversation: Books Biophilia The Nature Fix Forest Bathing Studies The Restorative Benefits of Nature: Toward an Integrative Framework, Kaplan Restorative Effects of Natural Environment Experiences: Hartig, Man, Evans A Walk in the Woods, Anna Lena Phillips View from a Window, Ulrich Healthy nature healthy people: 'contact with nature' as an upstream health prom
S5 E107 · Tue, November 10, 2020
How to Care For a Large Urban Jungle with @cyrilcybernated, @soulsistaplants and @welcometothejunglehome
Boy of boy am I excited about this EPICly planty conversation. This episode is inspired largely by the responses in the BAGR 2020 Listener Survey I’ve been combing through. Many of us in the community are loving collecting plants, but have struggled with the overwhelm of learning how to manage your ever growing collections- so I decided to ask three plantstagrammers who have collections I’ve admired for a while, to pick their brains for their top tips for organizing, managing and designing with their plant collections of 75+ plants. BONUS- we’ve put together a giveaway with cuttings of our personal collections (including a cutting of Raffi my Raphidophora) on IG, so after you’re done listening, head over to IG to make sure you enter! Giveaway runs Tuesday November 10th, 2020 @ Noon through Friday November 13th @ Noon. I’m going to be honest with you plant friends, I wrestled with the idea for this episode, because I in no way want this episode to make anyone feel pressured to increase their collections. I want to stress this: the right number of plants is completely different for each person, for some people it’s 3 and no more, for others, like our fab guests, it’s more! I want to encourage everyone to go for quality, not quantity and stick with the amount of plants that brings you joy and not stress. I’ll be sharing more of my thoughts on this and my personal collection at the end of this episode after the conversation comes to a close, so listen to the end! THAT being said, for those of you WITH larger collections who might be struggling or curious about how other plant parents do it- this episode is jammed packed with amazing ideas that i hope leave you inspired! You can also check out some clips of this episode on the youtube channel, where you can see their planty set ups and beautiful faces if you want more after this listen! Take the Bloom and Grow Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle) In this episode we learn: Meet Lucrecer from @soulsistaplants [9:00] Meet Phoebe from @welcometothejunglehome [11:00] Meet Cyril from @cyrilcybernated What is their Plant Number (How Many Plants they have in their homes) [22:26] Phoebe's top 3 tips for caring for a large plant collection [28:12] Lucrecer's top 3 tips for caring for a large plant [31:00] Cyril's top 3 tips for caring for a large plant collection [41:30] Each guests' best designing tip for plant styling [48:20] Maria's journey of dealing with the overwhelm that came with growing her personal collection[1:02:50] How to deal with Plant Parent Overwhelm Giveaway on Instagram with cuttings of Cyril, Lucrecer, Phoebe and Maria's collections! The youtube video that accompanies this episo
S5 E106 · Tue, October 27, 2020
Hoya Care Basics and Best Hoyas for Your Lifestyle with Doug from Vermont Hoya
Plant friends, I’m so excited to finally bring this highly request episode to your earbuds! I have to be honest, for the first 3 years I really wasn’t getting the whole “hoya craze” that many of my plant friends were going through, I just didn’t get it. But after I was gifted a Hoya compacta from a listener… and realized how much it looked like stacked tortellinis, I started falling in love. THEN I went down a rabbit hole of what Hoya flowers looked like and I was sold. When looking for a guest for this show, I knew I had to look no further than Doug Chamberlain, the man behind Vermont Hoyas. Doug is one of the most successful Hoya collectors in all of the states and documents his collection on his blog. Today he shares his passion for hoyas and lots of information about them: where they grow in the wild, basic care, how he achieves ideal humidity in his home, a deep dive into flowers, we bust a few Hoya myths and then he shares his Top 5 Hoyas for Beginners, 3 Hoyas for Advanced Plant Parents and then assigns the perfect Hoya for each Plant Parent Personality. You’re going to hear a lot of intimidating latin plant names, but he provided amazing photos of all the hoyas which we have collected for your hoya heads in two ways: You can find them on the blog We’ve made a youtube episode with just the matchmaking portion of this podcast with Doug’s photos superimposed over the audio, so you can watch and listen along to connect the photos to what we are talking about. I hope this episode sparks your curiosity within the Hoya family, and I'd love to know what your favorite Hoya's are! Share them with my on instagram @bloomandgrowradio. In this episode we learn: Dougs Plant Parent History and introduction to Hoya and his Ideal Hoya Set Up Where Hoya's live in nature [11:11] Why are Hoya's called "the wax plant" [14:00] Where Hoya got it's name [15:20] General Care Guidelines for All Hoyas [15:40] Doug's Set Up (and humidity hacks0 [16:29] What does a sunburn look like on a Hoya leaf [19:50] Best Watering Practices for Hoya [21:00] Words of encouragement from Doug when you have a hoya fail [24:00] If Hoya's like to be potbound [25:30] How to pot up a hoya [26:26] Best potting mix for a Hoya [27:50] What is a peduncle [32:00] What is bud blast [33:50] Why does a hoya bud fall off before it blooms [34:27] How to get your hoya to bloom [35:15] What is a "day length specific" hoya bloom How frequently does a Hoya bloom [38:00] Is there a hack to force Hoya to flower?
S5 E105 · Tue, October 13, 2020
How Plants Communicate Through VOCs and the "Wood Wide Web" with Dr Elle Barnes from NYBG
Today we invite Dr Elle Barnes back to the show after our very successful conversation after I took Intro to Plant Science with her at NYBG. Elle is a scientist and teacher for NYBG and in addition to Intro to Plant Science, I recently took The Science of Tree Communication class with as well. It was WILD to learn about the underground “wood wide web” that the forest runs on, and how trees communicate with one another through VOCs. I frequently go for morning walks in nearby woods, and since I took that class, I truly look at forest environment differently, and have such a deeper appreciation for it. Plant friends, there is a network of mycorrhizae negotiating transport of vital compounds for trees under every step we take outside! How cool is that?! In addition to the “Wood Wide Web,” a big part of our conversation in The Science of Tree Communication class was HOW trees and plants communicate with each other through VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds. Since VOCs are a hot topic in the plant community regarding how “plants clean air”, we took a deep dive to understanding this concept. Get ready to learn all about VOCs, what they are, how they are used and the great “Wood Wide Web”. Thanks to the NYBG for continuing to create enriching courses that have helped further my Plant Parent Knowledge. Check their offerings out here If you are in the NY area, the NYBG is back open, including the Palm Conservatory and is an absolutely DREAM! Consider becoming a member! Have you taken the 2020 Bloom and Grow Radio Listener Survey ?! Please take 5 minutes to take this survey and be a part of the future of Bloom and Grow Radio and Media! I did this survey 2 years ago and it was INSTRUMENTAL in planning episode topics and community resources. I can't wait to hear from you! What's your Plant Parent Personality? Take the FREE Bloom and Grow Plant Parent Personality Quiz to get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle In this episode we learn: How and why plants communicate with each other The "fake news" that VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are all bad for us How plants use VOCs to communicate with each other and themselves The above ground plant communication system If plants ACTUALLY clean the air, and how and why we might have been mislead with this notion If VOCS are all bad The difference between a VOC that comes off of a plant and one that comes off of a carpet The truth about the scent of fresh cut grass (and why it smells that way) What the scent of a rose actually is (it's a VOC!) How plants use VOCs to attract pollinator
S5 E104 · Tue, September 29, 2020
Indoor Plant Projects for Kids with MrDTimes3
"You can't reach the brain till you go through the heart" - Joe Dombrowski I'm thrilled to welcome back Joe Dombrowski (@mrDtimes3) to the show after our wonderful episode on Plants in the Classroom a couple of years ago. Since then a lot has changed, Joe and I have become IRL friends (I was able to visit him in 2019 and we took an amazing trip to the Amazon Spheres together which you'll hear about in the episode), Joe has become a full time comedian AND... classrooms are looking very different these days. Since many kids are home with the pandemic, Joe and I thought we'd put together a list of fun planty experiments and projects to do with kids while we spend this time at home together. There is a project for every type of kid and every age. We hope this episode helps with ideas to get children (or adult children like us!) off of their phones and into the dirt and getting curious about plants. Please share your projects with us on instagram! @mrdtimes3 & @bloomandgrowradio Have you taken the 2020 Bloom and Grow Radio Listener Survey - Please take 5 minutes to take this survey and be a part of the future of Bloom and Grow Radio and Media! I did this survey 2 years ago and it was INSTRUMENTAL in planning episode topics and community resources. I can't wait to hear from you! In this episode we learn: Joe and Maria remember their trip to the Amazon Spheres together Joe's opinion on kids going back to school [12:25] Project 1: Seed Germination in a Bag [19:50] Project 2: Sweet Potato Experiment and understanding the scientific process Project 3: Pothos Propagation 3 Ways Project 4: Fairy Gardens and Terrariums Project 5: List of Interactive Plants for Kids Joe's list of his personal favorite plants in his collection Joe's most recent plant parent win For photos and instructions for these projects, check the blog for today's podcast https://bloomandgrowradio.com/ kids / Mentioned in this episode: Episode 23: Plants in the Classroom with @mrdtimes3 Maria's new tiktok account Bloom and Grow Youtube Channel Here is a link to the book A Family Guide to Terrariums Mushroom Grow Kits! This is my favorite one from Back to the Roots! Back to the Roots <a href="https://amzn.to/3itw3p
S5 E103 · Tue, September 15, 2020
How to Water Your Plants with Chris Satch
So thrilled to welcome Chris Satch back to the show for an UNBELIEVABLE, comprehensive conversation on all things WATERING! We cover everything from top watering, bottom watering, troubleshooting, how to identify root rot and many listener questions. This is not an episode to miss if you have any questions around watering your plants! Have you taken the 2020 Bloom and Grow Radio Listener Survey - Please take 5 minutes to take this survey and be a part of the future of Bloom and Grow Radio and Media! I did this survey 2 years ago and it was INSTRUMENTAL in planning episode topics and community resources. I can't wait to hear from you! Check out my youtube video on how I water my plants In this episode we learn: [5:00]What Chris is loving in his collection lately A quick overview on how to propagate fern spores How to grow mosses [12:30] What BAGR listeners are struggling with when it comes to how to water your plants [13:00] Why is watering so important to our plants? [14:20] What are xylem and phloem and how do the affect watering? [15:40] What is transpiration? [16:20] The connection between soil moisture and light [18:18] How humidity affects transpiration and our plants watering schedules [21:15] What are microclimates and how do they affect humidity [23:30] Watering Hack #1: Group Plants with Similar Needs Together [24:50] Chris's opinion on Top Watering Vs Bottom Watering [26:20 ] Best Top Watering Practices [29:00] Maria's (STRONG) opinion about care cards and watering instructions [30:50] What does "water when dry" mean- how many inches of soil should the top of the soil dry out [32:42] Watering Hack #2: Use the pot weight to understand how heavy soil saturation feels and get to know how a dry pot feels like as well [36:20] What is the ideal temperature for watering your plants [36:50] How to leave water in the catch tray of your pot with drainage [ 40:20] Best Bottom Watering Practices [42:10] Chris's issues with Bottom Watering [46:34] Root Rot: what it is, how do we fix it, how can we avoid it [48:30] Signs that you've under watered your plant [48:40] Signs that you've over watered your plant [49:50] Maria's honest experience about overwatering her plants this year [55:30] How Chris saves his plants from root rot [55:50] Chris's (STRONG) opinion about self watering pots [1:01:22] The truth about spritzing (you might not like this) [1:01:53] How brown tips can actually be a sign on fungal infection and not humidity or underwatering [1:06] How to use fungicide to treat brown edges on a plant [1:07] Why using warm water is
S5 E102 · Tue, September 01, 2020
Episode 102: Garden to Table! Herb Inspired Recipes
The 2020 Bloom and Grow Radio Listener Survey is live!- Please take 5 minutes to take this survey and be a part of the future of Bloom and Grow Radio and Media! I did this survey 2 years ago and it was INSTRUMENTAL in planning episode topics and community resources. We had 1000 people complete the survey last time, so my goal for this survey is 3000 planty listeners! I can't wait to hear from you! At this point in the growing season, I'm sure we all have some beautifully bushy herb plants... and maybe no ideas of what to make with them. Today's episode is focused on getting these homegrown herbs into our bellies! (If you want help learning how to grow herbs, check out Episode 22: Windowsill Herb Gardening). I’ve connected with some brilliant female chefs who share their favorite herb inspired recipes! Each chef chose an herb, they share why they love it in recipes so much and then educates us on how to cook their favorite dish inspired by their herb! The first chunk of this episode is three powerhouse professional chefs who guide us through a LOT of helpful cooking and herb pairing info with mouth watering recipes. Then stay tuned to the end, where Billy shares his famous pesto recipe and my Italian Mom, Mama Failla, shares two sauces you can make with a bounty from the garden. Cooking food that I’ve grown myself has been one of the most rewarding parts of my plant parenthood journey, I hope this episodes not only gets you growing but gets you cooking too! Make sure to report back to me and these chefs on IG about what you make! In this episode we learn: [6:50] Getting to know Chef Serena Wolf and her thoughts on using Mint in recipes [16:50] MINT (and BASIL)Watermelon Salad with Tomato, Feta and Herb Vinaigrette Recipe breakdown and tips [30:30] Getting to know Chef Priyanka and learn about Coriander/Cilantro and how she uses it in recipe [36:55] Coriander Vs Cilantro and how to cook with it's 3 components: Seed, Stem and Leaf [40:00] Chef Priyanka's balance of Sweet, Salty, Spicy, Bitter and Umami and how Coriander plays a strong role in that [43:19] CORIANDER Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Turmeric, Fennel Seed and Dates [50:20] Getting to know Pastry Chef (and high school friend) Becca Newman [58:00] Becca breaks down the flavor profile of Lemon Verbena [1:01:26] Becca's philosophy of "what grows together, goes together" [1:01] LEMON VERBENA Cherry Chocolate and Lemon Verbena Ice Box Cake Recipe [1:17:40] Other herb options to substitute into the Ice Box Cake recipe if you don't have lemon verbena [1:21:33] BASIL with BILLY! And his famous walnut pesto recipe (we also reveal who we have a couples crush on) [1:24:10] Why Billy uses walnuts instead of pine nuts in
S5 E101 · Tue, August 18, 2020
Styling with Plants with Danae from Folia Collective
Take the Bloom and Grow Radio 2020 Listener Survey! It’s always a pleasure to have my #plantfriendIRL Danae from Folia Collective back on the show. Danae is a beloved guest of BAGR from her episode on How to Start a Plant Shop. The Folia Collective shops are in Los Angeles and she has created an epic planty brand for herself and her shops that filled with the most gorgeous, varied plants and beautiful plant accessories. Danae has always had an unbelievable eye for design and style and so it makes complete sense that she was tapped to write her new book which just came out: Houseplants for All: How to Fill Any Home with Happy Plants This is a really unique book at the intersection of Plant Care and Plant Styling. I’m so excited about and Danae was nice enough to join me for a conversation around Plant Styling. I… am not so gifted with an eye for design, so this conversation was super informative and left me with lots of great ideas for projects and guidelines for our future home. In this episode we learn: How and why Danae started Folia Collective Why she decided to create a book focused on plant styling and plant care Danae's personal plant style How to manage "trends" and the pressure to constantly buy new stuff Why style and care need to go to together What Danae's approach to plant style and plant consulting is Maria outs her most embarrassing plant killer story How to take the best instagram shot of your plants... and still have they stay healthy How to match your lifestyle with your plants Why Maria is the greatest planty Marie Kondo Student Danae's plant styling tips Danae's Tips for Styling Large Plant Collection to look Curated and not Cluttered Choose a unifying theme for your planters (Maria's theme is white and terracotta) Think about how you arrange your plants: varying height, texture and shapes Group plants together (trays are a great way to bring groups together) Stack pots on top of each other to create height. You can flip a pot upside down and put another pot on top Mentioned in today's episode: Buy Danae's New Book! Houseplants for All: How to Fill Any Home with Happy Plants * *BAGR Amazon Affiliate code* Thank you to today's episode spo
S5 E100 · Tue, August 11, 2020
100: 10 Planty Lessons Learned from 100 Episodes
Plant Friends WELCOME to the 100th episode of Bloom and Grow Radio. Wow, I can’t believe we are here. 100 episodes over 3 years, when I really thought we might not get past episode 10. I’m humbled, proud and incredibly honored to have been through this journey alongside you. If you’ve been listening, you’ll know that this podcast was such an insane surprise for me. I’m a professional musical theater performer with a degree is in opera, I’ve spent my life as a plant killer, and now here I am, publishing this episode in celebration of 100 times we as a community have shown up to learn and grow together and nerd out about plants and plant care. What?! I’m so thankful to this community for supporting the show with your listens, shares, contributions and engagement. Beyond thankful. So today is going to be a celebration of just that- this beautiful community. Speaking of community here are some resources I've made for our community to use! The 2020 Bloom and Grow Radio Listener Survey - Please take 5 minutes to take this survey and let me get to know you! I did this survey 2 years ago and it was INSTRUMENTAL in planning episode topics and community resources. We had 1000 people complete the survey last time, so my goal for this survey is 3000 planty listeners! I can't wait to hear from you! The Bloom and Grow Radio Episode Directory! I realize 100 episodes can be overwhelming for any new listeners here, so I went through our 100 episode bank and categorized each episode based on its category: Plant Care, Nerdy Science Breakdowns, Wellness, Planty Business, Seasonal, DIY projects, Edible Gardening, Lifestyle, People and Food. That way, if you are a newbie to the show and feel overwhelmed at the feed, or even if your and OG listener, you can review whatever genre interests you and make sure you haven’t missed any episodes! I will continue updating the directory every 20 episodes or so so it’s always up to date, and I hope that it helps you continue your plant care and wellness education :) Lastly: there’s an epic party happening on IG this week : I'm going live at 1130 EST everyday with one of our favorite guests: yesterday was Leslie Halleck, today Chris Satch, Wednesday Colah from Black in the Garden, Thursday is Summer Rayne Oakes and Friday is Alessia from Apartmentbotanist. We are doing lives where we will have fun plant show and tells and chat and the week is ending in an EPIC giveaway with current and past sponsors of BAGR. Definetly head to @bloomandgrowradio to partake in that giveaway because it is CRAZY! Top 10 Lessons Learned from 100 Episodes Plants are an instrument for connection
S5 E99 · Tue, August 04, 2020
Episode 99: How to Care for Ferns
So thrilled to welcome back Lisa from the Houseplant Guru for an EXTENSIVE chat about the wonderful world of ferns. We discuss why and how they are finicky and how to successfully care for them. We also discuss a fun variety of ferns to try for different personalities and answer a whole bunch of listener questions! Lisa has just published her FOURTH book Houseplant Party, filled with fun planty DIY projects for every type of person! In this episode we learn: Why Ferns are considered finicky Where ferns live in nature and how that affects their ability to thrive indoors How to best replicate their environment indoors Lisas humidity hacks to help ferns thrive Basic fern care: light, water, humidity How to fertilize ferns How to deal with mealybugs and scale with Ferns How "systemic pest control" actually works (I had not idea!) What are SPORES How to identify common fern pests Best ferns for different personalities Lisas favorite ferns to try Staghorn ferns Best watering cans to use Mentioned in this episode: Lisa's new book Houseplant Party! (BAGR Amazon Affiliate Link) https://thehouseplantguru.com/2019/09/17/how-to-care-for-a-birds-nest-fern/ https://thehouseplantguru.com/2011/09/15/great-grandmas-fern/ https://thehouseplantguru.com/2019/03/08/a-fern-for-the-fern-challenged/ Thank you Territorial Seed Company for Sponsoring today's episode! Territorial seed provides high quality seeds and plants (over 2000 varieties) that are tried and tested on their 75 acre farm and have a ton of fall varieties for us to try! For seeds, their online garden planner, how to videos and more visit TerritorialSeed.com and use code BLOOM20 for 20% off. Instructions for being featured in the 100th episode of Bloom and Grow Radio Follow Lisa, The Houseplant Guru Website: thehouseplantguru.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houseplantguru/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HouseplantGuru/ Follow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio: Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon ! Instagram and Facebook: @Blo
S5 Enull · Fri, July 31, 2020
Want to be Featured on the 100th Episode of BAGR! Tell me your favorite episode or lesson learned! (Instructions inside)
Hi Plant Friends! I cant believe the 100th episode of Bloom and Grow Radio is around the corner! Many of you have been around since episode 1, and I'm so honored to have learned alongside you in this three year journey! The 100th episode will be my top 10 lessons learned from 100 episodes! I want this episode to be all about our community and these 100 episodes of learning, so I'd like to feature YOU and hear what YOU have learned from the 100 episode catalogue! I'd love you to call in and answer the following question to get featured in the 100th episode! What has been your favorite episode of BAGR and how did it help you and/or what is the top thing you've learned from listening to an episode BAGR? How fun will it be for our community to share their most important lessons with each other? The episode itself will turn into a community sourced, education tribute to all of our amazing guests. Here are the instructions for calling in! INSTRUCTIONS: 1) Call (203) 998-0394 2) Say and Spell your name and email at the beginning of the message so I can contact you! 3) Share your favorite episode and lesson learned from BAGR in the voicemail! TIPS: - Wear headphones with a microphone (way better sound!) - The google voice only allows for a 3 minute message, so you might want to write out your story, or jot some thoughts down on paper to allow for you to effectively tell your story without getting cut off. - If your story requires more than 3 minutes, you can call back and leave back to back messages. Deadline to call is Wednesday August 5th, that's only a 5 days window to call your lessons in, so please do so ASAP. I can't wait to hear from our community and feature your lessons. Thanks for being part of this beautiful journey and I'm honored to learn alongside and grow with you through every episode. Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S5 E98 · Wed, July 29, 2020
Pruning Back to Inspire Growth: Thoughts on Transition
Plant friends: big announcement, WE’VE MOVED. I’ve been returning to the concept of pruning as I go through many unforeseen changes in life these days, the biggest being that Billy and I have moved out of our tiny NYC apartment in search of adventure and more space. Today I share the science behind pruning, and how it’s been helping me stay present and trust these sudden changes will all work out. I hope it helps you in your transitions and changes of 2020 as well! My NYC Apartment Tour! 100+ Plants in less than 500 square feet! https://youtu.be/-ahLE_zusrI FOLLOW MARIA AND BLOOM AND GROW RADIO: Take the Plant Parent Personality Test! : Unlock your Plant Parent Potential by taking the test below and get curated recommendations for plants, projects and resources inspired by your lifestyle. Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon ! Instagram and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadio Subscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! /Bloomandgrowradio Website: www.bloomandgrowradio.com Join the (free) Garden Club: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S5 E97 · Tue, July 21, 2020
Episode 97: Aha Moments from "Intro to Plant Science" with Dr Elle Barnes
I am SO very excited to welcome Dr Elle Barnes, my teacher for my Intro to Plant Science with NYBG. HOLY MOLY this episode was so fun to record. I took the Intro to Plant Science Course with the NYBG virtually via Zoom during this period of social distancing and what I learned throughout the course blew my mind. Intro to Plant Science might be my most favorite class I’ve taken at NYBG yet. We dive into the basics of all of the processes that make our plant babies thrive and there is just so much to learn. Dr Barnes did such a good job at breaking down difficult plant science topics so even I could understand them that I was having major “aha! moments” every class. I started a running list at the bottom of my notes document titled “aha moments” so I could always refer back to them. That list has now turned into this episode! In today’s chat, I go through the “aha moment” list with Dr Barnes and ask her to help me explain all of these fundamental principals that have helped me understand plant care on such a deeper level. I hope this episode brings you some "aha moments" of your own and helps you and your plant collection to continue to bloom and grow! Please share them with me on Instagram so I can celebrate you! If you are interested in virtual learning opportunities in this period of social distancing check out NYBG at home which is their virtual hub with tons of free resources like videos, plant guides and virtual events and tours of the garden in addition to ALL of their courses that they have moved online. From botanical art classes, to plant science, there is something for everyone. https://www.nybg.org/nybg-at-home/ NYBG is also opening it's doors back up in July to their members only. After all this isolation I am so excited to get back to the garden. Members will be the first to be able to access the park after reopening, in addition to free admission year round, special discounts and more- so if you are in the NY area, consider becoming a member this year! In this episode we learn: How Dr Barnes became the Plant Lady scientist she is today What is the difference between Monocots and Dicots How seeds germinate Overview of cellular respiration and photosynthesis Can plants emit too much carbon dioxide that it can harm humans? What is a VOC How plants both emit and absorb VOCs Do plants really clean the air? How dormancy works Modified leaves and what we didn't know about Cacti and Onions Roses don't have thorns, they have prickles! Spines vs thorns vs prickles Flower petals vs sepal The concept of apical dominance and how it affects pruning What an apical bud is What the hormone auxin is and how important it is for our plants growth Why Maple trees in colder climates make sweeter syrup<
S5 E96 · Tue, July 07, 2020
Episode 96: Common Garden Pests with Nadia from Urban Farm Sista and Agricademy
I’m thrilled to welcome Nadia of Urban Farm Sista to the show today to discuss garden pests and her mission with the Agricademy. Nadia is the plant lady behind several amazing businesses and planty projects including the Urban Farm Sista Educational Social Media Platforms, Quiwi Produce and Agricademy. She graduated from Ohio State in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture where she majored in Animal Sciences/minored in Entomology. Entomology is bugs, plant friends and today we do a DEEP DIVE into the common garden pests and insects that we struggle with and learn how to identify and treat them. I appreciate this conversation with Nadia because she helps us zoom out and understand our gardens as a full ecosystem. In gardening, it's always important to "zoom out" and see the larger picture, this conversation very much illustrates that! Check out the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show ! What we learn: How Nadia became the founder of Quiwi Produce, the Agricademy and Urban Farm Sista Why Nadia chose to get a degree in Entomology (studying insects!) How to differentiate a "good" vs a "bad" insect Zooming out and understanding the garden as an ecosystem and why insects are important Why Hemp is important (beyond CBD and Cannabis) Most common garden pests: how to identify and treat them Aphids and Ants (Minute 36:00) Caterpillars (Minute 48:25) Leaf Beetles (discussed throughout the episode) Leaf Miners (Minute 1:00) Wasps (1:03) Recipe for pest control spray Why and how does Neem oil work What is BT Bacteria What is Diatomaceous Earth Why and how to use Insect Nets Does releasing predatory bugs outdoors work? Nadias non profit: Agricademy Its mission the Food is Essential project Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Aphid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsTTC7CKO2c&feature=youtu.be Recipe for Nadias Neem Spray: Found in her amazing Insect Investigator PDF Bacillus thuringiensis - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/UrbanFarmSista/posts/1896913553681801?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARAM_sN-DoEBYRKoq-YqoCktG9E2y-6pDPwIBkld4WAP6sd_XBV9Un19QO3MnAzIi1ivZPfuHXcH7isxJsc7DEYrT6X6uRbbVKfG3lDml9uu0o-Kq095JiXQNt76NlKHqZw62julnvrS5Udly0HQdizLsGs3s_D9nxDpw81fturbMZHOk3_bDsikD0Q3PZNqE1SuYGvhDPOKh5Jd7EAxRxsIe2LOs3oy6Ur14csncnhSEyFKspSN87TOz-bY3W9dQHY6IGq3t5mbkymmbAL20uX7c1MIfR2I5q--GPrAguN_nLsN8BV2iNuBnhCBhP4h5ze8tY6AYQXGhOxD5hDgzqUbGfI9G-zvK_7X8ssPiPLjN4-sWfKGfcX82mdNHtaOxaD69a0QOBIZN4I95zrbHkigJB6S50tWcNDrXL761l_0d9ycMvoRe1DvJuKX0KBgGk10Ql
S5 E95 · Tue, June 23, 2020
95: Understanding Drainage and the Perched Water Table
I’m so thrilled to invite my Soil Science teacher Dr. Anna Paltseva to join us today for a nerdy conversation about soil science and drainage. I took her Soil Science 101 class virtually with the NYBG this year and learned so much. I look at soil and the earth differently after this course. What we learned is way too much to cover in one episode, so today Dr Paltseva and I hone in on drainage for houseplants: why it’s important, the science behind it and how we can achieve it for our houseplants. I think one of my top 5 proudest moments over the 95 episode span of BAGR is the "lightbulb moment" we have in this conversation while discussing capillary action. But I’ll let you hear it in your own time in the midst of the episode. If you want more: I made a super nerdy youtube video companion to this episode. I show you some visuals to further explain what we discussed in our interview and show you the experiments I did for my presentation on drainage. Speaking of the NYBG, they have created an incredible virtual resource for you in this moment of social distancing: the NYBG At Home center. Since the Garden’s gates are temporarily closed, they’ve opened their virtual gates to you! They’ve compiled videos, plant guides, virtual events for your free entertainment and education and my favorite aspect of the NYBG at Home is their online courses! Plant Friends… these courses aren’t free, but they are so worth it. I got so much out of my soil science class, I will never pot a plant the same again, and this intro to plant science class is transforming the way I look at my balcony garden and plants. Check everything they have to offer at https://www.nybg.org/nybg-at-home/ In this episode we learn: Anna's childhood that inspired her to become a Soil Scientist Why fresh produce literally tastes better in Italy (hint... it has to do with the soil) What is the difference between soil and dirt Differences between outdoor and indoor soil Why indoor houseplant soil needs to be aerated The purpose of aeration Ways to help your soil that has become "hydrophobic" The "recipe" for soil How Sand, Silt and Clay drain at different rates and how that affects your soil What is "capillary action" and why bottom watering is best What is adhesion and cohesion in relation to capillary action Can you overwater a plant using the bottom watering method? What is the Perched Water Table How Maria has changed her plant care practices after learning about the Perched Water Table How do plants absorb minerals through roots and soil What are macro and micro nutrients What nutrients are important for our plants Mentioned in the episode:
S5 E94 · Wed, June 10, 2020
Episode 94: Growing Together
On the heels of the #amplifymelanatedvoices initiative, we take pause to reflect on the national and international conversation happening around the Black Lives Matter movement. We hear excerpts from two episodes with two beautiful Black Plant People, Christopher from PlantKween and Colah from Black in the Garden, share inspiring stories about how the Plant Community rallied to raise money and support the Black Lives Matters Movement, hear what Maria and Bloom and Grow's commitments are and end with a special poem and time for reflection. Featured Voices, Resources and Inspirational Stories of the Plant Community Stepping Up to Support Black Lives Matter Follow Christopher AKA PlantKween on Instagram: @plantkween Follow Colah and Black in the Garden: on Instagram @blackinthegarden and subscribe on iTunes: Black in the Garden Podcast Ross Gay: A Small Needful Fac t https://www.rossgay.net/about Summer Rayne Oakes #PlantOneForward resource for Black Owned Plant Shops - this can be added to, so many sure your or your favorite black owned plant shops are on this list! Betsy Begonia's US Black Owned Plant Related Businesses List - you can also email her to add others onto the list Permacrafters created a list of 50 Black Voices in the Green Space to follow under the following categories: Herbalism, Environmental Justice, Climate Activism, Outdoors, Ecology, Vegan, Sustainable Living, Farming and Food Justice, Sustainable Fashion, Filmmaking and more #plantingforprogress was an initiative launched Agatha Isabel or @plant.ma on IG, to support BLM, and has been extended to also focus on the local NYC community of Black, Latinx, POC, LGBTQ+ including @ theforesightproject @ audrelordeproject @ innocencepr
S5 E93 · Tue, May 26, 2020
93: The Wild World of Plant-Tube! (a Plant-tuber/Podcast Collaboration)
So thrilled to be welcoming Becca de la Plants and SO MANY of our favorite plant-tubers to the show today on an epic cross media collaboration! I have become very curious about the Plant-tube, the Planty corner of Youtube, and decided to do a deep dive by reaching out to YOUR favorite plant-tubers to get answers to my questions! This is a two part episode hosted on the Bloom and Grow Radio Podcast and Youtube Show. Todays podcast episode has special guest Becca de la Plants for a conversation on all things youtube: history, the differences in the plant-tube sect of the youtube space, maintaining a channel, growing one, monetization and etiquette. THEN we have a beautiful montage of 11 plant-tubers sharing why they love their channels and the plant-tube community and why (you'll be surprised at how varied their answers are!). THEN on the Bloom and Grow Youtube Channel, we have a video with all 13 of us sharing How to Sow, Grow and Nourish a Plant-tube Channel with tips for creating your OWN channel if you are curious. These plant-tubers are sweet, passionate people and I feel lucky to have gotten to know them over the course of this collaboration. Make sure to head to their channels and subscribe and give them some love! In this Episode We Learn: Becca's journey to becoming Becca De Le Plants Youtube Vs Planttube Why Plant-tube might have the most haters How Plant-tube fits into the world of Youtube Etiquette for watching and engaging with plant-tube videos How plant-tubers make money (if they do) How to connect with local plant people in your community #indoorjungledirectory A compilation of our favorite Plant-tubers sharing their favorite part about having a Plant-tube channel (dont forget to listen to this part, it will give you all the feels!) Make sure to check out the video companion to this episode: How to Sow, Grow and Nourish a Plant-tube Channel ! Follow Our Plant-tube Collaborators! Becca from De Le Plants Planty Youtube Lifestyle Youtube and Instagram Betsy from Betsy Begonia - Youtube and Instagram Harli G from Harli G Youtube and Instagram Gerard from Gerard's Horticulture Culture <a href="https:/
S5 E92 · Tue, May 12, 2020
92: Begonias: Care, History and more!
Today we welcome back Marc Hachadourian from the New York Botanical Garden to the show! You might remember Marc from Episode 50: Maranta, Calathea and Stromanthe 101 where he gave so many amazing tips and tricks for caring for this finicky but beautiful group of plants. Now he is back for an in depth review of the world of Begonias! He gives us the history of these plants and tips and guidelines to keep these gorgeous creatures thriving in our homes. As you’ll learn in the episode, I’ve always been a bit scared of Begonias, but after this episode, I’ve found myself cruising online plant shops for an Angel Wing Begonia… I found a Red Ruby Begonia which I’ve ordered off of amazon and will do an unboxing of when it arrives, but if you have the inside scoop on where I can get an Angel Wing Begonia… let me know on the post for the podcast episode on IG! Marc Hachadourian is the Director of Glasshouse Horticulture and Senior Curator of Orchids at the New York Botanical Garden. His amazing plant brain, friendly personality and passion for plants is kind of legendary in the plant space and I’m so excited to bring him back for another show. I could seriously talk to Marc all day. And I’m so thankful to the New York Botanical Garden for lending him to us for this episode. Speaking of the NYBG, they have created an incredible virtual resource for you in this moment of social distancing: the NYBG At Home center. Since the Garden’s gates are temporarily closed, they’ve opened their virtual gates to you! They’ve compiled videos, plant guides, virtual events- like you can take a virtual tour of the Orchid Show or the Magnolias in Bloom and my favorite aspect of the NYBG at Home is their online courses! I just finished Soil Science 101 with them and I’m currently taking Intro to Plant Science with them. Plant Friends… these courses aren’t free, but they are so worth it. I got so much out of my soil science class, I will never pot a plant the same again, and this intro to plant science class is transforming the way I look at my balcony garden and plants. I’m like trying to lecture Billy about monocots vs dicots and plant adaptions and he is looking at me like a crazy person. But if you aren’t interested in getting science-y they also have Botanical Watercolor, Botanical Embroidery and currently have a series called “All About Containers” if you are interested in growing edibles in containers this season. Check everything they have to offer at https://www.nybg.org/nybg-at-home/ In this episode we learn: Marc's love of Begonias The Begonia's (and other plant) that was featured in American Gothic The wide variety of Begonias available to plant parents Marc's famous Houseplant Hospital and Humidity Hacks General care guidelines for light, soil and watering of Begonias Where Begonias grow in the natural world
S5 E91 · Wed, May 06, 2020
Ep 91: 10 Tips for Edible Landscaping and Beginning Gardeners with My Mom!
So excited to welcome my MOM back to Bloom and Grow Radio today! It feels very fitting to have her joining us so close to Mother's Day! You might remember her from Episode 20: Talking Tomatoes when she gave us her Italian secrets to tomato gardening, and now she's back to talk about what she's learned with 5 years of edible landscaping under her belt (and a lifetime of general gardening experience). She shares her top 10 tips for Edible Landscaping and Gardening with our audience today and has a LOT to share. In this episode we learn: My Mom's history as a plant lady Her garden growing up with my Italian Grandparents Her tip for how to memorize your houseplant names Her process for evaluating her new house and figuring out how to start a garden on new land How she chooses plants for her garden How she grew the "Failla Farm" section by section over 5 years Mom's top 10 tips for edible landscaping and beginning gardeners! Read the top 10 tips on the blog! https://bloomandgrowradio.com/momtips/ Check out the Youtube Tour of my Moms Garden! Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S5 E90 · Tue, April 28, 2020
Episode 90: Jane Perrone of On the Ledge
I’m so excited to finally welcome Jane Perrone of On the Ledge Podcast to the show. Jane and I have both been podcasting for almost three years now and, if we do say so ourselves, are the OG houseplant centered podcast on the airwaves. It’s only taken three years and a pandemic to make our schedules clear enough to pull our heads out of the production of our own shows to finally visit each other shows, so we thought it would be fun to interview each other on our shows in the same week. So if you are interested in hearing Jane interview me you can check out her channel, and if you are a new listener of Jane’s coming here to hear her interview, welcome! In this episode we learn: If Jane Perrone and I view each other as competition How we feel about being the OG houseplant podcasters How Jane's family has reacted to her plant collection One particular topic that Jane wants to set the record straight about How both Jane and Maria have developed their knowledge of plant care Jane's favorite houseplant of the moment What Jane's house plant set up is in her home How many plants and grow lights Jane currently has in her home What the rarest plant Jane has is Why the term "plant parent" can be tricky for some people Check out my Modern Sprout Growbar and Growhouse installation on this weeks Youtube Show video Thank you to this week's episode sponsor: Modern Sprout! For more information on Modern Sprout's amazing *NEW* line of smart indoor grow lights and adorable and innovative hydroponic grow kits, seed starter kits, seed pops, planty accessories and more visit www.modernsprout.com and use code "15BLOOM" at checkout for 15% off. *discount code not available for Mother's Day Bundles* Have you taken the Bloom and Grow Plant Parent Personality Test yet? Take the 2 minute test to learn your Plant Parent Personality and what plants, projects and podcast episodes are perfectly suited to your lifestyle! Follow Jane: Instagram @j.l.perrone Twitter @janeperrone Main podcast link janeperrone.com Facebook group Houseplant Fans of On The Ledge https://www.facebook.com/groups/houseplantfans/ Follow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio: Take the <a href="https://bit.ly/BAGRPP
S5 E89 · Tue, April 14, 2020
Fundamentals of Vegetable Gardening
So excited to welcome Toby Adams, the Director of the Edible Academy for the New York Botanical Garden onto the show to talk all things vegetable gardening! The NYBG Edible Academy is a state-of-the-art educational facility featuring hands-on activities and innovative programs that help children, families, teachers, and the general public learn about growing and preparing vegetables, fruit, and herbs while encouraging a lifelong interest in gardening, nutrition awareness, and environmental stewardship. Toby has worked at the NYBG for almost 20 years, and has a passion for helping people understand how to grow food- as you’ll see in our interview. We don't talk a lot of about herbs because I've already done an Herb Garden 101 episode with a horticulturalist from NYBG on another episode! If you are interested in growing herbs check out Episode 22: Windowsill Herb Gardening 101 I’ve been taking a lot of online courses in this time of isolation and spending a lot of time focusing on what I will grow on my tiny balcony garden this spring and summer. The New York Botanical Garden has an unbelievable array of online courses and even have a Horticulture Certificate degree you can complete! I've taken several NYBG courses and am totally hooked! The first course I took was Fundamentals of Gardening and I’m currently enrolled in the virtual Soil Science 101 class. Plant friends… I am loving these classes so much, as I’m finding they are teaching me the underlying reasons behind so many basic plant care techniques I know. Learn with me ! I’ll be taking Intro to Plant Science with the NYBG starting April 23 rd and I’d love for you to join me! I cannot WAIT to dive into the scientific processes our plants go through that I don’t quite understand and would love to have you in class with me! In case this episode gets you excited and you want to learn more about vegetable gardening, they also have four virtual courses focusing on vegetable gardening coming up! Rooftop Gardening (Starts April 22) Mastering the Art of Tomato Gardening (April 23) Vegetable Gardening Saturday (April 25) Super Small Space Veggie Gardening (Starts April 28) In this episode we learn: Maria's overview of the main takeaways she took from her Fundamentals of Gardening Class Annual vs Perennial Compost vs Mulch Basic Garden Design Strategies What is the Edible Academy at NYBG and how is it reconnect kids with food What are the Fundamentals of Vegetable Gardening Understanding what you want to grow Understanding what you CAN grow Understanding your growing conditions <
S5 E88 · Tue, April 07, 2020
Episode 88: Inspirational Stories and Ideas for Isolating Times:How to Help the Horticulture Industry Get Through
Today's episode is simply me sharing things that are inspiring me in this weird time for our country. There is so much to be scared of, but so much to be thankful for and inspired by. A lot of people are feeling helpless and alone, and this is a list of ways that you can help those in need and yourself in the Age of Corona! Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode: #PlantOneForward Initiative Summer Rayne Oakes' #plantoneforward initiative: Summer Rayne is encouraging everyone in our community to support local growers and plant shops by sending one plants to one person who could use cheering up in this moment: a loved one, a plant friend, or maybe even someone you've lost touch with. If you can afford to, this is a great way to help our beloved plant shops (and the growers that supply them) stay in business. I sent a thank you plant from @plantsbypost From Summer Raynes' Blog post: "If even 100 of us do so, we’ll positively affect the lives of 300 people (you, the person who owns the shop, and the person you give the plant to); 300 becomes 900; 900 becomes 2,700; 2,700 becomes 8,100; 8,100 becomes 24,300; and so on and so forth. It’s simple acts such as these that not only help our communities—but also help us stay connected to one another. " Click here for SRO's blog with all of the plant shops mentioned To buy something for yourself AND sending a plant to your friend visit Steves Leaves to take advantage of their #plantoneforwardbonus. Purchase a plant (or more) and then add the item Promo to their cart (it can be found by searching promo on the site). Use promo code #PLANTONEFORWARD to send an airplant to a friend at a separate address when you place your order. You will need to put the name and address of who you are sending the air plant to into the comments section of the order so we can mail it to the other person. Victory Garden Movement or Cooperative Gardens Commission Click here to read the NY Times article about it! The Victory Garden movement was a result of World War 1, when people were encouraged to grow as much food at home as possible to become self- sufficient. It was so successful that it was predicted that up to 40 % of the countries vegetables were grown in community, home and school gardens. In 2020 as a response to the Covid Pandemic, the Experimental Farm Network is swiftly pulling together the Cooperative Gardens Commission (renamed after they
S5 E87 · Tue, March 31, 2020
Episode 87: My Fiancé Cared for My Plants for a Year While I was on Tour: Here’s What Happened
My Fiance, Billy, joins me today to give you the inside scoop on what the last year has looked like for us. As most of you know I left home for an entire year to travel with Cats the Musical, and Billy was left to care for all of our 150 plants all by himself. This was a HUGE undertaking for him, as I was the "primary caretaker" for our plants when we lived together, so we break down exactly how both of us went into this new phase of life and lessons learned along the way. Thank you to Billy, my partner in plants and partner in life, who greets every challenge with an open heart and open mind. I'm so thankful to have you to grow through life with. In this episode we learn: Billy's reaction to me leaving him with our 150 plants for tour for a year Billy's journey warming to my passion for plants when it began An overview of our "plant pause" How Billy managed caring for our 150 plants on his own while I toured the country with Cats Maria's strategies for helping Billy learn how to care for their plants Mentioned in the episode: Billy's first episode on BAGR: Tips for Living with a Crazy Plant Person Thank you Plants by Post for sponsoring today's episode! Plants by Post is a family-owned nursery located in Northern California cutting out the middleman and delivering beautiful and healthy indoor and outdoor annuals and perennials directly to your doorstep, nationwide. I have used them several times and have been blown away by the quality of their plants, intention behind their shipping and love how environmentally friendly they are! Spring is here, Plant Friends! Time to stock up! Head to plantsbypost.com and use code BLOOM20 for 20% off your order! Follow Billy Instagram: @atadashbilly Follow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio: Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon ! Instagram and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadio Subscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! /Bloomandgrowradio Website: www.bloomandgrowradio.com Join the (free) Garden Club: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: <a
S5 E86 · Tue, March 24, 2020
Episode 86: Pause with Plants to Release Stress and Increase Calm with Brittany from the Pause with Plants Podcast
Brittany Gowan, the plant lady behind @ihavethisthingwithurbanjungle s on IG and the Pause with Plants Podcast has been a #plantfriendIRL for a while now and a lovely lady. She has been practicing and teaching her Pause with Plants Method and we thought today would be the perfect time to discuss how to use plants to reduce stress. There has never been a better time than to have houseplants and practice houseplant care than now, when many of us are confined to our homes in the midst of this pandemic! It's important to understand tools and techniques for us to use our houseplants to reduce our stress. I've never been more thankful for my houseplants than the last 8 days of quarantine! This talk with Brittany inspired my to do a planty workout you can find on my IGTV . I hope it inspires you to bring a little calm into your "work from home" days! In this episode we learn: How Brittany became the plant lady she is now and why she started Pause with Plants How to incorporate plants into your mental wellness routine How to use plants in your morning routine The importance of breath while practicing mindful awareness How to use plants in your meditation The importance of routine while working from home Techniques to incorporate more calm and recenter yourself The "Pause with Plants" Method: connect, move and meditate with plants Mentioned in this episode: Brittany's comprehensive guide to how to Pause with Plants If you've got time to spare and want to boost your plant care education try these episodes of the Bloom and Grow Radio Podcast: Episode 03: How NOT to kill your succulents ! Episode 02: Top 5 Houseplants for Beginners Episode 18: Prepping your Plants for Spring Episode 19: Terrarium 101 Episode 20: Talking Tomatoes Episodes 46/47: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us
S4 E85 · Wed, March 18, 2020
Episode 85: Historic Black Plant People and Top 5 Favorite Plants from Africa
I’m excited to have another podcaster join me today on the podcast! Today we welcome Colah B Tawkin of the Black in the Garden Podcast who created the podcast to bring more of a voice and presence for the stories and voices of Black Gardeners and Plant People. Today, in a belated Black History Month episode (since I didn’t air the podcast last month) Colah shares amazing stories about some historic black gardeners and plant people, we discuss her top 5 favorite houseplants that originate in Africa and Colah highlights some beautifully diverse gardeners doing amazing things in the plant space who we need to know about! This conversation was eye opening, enlightening and inspiring and I’m thankful to Colah for sharing all of this amazing information! I hope you find this information as interesting as I did and that maybe you find a new person on IG to follow or make your #plantfriendIRL! In this episode we learn: About Colah and her plant lady journey and why she created the Black in the Garden Podcast About Harriet Tubman's knowledge of plants and how it served her as she lead people to freedom on the Underground Railroad About how George Washington Carver, who was born a slave, revolutionized agriculture in the South Colah's top 5 favorite houseplants that originate in Africa Colah shares companies and people who are striving for inclusivity and representation in the plant space (tagged and linked below) Mentioned in the Episode: Colah and the Black in the Garden Podcast @SoulfireFarm (IG), Farm committed to ending racism and injustice in the food system. Leah Penniman author of Farming While Black @ GreenHeffaFarm (IG) - NC hemp farmer, hemp herbal tea purveyor, Farmer Cee on Youtube @ cocoandseed (IG) nature inspired home and garden products: personalized enamel camping mugs (monstera mugs!), indoor garden kits(desktop microgreens planters), rose gold propagation tube stands, cute journal stickers + more! Products are carefully crafted, sourced, and packaged with eco-friendly and sustainable materials. https://cocoandseed.com/?ref=blackinthegarden 10% off with *Black in the Garden affiliate link* @ seedmailseedco </s
S5 E84 · Tue, March 03, 2020
African Violets 101 with Lisa from @houseplantguru
African Violets are having a comeback, plant friends! You heard it here first. I know a lot of people feel like African Violets are their "grandma's houseplants", but this flowering gesneriad brings cute fuzzy leaves and bright, multi-colored blooms to the tropical landscape of our urban jungles. What's not to love! They can sometimes be thought of as finicky, so Lisa the "Houseplant Guru" joins me to walk me through every step to African Violet success! Lisa is the author of Grow in the Dark: How to Choose and Care for Low Light Houseplants and Houseplants: The Complete Guide. I love her books (and the episode we did previously on Low Light Plants) and I love her! Have you checked out the new Bloom and Grow Radio Youtube Channel? If you like this content, you’ll love the fun videos I’m making- this week I released a moss pole tutorial video that pairs with episode 42 of the podcast with Tylor from Arium Botanicals. You can also find planty home makeovers, behind the scenes tours of cannabis growers, Airplant 101, my hacks for traveling with plants and more. Click here to watch and subscribe! In this episode we learn: Where African Violets Originate How they grow outdoors What is a gesneriad Care: watering, light, soil Best watering practices for African Violets When to repot How to Fertilize Bloom Cycles- how to have your violet stay in bloom Troubleshooting listeners from our Patreon Supporters! Links mentioned in the episode: AVSA or African Violet Society of America. http://www.avsa.org/ The national convention is in Little Rock, Arkansas this year, Sunday May 24-Sunday May 31. It moves every year so if it isn’t close to you this year, next year, it may be. It is a huge event including a judged show (where you will see African violets like you’ve never seen) as well as a marketplace to buy all things violets, and educational presentations, too. Self-watering pots: Oyama pots- the wicking material is perlite. Here is an article about how to use them. There were only sites I’m not sure about to order them from. On the AVSA website there is a supplies button and it takes you to all the vendors for plants and supplies. That includes the Oyama and Dandy pot. https://www.oyamaplanters.net/how-to-use-oyama-planters Plants: Two very reputable companies. https://www.violetbarn.com/ http://lyndonlyon.com/ Thank you Plants by Post for sponsoring today's episode! Plants by Post is a family-owned nursery located in Northern C
S4 E83 · Wed, February 26, 2020
Bonus Episode! Herbal Mixology with Gardenuity, Katy Trail Vodka and HD Liquid Catering
Thrilled to be bringing you the audio from the Live Taping on Herbal Mixology done in 2019 in Dallas at the Gardenuity HQ! The entire evening was built around my two favorite things: herbs and drinks! We had an amazing panel of female founders talking about how liquor and spirits are made (spoiler alert, they come from plants!), how to incorporate herbs and veggies into our cocktails and how to grow and select those plants! It's an amazing conversation with amazing women I'm thrilled to introduce you to! Meet the panelists Donna, Claudia and Chris! Donna is the co-founder of Gardenuity: a company that ships container gardens right to your door. They take the stress and hustle out of growing your own food. Whether you are looking for a kitchen herb garden, peppers, tomatoes, carrots or a variety of seasonal herbs and vegetables, Gardenuity will make growing them to harvest super simple. They have a cocktail herb garden which Billy and I have had for a couple of years that would be a fun purchase if you get inspired after this episode! You can mention the code " Spring2020" will save $10 off of any order at Gardenuity.com - this will be valid until the end of June 2020. Claudia is the cofounder of Katy Trail Vodka which is crafted by Silver Nickel Distillery, one of the first distilleries in the city of Dallas, TX since prohibition. All of their products are crafted, distilled and bottled in Dallas and are gluten free. They also use no artificial coloring or flavoring in their product which is a topic of our discussion on the panel. Chris from HD Liquid Catering and Betty Cocktail is a master mixologist who moonlights are all of the hottest Dallas bars and consults for the new speakeasy being set up in the Texas Rangers Globe Life Park and her own company Betty Cocktail- her motto is “if you can dream it (with alcohol)… we can do it! She works with service industry workers and home enthusiasts to curate cocktails, craft cocktail menus, elevate home bars, bartender training and more. She joined us today representing HD Liquid Catering which is Dallas’s premier full service bar catering company, and co-founders Heather and Don have over 30 years of experience in the event industry. They are highly respected across Texas, and you can see their amazing work on their IG page @hdliquidcater. Chris has her hands in allllllll the mixology pots in the Dallas scene, but she is just the coolest gal, an empowerer of women and an all around lady boss. ** just to be clear, when we refer to "edibles" in this podcast, it refers to edible vegetables and herbs... nothing regarding Cannabis. Edible plants and veggies are what we are talking about adding to our drinks! ** In this episode we learn: How liquors are made (from plants!)<
S4 E82 · Tue, December 17, 2019
Winter Plant Care
I’m in Canada and connected some my favorite Canadian plant friends for a fun discussion on the winter months (while we are in the midst of a cold Toronto December). Today I have Darryl from @houseplantjournal and Jaz from @gardenstead to not only discuss how to care for our plants the winter months, but to more importantly, how to “zoom out” to think about what is actually happening to light and our surroundings in the winter to better understand WHY we alter our care routines. We might push you to think and go a little deeper in your plant care approach and routine- it’s lots of food (or should I say “fertilizer”) for thought with these fun plant parents! In this episode we learn: Why and how light changes in the winter How winter’s change in light affects our indoor plants Signs to look for in our plants to see if they are transitioning well Why dormancy is important Tips for caring for houseplants in the winter Fun plant projects to do in the winter Mentioned in the episode: Maria's Favorite Things // Holiday Gift Guide and Discounts: http://bit.ly/BAGRgiftguideyoutube Youtube tour of my indoor grow lights: http://bit.ly/BAGRgrowlighttour Website for measuring light Darryl Uses: Thank you to today's episode sponsors! Wallygro offers sustainable and ridiculously simple vertical gardening solutions for any plant parent to have the greenwall of their dreams! (Check mine out on the youtube channel this week!) To learn more about their Eco Planters (that come in 12 gorgeous colors!) head to wallygro.com and use code BLOOM20 for 20% off! Plants by Post is a family-owned nursery located in Northern California cutting out the middleman and delivering beautiful and healthy indoor and outdoor annuals and perennials directly to your doorstep, nationwide. I have used them several times and have been blown away by the quality of their plants, intention behind their shipping and love how environmentally friendly they are! Give the gift of PLANTS this season! Head to plantsbypost.com and use code BLOOM19 for 20% off your order! Follow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio: Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon ! Instagram and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadio Subscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! /Bloomandgrowradio Website: <a href=
S4 E81 · Wed, December 04, 2019
Episode 81: "Root-ology" with Leslie Halleck
Today Leslie Halleck ("Her Highness of Horticulture") joins me again to talk about the topic I was most excited to cover this season: ROOTS (or as we call it "root-ology". We spend so much time thinking about the “above soil” section of the plant, and often times, disregard the unbelievable root structure underneath the soil that is responsible for keeping the plant alive! So today Leslie walks us through what roots are, why they are important, how they vary, and lots of troubleshooting questions from our Patreon supporters. Make sure to subscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show- this week I released a Wallygro grow wall update and this month we will have other videos like a tour of my grow lights and more! Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss anything. In this episode we learn: What roots do for the plant Roots relationship with the “above ground” portion of the plant Water vs soil roots What growing medium does for root development Different types of roots: fibrous, tap, tuberous, adventitious What an aerial root is Is a rhizome a root? Best practices with roots when repotting Listener questions! Mentioned in this episode: Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! Wallygro Greenwall Update and Install Leslie's Books: Plant Parenting (for propagation) and Gardening Under Lights Thank you to today's episode sponsors! Wallygro offers sustainable and ridiculously simple vertical gardening solutions for any plant parent to have the greenwall of their dreams! (Check mine out on the youtube channel this week!) To learn more about their Eco Planters (that come in 12 gorgeous colors!) head to wallygro.com and use code BLOOM20 for 20% off! Plants by Post is a family-owned nursery located in Northern California cutting out the middleman and delivering beautiful and healthy indoor and outdoor annuals and perennials directly to your doorstep, nationwide. I have used them several times and have been blown away by the quality of their plants, intention behind their shipping and love how environmentally friendly they are! Give the gift of PLANTS this season! Head to plantsbypost.com and use code BLOOM19 for 20% off your order! Follow Leslie Halleck: Books: Plant Parenting and Gardening Under Lights Instagr
S4 E80 · Tue, November 12, 2019
Episode 80: Plant Laws and Patents
Today I speak with several people about various aspects of laws around plants- whether it’s importing plants from abroad or seeking to patent plants in the states. First we hear a tale from a friend of the show, Alessia from @apartmentbotanist , about how the USDA seized a plant that was illegally shipped to her. Then I speak to Lydia Colon, Head of the Plant for Planting Policy Unit at the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service or APHIS. We discuss why it’s important to acquire proper paperwork when ordering plants from overseas. Next we talk to Angela Treadwell who is the founder of Plants Nouveau, a company referred to as a “breeders agent” that helps breeders license and develop new plants to be introduced to market. Angela shares why and how plant patents are obtained. Last we hear a word to the wise from our favorite recurring plant lady on BAGR, Leslie Halleck. The overall objective of this episode is to begin to bring awareness to our community of the "back end" of horticulture. Rules and regulations we might not understand when just purchasing plants. This might become a series as we continue to learn about how plants come to market, and how and why they are regulated around the world, as we've barely scratched the surface. In this episode we learn: How and why the USDA regulates plant imports State vs country laws What is APHIS? What do we need to know about ordering plants internationally? What is a phytosanitary certificate? Why are there domestic laws that differ from state to state when it comes to plants? Plant Patents- what are the!? What is Plants Nouveau? Why do people get plants patented What is does it take to get a plant patent? Can you propagate a patented plant? Where to learn more about plant patents Thank you to this weeks episode sponsors! For more information on Modern Sprout's amazing line of indoor grow lights and adorable and innovative hydroponic grow kits, visit www.modernsprout.com and use code "BLOOM15" at checkout for 15% off. For responsibly made, unbelievable indoor and outdoor organic soils, fertilizers, pest control sprays and more visit espoma.com to find your local dealer or check out my amazon storefront of my favorite Espoma products here . Mentioned in the interview with Lydia Colon APHIS W
S4 E79 · Tue, November 05, 2019
Episode 79: Variegation 101 with Chris Satch
Thrilled to have the OG Botanical Bro of Bloom and Grow Radio, Chris Satch back today to discuss a very hot topic- Variegation. What the heck is it, why does it occur and how can we foster and encourage it in our plants. I love when Chris comes on the show because we always get nerdy, and this episode explains so much. I’m not going to say anything more about it- because the conversation speaks for itself. Before we dive into the conversation, Chris has asked me to share some info about an upcoming event he is involved with and very passionate about. He is deeply involved with the Manhattan Orchid Society and they are putting on their annual orchid show in January. The link to the event is in the show notes- they are looking for donations and volunteers to help with the event. Bloom and Grow Radio has donated! In this episode we learn: What is variegation? Why does it occur in nature? Three different types of variegation: tissue, coloration and pathological What mosaic virus is How variegation occurs in the genes of a plant Variegation vs Variation Can you encourage variegation? How does your plant care routine change for a variegated plant Patreon Plant Friend and Listener questions! Thank you to this weeks episode sponsors! For more information on Modern Sprout's amazing line of indoor grow lights and adorable and innovative hydroponic grow kits, visit www.modernsprout.com and use code "BLOOM15" at checkout for 15% off. For responsibly made, unbelievable indoor and outdoor organic soils, fertilizers, pest control sprays and more visit espoma.com to find your local dealer or check out my amazon storefront of my favorite Espoma products here . Follow Chris Satch Instagram: @botanictonic Website: https://christophersatch.com/ Manhattan Orchid Society January Show! (volunteer and/or donate!) Follow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio: Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon ! Instagram and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadio Subscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! /Bloomandgrowradio Website: <a href="http://www.bloomandgrowradio.co
S4 E78 · Tue, October 22, 2019
Episode 78: Plant Side Chat: When Your Orchid Doesn't Bloom
Plant Side Chats are shorter episodes with just Maria as she shares life lessons learned in the garden. Today's topic is: What to do when your orchid or plant doesn't bloom when you want it to. THANK YOU TO TODAY’S EPISODE SPONSORS! SOLTECH SOLUTIONS MAKES LUXURY GROW LIGHTS THAT LOOK LIKE HIGH END MODERN LIGHT FIXTURES WITH CUTTING EDGE GROW SPECTRUM FOR HOUSEPLANTS AND DWARF FRUITING TREES. I HAVE THREE OF THEIR ASPECT PENDANT LIGHTS IN MY APARTMENT AND LOVE THE LAUNCH OF THE NEW HIGHLAND TRACK LIGHT SYSTEM! FOR 15% OFF A LIGHT OF YOUR OWN, VISIT SOLTECHSOLUTIONS.COM AND USE CODE “BLOOM15” AT CHECKOUT. FOLLOW MARIA AND BLOOM AND GROW RADIO: Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon ! Instagram and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadio Subscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! /Bloomandgrowradio Website: www.bloomandgrowradio.com Join the (free) Garden Club: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club Save Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S4 E77 · Tue, October 15, 2019
Ep 77: "Semi" or "Passive" Hydroponics 101 with Kay from @inrootedlove
Today’s episode is exciting for me to share with you because the topic was something I was completely confused and bewildered by: this “semi-hydro” craze. Semi Hydro- (which is not a correct term, it’s actually called “passive hydro” standing for “passive hydroponics”) is the growing practice of using LECA balls, which are puffed clay balls that look like coco-puff cereal, to grow your houseplants. You’ve probably seen photos of this, where the plants look like they are buried in coco puffs or a bowl of olives). Plant Friends, I did NOT get this trend. Or how it worked. But I started seeing more and more photos from trusted plant friends who use them, and kept getting more and more questions from you guys about it. Enter Kay, of the instagram account @inrootedlove, who has kept over a hundred houseplants thriving in this passive hydroponic system for a year and a half. Plant Friends… I’m slowly becoming a believer. After my conversation with Kay, I transferred my orchid and the top of a pilea peperomiodes that I accidentally broke off into LECA and I can’t believe how happy the orchid has been so far, and the pilea rooted in under a week. I documented my experiment with setting them up in LECA on the Youtube channel if you are interested in checking it out. Like last weeks hydroponics episode, this Passive Hydroponic set up could be a really fun way for someone looking for a planty project for the winter, or maybe for the plant parent that just hates potting soil (or maybe has a partner that hates potting soil). Passive Hydro also seems to be a great option for a plant parent that likes to get their inner mad scientist on- because as you’ll learn, you are totally in control of mixing nutrient solutions for the plant. Whatever you plant parent personality is, this was a really interesting conversation and has been a really fun planty experiment for me that I hope inspires you to continue playing around with your indoor jungle! In this episode we learn: What is "semi hydro" aka "passive Hydroponics" How Kay became the LECA Plant Lady she is today How Semi Hydro works What are LECA balls What materials do you need to have a LECA set up How does a beginner make their first LECA set up How expensive is this hobby? How to fertilize What products Kay uses in her home Pest management for a semi hydro set up Mentioned in this episode: Dallas Live Taping: Herbal Mixology with Gardenuity! http://bit.ly/gardenuityBAGR Bloom and Grow “Passive or Semi Hydro” Amazon Store: http://bit.ly/bagrsemihydro Maria sets up her orchid and pilea cutting in LECA on Youtube: http://bit.ly/BAGRSemiHydroYoutube
S4 E76 · Tue, October 08, 2019
76: Hydroponic Gardening 101
Very excited to welcome Rob from Farm.One to the podcast today for a conversation about beginners Hydroponics. Rob is doing Hydroponic Gardening at an incredibly high level at Farm.One- a hydroponic, vertical farm that grows rare and exotic produce indoors, year-round, pesticide- free in a basement in NYC. I met Rob last year when I was fortunate enough to tour Farm.One and was blown away by the concept of the business and the set up. I think a lot of us are very curious about hydroponic gardening, and experimenting with growing edibles indoors- and as winter is approaching… we might be interested in having an indoor gardening project to ward off the winter blues! In this episode we learn: How and why Rob created Farm.One What is Hydroponic Gardening Hydroponic Vs Aquaponic Vs Semi Hydro Gardening What a basic hydroponic set up looks like for a DIY plant parent Existing systems that one can buy to just plug and grow Materials needed for a basic hydroponic set up Why you need a “bubbler” for your hydro set up Nutrients- what is important and what isn’t Why EC and PH are important for your water supply (and what they are) How to test your water Pre-made Hydroponic Set Ups you can buy Mentioned in today's episode Visit the Bloom and Grow Radio Amazon Storefront for the Hydroponic Materials mentioned in today's episode! http://bit.ly/BAGRhydroponics Thank you to today's episode sponsors! Soltech Solutions makes luxury grow lights that look like high end modern light fixtures with cutting edge grow spectrum for houseplants and dwarf fruiting trees. I have three of their Aspect pendant lights in my apartment and love the launch of the new Highland Track Light System! For 15% off a light of your own, visit soltechsolutions.com and use code "Bloom15" at checkout. Follow Rob and Farm.One Website: https://farm.one Instagram: @farm.one Follow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio: Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon ! Instagram and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadio Subscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! /Bloomandgrowradio </p
S4 Enull · Thu, October 03, 2019
Episode 75.5: Info on Sustainability of Peat Moss
Plant Friends- I'm so happy to have brought you the wonderful conversation this week on The Science of Soil. It's important for us to understand what makes our soils our plant babies grow so happily (or unhappily) in. I realize in this conversation, I stumbled upon a hot topic that I was unaware of: whether or not peat moss is sustainable. I've had conversations with members of our communities and advisors in the horticultural industry, and I've realized this is an incredibly complex conversation, with many layers, angles and sides. Plant Friends, I’m learning alongside you in this journey, and thought I’d provide you with some resources for you to further educate yourselves to make your own decisions. Jane Perrone’s Episode on the sustainability of Peat on On the Ledge Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-103-houseplants-sustainability-part-one-peat/id1211183700?i=1000444873656 Dr Mark kindly sent over two websites to learn more about how Canada is regulating their bogs. https://peatmoss.com/ (Peat Moss Association in Canada) http://www.sungro.com/about-us/sustainable-peat-moss/ Information from the Canadian Peat Moss Supplier Metrolina works with. Other resources passed along from listeners and that I’ve found: http://www.indefenseofplants.com/blog/2015/5/4/the-truth-about-peat They also have a great podcast, but this is a short blog from 2015 https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904165253.htm A study from 2009 on research for alternative growing media. https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/should-sustainable-gardeners-use-peat-moss/2017/05/09/1fc746f0-3118-11e7-9534-00e4656c22aa_story.html- Britain is outlawing it by 2030, big argument against stores a third of the worlds carbon. https://www.rootsimple.com/2010/12/is-peat-moss-a-sustainable-resource/ Two people with opposing views on Peat Moss that make interesting arguments- there are also lots of comments on the blog you can read. https://peat
S4 E75 · Tue, October 01, 2019
Episode 75: The Science of Soil with Dr Mark from Metrolina Greenhouse
So excited about this highly request episode on the science of soil. Finding a “soil expert” was kind of tough, but when I met Dr Mark Yelanich on a recent visit to Metrolina Greenhouse, I knew I had found the answers to my prayers. Dr. Mark has been the Director of Research at Metrolina Greenhouses for the past 14 years. Metrolina Greenhouse is the single-site heated greenhouse in the United States at 162 acres under roof. The Metrolina Research department focuses on working with plant breeding companies to find varieties that will delight home gardeners and help them be more successful. The research department also works on finding improved ways of producing our plants to make Metrolina more sustainable and efficient. Before Metrolina Dr. Mark worked for Scotts Miracle Gro (SMG) where he was the Senior Scientist in charge of research on Miracle Gro branded potting and garden soil (and received three patents on soil products). Dr.Mark received his Ph.D., Masters and bachelors from Michigan State University (The Harvard of Horticulture). He is married to Lisa for 26 years and has two daughters Hannah and Emily (sadly neither are going into Horticulture but he is still very proud!) Today he joins me to break down the different components of soil, and why choosing the right soil is so important for the success of our houseplants! If you are interested in seeing Dr Mark and Metrolina Greenhouse, check out the behind the scenes tour Dr Mark gave me when I was in North Carolina! You see the entire process of what it takes to grow a plant in a commercial greenhouse! In this episode we learn: How Dr Mark became a soil expert Difference between outdoor and indoor soil Why to NEVER use outdoor soil What mixes to use for indoor plants What makes up potting mix: peat moss, perlite, pumice, bark, vermiculite, coco coir, earthworm casings, various “meals”, fertilizer pellets Fertilizing practices (brief overview) Best ratio for indoor potting mixes and what to include (and what not to include) Best way to store soil Is reusing soil ok? What’s up with “baking”soil? How and when to repot your plants When to start fertilizing Pest control Is the white mold on the top of the soil going to kill a plant Mentioned in today's episode! Check out my tour of Metrolina Greenhouse with Dr Mark! http://bit.ly/BAGRMetrolina If you are wondering what soil and fertilizers I use on my plants, here are the links to the Espoma Organic products I use. Thank you to today's episode sponsors! Soltech Solutions makes luxury grow lights that look like high end modern light fixtures with
S4 E74 · Tue, September 24, 2019
Episode 74: Grow Lights 101 with Leslie Halleck
Thrilled as always to welcome Leslie Halleck back on the show. You will remember Leslie from our two part series on Understanding Natural Light and Propagation 101. She has two books, Plant Parenting- a guide to plant propagation and Gardening Under Lights. Today Leslie joins me to discuss everything we need to know about grow lights. Winter is coming plant friends, and many of us might need to take the plunge with additional grow lights to make sure our plants are happy and healthy. Personally, as my plant collection grew, I quickly realized I did not have the amount of light needed for the amount of plants I had collected. That's when I started bringing grow lights home to help keep all my plants happy. I also got really into using them as part of the design of our apartments, as my go to grow light companies, Soltech Solutions and Modern Sprout make gorgeous lights that actually enhance your homes aesthetic instead of making you look like you are up to something questionable. This is the second episode we’ve done on grow lights. The first one was Episode 12 with Chris Satch. I wanted to do another one because this science of grow lights, and photosynthesis can be tricky and it’s nice to hear it explained by various people. That’s why we have several episodes on succulents, and other topics. So listen to today’s episode, listen to it again, listen to episode 12, just keep listening and absorbing and learning. In this episode we learn: What Leslie’s personal grow light set up is What photosynthesis is Why light is important for plants What the different colors of light do for plants and why “full spectrum” grow lights are so important Lumens vs PAR vs Kelvin = how to measure light What the best choice of grow lights for indoor houseplants are Defining “bright indirect” for a grow light Patreon Plant Friend and listener Questions ! Mentioned in today's episode! Leslie's books: Gardening Under Lights and Plant Parenting: Easy Ways to Make New Houseplants Soltech Solutions: soltechsolutions.com and use "Bloom20" for 20% Modern Sprout: modernsprout.com use code "Bloom" for 15% off Bloom and Grow Amazon Grow light Storefront: http://bit.ly/growlightep *The mentioned codes and amazon links are Bloom and Grow Affiliate partnerships, meaning Bloom and Grow Radio will receive a portion of the sale at no extra cost to you.* Thank you to our two a
S4 E73 · Tue, September 17, 2019
Episode 73: Indoor Plant Appreciation & the Amazon Rainforest
Plant friends this is an excited episode for two reasons, #1 we hear from you! This is a community episode in response to it being National Indoor Plant Appreication week and I asked you to call in with a story of you and your plants. We have tales of plant wins, plant heirlooms, crazy plant person moments and even some fails. We we learn from every one of you today, and that fills my heart. What I am more excited is that we are taking plant appreciation to the next level, by diving into what is happening in the Amazon rainforest, and how we can help. Plant friends, these plants that we know and love are mostly all tropical plants, growing in the Amazon. The amazon is home to so many species that are all currentlythreatened by the intentional burning of the rainforests. As plant parents, if we are going to love these plants, we need to respect where they come from, and hopefully participate in the protection of their natural habitats. At the end of the episode I give a brief an overview of what is going on, and we share resources provided by our community which we can educate ourselves and learn about organizations that are fighting the deforestation efforts. In this episode we: Hear stories of plant appreciation from various members of our community Learn about the Amazon Rainforest Fires Learn how we can help from resources supplied by our community Thank you to our listeners who called in and shared their stories! Thank you Mara Zobrist, Catherine Taylor ( @plantycatt) , Anissa Nicole, Erika Boyd ( @stellas.garden ), Maria Brusco ( @lemontreesbymariuzza ), Katherine Dedine, Veronica Saldana, Katherine H., Lat Jones and Gregory (@plantingability )! Click here to read my blog with all of the resources on the Amazon mentioned in today's episode Use #rainforestplantparent to continue the conversation about the Amazon! Thank you to our two amazing episode sponsors: Espoma Organics and Floating Bed and Breakfast. For responsibly made, unbelievable indoor and outdoor organic soils, fertilizers, pest control sprays and more visit espoma.com to find your local dealer or check out my amazon storefront of my favorite Espoma products here . For the plantiest airbnb experience of your life in the Norfolk, VA area, visit <a href="https://www.theloi
S5 E72 · Tue, September 10, 2019
Episode 72- Fall Garden Plants and Projects with Joe Lamp'l
I’m so excited to welcome Joe Lamp'l of JoeGardener.com back on the show today! You might remember him from our episode on Living Christmas trees, but he is my outdoor gardening guru who is going to walk us through some fun things for us to do in our outdoor gardens this Fall. Joe Lamp’l is the creator, Executive Producer and Host of the Emmy-award-winning national PBS series, Growing a Greener World® , Founder and “joe” behind joegardener.com , and creator of the new joe gardener Online Gardening Academy™. Have you checked out the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show ? Check it out and subscribe for videos on my indoor plant journey, behind the scenes planty tours, and lots of fun home DIY projects! In this episode we learn: How Joe Lamp'l became Joe Gardener Why Organic Gardening is so important If we have to “put our garden to bed” in the fall What to plant in the fall and how Quick results: radishes, lettuce, kale Fun gardening projects for kids: Garlic Onions Grow your own holiday feast! herbs, carrots, brussel sprouts How to organize yourself in the fall to prep for next spring The Apps Joe uses to organize himself and his garden Mentioned in episode: https://joegardener.com/what-to-plant-in-a-fall-vegetable-garden/ https://joegardener.com/podcast/046-garden-organization/ Biggest Little Farm Movie Thank you to our two amazing episode sponsors: Espoma Organics and Floating Bed and Breakfast. For responsibly made, unbelievable indoor and outdoor organic soils, fertilizers, pest control sprays and more visit espoma.com to find your local dealer or check out my amazon storefront of my favorite Espoma products here . For the plantiest airbnb experience of your life in the Norfolk, VA area, visit theloiselaine.com and message Nicole for 20% off by telling her Maria sent you! Follow Joe: Founder: joegardener.com GrowingAGreenerWorld.com joegardener.com Beginning Gardener Fundamentals - my new online course The joe gardener Show Podcast Facebook.com
S4 E71 · Tue, September 03, 2019
Episode 71: Low Light Plants for Beginners and Advanced Plant Parents with the Houseplant Guru
Today I welcome Lisa Eldred Steinkopf, otherwise known as the “Houseplant Guru” to the show for an enlightening conversation about how to care for plants in low light environments, and what the best beginner and advanced and interesting low light tolerant plant choices we can make. We discuss how to truly understand if we have low light, several hacks to capitalize on the light we have and she suggests some really interesting plants besides your normal pothos, dracaena and snake plants we know so well. Lisa is the author of Grow in the Dark: How to Choose and Care for Low Light Houseplants and Houseplants: The Complete Guide. I love her books and I love her! Have you checked out the new Bloom and Grow Radio Youtube Channel? If you like this content, you’ll love the fun videos I’m making- this week I released a moss pole tutorial video that pairs with episode 42 of the podcast with Tylor from Arium Botanicals. You can also find planty home makeovers, behind the scenes tours of cannabis growers, Airplant 101, my hacks for traveling with plants and more. Click here to watch and subscribe! In this episode we learn: How Lisa became “The Houseplant Guru” How to measure low light with no fancy tools How to “hack” your way to capitalizing on all the hacks you have How low light affects your plant care routing Watering for a low light plant Phototropism How Variegated plants are affected by low light Standard low light plants Lisa’s 5 more rare and unknown low light plants for advanced plant parents looking for something new! Patreon Plant Friends and Listener Questions! If you are interested low light plants or purchasing Lisa’s books, they are linked in the show notes, and you can visit my amazon store where I have put together a compilation of my favorite low light plants and grow lights . Buy Grow in the Dark: How to Choose and Care for Low Light Houseplants (Amazon Affiliate Link) Thank you to our two amazing episode sponsors Espoma Organics and Floating Bed and Breakfast. For responsibly made, unbelievable indoor and outdoor organic soils, fertilizers, pest control sprays and more visit espoma.com to find your local dealer or check out my amazon storefront of my favorite Espoma products here . For the plantiest airbnb experience of your life in the Norfolk, VA area, visit theloiselaine.com and message Nicole for 20% off by telling her Maria sent you! Follow Lisa, The Houseplant Guru Website: <a h
S4 E70 · Tue, August 27, 2019
Episode 70: Growing Cannabis Part 2: Flowering to Harvest
Thrilled to bring you part two of the Growing Cannabis episode series! In this conversation I’ve sat down with Rooney Bloom, a home grower of cannabis, and Chudy Azuogu, a commercial grower of cannabis, for a “compare and contrast” conversation on growing Cannabis from seed to harvest. Last week, on Episode 69 we discussed set up, seed starting and the vegetative stage, today we discuss flowering, harvesting and curing. This conversation is so much more about growing plants, the unbelievable advances in science that allow indoor growers to replicate outdoor growing, and learning about a very trendy industry! I hope you enjoy! In this episode we learn: How to get the plant to flower in a commercial set up and why growers manipulate grow lights during this process How Cannabis flowers naturally outdoors The process of caring for Cannabis after it flowers day 1, day 7 and day 21 Caring for Cannabis outdoors How to know when to harvest What a trichome is What tool you need to see when it’s time to harvest How to harvest in a commercial grow house How to harvest as a home grower The bud drying process commercially and at home What are terpenes How to “burp” your bud The lifespan of a cannabis plant in a commercial grow house VS outdoors Pest Control How the commercial grower has to comply with the government to grow legally How Chudy feels about being a pioneer in the Cannabis industry Final thoughts on Cannabis from a home grower and a commercial grower Check out the behind the scenes tour of Chudy's commercial grow facility here! Instructions for being on the Indoor Plant Appreciation Episode! 1) Call (267) 478-2521 2) Please spell your name and email at the beginning of the message so I can contact you! 3) Share your story in the voicemail! Share your favorite story regarding an indoor plant: whether its a fail, a win, a humble brag, or a story of #plantfriendsIRL- your choice! **Tip: The google voice only allows for a 3 minute message, so you might want to write out your story, or jot some thoughts down on paper to allow for you to effectively tell your story without getting cut off. If your story requires more than 3 minutes, you can call back and leave back to back messages. Thank you to Highline Wellness for Sponsoring today's episode! Highline Wellness makes premium CBD products at honest and affordable prices. They make CBD gummies, oil and pain cream that has broad spectrum CBD with no THC that have been helping me manage anxiety and sleep in all of the different hotel rooms and beds use as I travel to on tour. For 15% off go to highlinewellness.com an
S4 E69 · Tue, August 20, 2019
Episode 69: Growing Cannabis Part 1: Set Up, Seed Starting and The Vegetative Stage
While I was in Denver, I had the opportunity to tour The Garden, a 7000 square foot commercial Cannabis grower with my plant friend, and cannabis home grower, Rooney Bloom. In that tour, it was incredibly clear to me that I needed to sit down with the founder of The Garden, Chudy Azuogu and Rooney to discuss their different approaches to growing Cannabis, from seed to harvest. Cannabis is obviously a very popular plant these days for indoor growers… for different reasons than our houseplant plant parenthood obsessions, BUT this two part conversation ends up not being about Cannabis, but perspectives from two growers on how they care for a simple plant. What struck me the most is how commercial growers, (of Cannabis or any other plant) use science and technology to manipulate these plants to grow to their best ability and yield. But really, they are trying to mimic what Mother Nature does so easily. I’m so thankful to Rooney and Chudy for being so open to have this conversation and give us so much knowledge! It was an eye opening conversation that I’m so thankful for! Disclaimer: if you plan on growing Cannabis, you absolutely must look up your local laws on growing this plant. This episode is not an endorsement for growing Cannabis, but an exploratory conversation for those who do. Do your own research on the legal side if you intend on growing on your own. Also- you might hear Rooney’s pup walking around and wagging his tail through this conversation, he was a wonderful audience to have in Rooney’s home during this conversation. In this episode we learn: How Rooney Bloom became the professional plant educator he is How Chudy Azuogu became a commercial grower of Cannabis The difference in growing cannabis from a commercial and home grower perspective What do you need to grow Cannabis Commercially What do you need to grow Cannabis as a home grower How to start seeds from home and in a commercial grow house Why it is important to separate Male and Female Cannabis Plants How to tell Male and Female Cannabis Plants apart How and when to feed cannabis commercially and at home The lighting setup in a Commercial grow house How to care for the plants while they are in their vegetative stage Tune in next week for Growing Cannabis Part 2: Flowering to Harvest when Rooney and Chudy lead us through how to watch (or force) a plant to flower, how to care for it in it’s flowering stage, how to harvest and dry the bud and overall thoughts on the Cannabis industry. Thank you to Highline Wellness for Sponsoring today's episode! Highline Wellness makes premium CBD products at honest and affordable prices. They make CBD gummies, oil and pain cream that has broad spectrum CBD with no THC that have been helping me manage anxiety and sleep in all of the different hotel rooms and beds use as I travel to on tou
Thu, August 15, 2019
Be featured on the upcoming Community Episode: Indoor Plant Appreciation Community episode call to action - 81419 6.38 PM
Hi Plant Friends! I'd love to feature you and YOUR plant stories in an upcoming community episode of the Bloom and Grow Radio Podcast. The theme of the episode is "Indoor Plant Appreciation" for National Indoor Plant Week! Call in following the instructions below and share your favorite story about a plant of yours: it could be a plant parent win, a loss, a lesson learned, a new friendship that blossomed, a funny story or a #plantmomfail or #plantdadfail. Whatever you want! I want this episode to inspire our community to keep blooming and keep growing together :) I can't wait to hear from you! Instructions for being on the Indoor Plant Appreciation Episode! 1) Call (267) 478-2521 2) Please spell your name and email at the beginning of the message so I can contact you! 3) Share your story in the voicemail! Share your favorite story regarding an indoor plant: whether its a fail, a win, a humble brag, or a story of #plantfriendsIRL- your choice! **Tip: The google voice only allows for a 3 minute message, so you might want to write out your story, or jot some thoughts down on paper to allow for you to effectively tell your story without getting cut off. If your story requires more than 3 minutes, you can call back and leave back to back messages. Deadline for submissions is September 3rd! Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S4 E68 · Tue, August 13, 2019
Peperomia 101 with Nick Pileggi
So glad to have Nick from @phillyfoliage and Nick Pileggi on Youtube join me for a discussion on Peperomia 101. This interview happened during our Live Taping at Urban Jungle Philly this summer. Peperomia are such a wonderful houseplant variety and such a perfect plant for beginners. We are lucky to have Nick walk us through the history, care and fun facts and troubleshooting tips for our peperomia plant babies! In this episode we learn: How Nick Pileggi began his career in plants with no degree in horticulture and became the houseplant curator for Urban Jungle Philly and the epic youtube planty personality we know today How many varieties of Peperomia Nick owns (you’ll be shocked!) and his favorites Peperomia IRL: where we find them in Nature How many different varieties of Peperomia are known and how they differ Best watering practices for Peperomia Best light for Peperomia Thank you to Soltech Solutions for sponsoring the podcast taping. Soltech Solutions makes luxury grow lights with full spectrum, white, museum quality light designed to keep your houseplants and dwarf fruiting trees happy. They have the hanging pendant Aspect light and now have the Highland Track Light system, designed for grow walls and plants in hard to reach places. They are offering you 20% off your order so head to soltechsolutions.com with the code "Bloom20" at checkout. Special thanks to our event sponsors who made this event unbelievably special! Planty Gift Bag Sponsors Espoma Organics provided my FAVORITE Indoor Fertilizer and Bio Tone Starter Pack for the outdoor gardener. Centurion Garden Snippers provided their stainless steel garden snippers to make every propagation snip count! Local Sponsors who you MUST visit if in Philly! Urban Jungle Philly - a MUST visit plant MECCA in Philly! Barcelona Wine Bar - the most DELICIOUS paella in town! Rival Bros Coffe e - Philadelphia natives raising the bar for amazing coffee1 Pollyodd limoncello - the flavors of this limoncello are unbelievable! Essen Bakery - The chef just got nominated for a third James Beared Award- need I say more? Visit the <a href="
S4 Enull · Thu, August 08, 2019
Season 4 Intro and What I’ve Learned Being Away from my Plants for 6 Months!
Today I’m just intro’ing you to Season 4 and giving you my off the cuff update on what I’ve learned from being away from my plants for 6th months! Sharing recent life lessons, what’s bringing me joy lately and how I’ve been bringing my passion for plants on the road with me. Season 4 will officially launch Tuesday August 13th. Make sure you are subscribed to the podcast so you don’t miss one episode! Check out the Bloom and Grow YOUTUBE show: http://bit.ly/BAGRyoutube Become a Plant Friend of Bloom and Grow Radio on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bloomandgrowradio Join the Bloom and Grow Mailing List: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club Buy some Bloom and Grow Radio Merch! http://bit.ly/BAGRPFA Instructions for being on the Indoor Plant Appreciation Episode! 1) Call (267) 478-2521 2) Please spell your name and email at the beginning of the message so I can contact you! 3) Share your story in the voicemail! Share your favorite story regarding an indoor plant: whether its a fail, a win, a humble brag, or a story of #plantfriendsIRL- your choice! **Tip: The google voice only allows for a 3 minute message, so you might want to write out your story, or jot some thoughts down on paper to allow for you to effectively tell your story without getting cut off. If your story requires more than 3 minutes, you can call back and leave back to back messages. Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S3 Enull · Fri, August 02, 2019
Chicago Plant Friends! Come hug me this Saturday!
Chicago Plant Friends! We are having a FREE BAGR listener meet up THIS Saturday August 3rd from 10 am - Noon at Sprout Home Chicago! RSVP Here! https://app.getoccasion.com/p/n/M8FrfGb2 Season 4 of Bloom and Grow Radio Podcast is hitting the airwaves later THIS August, Plant Friends! Get excited! Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S3 E66 · Tue, June 25, 2019
A chat with PlantKween: 5 tips for planning your perfect plant shopping day and Inclusivity and Representation in the Plant Community
I’m thrilled to finally connect with Christopher Griffin who you might know at the the @plantkween on Instagram. Christopher’s feed is filled with his “green gurls” and himself- radiating joy and positivity. If you tune into his Instagram stories, you’ll also see that he orchestrates days filled with planty adventures, hopping from plant shop to plant shop with friends or on his own as part of his self care routine. Today Christopher joins me to discuss his those epic planty days and how he goes about structuring and planning them, and how he uses plants as self care. This conversation is all about plants, and nothing about plants, as we step into a discussion on inclusivity and representation in the plant world. I’m a changed person from this conversation and am so thankful to Chris for being open to sharing his journey and mission for more inclusivity with us. In this episode we learn How Chris because the "Plant Kween" that he is today Why he chooses to include photos of himself in all of his photos The importance of representation in the plant community 5 steps to planning your perfect plant shopping day Christopher’s approach to self care The importance of representation and inclusivity in the plant space Christopher’s resources mentioned in the episode: ÉduQue|e|r Trainings (My diversity consulting company) http://www.eduqueer.com/about GLSEN https://www.glsen.org/ The NY LGBTQ Center https://www.glsen.org/ GLAAD LGBTQ resource list https://www.glaad.org/resourcelist Support Bloom and Grow Radio on Patreon ! Thank you Bloem Living for Sponsoring today's episode! Bloem Living makes flower pots and garden accessories in the USA that are clever, efficient and fun! They have a garden accessory or container for every garden! Discover their products at www.bloemliving.com - there you can find your local Bloem Living dealer, or see the many websites you can order their products from! You can also check out my amazon storefront for a selection of my favorite Bloem products! Follow Christopher Instagram: @plantkween Follow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio: Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on <a href="ht
S3 E65 · Tue, June 18, 2019
A Plants Journey from Grower to Your Home with Mickey Hargitay
We are so lucky to be joined by Mickey from Mickey Hargitay Plants- THE go to plant institution in Los Angeles for Plant People. Mickey has been in the business of selling plants for 39 years: long before the recent trend has taken over Instagram and millennials. He had his shop in the 70s during the last houseplant craze, and gives us insight into his experience selling plants through several decades. We chat today not only about his long career, but what it takes as a plant shop owner to get a plant from a grower and into their customer’s hands: sourcing, transportation, pricing, inventory and more. Mickey is such a special human and gives us such wonderful insight into his career and his shop. In this episode we learn: Mickey’s journey into plants and his 39 year career owning a plant shop How houseplant trends have changed over the last 30 years Mickey walks us through his process for running his shop: from sourcing plants, to storing and selling them and ensuring their happiness in your home Best practices for helping your plant adjust to your home Watch the youtube tour of Mickey Hargitay Plants with Mickey! Join us in Philly for a live taping extravaganza at Urban Jungle Philly on June 24 ! Thank you Bloem Living for Sponsoring today's episode! Bloem Living makes flower pots and garden accessories in the USA that are clever, efficient and fun! They have a garden accessory or container for every garden! Discover their products at www.bloemliving.com - there you can find your local Bloem Living dealer, or see the many websites you can order their products from! You can also check out my amazon storefront for a selection of my favorite Bloem products! Visit and Follow Mickey! 1255 North Sycamore Avenue Los Angeles CA 90038 www.mickeysplants.com Instagram: @ mickeysplants Follow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio: Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon ! Instagram and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadio Subscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! /Bloomandgrowradio Website: www.bloomandgrowradio.com </p
S3 E64 · Tue, June 11, 2019
Episode 64: Propagation 101 with Leslie Halleck
So thrilled to be joined again by Leslie Halleck after the wildly successful two part episode on Understanding Natural Light (Episodes 46 and 47) last season. After the success of her recent book, Gardening Under Lights, Leslie published a new book this month on propagation called Plant Parenting. Today Leslie joins me to discuss not the techniques for propagation, by how plants actually multiply. Today’s episode is meant to help us zoom out and understand the overarching reasons for why the propagation projects we know and love are so successful. It is the perfect conversation to enrich our understanding of our plants and how intelligently designed they are. Leslie Halleck is a Horticulturalist by education and profession with a passion for plants and gardening. She has worked in many sectors of the gardening industry, from nurseries, to being the Director of Horticulture Research at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden to founding Halleck Horticultural, a consulting service for Green Industry businesses. Her book, Gardening under Lights; The Complete Guide for Indoor Growers, is the ultimate guide to understanding artificial lighting for indoor growers of any experience level. Her new book Plant Parenthood In this episode we learn: what is Totipotency the different types of cuttings for propagation roots vs shoots How to properly propagate a Fiddle Leaf Fig tree- and what not to do the most common way to propagate the science behind how plant cuttings instigate root growth (and dos and don'ts you need to know) best practices for taking great cuttings best cuttings to start with for beginners Mentioned in the episode: Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon ! Come to our Bloom and Grow Radio Happy Hour/Plant Swap and Live Taping in Philly! Details Here Leslie's books: Gardening Under Lights and Plant Parenting: Easy Ways to Make New Houseplants (Bloom and Grow Affiliate Links) GIVEAWAY! To participate in the giveaway of one signed copy of Leslie's new book, visit the @bloomandgrowradio instagram account and check out the post about today's episode. Instructions for the giveaway are there! Giveaway ends June 18th, 2019. Thank you Bloem Living for Sponsoring today's episode! Bloem Living makes flower pots and garden accessories in t
S3 E63 · Tue, June 04, 2019
Container Gardening 101 with Kevin from Epic Gardening
Thrilled to be sharing this planty conversation with my #plantfriendIRL, Kevin Espiritu from Epic Gardening! Kevin and I recently met IRL in San Diego and clicked immediately. He is a wonderfully curious Botanical Bro who has the most incredible Urban Gardening set up in his home in San Diego. Our journeys to plant parenthood are very similar, but revolve around different passions: indoor (mine) and outdoor (his). Today we talk our different interests, the similarities and differences between indoor and outdoor gardening and container gardening for those of us who might want to try gardening outdoors! I hope you find it inspiring to grow your own food in your outdoor space! Kevin's book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, was just released and would be the perfect companion for anyone curious to learn more about urban gardening and growing your own food! In this episode we learn: Kevin's somewhat unsuccessful intro to growing food, and how he became the amazing gardener he is now Differences in our experiences growing indoor and outdoor plants Outdoor container gardening 101- it's the growing season Plant Friends! Let's learn this together! Best pots, soil and fertilizer to use as a newbie Best plants to start with How to take your first step towards container gardening Mentioned in the Episode Buy Kevin's new book: Field Guide to Urban Gardening! (Bloom and Grow Amazon Affiliate Link): https://amzn.to/2HOdufi Visit my Amazon Storefront for the items mentioned in today's episode! https://www.amazon.com/shop/bloomandgrowradio Check out Maria's favorite Bloem Living pots and gardening accessories! http://bit.ly/bloemBAGR Thank you Bloem Living for Sponsoring today's episode! Bloem Living makes flower pots and garden accessories in the USA that are clever, efficient and fun! They have a garden accessory or container for every garden! Discover their products at www.bloemliving.com - there you can find your local Bloem Living dealer, or see the many websites you can order their products from! You can also check out my amazon storefront for a selection of my favorite Bloem products! Follow Kevin and Epic Gardening Website Podcast YouTube F
S3 E62 · Tue, May 28, 2019
Live Taping in Tucson! Living with Plants in the Desert!
Thrilled to be bringing you the live taping of Bloom and Grow Radio in Tucson on “Living with Plants in the Desert”. I am joined by Brendan the owner of Eco Grow, a local aquaponics and rare plant shop and grower and also Prococo Products, premium coco coir supplier, Akiko from Tucson based flower and plant shop Bloom Maven and Becca, a Tucson native and the Plant Lady behind the De La Plants Youtube channel. We have a wonderful discussion on the desert climate, the Saguaro Cactus, and how to have a thriving plant collection while living in the desert, and how to incorporate desert style into your home and plant collection. In this episode we learn: What a desert biome is The history of the Saguaro Cacti Houseplant Care in the Desert 101 with Brendan from Eco Gro and Prococo Desert plant styling tips with Akiko from Bloom Maven Hot tips on living with Plants in the Desert from Becca of Becca De La Plants Thank you to our Wine and Gift Bag Sponsors (all female owned and run companies)! Sand Reckoner Vineyards is a local vineyard growing their own grapes in the desert and making delicious wines including the Vermentino we drank a ton of at the live taping! If you are in the area, their Tucson tasting room is open Wednesday through Sunday! Check them out at https://sand-reckoner.com/ Solace Macrame for the GORGEOUS mini macrame plant hangers- for any and all of your macrame dreams visit: https://solacemacrame.com/ and Instagram: @solacemacrame Annotated Audrey for the fabulous Plant Pins and Stickers from her shop which is all about desert inspired art, gifts and accessories! Check out her prints and more at http://shop.annotatedaudrey.com/ and Instagram @annotatedaudrey Check out some Cacti IRL on Maria's Youtube Video tour of her hike in Sabino Canyon in the Sonoran Desert! Follow Akiko and Bloom Maven: www.bloommaven.com Facebook: /bloommaven Instagram: @bloommaven Follow Brendan and Eco Grow and ProCoco: ww
S3 Enull · Fri, May 24, 2019
We are now on Patreon and I wanted to tell you why
Today Maria shares a mini episode on why Bloom and Grow Radio is now on Patreon. Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/bloomandgrowradio Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Thu, May 23, 2019
How to Move with Plants
Maria and members of the Bloom and Grow Radio Community give tips on how to move homes with houseplants! In this episode we learn: - the various ways to pack plants for moving - practical tips from listeners who have moved successfully with their houseplants - suggestions from Maria for moving in a car, truck, plane or countries! For a blog with all of the tips provided in this episode visit: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/moving For a youtube video where Maria shows you how she packs her plants to take on the plane visit: https://www.youtube.com/c/bloomandgrowradio Support Bloom and Grow Radio on PATREON! https://www.patreon.com/bloomandgrowradio Follow Bloom and Grow Radio: Instagram and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadio Subscribe to the Bloom and Grow YOUTUBE show! https://www.youtube.com/c/bloomandgrowradio Website: www.bloomandgrowradio.com Join the (free) Garden Club: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club Support Bloom and Grow Radio on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bloomandgrowradio Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S3 E60 · Tue, April 30, 2019
Live Taping! DIY Succulent Crowns with Infinite Succulent
Rachael is the plant lady behind Infinite Succulent and the author of the succulent crafting book Infinite Succulent: Miniature Living Art to Keep or Share. The book is filled with incredible and easy succulent crafts for any skill level. I have been obsessed with succulent crowns ever since I found them on Instagram over a year ago and got one for myself on my last trip to San Diego. I’ve wanted to do an episode on DIY Succulent Crowns for a year and I’m so excited to have had the opportunity to finally be bringing an episode to you because I just always feel so special and giddy whenever I’ve worn one in the past. They are such a fun craft to do with friends or your kids. I hope you enjoy our wonderful conversation! At this live taping, Rachael walks Maria (and guests) through making their own succulent crowns from start to finish and teaches us how to replant our crowns to have them live on forever. A few heads up about this episode 1) the nursery and space for this event was so perfect, we were surround by every dream plant you couldn't imagine in this little green house on the property, but you can hear some shoppers milling about in the background at times, and might hear some cars or sirens passing on the local roads. Don’t let it deter you- they will pass. 2) Rachael and I do our very best to explain what we are doing while we were doing it- but real talk, this was the first time trying to do a live taping/DIY event like this. Our amazing photographer Gabaccia, took some amazing companion photos, and made an adorable video as a companion to this episode, so head to the show notes at bloomandgrowradio.com/succulentcrowns to see the photos of what we were talking about. I also do a general overview of all of the instructions at the end of the episode. 3) Incase it isn’t clear in the start of the episode- Rachael has two different types of succulent crown crafts that she offers in her book- I did the tie back version, which is basically the succulents attached to the lace on leather string that ties around my head (because my head is huge and normal crowns don't fit it) and then she does the actual headband versions. There are photos of both, but when you hear us talking about the differences, that’s what we are talking about. In this episode we learn: How Rachael began crafting with plants and why she feels they are important activities for children and adults What materials you need for a succulent crown How to take a proper clipping for a succulent craft Step by step process for crafting you very own succulent crown How to care for the crowns once they are completed How and when to separate and root your cuttings Best practices for rooting your cuttings once they are done Everything about the creation of Rachael’s new book Infinite Succulent: Miniature Living Art to Keep or Share Thank you so much
S3 E59 · Tue, April 23, 2019
Live Taping! How to Cultivate Healthy Plant Community: Online and IRL
I am so excited to share the magic of our first live taping at Folia Collective in Los Angeles with my special guests Danae from Folia Collective and Christine from Work Hard Plant Hard. You will remember them from Episode 24 on How to Start a Plant Shop where Danae took us behind the scenes of how she grew Folia Collective into the Planty mecca it is now and Episode 17 on The Studies Behind Why Plants Make People Happy and Healthy where Christine, who is a practicing physician, walks us through the scientific studies that prove that plants improve the quality of our lives. These two women are such special friends to me, and such pillars in this planty community and I’m so thrilled to be sharing this special conversation with you. We dive into all things plant community: how to first become a part of it, how to grow within it and also how to behave as part of it. I was surprised at how inspiring and helpful the etiquette section of the conversation was, and hope you have some great take aways from it. Special thanks to Ahus Akvavit, Rt1home, Modern Sprout, Bloem Living and Hemleva for partnering with us to make it happen! You’ll hear more about them at the end of the episode. In this episode we learn: How Christine and Danae got started in the Plant Community Advice for how to get started in the online Plant Community How to start your own plant swap How to approach a plant shop to work on an event together Some etiquette guidelines for social media in the Plant Community How to keep you relationships with plants happy and healthy Thank you Danae and Christine for such a wonderful conversation. I hope you all feel inspired to continue to contribute to this wonderful community of plant friends we are a part of. If your looking for a way to engage with the community and haven’t already joined the Bloom and Grow Garden Club, that’s a great place to start! https://bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club Thank you to Mountain Crest Gardens for sponsoring this episode. If you are looking for high quality succulents shipped to your door, check out mountaincrestgardens.com/bloom to get your discount code for 15% your first purchase. The variety of succulents they have is unbelievable and their shipping packing is incredible! Go give them a look at mountaincrestgardens.com/bloom for 15% off. Mentioned in the episode: The Small and Savage Wild Shelves @delaplants hashtag: Your City + indoor jungle like #tucsonindoorjungle Airplantman : Mich
S3 E58 · Tue, April 16, 2019
How to Identify a Plant with No Name Tag
Plant Friends, I’m so excited to welcome Summer Rayne Oakes of Homestead Brooklyn back on the show to talk about an issue we’ve all probably run into: finding a plant you love at a garden shop or nursery that doesn’t have a name tag… and what to do! We’ve learned through out these episodes that one of the most important things we can do as plant parents is to find out what kind of light and humidity our homes get, and to bring plants home that will thrive in our unique indoor environments. So… how are you supposed to be able to do this if you don't know what the plant is!? I know this is an issue I’ve come across and thought Summer Rayne would be the perfect person to chat about the general clues we could get from looking at a plant, that might lead us to get a general idea for the light and care it may need. Disclaimer: obviously we speak in generalities here, there will always be an exception to the rule, BUT it’s great to arm ourselves with as much general knowledge as humanly possible, to zoom out and understand the bigger picture. Summer Rayne also recently launched an amazing online houseplant master class which I took, and we chat about it at the end of the episode! In this episode we learn: How to handle finding a plant you like in a garden shop but not having a name tag on it Understanding how the plants are cared for in the garden center and what that transition is like for them How to “zoom out” and look at a plant more holistically, to better empower ourselves to understand plants without being dependent on a care card Key indicators to help you under that care a plant requires Thank you Summer Rayne for a wonderful chat. I hope this conversation might help you plant friends zoom out and understand more general cues we can take to understand plant care, and not rely solely on a care card. If you are looking to take your plant knowledge to the next level, I highly recommend Summer Raynes course! You can sign up using my affiliate code here- that means that a portion of the sale will go to supporting Bloom and Grow Radio! http://bit.ly/SROmasterclass Thank you to Mountain Crest Gardens for sponsoring this episode. If you are looking for high quality succulents shipped to your door, check out mountaincrestgardens.com/bloom to get your discount code for 15% your first purchase. The variety of succulents they have is unbelievable and their shipping packing is incredible! Go give them a look at mountaincrestgardens.com/bloom for 15% off. Check out the Bloom and Grow Plant Friend Apparel line! http://bit.ly/plantfriendsapparel
S3 E57 · Tue, April 09, 2019
Pollinators and Native Bees
I’m thrilled to have Dave Hunter, the founder of Crown Bees on the show to talk about pollinators and how important they are for our environment. Dave is a native bee expert that shares so much information about pollination, bees in general, why the honey bee might not be the king of the bee world as we know it, and how we can help pollinators continue to help our local environments literally bloom and grow. Pollinators are something I knew little about and Dave really walks us through everything we need to know about them. In this episode we learn: What pollinators are, and why they are important Why the Honey Bee might not be the most effective pollinator How many types of bees there are, and what they do How do bees pollinator flowers What is a native bee Why are bees threatened? How can we help - Thank you Dave for all of your incredible information. If you are interested in learning more about pollinators, or possibly installing one of Daves amazing bee kits, I highly suggest heading over to https://crownbees.com/ to learn more! - Thank you to Mountain Crest Gardens for sponsoring today’s episode. I can’t say enough wonderful things about how impressed I am with Mountain Crest Gardens. To see the amazing variety of succulents for yourself, visit Mountaincrestgardens.com/bloom to get a coupon code for 15% off your order! - Check out the Plant Friends Apparel line of shirts, sweatshirts and accessories inspired by Bloom and Grow Radio by clicking here! - Join me for a LIVE TAPING of Bloom and Grow Radio in San Diego on April 20th at 10 am at Barrels & Branches! Participants will learn along side me as Rachael from Infinite Succulent teaches us how to craft our own living succulent crowns! Click here to get your tickets! Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S3 E56 · Tue, April 02, 2019
Community Episode: Plant Fail Lessons
Today’s episode is a community episode, featuring YOU, the Bloom and Grow Radio Listeners sharing their stories and empowering and educating our community. Plant Fails, everyone take a moment of silence to bow our heads for the plants we’ve lost in our plant parenthood journeys. Because plant friends… I don’t care how gorgeously curated your IG feed is…. we ALL have a plant fail in our history. But for some reason, we feel shame when they happen. I think it’s hard to stomach our not so perfect plant parenthood moments, when we are surrounded by perfect photos of gorgeous plants, in our curated IG feeds and in the garden centers that get the perfect amount of light and fertilizer to make them truly thrive. I had the idea for this episode when I was struggling with this problem last month. I was surprised at how much shame I felt about this plant fail, and knew I wanted to turn to our community for support and help, and this episode is the result of that! Thank you to Brie, Eva ( @rootboundbotany ), Jesse, Larayne ( @larrydoom ), Mara ( @ohimara ), Becca ( @delaplants ), Leanna ( @naturalleegreen ), Lat ( @laura_turns ), Leslie ( @leslieiswhat ), Kelly ( @plantmamakelly ), Lat ( @dr_Badvibes ) and Ellie ( @Heirloomplantsisters ) for their vulnerability, humor and honesty in sharing their plant fails! I learned from each and every one of you! Check out the new Bloom and Grow Radio Plant Friends Apparel Line of Shirts, Sweatshirts and Accessories! Express your inner Plant Lady or Botanical Bro and Support Bloom and Grow Radio! Click here! Thank you to Maria, ( @_forestfloor ) for co-designing this line with me! Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Wed, March 27, 2019
Seattle Plant Friend Meet up announced for THIS SATURDAY!
RSVP HERE So excited to have a "Botanicals and Brunch" Bloom and Grow Radio Listener Meet up at Cultivate Propagate in SEATTLE this Saturday March 30th from 1030-noon! Join us for Brunch Cocktails, Coffee, Raised Doughnuts and more! It will be a wonderful way to meet your local planty community members and make new #plantfriendsIRL! I'll be hosting informal interviews about what your favorite Seattle Planty Places are! Chelsea (the shop owner) will be saving some Philodendron Pink Princess and Painted Lady and Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma to go on sale in shop during the event! Please RSVP by clicking this link so we know how much stuff to get! Botanicals and Brunch Partners: Cultivate Propagate Raised Doughnuts Marseille Food and Wine Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S3 E55 · Tue, March 19, 2019
Plant Side Chat: Lessons Learned in the Redwood Forest
Today's episode is a short and sweet nugget of love about my trip to the Redwood Forest. Tune in for some mushy feel good vibes and inspiration. Use #bagplantlatinchallenge and post a photo of one of your plants with the latin name! Educate our community! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Club for exclusive access to early offerings for events, episodes, the free download of the Molly Mansfield Keep Blooming Print and the password to our private facebook group! https://bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club Follow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio on Instagram for behind the scenes shots and... plants! Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S3 E54 · Tue, March 12, 2019
Plant Latin 101
Plant Friends! I’m so excited to have my dear friend and Botanical Bro Chris Satch back on the show, to help demystify the latin names of our houseplants we love so dearly. Today we dive into plant latin, some history, troubleshooting, and learn LOTS of nerdy latin words. We hope this episode helps you better understand your houseplants, what families they come from and maybe just gives you some fancy words to pull out at parties and sound fancy with. Stay tuned till the end of the episode because we’ve come up with a fun challenge for our community to participate in, you wont want to miss it- I can’t wait to see what you come up with! In this episode we learn: Why Plant Latin is so important to know for our houseplants Who Carl Linneus was why he’s important to Plant Latin General Pronunciation guidelines Kingdom, division, class, order, family, genus, species- how these names apply to our plants How houseplants are broken down in Plant Latin What the cultivar and special exceptions for Plant Latin are Resources Resources mentioned in this episode: Mr Plant Geeks Rude Botany Line ICBN USDA Plants Database Kew Gardens Resource Post your #BAGPlantLatinChallenge by taking a photo of your plant and telling us the latin name, translation and care instructions for it! Let’s learn as a community! Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Club for exclusive access to early offerings for events, episodes, the free download of the Molly Mansfield Keep Blooming Print and the password to our private facebook group! https://bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club Join me on March 18th at Folia Collective for a Botanical and Booze Happy Hour and Live taping with Work Hard Plant Hard! https://foliacollective.com/products/botanicals-booze-bloom-grow-radio-live-at-folia Follow Chris on Instagram Follow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio on instagram Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora
S3 E53 · Tue, February 26, 2019
Episode 53: Plants IRL aka Nature and Monstera Talk
Today’s guest caught my eye on social media because of his incredible travel itinerary and his obvious passion for finding the plants we know and love as houseplants, in their natural habitats around the world. Michael Mittermeier is a passionate plant professional who has traveled the world and documents his findings of rare and unusual plants on his instagram account @mickmitty. He also has one of the largest private collections of Monstera, Syngonium, Scindapsus and Raphidophora in the country. I invited him on the show today to discuss his experience with our favorite houseplants in nature, but the conversation blossomed into a fun chat about how to plan trips for plant sightseeing, how to take your plant obsession to the next level, what these plants are like in nature and lots and lots of information about Monstera in the wild and he even teaches us a thing or two about Adansonii vs Obliqua. I hope this conversation encourages you to learn more about where these plants we love to keep indoors actually come from and inspires you to bring a new type of plant home! In this episode we learn: how Mick gets to travel and experience the plants we love as houseplants out in the real world travel hacks to help get you to see plants IRL Micks experience seeing houseplants in the Wild Mick’s experience with Monstera Xanthospetha (and also what that is) Monstera Adansonii Vs Obliqua Why it’s hard to identify rare plants as a houseplant parent Micks hack for making the best moss poles Visit www.bloomandgrowradio.com/mick for photos of the plants we discussed in today's episode! Come Hang with me in LA at Folia Collective on March 18th! https://foliacollective.com/products/botanicals-booze-bloom-grow-radio-live-at-folia Follow Mick: Instagram facebook Follow Bloom and Grow Radio: Instagram Join the (free) garden club: https://bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club Thank you to Wallygro for sponsoring this episode and month of Bloom and Grow Radio. Head to Wallygro.com to see all of your indoor and outdoor options for your own green wall and use code BLOOM20 at checkout for 20% off. Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S3 E52 · Tue, February 19, 2019
Episode 52: Soil Aeration and Thriving vs Surviving in a Low Light Home
Today I’m joined by my plant friend Darryl of Houseplant Journal to discuss the importance of soil aeration and having plants in low Light environments. Houseplant Journal is known for it’s amazing instagram account, blog and now watering can and his forthcoming book! Darryl's instagram bio says “an engineers approach to plant care” and I think that sums Darryl up so well, he has the clinical, thoughtful, inquisitive brain of an engineer, and the passion and enthusiasm of the best of the best plant parents. Darryl is passionate about helping people understand their lighting environment so I thought he would be the perfect guest for this episode on what to do if you are a Plant Person living in a low light home. Plant friends, we get real in this episode. We might say things you don't want to hear, but it's important information to understand how to best set our plants up for success! In this episode we learn: What’s new with Darryl as he’s built the Houseplant Journal brand and what exciting things he’s up to Aeration, what it is and why it’s important for our houseplants Thriving vs surviving in a low light environment Why understanding our light environment is so important and how Darryl measures his light in his apartment The tough truth about low light apartments, whether you want to hear it or not :) Darryl’s lighting hacks for his low light office Strategies and plants to choose if you live or work in a low light space Low light Hacks Mentioned in the Episode: Episode 08: Dirty Talk with Darryl Darryl’s watering can Episodes on Natural Light with Leslie Bloom and Grow Radio Resources Page (Maria has her grow lights with discount codes on the resource page!) Bloom and Grow Radio Amazon storefront ( Maria has a section on low light plants in the storefront!) **Join us for our first LIVE taping at Folia Collective on March 18th in Los Angeles! ** https://foliacollective.com/products/botanicals-booze-bloom-grow-radio-live-at-folia Follow Darryl and Houseplant Journal: Preorder Darryl's New Bool! The
S3 E51 · Tue, February 12, 2019
Episode 51: Tips for Living with a “Crazy Plant Person” with Billy!
Plant Friends, you’ve heard me talk about my “Plant Co Parent” on this podcast, you’ve seen in him in our Botanicals and Booze Happy Hour Insta-stories, or maybe in our most recent Wallygro Install insta-story, and now, it’s time for me to officially introduce to the love of my life, and “partner in plants,” Billy Morrissey, to you. This past year and a half has been big for me with leaving my Plant Killer Ways and becoming a Crazy Plant Lady, but it’s also been a whirlwind for my live in boyfriend, Billy. He has been there every step of the way as I’ve built our Urban Jungle, and this podcast, and let me tell you… although the process has been magical and I wouldn’t change a thing, it hasn’t been the easiest. He has had this intense hobby thrust upon him, and over this past year or so, we’ve learned a lot about how to manage my new found passion while still having a healthy relationship and a happy (and uncluttered) home. So plant friends… this episode isn’t necessarily for YOU… it’s for your partners, your friends, your roommates, the people in your lives that indirectly benefit (I hope they think benefit, they might think suffer) from our planty hobby. Billy prepared a bunch of tips he’d like to share that he’s learned along the way in dealing with my 0-60 planty explosion in our apartment. I’d love for you to share this episode with those “plant co-parents” in your life, but also I hope this episode inspires you to take a minute and admire and respect those who embrace our hobby with open arms, and maybe inspire some ideas for projects for you and your partners in the future! Quick reminder that today is the deadline for submission for the Plant Fail Lessons episode that I want to feature YOU in. Details and instructions below. In this episode we learn: the secret behind the Bloom and Grow Radio themesong how Billy first reacted when I went crazy about plants how we’ve grown and learned to communicate about my new hobby tips from Billy on how to live with a Crazy Plant Person For discount codes to the products mentioned in today's episode (Modern Sprout Grow Bar, Soltech Solutions lights, and more) check out https://bloomandgrowradio.com/resources Instructions for participating in the upcoming Listener “Plant Fail Lessons” episode of Bloom and Grow Radio 1) Call (267) 478-2521 2) Please spell your name and email at the beginning of the message so I can contact you! 3) The google voice only allows for a 3 minute message, so you might want to write out your story, or jot some thoughts down on paper to allow for you to effectively tell your story without getting cut off. If your story requires more than 3 minutes, you can call back and leave back to back messages. Follow Billy: <
S3 E50 · Tue, February 05, 2019
Episode 50: Maranta, Calathea and Stromanthe 101
Plant Friends! We are kicking of Season 3 with your top most requested episode out of any topic, a 101 episode on how to care for the Marantaceae Family, and understanding why on earth they can be so dang tricky to care for! I would say that “why is my calathea or prayer plant browning at the tips” is one of my most frequently DM’d questions on instagram. I think this Marantaceae family has some of the most gorgeously patterned leaves I’ve ever seen and I’m excited to have this episode to help us keep them happy and healthy in our urban jungles! And friends, I have the worlds most perfect guest to walk us through the beauty and complexities of this amazing family of Plants. Marc Hachadourian is the Director of Glasshouse Horticulture and Senior Curator of Orchids at the New York Botanical Garden. I have been hearing about Marc for over a year. His amazing plant brain, friendly personality and passion for plants is kind of legendary and I’m so excited to introduce you all to him. I’m so thankful to the New York Botanical Garden for lending him to us for this episode. If you are a New York based listener, Plant Friends, I can’t stress enough how in love I am with the NYBG. The garden is so easy to get to (just hop on the metro north) and is just filled with acres upon acres of plants. No matter what time of year it is, there is always something to do or see there. Last year I made it to their Orchid Show and their Train show. Marc will tell us a little more about this upcoming Orchid Show: Singapore, which is running from February 23- April 28th. If you are in NY, and probably suffering from season affective disorder, run don't walk to the garden for a planty adventure. In this episode we learn: - What Marc does for the NYBG - What plants fall under the Marantaceae Family - Prayer Plant, Calathea and Stromanthe- their differences and similarities - Why do the leaves fold up and down as in “prayer” - Why the bottoms of many Marantaceae are purple - Why the tips brown and how we help avoid this - Why humidity is so important for the Marantaceae family - Marc answers a collection of listener questions Thank you Marc for joining us to give us so much amazing information about the Marantaceae family. The NYBG Orchid Show: Singapore runs February 23 to April 28th. For more information visit www.nybg.org But the Orchid show is just one of so many amazing installations that are always happening at the NYBG. Go for a visit and you’ll see all sorts of Marantaceae IRL for yourself! Thank you again to Wallygro for sponsoring this episode. And thank you Wallygro for also being a company with a huge sustainability pledge: fun fact, all of the eco planters are made in the USA and are made from 100% recycle plastic milk jugs. Head to <a id="CmCaReT" h
S3 Enull · Tue, January 29, 2019
Season 3 Intro: Announcements and an Invitation to be featured in Season 3!
Updates and exciting announcements about Season 3 and an invitation (and instructions) for YOU to be featured in an upcoming episode! If you want to be featured on the Plant Killer Lessons episode- call (267) 478-2521 and leave your story! The voicemail allows for 3 minute max, so it will help to write your story out ahead of time. I can't wait to hear from you and learn what you've learned! Follow Maria and Bloom and Grow on the Road on Instagram Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Club (for free) https://www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S2 E49 · Tue, January 08, 2019
Episode 49: Plant Parent Lessons Learned in 2018
Happy News Years! Today I’m reviewing the lessons I’ve learned in all of the incredible conversations I’ve had over the 49 episodes of Bloom and Grow Radio. Man, I have learned so much! In the episode we discuss what I’ve learned about: Drainage Episode 08: Dirty Talk with Darryl from Houseplant Journal Succulents Episode 3: How to Not Kill You're your Succulents Episode 35: How to Grow Desert Plants and Succulents Indoors Artificial and Natural Light Episode 12: Everything You Need to Know About Indoor Grow lights Episode 45, 46: Understanding Natural Light Specific Plant Care Episode 33: Monstera 101 Episode 25: Fiddle Leaf Fig 101 Episode 14: Pilea Peperomiodes 101 Episode 29: Indoor Citrus 101 Episode 32: Airplants 101 Episode 44 and 45: Aroids 101 (2 parts) Episode 44 Part 1 Episode 45 Part 2 DIY (which are fun and not hard and scary!) Episode 16: Mounting Epiphytes Episode 19: Terrarium 101 Episode 22: <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-22-windowsill-herb-gardening-101-with-nybg/id131
S2 E48 · Tue, December 25, 2018
Plant Side Chat # 6: You're Doing Great
Plant Side Chats are a series on the Bloom and Grow Radio podcast where Maria (host) muses on life lessons learned in the garden or from plant parenting. Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S2 E47 · Tue, December 18, 2018
Episode 47: Understanding Natural Light- Measuring Tools
I’m joined again by my new plant friend and horticulturalist and lighting expert, Leslie Halleck, for part two of my quest to understand what “bright indirect light” really is. If you haven’t yet, listen to last weeks episode where Leslie and I dive into the basics of understanding natural light, and hacks and tricks for measuring your personal lighting environment without any type of app or meter. Leslie is a Horticulturalist by education and profession with a passion for plants and gardening. She has worked in many sectors of the gardening industry, from nurseries, to being the Director of Horticulture Research at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden to founding Halleck Horticultural, a consulting service for Green Industry businesses. Her book, Gardening under Lights; The Complete Guide for Indoor Growers, is published by Timber Press and is the ultimate guide to understanding artificial lighting for indoor growers of any experience level. Today, we dive into learning the basics of how to measure light and how to use simple measurements to better understand exactly what light we are personally working with. Leslie gave me a homework assignment which involved me measuring the light in my apartment with a free app, and we walk through what I learned from it. As you’ll find out, my results were surprising and I learned so much from the experience of actually taking measurements of my surroundings. Leslie and I then challenge you to take your own measurements with a free download we provide so you can have all the aha moments I had throughout this process! In the episode we learn: What the most important colors of light are for growing plants How to use a free app to get a better understanding of your indoor lighting environment What is the difference between LUX, Footcandles and PAR What micromoles are What DLI (Daily Light Intergral) is The results of my homework and how many “aha” moments I had about the ACTUAL light in my apartment How drastic the difference in light is within only a few feet from your window What area of your apartment is probably low light that you never knew about Whether or not you can put plants in a bathroom with no windows Whether or not you can put plants in an office with no windows Citrus under lights, pests GET THE FREE DOWNLOAD ! Get the free measuring light overview, worksheet and Leslie’s Plant Geek Glossary by subscribing here https://bloomandgrowradio.com/resources Mentioned in this episode: - Lux Light Meter - PAR meter - <a href="https://soltechsolutionsllc.com/?apply_coupon=bloo
S2 E46 · Tue, December 11, 2018
Episode 46: Understanding Natural Light: General Rules
I’m excited to bring you another two part episode on a topic that has plagued me in my first year as a plant parent: understanding natural light, and what the heck “bright indirect light” actually means. When figuring out how to do this episode, I knew I needed a lighting and plant expert who would give me the space to ask the simple questions to understand this complex topic. Enter Leslie Halleck. Leslie is a Horticulturalist by education and profession with a passion for plants and gardening. She has worked in many sectors of the gardening industry, from nurseries, to being the Director of Horticulture Research at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden to founding Halleck Horticultural, a consulting service for Green Industry businesses. Her book, Gardening under Lights; The Complete Guide for Indoor Growers, is the ultimate guide to understanding artificial lighting for indoor growers of any experience level. Leslie joins me to share her years of experience with houseplants and indoor gardening to ironically not discuss her vast knowledge of indoor grow lights, but to teach us about the basics of measuring our natural indoor light, to better understand out indoor environment, and whether we need to supplement with lights. Today’s episode is titled General Rules, next weeks episode is titled Measuring Tools. General Rules will consist of my lengthy conversation with Leslie about lighting basics, and how we can understand our indoor lighting environments without special or expensive meters. She also just imparts piece after piece or plant parenthood wisdom, and honestly teaches us a lot more than just how to understand light. Next week, in “Measuring Tools”, we will dive into the homework assignment she gave me, which involved me using a light meter on my phone to actually measure my surrounds, which gave me shocking “aha” moments. I hope this two part series helps uncover this tricky problem and helps you be more at ease and empowered about your personal indoor environments. In this episode we learn: - How Leslie came to be the lighting expert she is now - Measuring and understanding NATURAL light 101 - The difference between the volume of light vs the brightness of light - What PAR is and why it is important for understand our natural light in our apartments - The most brilliant metaphor for light that will make even the science inept person understand light, photons and photosynthesis - How the direction your window faces affects the amount of light in your apartment, and a good rule of thumb to live by - What the heck “bright indirect light’ actually is! - Practical steps to understanding “bright indirect light” for your specific surrounding - How many feet away from your windowsill does “bright light” turn to “medium light” and then turn to “low light” - Why we overwater our plants (spoiler alert… it’s often because of your lighting conditions)
S2 E45 · Tue, December 04, 2018
Episode 45: Aroids 101 (Part 2)
Welcome back to part 2 of the Aroids 101 series. I hope you enjoyed last weeks Part 1 on the general information and care for the amazing Araceae family. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, I would suggest hitting pause here and listening to that episode first, as it lays the groundwork for the information we dive into today. We are joined again today by Enid, the founder of NSE Tropicals. NSE Tropicals is an online plant shop that has some of the most rare and unusual plants on the Internet. Enid founded NSE Tropicals 18 years ago as a hobby and it has turned into one of the go to resources for rare and exotic plants. She is an avid collector of aroids and other hard to find plants and even served as the President of the International Aroid Society. Today’s episode is all about the different species that make up the Araceae family, and the popular Aroids we know and love. Enid walks us through what we need to know about Philodendrons, Alocasia, Anthuriums, Rhaphidophora, Monstera and more and suggests great plants to start with when dipping our toes into the Aroid pool… not to be confused with the aquatic plants we also discuss! This talk is full of fun facts that I hope help you bloom and grow your indoor jungles. I know I am super inspired to bring some more aroids home after this conversation! Plant Friends… I feel like I owe it to you to just own how much I butcher the Latin language in this episode. Don’t worry… I’m working on finding the perfect guest for Plant Latin episode to be airing in your earbuds soon. In this episode we learn - Specific care instructions for the various genus of aroids: Philodendrons, Alocasia, Anthurium, Rhaphidophora, Monstera, - Why Philodendron Pink Princess is so popular - How Enid keeps tracks of all of the varied species of plants - How these plants get divided and their names get determined - Watering hacks for bulbs - The history of the Alocasia Polly - Enid’s trick to help with proper aeration of soil and healthy root systems - What size pots go best with these plants with large leaves that don’t necessarily have large root systems - How to harvest seeds from your Aroid Inflorescence - What the “toughest” aroids are to try indoors - Aquatic aroid basic recommendations - Enid’s fertilizing practices Mentioned in today’s episode: - Please visit www.bloomandgrowradio.com/aroid101_2 for photos of the plants discussed - International Aroid Society www.aroid.org - Article by Episode 07 Guest, Olena Shmahalo on change of taxanomy for Thaumatophyllum Bipinnatifidum Find Enid and NSE tropicals <a href="https://www.instagram.com/nsetropicals
S2 E44 · Tue, November 27, 2018
Episode 44: Aroid 101 (Part 1)
Today’s episode is the first of a two part series on Aroid 101. Aroids are all over Instagram, with their great variety of sexy, prehistoric looking leaves, and many Aroids make great houseplants because of their low light tolerance and their large and beautiful foliage. I’m excited to welcome Enid, the founder of NSE Tropicals, the online mecca for Aroids and unusual plants, to enlighten us about the wild and wide world of Aroids. You will be shocked at how many common plants fall under this family! NSE Tropicals is an online plant shop that has some of the most rare and unusual plants on the Internet. Enid founded NSE Tropical 18 years ago as a hobby and it has turned into one of the go to resources for rare and exotic plants. She is an avid collector of aroids and other hard to find plants and even served as the President of the International Aroid Society. She gives us so much wonderful information over this two part series. Today’s Part 1 focuses on the general information about the Aroid family, it’s history, what plants fall under the Aroid distinction and general care information and troubleshooting. Part 2 (airing next week) will take a deeper look at the most popular aroid houseplant genera and specific information on our most popular and and drool worthy Aroids. I mispronounce pretty much every plant we discuss, but their proper spelling and photos are in the blog associated with this episode. In this episode we learn: - How Enid became the collector and purveyor of rare plants - How she grows her plants onsite - The top 5 most requested plants at NSE Tropicals - How to pronounce Rhaphidophora Tetrasperma (spoiler alert, Maria’s been pronouncing it incorrectly). - How Enid became the experienced grower she is now - The definition of an aroid - What an inflorescence is - Some plant latin guidance - General thoughts and care tips for aroids - How to prepare aroids for dormancy and which aroids go dormant - The difference in root system across various Aroids - General troubleshooting answers - Why poles or climbing structures are important for Aroids that climb in nature Mentioned in the episode: - Please visit www.bloomandgrowradio.com/aroid101_1 for photos of the plants discussed - International Aroid Society www.aroid.org Find Enid and NSE tropicals @NSETropicals on Instagram and Facebook and www.nsetropicals.com Find Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio @bloomandgrowradio on instagram and www.bloomandgrowradio.com Join the Garden Club for free! <a href="http://www.bloomandgrowr
Fri, November 23, 2018
Getting a Christmas Tree? Listen to these episodes!
Are you getting a Christmas Tree this year? Listen to the episodes mentioned here to 1) Learn best practices for cut christmas trees and how to have a locally sourced tree that you compost after the season #responsibleplantparent 2) have a LIVING, potted indoor christmas tree that you can replant after the holiday season! Episode 05: Cut Christmas Trees with Mary Jeanne Packer from the Christmas Tree Farmers Association of NY Episode 06: Living Christmas Tree withs Joe Lampl from Growing a Greener World Follow Bloom and Grow Radio on Instagram Join the Garden Club (for free): https://bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S2 E43 · Tue, November 20, 2018
Episode 43: Your Brain on Plants
Today’s episode is about exactly what the title says… our brains… on plants. And what happens in our brains, when we become Plant People. When I was starting to move from plant killer to crazy plant lady, I noticed, there were a few months in the beginning of my plant collection where I feel like the love for plants kind of took over my life. I’ve always thought about that particular phase in my life when I felt like I almost couldn’t stop buying more plants. Enter Dr Caitlin Vander Weele, the answer to my plant-iest and expert-iest of dreams. Caitlin is not only an awesome listener of BAGR but a neuroscientist and author with over 10 years of expertise in understanding how emotions and brain chemistry influence decision making. She is also the founder of Interstellate, a movement that blends science and art with visual imagery to promote science education. Plant friends… Caitlin is like…. really really really smart. And she is also a crazy plant lady, and this conversation blew my mind. Two quick notes on today’s conversation: 1) Caitlin and I talk about some grown up topics in this episode- I know lots of you listen with your children (which makes me so happy) but I might give this a listen on your own before you enjoy it with your kids. Let’s say while all my other episodes are pretty much G rated, we will call this one PG-13. 2) We are not licensed psychologists, just two plant friends talking neuroscience. If you think you have a compulsive spending problem, please consult a professional. And now before we dive into that conversation I can’t wait to tell you about today’s sponsor, Modern Sprout. In this episode we learn: - How Caitlin became a crazy plant lady - Maria gets real with Caitlin and explains the addictive behaviors she experienced when she began her journey into plant parenthood. Caitlin breaks down what exactly was happening in Maria’s brain in those first few months of buying as many plants as possible - What causes our brain to release dopamine - What a compulsive behavior is - What our brain on dopamine does - What neurotransmitters, synapses and receptors are - The difference between endorphins and dopamine - Why we feel bonded to our plants - How these things are measured in our brains - 4 phases of compulsive behaviors to look out for - How to cope with compulsive urges when growing your urban jungle Thank you Modern Sprout for sponsoring today's episode! Visit https://www.modsprout.com/ to learn more about their lines of hydroponic planters and AMAZING grow lights and use code BLOOM at checkout for 15% off. Follow Dr Caitlin Vander Weele on Twitter and Instagram and Interstellate @interstellate and www.insterstellate.com
S2 E42 · Tue, November 13, 2018
Episode 42: How to Make a Moss Pole
I’m so excited to share this tutorial with you, because the idea for this episode came from me being inspired to make my own moss poles after watching a video Tylor made on Instagram. The process was so easy (especially because Tylor’s video was so helpful) and I knew this was something I wanted to share with you guys, because these poles not only look cool, but help replicate our plants natural environment. So, our guest today, Tylor Rogers is the founder of Arium Botanicals and the #botanicalbro behind the instagram account @urlocalplantboy. Two months ago, when we did this interview, Arium Botanicals was just an online shop that kept selling out of planty product. But Tylor opened the doors to his brick and mortar Plant and Coffee shop, Arium Botanicals X Intent in Portland Oregon in October. They sell unusual plants, specialty coffee and tea and handmade ceramics. And they are Oregon's first specialty coffee bar and plant shop- how cool is that? We are so lucky to have Tylor walk us through this super easy and fun DIY project and I hope it helps your plant collections keep blooming and growing! In this episode we learn: - How Arium Botanicals came to be, and the inspiration for the new Brick and Mortar in Portland, Oregon - How Tylor became a moss pole expert - What plants are best suited for moss poles - What an Aroid is - DIY Moss Pole Tutorial - What materials you need (and how shockingly easy it is to make) - How to prepare the sphagnum moss for the pole before you work with it - How to put the pieces together to make the pole - How to pot up your plant and moss pole together for the best result. To follow Tylor: https://ariumbotanicals.com/ @ariumxintent on Instagram and @urlocalplantboy for his personal account (and where the instalive moss pole video is) To follow Bloom and Grow Radio: www.bloomandgrowradio.com @bloomandgrowradio on Instagram and Facebook Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Club (for free) at www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club Thank you Modern Sprout for sponsoring today's episode. Visit www.modernsprout.com and use code BLOOM at checkout for 15% off. Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S2 E41 · Tue, October 30, 2018
Episode 41: Maria's Favorite Things/ Planty Holiday Gift Guide
Maria walks you through a “few of her favorite things” aka planty products that she has enjoyed this year. This episode is for anyone who might be curious about plant related products out there for their urban jungles or for possible gifts for planty friends or relatives. All discount codes, links and product reviews and photos can be found at www.bloomandgrowradio.com/favoritethings Time stamps for the different planty categories: Bloom and Grow Radio Merch at 5:15 Planty Jewelry at 7:10 Planty Accessories 12:00 Planty Pins: 20:10 Planters: 24:33 Grow Lights: 29:49 Planty Books: 34:10 Resources for sending plants 38:25 Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S2 E40 · Tue, October 16, 2018
Plant Side Chat 5: Pruning
The Plant Side Chat Series is Maria's love letters to the life lessons she learns in the garden. Today, Maria shares a story about the importance of pruning in your garden and life through the tale of her balcony strawberry plant. Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Club for free at www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S2 E39 · Tue, October 09, 2018
Episode 39: Growing Your Business Like You Tend Your Garden
Donna Letier of Gardenity joins me today as the second guest of my Planty Business Series to jam on the topic of growing a business like we tend a garden. Gardenuity creates custom gardens of herbs and vegetables delivered to your door, tailored specifically to your zip code. From the minute I started working with Donna several months ago, I knew this woman was a powerhouse with a story to tell with piece after piece of fantastic advice and a lot of passion for growing. The thing I love about this conversation is that there are nuggets of wisdom in here for people in profession because we talk business, managing people and customer service but through the language of plants. In this episode we learn: - How she came to found a company on teaching people to grow - Her best lessons learned from beginning a business - Garden analogies to inspire building your own plant business - The correct definition of hustle - How important customer service is to building a planty business Follow Gardenuity: www.gardenuity.com Use code “BLOOM” to receive a free garden inspired sea salt with purchase. Follow Bloom and Grow Radio: www.bloomandgrowradio.com @bloomandgrowradio on Instagram and Facebook Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S2 E38 · Tue, October 02, 2018
Episode 38: Transitioning Your Plants Back Indoors for Winter
For those of you lucky enough to have outdoor space that you put your houseplants in for the warm summer months, this episode is for you! There comes the time with that first snap of fall weather, when we realize the lovely Summer is over and it’s time to bring our plants back indoors, to protect them from the upcoming cold months. But there is an art to this transition. It isn’t as simple as just grabbing the pot and sticking it on your kitchen table. So Chris from The Sill joins me to break down exactly what the two week process of transitioning your plants back indoors looks like. This has been a highly requested episode, and I’m so excited to bring it to you! Chris is the Plant Scientist at The Sill and a dear Plant Friend of Mine. If you don’t know already, The Sill is a plant brand with two brick and mortar shops in NYC and an online shop that delivers nation wide. Their quality of plants, and the way they ship plants is unparalleled. They have a huge focus on education with awesome online classes and in person classes in their stores. The also just launched the Plant Parent Club! Which is their monthly plant subscription service! Visit www.thesill.com to learn more. In this episode we learn: - When exactly it’s time to bring your plants indoors for the cold months - How to prepare your plants before you bring them inside - How to manage pest outbreaks that might come from the outdoors - Should we worry about fungus? - How you need to trust yourself to create your own care guide - How to prepare your apartment for winter - How you will care for your plant differently in the winter than the summer - How to trust the dormancy - Annuals vs Perennials - What to do with the plants we leave outdoors for the winter To check out the products and lights I use in my apartment, visit www.bloomandgrowradio.com/resources If you are interested in using grow lights to help your plants stay happy this winter, listen to Episode 12 of Bloom and Grow Radio , where Chris joins me to discuss the science of light and everything we need to know when choosing the right light for your apartment. Follow The Sill: @TheSill on Instagram , Twitter , Facebook Tumbler and www.thesill.com Follow Bloom and Grow Radio: <a href="h
S2 E37 · Tue, September 25, 2018
Episode 37: Horticultural Therapy
I have been so moved by many of you who have reached out to me sharing how caring for your plants has helped you walk through or live with a variety of tough things, whether its loss of a loved one, post partum depression, PTSD or other issues. As someone who has dealt with depression, I just want to say that I’m here with you and your messages resonate so much with me. It’s made me think a lot about Horticultural Therapy, the practice of it, what it actually is and the people that use it today. I’m so thankful to have had not one but TWO wonderful guests for this episode to shine a light on Horticultural Therapy and the practices that help heal through plants. Barb Kreski is the Director of the Horticultural Therapy Department at the Chicago Botanic Garden and she joins us to discuss the ins and outs of what Horticultural Therapy actually is, how to get certified in it and how it is practiced at the Chicago Botanic Garden. The Chicago Botanic Garden has the oldest Horticultural Therapy program in the country and was founded by Barb’s mentor, Gene Rothert, who was a pioneer of the Horticultural Therapy practice. Eve Minson is the Healing Gardens Coordinator at The Center for Discovery. The Center for Discovery is a major research and specialty center that offers residential, medical, clinical and special education programs. I personally know about the amazing work they do at Center for Discovery because my best friends sister was born with Cerebral Palsy and has been a full time resident at the facility for most of her life. The work they do at the Center is truly remarkable. They take horticultural therapy to the next level, with their “Food as Medicine” belief and their healing gardens that are an integral part of their guests treatment. Eve joins us to talk about how they use plants to heal at the Center. In the episode we learn: - How Barb found Horticultural Therapy - What Horticultural Therapy actually is - The three theories of Horticultural Therapy - How the stress reduction studies are actually measured - How horticultural therapy is used and who can benefit from it - What a horticultural therapy session at the Chicago Botanic Garden could look like - The various HT programs at the Chicago Botanic Garden on and off site - About The Center for Discovery and how they use plants to heal For more info about The Chicago Botanic Garden Horticultural Therapy Program visit https://www.chicagobotanic.org/therapy For more info about The Center for Discovery visit https://thecenterfordiscovery.org/ Listen to the Pause with Plants Podcast for short, guided, plant based meditations. Thank you to Gardenuity
S2 E36 · Tue, September 18, 2018
Episode 36: Growing a Large Urban Jungle in a Small Space and Humidity Hacks with @Apartmentbotanist
Thrilled to be joined by Alessia of @apartmentbotanist to discuss growing a large plant collection in a small space and using humidity indoors to help your plants thrive! So if you have been listening to the podcast, you’ll know that I met Alessia online when I was fawning over her pilea peperomiodies and the rest is history. What was initially an online friendship through DMs (mostly of her helping me with my beginning stages of my plant collection) has blossomed into a really beautiful IRL friendship. Alessia is a really important part of this plant community, because this girl has one of the most generous hearts I know out there. Even though her account has grown and grown, I know she takes time to talk to whoever needs help, and she also supports so many people in the plant space. She is the first to preorder someones new plant book, order a plant pin, support a planty go fund me- this girl just shows up for people, and I think she’s a great example of what this community can be for people, and I’m lucky to call her my friend. This conversation might have more giggles than some of my other episodes because we are having an educational conversation, but we are also just plant friends sitting on a couch talking about our plants but in this conversation she provides so much insight and so many tips on how she has a LARGE collection of plants in a small space, humidity hacks and lots more. In this episode we learn: - How Maria and Alessia became #plantfriendsIRL - Why Alessia was inspired to create her Celestial Monstera Pin - All about Alessia’s personal collection – transitioning from mostly desert plants to mostly tropical plants - The magic of a disco ball - How Alessia grew her indoor plant collection in her small NYC one bedroom apartment - How to use your windows to organize the layout of your plants in your home - Alessia’s thoughts on Begonias - How to expand your collection beyond your crowded windowsills - Tips for finding and utilizing great plant shelves - Plant Fails - they happen to everyone. Learn about Alessia's with the tale of “the Foot” - Alessia’s humidity hacks: what humidifiers she uses and how she uses them to help her plants thrive in her space - Her daily/weekly/monthly plant care routine Take my Listener Survey so I can get to know you and better understand what episodes to create in Season 3! It will only take 5 minutes of your fabulously planty life! http://bit.ly/2NyJrsw For links to equipment, people and places we discussed and tons of photos of Alessia's place, visit www.bloomandgrowradio.com/apartmentbotanist Thank you to Gardenuity for sponsoring this episode! Gardenuity creates custom garden kit
S2 E35 · Tue, September 11, 2018
Episode 35: How to Grow Succulents/Cacti Indoors
Let's get to know each other! Please take 5 minutes to fill out this Listener Survey, so I can best survey you in the upcoming episodes! Thanks plant friends! http://bit.ly/2NyJrsw Very excited to be joined by Ryan from Dig It Gardens in Phoenix, AZ for a great discussion on Desert Plants: what they are, how they thrive outdoors, and how we can set them up for success in our Urban Jungles. Ryan has almost 20 years experience working in the gardening industry specifically with desert plants and shares all of his tips and advice on succulent and cactus care. In this episode we learn: - How Ryan became a specialist in desert plants - Why we should be careful around the friendly Prickly Pear Cactus - What the characteristics of a “desert plant” actually are - What Cacti and Succulents have developed to survive in the desert - A fun project to do with kids to show how cacti absorb water - Succulent Care 101 - A great hack to recognize what a plants natural surroundings are, just by looking at the leaves - Not all succulent/cacti is created equal when it comes to light: how to tell how much light or lack of light a plant can tolerate - Best watering practices for succulents - How to handle drainage - When and how to fertilize your succulent/cacti - Etioliation, what it is, and how to address it (and how to pronounce it) - What gravitropism - How to propagate your succulents - Best indoor starter cacti/succulents for a reformed succulent killer or beginning plant parent - Tips for picking the best succulent Thank you to Gardenuity for sponsoring this episode! Gardenuity creates custom garden kits for you and your particular environment.They pair you with herbs and vegetables you can grow successfully in your zip code through their matching system and sets you up for success with their Gro Pro Service that gives you growing tips and advice to ensure you have a fantastic harvest. To see what seasonal herbs and vegetables you can grow right now, visit www.gardenuity.com and enter your zip code! Bloom and Grow Radio listeners can use code "BLOOM" at checkout to redeem a free gourmet Garden Inspired Salt to pair with your grow kit! Follow Dig It Gardens: www.digphx.com IG: @DigPhx Facebook: @DigPhx Pinterest: @DigPhx Follow Bloom and Grow Radio: Garden Club: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/g
S2 E34 · Tue, September 04, 2018
Episode 34: Hilton Carter
I’m thrilled to be welcoming Hilton Carter, or what I like to call him, the “King of Jungle by the Falls” to the show! Hilton is a huge part of the online plant community, with over 120,000 followers who love his photos of his insanely beautiful and curated collection of plants in his home, and his event space, Jungle by the Falls. In addition to his successful personal Instagram account and acting as the “Plant Doctor” for Apartment Therapy’s new plant themed Instagram @iplanteven, Hilton also has an online store where he sells his personally designed propagation vessels or “cradles,”, and other various plant prints and accessories. AND he just launched his “Service at the Jungle” series, which is a dinner service in his planty Jungle by the Falls event space, that showcases the talents of local chefs along side his incredible plant collection. Hilton has his soil covered hands in many different planty pots and we discuss all of them today, in addition to his tips on styling plants for your personal design aesthetic. In this episode we learn: - Hilton’s upbringing and how he got inspired to collect plants - The differences in his plant collection as he has lived in various cities across the country - His current collection - How he approaches styling his home with plants - How different “vibes” bring different plants into a home - How it’s important to find your number of plants that thrive for your space and not go over it - How Hilton and his lovely wife divide the plant chores - Pots, pots and more pots - The scoop on his propagation cradles - How to propagate a Fiddle Leaf Fig leaf properly - How Jungle by the Falls was created - The genius idea of “Service by the Falls” Follow Hilton: @hiltoncarter @junglebythefalls @serviceatthejungle www.thingsbyhc.com Follow Bloom and Grow Radio: @bloomandgrowradio and join the Garden Club! www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club Thank you to this episodes sponsor, Gardenuity! Gardenuity creates complete custom gardens for your particular location. They match you with the best DIY herb and veggie kits that will thrive in your location (down to your zip code) and send you all the instructions and follow up support you need to have a home grown harvest. For more information visit www.gardenuity.com and use code BLOOM at checkout to receive a free Garden Inspired Salt with your grow kit! Our S
S2 E33 · Tue, August 21, 2018
Monstera 101 with @tropicaloco
I’m so excited to welcome my first Australian guest to the show, Scott Cain of the popular Instagram account @Tropicaloco (and another account that gets revealed at the end of the episode). Scott is a graphic designer in Australia (www.monkeyfern.com) with an incredible indoor jungle of about 200 houseplants. He shares gorgeous photos of his collection and dreamy balcony on his account @tropicaloco and has a large collection of various Monstera. Since the Monstera has taken over Instagram with #monsteramonday and Scott is such an avid collector of them, I knew he’d be the perfect planty guest to discuss the ins and outs of making this coveted plant thrive in your home. Scott happens to also be the brain behind another drool worthy “plant-stagram” but it’s not only the plants that make you drool on this one… stay tuned till the end of the episode to hear all about it. In this episode we learn: - How family traditions inspired his current collection - Scott breaks down the 200 plants that fill his apartment that are featured on his Instagram account, @tropicaloco - How Scott has turned Instagram friends into #plantfriendsIRL - His care secrets for dealing with the Australian summer/winter - Why people who work from home should have plants - Monstera care 101: light, watering, fertilizing - Moss poles, what they are and why/if we need them - Aerial roots, what they are and can we trim them? - What fenestrations are - What the difference is in deliciosa/borsigiana/adansonii/obliqua - Scotts pruning practices for his Monstera collection - How to take cuttings of your Monstera to make your plant look more full - Troubleshooting for yellow and brown leaves - Why the Monstera is such an sought after plant - What’s up with variegation - How and why he created @boyswithplants and why he is letting us know that he is the creator - How to get featured on @boyswithplants - The scoop on the new Boys with Plants Book! Mentioned in the conversation: Australian Houseplant Community Facebook Group https://www.stackwood.net.au/ @mickmitty https://www.instagram.com/mickmitty/ @jamesipy https://www.instagram.com/jamesipy/ Follow Scott: Personal IG : @tropicoloco IG: @boyswithplants Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BoysWithPlants?ref=shop_sug
S2 E32 · Tue, August 07, 2018
Ep 32: Airplants 101
I’m thrilled to be joined by the “Airplant Man” himself, Josh Rosen to discuss all things airplants. Airplants, or Tillandsia, are another popular houseplant you see in many magazines and on social media, but the care instructions online can be very varied and sometimes confusing. Having a small collection of airplants myself (and having killed a couple!) I knew this was a topic I needed the airplant expert for. Enter Josh! Josh is a licensed landscape architect who also is the founder of the company Airplantman: a company focused exclusively on custom installations and California-made products designed specifically for tillandsia . Airplantman installations can be seen throughout Southern California and the world and has been featured in numerous publications. He also has a whole line of airplant frames and vessels that are beautiful to look at and intentionally made. In our conversation he gives us so much useful information on Airplants, from what they actually are to how to care for them. I know that I am a much better Airplant parent after my conversation with him! In this episode we learn: Josh’s upbringing and how he connected with plants initially Why outdoor gardeners say they can’t keep houseplants What an airplant is, genus, family, and why it is special What are trichomes How Airplants get their nutrients To fertilize or not to fertilize? What airplant “blushing” is How airplants bloom and how to care for them when they do How to propagate airplants from their seeds Airplant Care 101 Debunking watering plant myths Everything we need to know about Airplant pups How to separate pups from their mother plant What to know about the sexy and instagram friendly Xerographica Josh’s top 5 recommendations for more uncommon airplants for the planty collector Follow Josh and his airplant installations: www.airplantman.com IG: @airplantman Twitter: @airplantman Follow Bloom and Grow Radio: Garden Club: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club IG: @bloomandgrowradio Facebook: www.facebook.com/bloomandgrowradio www.bloomandgrowradio.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://re
S2 E31 · Tue, July 24, 2018
Episode 31: Plants and Babies with Molly Mansfield
Today I welcome Molly Mansfield to the show to talk about something I have no experience with- raising babies around a plant collection! Molly is the perfect person to talk about this with, as she grew up with parents who owned a Garden Center and plants played a huge part in her childhood. Now she gets to have plants in her two young boys life! Molly is also the very talented artist behind @mollymansfieldartist and does the most beautiful botanical watercolors. She is a self taught artist living in Austin, Texas with her family. She paints watercolor botanicals inspired by her childhood in garden centers and botanical gardens. She is the brain behind the Bloom and Grow Radio “Keep Blooming” print that is a free download to all of the garden club members. In this episode we learn: What is was like for Molly to grow up in a Garden Center How Molly’s business transitioned with her first child being born Her journey to finding botanical watercolor as her calling and why it inspires her The inspiration behind the Bloom and Grow Radio “Keep Blooming Print” Her experience with plants in the different stages of her toddler’s life Her special parenting life hack for teaching her kids not to dig around in her plants Safety with plants and kids Plant that are fun to grow with kids How to grow swallowtail caterpillars with your kids If fertilizer types/brands are important when you have kids How to get your kids to eat their vegetables! Mentioned in the episode: Molly’s Parent’s Nursery: https://www.bloomerselgin.com/ The Great Outdoors Nursery: https://gonursery.com/ Special thank you to the Bloom and Grow Radio Media Plant Lady Intern Chelsey Zaplachinski for editing this episode! Check out her incredible planty photos at @plants_vs_cats and @chelseymeganmedia Follow Molly Mansfield: IG: @mollymansfieldartist www.mollymansfield.com Follow Bloom and Grow Radio: Garden Club: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club IG: @bloomandgrowradio Facebook: www.facebook.com/bloomandgrowradio www.bloomandgrowradio.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S2 E30 · Tue, July 10, 2018
Orchid 101 with Chris from The Sill
We are joined by Chris today for another installment of our Plant Science Series featuring The Sill . Orchid 101 is near and dear to my heart because I STRUGGLE with Orchids and Chris has been my go to resource for personal orchid care. So I knew he would be the perfect guest to have come on the show and answer your orchid questions! If you don’t know already, The Sill is a plant brand with two brick and mortar shops in NYC and an online shop that delivers nation wide. Their quality of plants, and the way they ship plants is unparalleled. Their pots are some of my most treasured pots that I own and are locally sourced. They have a huge focus on education with awesome online classes and in person classes in their stores and they just started the Plant Parent Club! The PPC is their monthly plant subscription service. When you join their club you get a monthly surprise plant delivery and included in the membership is also access to all of their online workshops and free shipping on any other plants. So if you are interested in anything I’ve just mentioned, visit www.thesill.com and use the code BLOOM5 to get 5 dollars off your order and to let them know I sent you! In this episode we learn: - Why Orchids have a reputation for being difficult, and why they can be intimidating - What an orchid is, where we find them in nature - The anatomy of an orchid - Myth Busting on ice cubes, level of difficulty, fertilizer - Orchid care- light and watering - Orchid bark- how necessary is it? What is it? - Is it ok to buy orchids at your local grocery store or Trader Joe’s/Whole Foods - What does a year as a new orchid parent look like (from buying an orchid in full bloom to then having the blooms die and getting the plant to rebloom) - Fertilizer- to use or not to use - Myth busting- are ice cubes a good idea for watering? - Listener questions - Why everyone should try growing an orchid Bloom and Grow Radio is an affiliate partner of The Sill. www.bloomandgrowradio.com www.thesill.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S2 E29 · Tue, July 03, 2018
Episode 29: Indoor Citrus with MIgardener
Today we are joined by Luke Marion of MI Gardener to talk all things indoor citrus! You might know Luke from his MI Gardener youtube channel (which I’m a huge fan of!) which has become one of the fastest growing gardening channels with over 250,000 subscribers on YouTube alone. Founded in 2011 MIgardener aims to help gardeners all around the world. Luke & Sindy Marion are the brains behind MIgardener and strive to help people “Grow Big”. I found Luke when I was searching youtube citrus care online and love his videos about his indoor citrus collection and knew he would be the perfect guest for this episode. I bought Limey, my first citrus tree, when I was still a complete novice with very little knowledge on plant care, so my journey learning how to care for Limey has had it’s ups and downs (as you’ll learn throughout my conversation with Luke). But citrus are amazing plants to learn to care for because they are so communicative and so fun to grow! Enjoy our plant chat! In this episode we learn: Luke’s journey from botany to business school to creating a gardening brand What being a Master Gardener really means Lukes citrus forest What trends the younger generation is moving towards with indoor plants Basic Citrus Care 101 – water, pot size, soil, light Citrus care hacks! Pruning 101 Fertilizing basics Pollinating citrus Pest Control Conditioning your plants to go outdoors in the summer Mentioned in the episode: Bloom and Grow Pop Socket! Trifecta plus fertilizer: Soltech Solutions Light: use code ' bloomandgrow15' for 15% off at https://soltechsolutionsllc.com/products/ Via Citrus lemon, lime and calamondin tress: use code ' BloomCitrus ' for 15% off at Viacitrus.com Espoma Organic Cactus/Citrus Soil (This is what I repotted Limey in after my chat with Luke) *Bloom and Grow Radio is an affiliate partner with these companies, so a portion of the sale will go to Bloom and Grow at no extra cost to you . Using the codes is a fun way to support the show for free while growing your indoor jungle!* Follow Luke and MI Gardener: Instagram: instagram.com/migardener Youtube: youtube.com/migardener Website: migardener.com Facebook: <a href="http://www.fa
S2 E28 · Tue, June 12, 2018
Plant Side Chat 4: The Tale of the Tomato Plant
Today’s short and sweet Plant Side Chat is honoring my first balcony herb garden and the lessons I learned, since I just planted up my new garden for this upcoming season. One of my favorite stories to tell is the story behind our first Tomato Plant, why it was kind of an epic #plantfail, but how it was the most important plant in the garden to learn from that summer. Tune in to learn why and how the lesson I learned from it applies to so many facets of life. www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club @bloomandgrowradio Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S2 E27 · Tue, June 05, 2018
Episode 27: Plants in the Classroom with @mrdtimes3
Joe “Mr. D” Dombrowski is a 3rd (5th next year) grade teacher from Chicago, IL. His passion for education and lighthearted approach to engaging with students has captured the hearts of millions with his viral videos and instagram accounts @mrDtimes3. He has been featured on The Ellen Show, The Kellie Pickler and Ben Aaron Show and many more. He is a young, passionate teacher that is changing the game for how young students learn. AND he is a plant person! Joe and I became friends on instagram and he let me know how he is using plants in the classroom and I instantly knew we needed an episode together. Plant People span all sorts of professions and Joe is a perfect example of how to take you plant passion and let it elevate whatever you’re doing and impact people around you. Also, since I know some listeners are teachers, but also many listeners are mothers or fathers, I know this episode is going to have a ton of fun, inspirational projects for you to do with kids in your life! In this episode we learn: - Joe’s journey into the classroom - Joe’s journey as a green thumb and how it’s influenced his teaching - Joe’s personal collection vs his classroom collection and how they differ - How to use a petting cactus to encourage presence and stress relief in the classroom - How the #embraceyourself (#embraceyourweird) movement started - How Joe uses plants to teach discipline and kindness in class - What the “botanist” of the classroom does each week - How he’s used growing food to help learn problem solving - How to problem solve a low light classroom - Best recommended starter plants for the classroom - How to use plants to teach various subjects - Favorite plants of the classroom Mentioned in the episode: www.donorschoose.org Thai Cook Friendship Garden @cook_in_the_classroom https://linktr.ee/cook_in_the_classroom Aerogarden links Aerogarden (6 plants) https://amzn.to/2LbQR3u Aerogarden Sprout (3 plants) https://amzn.to/2xsTufm Aerogarden Cherry Tomato Kit https://amzn.to/2IZk5FW Aerogarden Lettuce Kit https://amzn.to/2J3bmhT *Bloom and Grow Radio is an amazon affiliate partner and may receive a portion of the sale with no extra cost to you* Follow Joe and his Planty and classroom adventures! Instagram: @mrdtimes3 Facebook: Joe Dombrowski Twitter: @
S2 E25 · Tue, May 29, 2018
Episode 26: Pest Control with Summer Rayne Oakes
I’m so happy to have Summer Rayne Oakes of @homesteadbrooklyn back on the show for a second time. You might have heard her back in the day in episode 04 of Bloom and Grow Radio, when we talked about Advanced Plant Parenthood and the joy of Plant Swaps. Speaking of Plant Swaps- Summer Rayne is hosting another plant swap in NYC on Sunday July 15th. The link to get your ticket will be in the show notes. Summer Rayne is a model/activist/entrepreneur who is famous for her Brooklyn apartment in which she has over 670 plants. She has dedicated the last decade of her life to being a champion for sustainable practices in the fashion, beauty and food industries. She is the founder of Homestead Brooklyn, a blog and Youtube channel created to help bring more nature to urban living. Her youtube series, Plant One on Me is one of my personal go to resources for learning more all things house plants. When I realized I wanted to do an episode on pest control, I knew I needed to ask Summer Rayne to come back on because she has degrees in both environmental science and entomology. Yes… that’s a degree in insects. So how lucky are we that she joined me for an epic conversation on pests, what they are, why we get them and how to control them. Summer is not only a plant mom, but is well known for her pet chicken, Kippee, who you can hear clucking throughout the episode is you listen closely. In this episode we learn What an insect actually is Why bug activity spikes in spring/summer General practices for preventing pests in general How to properly wash an infected plant The skinny on east pest: fungus gnats, scale, mealy bugs, aphids, spider mites, root pests, white fly Best practices when treating bug infestations How to use beneficial insects to actually cure your pest problem (yes that’s a thing and Summer Rayne makes a great case for it!) Lacewings vs lady Bugs How do nemotodes work Bringing plants indoors Can pets transport bugs. Follow Summer Rayne: IG @homesteadbrooklyn Facebook @homesteadbrooklyn YouTube @summerrayneoakes "Plant One On Me" Website: www.homesteadbrooklyn.com Twitter: @sroakes Plant Swap info here Follow Bloom and Grow Radio: Instagram @bloomandgrowradio Facebook <a href="https:/
S2 E25 · Tue, May 22, 2018
Episode 25: The Fiddle Leaf Fig with @leighkiyoko
The Fiddle Leaf Fig, also known as Ficus Lyrata, has been steadily taking over our instagram, pinterest and drool worthy magazine spreads for some time now. It seems to be many interior designers favorite planty accent to a room. Although it may be a plant that’s a go to for design, it isn’t a recommended “beginner” plant, as it’s been known to be somewhat finicky or high maintenance. Today, Erin Kobayashi, of the instagram account @leighkiyoko, joins us to talk all things Fiddle Leaf Fig. Erin is the proud plant mom of TWO fiddle leaf fig trees: Figgy Spice and Notorious F.I.G. and she joins us to discuss her journey caring for these plants and what she’s learned along the way. She is also the cofounder of the #FLFFriday hashtag with @alina.fassakhova and shares the reason for creating the #flffriday movement. In this episode we learn: -The story behinds Erin’s personal collection and what plant she is loving these days -The stories behind her two insta famous Fiddle Leaf Figs- Notorious FIG and Figgy Spice - Fiddle Leaf Fig Care 101- water, light, fertilizing, pruning Types of Fiddle Leaf Plants Why they are so appealing - Why Erin created #FLFFriday with Alina Mentioned in the conversation: Fiddleleaffigplant.com Black Coral Taro (Colocasia Esculenta) Follow Erin and Figgy Spice and Notorious FIG IG: @leighkiyoko Use #FLFFriday to connect with other Fiddle Leaf lovers in the world! and follow the other founder @alina.fassakhova Follow Bloom and Grow Radio: Garden Club: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club IG: @bloomandgrowradio Facebook: www.facebook.com/bloomandgrowradio www.bloomandgrowradio.com Special thank you to the Bloom and Grow Radio Media Plant Lady Intern Chelsey Zaplachinski for editing this episode! She is another Canadian on the Bloom and Grow Team! Check out her incredible planty photos at @plants_vs_cats and her gorgeous photography portfolio @chelseymeganmedia Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S2 E24 · Tue, May 15, 2018
Episode 24: How to Start a Plant Shop with Folia Collective
Plant Friends... this could be the most epic interview on Bloom and Grow Radio yet. Clocking in at about 1 hour and 45 minutes, this one is a doozy and chock full of so much fun planty information. I sat down with Danae Horst three separate times to talk about how she created and grew her incredible Plant Shop, Folia Collective. Danae is an incredible plant lady/ boss lady who I’ve become friends with over social media, and now IRL, and has an incredible story behind the success of her Brick and Morter Shop in LA, Folia Collective. She shares her story and tips for budding planty entrepreneurs interested in creating their own businesses around plants. I know that diving into more of a business focused show is a bit of a departure from our usual plant care tips, but I know many listeners are actually in the plant business space in their day to day lives, or if you aren’t- we all plant shop and I thought this episode will give us a great appreciation for the hustle and passion that goes behind the makings of a planty empire. Plant Friends, this is a juicy episode for you to enjoy all throughout the week (as it might take a couple of listens to finish it) but I am just so thankful to Danae and her beautiful energy, helpful advice and her patience with me asking very specific and neurotic questions about business- you don’t want to miss it! In this episode we learn about: - Danae’s personal plant collection and journey to plant parenthood - Her time at The Jungalow - The behind the scenes view of the beginning of Folia Collective - How she started the Folia Collective Pop Up shops - The transition from Pop Up Shop to Brick and Morter Store - How to use Instagram and IRL to build community - How to find plants to sell - How Danae managed the growth of the first year of Folia Collective Brick and Morter - Danae’s top lessons she learned from a year in business - How to be thrify to create buzz about your business - How to use social media to grow your business and community - How important community is for a business - Tips on how to source planters and merchandise - Budgeting tools and tips - The downsides to owning a plant shop Links Danae mentioned in our conversation: Waveapps.com Liveplan.com Follow Danae and Folia Collective: IG: @foliacollective @danaerolynhorst Website: www.foliacollective.com and www.jungalow.com/plant-o-pedia Follow Bloom and Grow Radio: Garden Club: <a href="http://www.
S2 E23 · Tue, May 08, 2018
Mother's Day Special
Today’s episode is inspired by our mothers. During my most recent giveaway I did on my birthday, I asked you guys to tell me stories about your #plantfriendsIRL. I was totally ready for fun, heart warming stories about your planty friendships, but what I was not ready for was how many of you wrote about your Mothers and Grandmothers. This warmed my heart so much, because it’s been a very important part of my relationship with my Mom and Grandmothers as well. When I realized this, I knew I needed to shine some light and love on it. So here we are with this Mother’s Day Special Episode. I sent a prompt on instagram asking you if you’d call in your stories so we could hear them in your voice, and you did. Making this episode was somewhat emotional for me, and felt like such a privilege to hear your stories and celebrate the women who made you. You guys have already met my incredible Mom on Episode 20, when she gave us her advice on growing tomatoes. My Mom has been such a huge part of my relationship with plants… I honestly don't think Bloom and Grow Radio would even exist if it wasn’t for her encouragement and help with my brown thumb at the beginning of my plant journey. She picked up every phone call, answered every question, and always reminded me to calm the hell down, that plants are resilient things, and that “its really not that complicated, water and give them light and you’ll be fine.” I’m also so excited that it is now outdoor gardening season in NY so that I’ll be able to watch my Mom marvel at her pride and joy, Failla Farm, and promise to keep you all posted throughout the season. Thank you to the following listeners who called in with their beautiful stories (In order of appearance): My Mom J Vida of @booyoohorticulturalist Morgan of @plantingpink Erika of @blackgirl_plantmagic Alessia of @apartmentbotanist Melanie of @pnwonderplants Rachel To check out my Mother's Day Gift Guide visit: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/mdgiftguide To join the Bloom and Grow Garden Club visit: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S2 E22 · Tue, May 01, 2018
Episode 22- Windowsill Herb Gardening 101 with NYBG
Welcome to Season 2 of Bloom and Grow Radio Plant Friends! I’m so excited that with Season 2, I am launching the Bloom and Grow Garden Club. The Garden Club is my mailing list on steroids with an online community extension. By joining the club (www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club) you’ll get access to the exclusive Bloom and Grow Garden Club Facebook Group, an online community of plant people and a free download of the special Bloom and Grow Radio “Keep Blooming” Print created by Molly Mansfield. I created the Garden Club to streamline my ability to share Bloom and Grow content and offers to you and to make a space for my plant people to empower and help each other with their plant knowledge and plant babies. For more info visit www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club. Today we are joined by Mariane Garceau, the Associate Director of the Garden Shop at the New York Botanical Garden. Mariane is a horticulturalist who has spent time in several different aspects of the garden world, from working in landscaping, to owning her own orchid business, to now managing the shop at the NYBG. She gives us a great tutorial on how to keep a windowsill herb garden and best practices for everything from setting it up to properly harvesting the growth. If you live in or around NYC, this weekend is the Specialty Plant Sale at the NYBG and I’m so excited to be participating in it this year. The sale is actually part of an epic weekend which features a demonstration from The Sill on Friday, Saturday I’ll be there in the house plant section from 12-4 and hope you’ll join me for some plant shopping, and Saturday is also the Third Annual Plein-Air Invitational which will feature 20 artists set up around the park painting in real time. I’m so excited for the large array of houseplants that will be at this sale, in addition to a ton of locally sourced herbs, that we can use for our herb gardens after listening to this episode! After my chat with Mariane, stay tuned because I dive into some lighting hacks I used to set up my herb garden, even though I don't have the proper light in my kitchen. In this episode we learn about: - Mariane’s journey to managing The Shop at NYBG - The skinny on what will be at the NYBG Plant Sale this May 5-7 - How to start a windowsill herb garden - Assessing light and what to do if you don't have enough - How to set up your garden - Pots and how their size and material are important - How to care for your herbs once they start growing - Best watering practices - How to properly prune your herbs - Suggested herbs for windowsill specific gardens - My lighting hack I used to put a high light herb garden in my low light kitchen - Special Bloom and Grow discounts for lights to help your herb gardens in low light apartments - For more information www.nybg.org to find out about all the events throughout the year Here is the information for the lights I use: Visit www.modsprout.com and use code B&G10 for 10% off their Growhouse (what I use in my ki
S1 E21 · Thu, April 05, 2018
Plant Side Chat # 3: The Changing of the Seasons
Plant Side Chat # 3, a short and sweet episode about the changing of the seasons in our external world, and what that can mean for us internally. Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S1 E20 · Wed, March 28, 2018
Episode 20(!): Talking Tomatoes with Craig LeHoullier and My MOM
I’m so excited to celebrate my TWENTIETH episode with some very special guests today. Craig LeHoullier is THE Tomato man (@nctomatoman to be exact). After a successful career as a chemist in Pharmaceuticals, Craig began a new career as being one of the leading experts on growing tomatoes and celebrating the many varieties that exist. He is an advisor for the Seed Savers Exchange and the World Tomato Society, the co-leader of the Dwarf Tomato Breeding Project, and the author of Epic Tomatoes and Growing Vegetables in Straw Bales. He is responsible for naming and popularizing many well known tomatoes, such as Cherokee Purple. He joins us today to discuss how we, as urban jungle dwellers, even in the smallest of apartments, can grow tomatoes from seed on our windowsills. After my chat with Craig, my Mom joins us to chat a little about what being Italian and growing tomatoes means to her. My Mom is the head farmer at “Failla Farm”, otherwise known as our family home’s front yard, which she transforms every summer. Like her parents, and their parents, she utilizes her space to grow as much of her own food as possible, and the whole family benefits from her produce. It feels very special to have my Mom join me on my twentieth episode, as when I started the show, not knowing whether it would take off, I would often say “worst comes to worst, me and my mom listen to a couple of great episodes”. So 20 shows later, I’m excited to finally share some of her expertise with you. In this episode we learn: - From Craig LeHoullier, author of Epic Tomatoes o Which varieties of tomatoes to choose for indoor apartment gardening o Where to buy seeds o How to start tomatoes from seed o How to germinate and transfer to pots o Best practices for growing tomatoes o His tips and tricks for your best tomatoes yet - From my Mom o What tomatoes mean to us in our Italian culture o How to choose the best pre grown plants at the big lot stores o Tips from an Italian on her experience growing tomatoes Follow Craig LeHoullier: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craiglehoullier Twitter: https://twitter.com/nctomatoman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nctomatoman/ https://www.craiglehoullier.com/ Buy Craig’s Books: Epic Tomatoes: https://amzn.to/2pHJSqI Growing Vegetables in Straw Bales: https://amzn.to/2DWh7L6 *Bloom and Grow Radio is an Amazon Affiliate and earns a portion of the sale of these links at no extra cost to you. This is a great way to support the show!* Follow Bloom and Grow Radio: IG: @bloomandgrowradio Facebook: www.facebook.com/bloomandgrowradio www.bloomandgrowradio.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S1 E19 · Tue, March 20, 2018
Episode 19: Terrarium 101 with @teenytinyterra
Toronto based Jesse Goldfarb is making a name for himself in the plant world with his creative terrarium designs for his company, Teeny Tiny Terra. You can find him on instagram @teenytinyterra and at www.teenytinyterra.com He has worn many professional hats from corporate florist to DJ to managing salons but he is currently establishing quite the creative niche for himself as the go to terrarium artist, with a long waitlist of people waiting to bring his creations into their home. You can find him teaching Terrarium tutorials all over Toronto (say that three times fast!) and he is currently working on an online course to reach the masses. We are so lucky that Jesse is joining us today to give us an introduction to terrarium assembly. I’m so excited to get started on my own after learning the basics from him! In this episode we learn: How Jesse’s plant obsession began Jesse’s two most memorable terrariums he was commissioned to make Jesse’s journey from having just two bonsai trees to becoming a full fledged terrarium expert Build your own terrarium 101!!! An insider peak at what’s up next for Teeny Tiny Terra Check out my kit with all you need to make your own terrarium https://kit.com/BloomandGrowRadio/make-your-own-terrarium Follow Jesse and Teeny Tiny Terra: IG: @teenytinyterra Twitter: @teenytinyterra Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teenytinyterra www.teenytinyterra.com https://linktr.ee/teenytinyterra Follow Bloom and Grow Radio: IG: @bloomandgrowradio www.bloomandgrowradio.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S1 E18 · Tue, March 13, 2018
Episode 18: Prepping Your Houseplant For Spring and the Science Behind Fertilizer With Chris Satch from The Sill
I’m always excited to welcome Chris Satch from The Sill back to the show for our Plant Science Series. This week we discuss what we need to do to prepare our plants for Spring! Chris gives us the lowdown on pruning, trimming, fertilizing and repotting. We cover a LOT so get your pens out and take notes! This episode is for you if you want to make sure you set your plants up for success to bloom and grow in the springtime! In this episode we learn: - How and why to prune to promote growth - How to properly wipe and care for leaves that are hurting from the dormancy of winter - What is deadheading and why we do it? - How to prune citrus - How and when to repot your plant - To trim the roots, or not to trim the roots? - The Science behind Fertilizer - Why it’s necessary and when to use it - Chemical vs Natural Fertilizer - What you should do if you want to make #plantfriendsIRL Here is a link to purchase When Green Becomes Tomatoes by Julia Fogliano : http://amzn.to/2HrdDm5 Follow The Sill @thesill and www.thesill.com Follow Bloom and Grow Radio @bloomandgrowradio and www.bloomandgrowradio.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S1 E17 · Tue, March 06, 2018
Episode 17: The Studies Behind Why Plants Make People Happy and Healthy with Christine from @workhardplanthard
We are so lucky to be joined by Christine from @workhardplanthard (www.workhardplanthard.com) today to discuss various studies behind how and why plants actually help improve your indoor environment. I have always been intimidated by the actual studies behind how plants clean air and improve people’s mood, since I have no science background. Christine is a full time physician and has done an amazing job compiling these studies and breaks them down into layman’s terms for us today! Christine is also a new plant friend IRL of mine after she opened her home and plant shop knowledge to me on my recent trip to San Diego. We met over Instagram and when I was in San Diego, she picked me up and took me on a plant tour of her favorite local plant shops. I got to see her personal collection, meet her kids and family and it was just the perfect example of human kindness and how we can use instagram to actually get off line and make real life memories. So she is the perfect guest to have on the show as we transition out of Friendship February! In this episode we learn about: - How Christine used plants to heal her stress - Christine’s personal collection - What to look forward to on workhardplanthard.com - The dangers of houseplants - Summaries of various studies proving how plants clean the air and eliminate VOCs - Summaries of studies measuring how plants improve peoples lives in various ways To Follow Christine: Instagram: @workhardplanthard www.workhardplanthard.com Follow Bloom and Grow Radio: Instagram and Facebook: @bloomandgrowradio www.bloomandgrowradio.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S1 E16 · Tue, February 27, 2018
Episode 16: Mounting Epiphytes and the Creation of Cleverbloom.com
Rounding out our two-part House Plant Club Series today is second half of the dynamic duo, Erin Harding of the popular blog and Instagram account @cleverbloom! In addition to running Cleverbloom.com, House Plant Club and working for a Pinterest Management Company, Erin is also a mom of two young, adorable boys and plant mom to a collection of plants that she has been growing over 20 years. www.cleverbloom.com is her blog dedicated to houseplant related care, DIYs and décor. She has great blog posts ranging from gift guides for Valentine’s Day, how to ship plant cuttings, and her top picks for stylish planty interiors. She now also hosts and teaches plant mounting classes in Portland, Oregon. We are so lucky to have her on the show today to give us a step by step guide to mounting our own Epiphytes, or plants that grow on or around another plant, such as ferns, bromeliads, air plants and orchids. This episode is for you if you are interested in learning about the mind behind cleverbloom.com and @houseplantclub. This episode is for you if you want to learn how to mount your own epiphytes! In this episode we learn: - Erin’s side to the story of how her and Morgan from @plantingpink took their Instagram friendship into real life - All about Erin’s personal collection of plants, starting from plant # 1 - Different ways to have and enjoy plants - Mounting Epiphytes 101! - How to care for your newly mounted plant! Follow Erin: IG: @cleverbloom @houseplantclub www.cleverbloom.com Follow Bloom and Grow Radio: IG and Facebook: @bloomandgrowradio www.bloomandgrowradio.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S1 E15 · Tue, February 20, 2018
Episode 15: 5 tips for Curating and Growing Your Planty Instagram Account with Morgan of @plantingpink
Friendship February for Bloom and Grow Radio will be rounded out by a two part series featuring the two founders of the enormous Instagram account and Etsy shop: @houseplantclub . The two founders of this planty powerhouse, Morgan of @plantingpink (in this episode) and Erin of @cleverbloom (on next week’s episode) actually met and became friends through sharing a Pilea Peperomioides. How perfect to feature them and their plant friendship IRL during Friendship Feb! First up this week we get to know Morgan of @plantingpink and learn how her personal collection and account came to be. Morgan, an expert in growing popular planty Instagram accounts, with @houseplantclub circling around 300K followers and @plantingpink with 62K followers, gives us a tutorial on her top 5 tips for curating and growing the best planty Instagram account. I am also so excited that they have trusted Bloom and Grow Radio to host a major announcement for their brand and company. So listen in for her tips and this exciting announcement! This episode is for you if you want to get to know the amazing woman behind @plantingpink and learn her tips on how to curate the best Instagram account and grow your following. This episode is for you if you are interested in knowing Houseplant Club’s newest project! In this episode we learn: - How Morgan’s collection came to be and changed as she moved South - How sharing a Pilea Peperomioides (The Friendship Plant featured in last weeks episode!) started her friendship with Erin from @Cleverbloom and @houseplantclub was created! - The beginnings of @houseplantclub - A very special House Plant Club announcement! - How to get your photos featured on @houseplantclub - Morgan’s top 5 tips to having and growing the best planty Instagram account Follow Morgan and House Plant Club: @plantingpink @houseplantclub houseplantclub.etsy.com Follow Bloom and Grow Radio: @bloomandgrowradio www.bloomandgrowradio.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S1 E14 · Tue, February 13, 2018
Episode 14: The Friendship Plant! The Ins and Outs of the Popular Pilea Peperomioides with the Founder of PIEP
We can’t have a month devoted to Friendship without having an episode on the Friendship Plant, the Pilea Peperomioides! We are so lucky to be joined by the founder of PIEP – the first commercial grower of Pilea Peperomioides in the US to discuss all things Pilea today! www.piep.co is the go to resource for all things Pilea. It ships nation wide and carries not only Pilea but also other drool worthy plants and accessories. Mackenna, the founder of PIEP, is a Pilea specialist and has had such an interesting journey learning to grow this plant. She joins us today to go through not only care basics but also troubleshooting issues and how to care for your Pilea babies correctly! We are so lucky for not only the knowledge she is sharing with us, but she is also offering a special discount to Bloom and Grow listeners so we can all enjoy this happy plant for ourselves! Stay tuned till the end of the episode to learn more! I also want to give a quick shout out to some listeners that came to my rescue this week. I had one listener write in and ask me how to care for his indoor pineapple plant, and to be frank, I had never even heard of a Pineapple plant before! I put a post on Instagram asking any of you if you could be a good plant friend, and help me out with some information to hook this new pineapple plant dad up with, and several of you got back to me within hours! We’ve started a little Pineapple Plant Care email thread and I’m very excited about learning how to care for it. I’m so thankful to @theeden, @homebyfaith, @dirtydtales and @acrazyplantlady10b to stepping up and offering to help! Now without further ado! If you are interested in learning how to care for a Pilea Peperomioides plant, this episode is for you! If you want some yummy discounts to help get yourself a Pilea of your own, this episode is for you! In the episode we learn: - How the heck to actually pronounce Pilea Peperomioides (Pie- Lee-uh Pepper – o – mee – oy- dees) - How Piep was created - The original story behind how the Pilea spread across Europe - Pilea Care 101! - How to properly care for and separate a Pilea pup from it’s mother plant - Troubleshooting issues with caring for Pilea - How and when to fertilize Pilea - What to look forward to seeing Piep carry in the future - Discounts for Bloom and Grow Radio Listeners! (10 % off using the code Bloom10 on www.piep.co) Follow PIEP: Insta: @piep.co, @pilea.lovers, @plantunicorn Facebook: facebook.com/shop.piep Pinterest: pinterest.com/shoppiep www.piep.co Follow Bloom and Grow Radio: Insta: @BloomandGrowRadio Facebook: Bloom and Grow Radio www.bloomandgrowradio.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S1 E13 · Tue, February 06, 2018
Plant Side Chat # 2 - Planty Friendships
Plant Side Chat #2 - Planty Friendships for Friendship February on Bloom and Grow Radio! We dive into the beauty of plant friendships and why they are so important! Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S1 E12 · Tue, January 30, 2018
Episode 12: Everything You Need to Know About Indoor Grow Lights with The Sill's Chris Satch
I’m very excited to welcome back Chris Satch to the show! Chris is the Plant Scientist and Head of Education at The Sill (www.thesill.com) and is my go to guy for any plant issues I have with my personal collection. The Sill is an amazing plant shop located in Chinatown, NY that not only sells plants, but also hosts monthly educational events and ships potted plants nationwide. I got a lot of requests this winter for an episode on grow lights, and took some time to think about who I wanted my guest to be. I knew that Chris was the perfect person to help break down the science of grow lights because… I don’t really know anything about them! If you listened to Episode 07 with Olena from @TheOperatingSystem when she mentioned her grow lamps, I actually had to ask her what they were because I had no idea you could use light bulbs to help your houseplants grow. How far I’ve come in such a short time! This is a very special episode for Bloom and Grow Radio because it’s the first episode I’ve crowd sourced my listeners for their recommendations on which grow lights THEY use. The first half of the episode is my interview with Chris and the second half is my roundup of all of the recommended bulbs and companies that you all have found success with. Also… DISCOUNTS! I was able to reach out to several of your recommended companies and they have offered special exclusive discounts for Bloom and Grow listeners- so stay tuned till the end to hear about these special offers! If you are interested in learning more about photosynthesis or indoor grow light… this episode is for you! If you want to know what lights other successful plant parents are using and are interested in discounts on some of them… this episode is for you! In this episode we learn: - What photosynthesis is - Why photosynthesis is necessary for a plant - How light appears to the human eye and what it is broken down into - Difference between red, blue, yellow, orange green light and why plants need each type of light - What can happen to a plant if it’s not given a full spectrum of light - Is the Kelvin scale actually important? - The different types of grow lamps and which work best - Crowdsourcing! Which lights and companies you Bloom and Grow plant people are loving! - Discounts! Special discounts for Bloom and Grow Radio listeners from companies you guys have recommended! List of plants that YOU are loving! Modern Sprout (www.modsprout.com) is offering 10% off for Bloom and Grow listeners with https://www.modsprout.com/discount/B&G10 or using B&G10 at checkout. They have two grow light products, the Growbar (which I am currently installing in my bookshelf!) and their Grow House. Their LED lights are full spectrum and have a soft white light and at its highest light, because you can adjust how strong it is, it’s 4500 lumens! The lifespan of their lights runs up to 12 years and the lights produce little heat and are water resistant. My favorite thing about them is they have a 3 setting time
S1 E11 · Tue, January 09, 2018
Episode 11: Inside the Mind of @mr_plantgeek and Tips for Traveling Plant Parents
Michael Perry is the entrepreneur and self titled “geek” behind the “Mr Plant Geek” empire. But he is, in no way, a tradition “geek”. I like to call him the “bad boy of the plant world." You might know Michael from his Instagram account (@Mr_PlantGeek) or www.mrplantgeek.com which have photos and blogs about the worlds most interesting plants. But they also have a collection of selfies showcasing his rugged good looks, impressive collection of tattoos and ever changing hair color. You also might recognize him from his “Rude Botany” line of t-shirts which have sayings like “Philadelphus erectus” or “Rubus cockburnianus” in bold lettering across the chest. Michael approaches plants with a light hearted, fun approach that is completely unique and absolutely fun to follow along with. But don’t be fooled, although his approach to plants is lighthearted, Michael seriously knows his plants. He spent years developing and creating new creations like the “TomTato” and “Egg and Chips” plants for Thompson & Morgan, England’s largest mail order plant company and has a vast knowledge of all aspects of horticulture. After a long and successful career there, he took the leap to become a full time freelancer as “Mr Plant Geek”. He now travels the world lecturing at different garden clubs, trade shows, and can be seen on QVC, BBC’s Great British Garden Revival and The One Show. His website is the go to blog for topics ranging from plant care, introducing new plants and gardening trends, and even travel tips about his constant travels. Today we have a lovely “plant chat” about many things: from how he built his Mr Plant Geek Empire to his tips for traveling Plant Parents on caring for your plants when you are out of town. Michael is a unique and interesting guy with a lovely point of view and I’m thrilled to share our chat with you! In this episode you’ll learn: Michael’s start at Thompson & Morgan designing the “Tomtato” and “Egg and Chips" plant What new types of houseplants Michael is excited about His predictions for the new hot houseplants to come onto the scene All about Michael’s constant travels and finding houseplants in the wild How he grew the “Mr Plant Geek” empire after leaving his longtime custom created job at Thompson & Morgan Michaels list of his favorite houseplants Tips for caring for your houseplants when you leave for vacation Follow Michael: Instagram: @mr_plantgeek Facebook: @mrplantgeek Twitter: @mr_plantgeek Website: www.mrplantgeek.com Follow Bloom and Grow Radio: Instagram and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadio Website: www.bloomandgrowradio.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S1 E10 · Tue, January 02, 2018
Plant Side Chat #1: Bloom and Grow at Your Own Rate
First part of the Plant Side Chat series where we will explore the lessons learned from caring for plants. Today's topic: Bloom and Grow at Your Own Rate. Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S1 E9 · Tue, December 19, 2017
Episode 09: Double the Joy: Cats and Plants (and Poisonous Plants to Avoid) with @plant_lady_is_the_new_cat_lady
Meagan Rosson is the creator behind the Instagram account: Plant_Lady_is_the_New_Cat_Lady. Her two gorgeous cats: Mack and Brooklyn, are quickly becoming “Instagram Famous“ due to Meagan’s hilarious Instagram stories of their impressive acrobatics around her one bedroom apartment and their relationship with her growing collection of 60+ plants. Meagan and I met early on in both of our plant journeys and have watched each other’s love for plants grow. Since I have no pets, I knew Meagan would be the perfect person to discuss the ups and downs with living with cats and plants and the toxic plants to avoid if you have Cats. We have a fun conversation about her hilarious stories of joining her two loves. She also gives some advice and her perspective on how to live successfully with cats and plants, and how to avoid choosing plants that could be toxic if ingested. Disclaimer: we are not Veterinarians, plant toxicity specialists or plant scientists. If you have questions about plant toxicity we encourage you to check out ASPCA’s website (link below) and make decisions you are comfortable with for your Urban Jungle. In this episode we learn: - Meagan’s journey from no plants to 60 + plants and the creation of @Plant_Lady_is_the_New_Cat_Lady - How her love for plants started in a Plant 101 class with Bloom and Grow Radio Alum, Summer Rayne Oakes of Homestead Brooklyn! - How to make sure your plants in your apartment are non toxic for your cats - Tips for having cats and plants live harmoniously together - Natural deterrents for keeping your pets away from your plants (links to purchase below) - How to band-aid your plant when your pet nibbles or plays too aggressively with it - A basic guide for how to find out what plants are toxic, different levels of toxicity and where to find solid information to set you up for success - Signs to look for incase your cat has ingested a poisonous plant - Why Meagan thinks everyone should have houseplants To Follow Meagan, Mack and Brooklyn find them on Instagram @plant_lady_is_the_new_cat_lady To Follow Bloom and Grow Radio: Instagram: @BloomandGrowRadio www.bloomandgrowradio.com Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadio iTunes and Stitcher https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-owners/basics/top-10-plants-poisonous-to-pets/ To purchase the all natural deterrent sprays Meagan mentions click here: Nature's Miracle Just for Cats No Scratch Spray: http://amzn.to/2CAcnKW Grannick's Bitter Apple Spray: http://amzn.to/2yUtpRH <b
S1 E8 · Tue, December 12, 2017
Episode 08: Dirty Talk and the Creation of Houseplant Journal
By day, Toronto based Darryl Cheng is a Business Analyst for a Tech Company. By night, he is the creator of the incredibly popular blog and Instagram account - Houseplant Journal. Darryl’s commitment to excellence and his passion for plants and thirst for knowledge have turned him into the king of the internet houseplant world. What was initially a hobby Tumblr page has turned into an Instagram account with over 200,000 followers, a go to blog for anything plant related (www.houseplantjournal.com), the beginnings of his very own houseplant care book and plant time lapse videos that have gone viral around the world. Get ready… this is an epic episode for Bloom and Grow Radio. We cover a variety of topics, have deep thoughts about our plant friends, a little “dirty talk” and learn some secrets behind his collection. And if you stay tuned through the end of the show, Darryl gives us a sneak peak of another talent and passion of his, that is equally as impressive as his houseplant collection- but you’ll only find out if you stay tuned! If you are interested in learning more about different aspects of soil for your houseplants, this episode is for you! If you are interested in learning more about Darryl’s journey as a Plant Parent- tune in! In this episode we discuss: - The beginning of Darryl’s interest in houseplants and the creation of Houseplant Journal - The journey from a small Tumlr hobby account to an Instagram account and blog with over 200,000 followers - The story behind his “insta-famous” Monstera - The story behind his famous time lapse videos - “Dirty Talk” with Darryl! Darryl breaks down all you need to know about soil for your houseplants - Organic vs Chemical Fertilizers - The importance of soil aeration - The reasons behind his Houseplant Care Book he is working on and how it will differ from the tradition Houseplant Books - Any houseplant’s “subjective lifespan” Follow Darryl on: Instagram and Facebook: @houseplantjournal Twitter: @houseplantjrnl Website: www.houseplantjournal.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/houseplantjournal Follow Bloom and Grow Radio on: Instagram and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadio Website: www.bloomandgrowradio.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S1 E7 · Tue, December 05, 2017
Episode 07: TheOperatingSystem- Propagation 101 and Using Plants to Disconnect
Olena Shmahalo, otherwise known as TheOperatingSystem on Instagram is the Art Director of Quanta Magazine by day, and has an Etsy shop where she sells her plant cuttings and plant themed merchandise by night. Originally from the Ukraine, Olena has been growing her Urban Jungle of over 150 plants over the span of several apartments. Her current apartment is a masterpiece of Urban Jungle artistry, and her photos that are envied on Instagram are not to be missed (give her a follow at @TheOperatingSystem). We dive into how she created her Urban Jungle, tips for having a successful relationship with so many plants and she walks us through how to propagate plants for ourselves! If you are interested in learning the stories behind her amazing Instagram Photos or curious about how to propagate your own plants, this episode is for you! In this episode you will learn: - The evolution of Olena’s Urban Jungle - Tourism tips for Plant People - The secret to how Olena keeps her plants happy - Relationship advice for Plant Parents - Information about the joys of her Etsy shop and the process of buying and sending her cuttings - Propagation 101 Follow Olena on: Instagram: @TheOperatingSystem Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheOperatingSystem?ref=shop_sugg (temporarily closed because Olena is on vacation, but she will be back ASAP!) Here is the amazon link to the Propagation Book Olena mentions in today’s episode: http://amzn.to/2ibQNUW Visit the blog for photos mentioned in the interview: http://bloomandgrowradio.com/2017/12/04/episode-07-theoperatingsystem/ Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S1 E6 · Tue, November 28, 2017
Episode 06: Christmas Tree Extravaganza Part 2/2: Living, Potted Christmas Trees for the Holiday Season!
Part two of my Christmas Tree extravaganza is all about celebrating you houseplants enthusiasts who want to take the leap, and jump into the joys of having a LIVING, potted Christmas Tree. This trend has become more popular over the years, and as I was researching it, I came across an amazing article by Joe Lamp’l about this intriguing idea. After reading it, I knew he would be the perfect guest for this episode and I am BEYOND thrilled to have him! Joe is a podcaster himself with his amazing gardening podcast, The Joe Gardener show. He is also the Creator, Host and Executive Producer of the award-winning national PBS series, Growing a Greener World® and Founder of joegardener.com . He is also the previous host of Fresh from the Garden on DIY Network, as well as on-air contributor to The Today Show, Good Morning America and The Weather Channel. He is a gardening and podcast veteran who takes us through everything we need to know about jumping on the Living Christmas Tree Trend and the joys of replanting your tree and cherishing it forever. If it’s something that interests you, this episode is for you! In this episode we discuss: What a Living Christmas Tree actually is What the options are for using your tree after the holiday season The entire process from selection to replanting of a Living Christmas Tree Average length of time for a Living Christmas Tree to be indoors The secret to preserving moisture in your Living Christmas Tree The experiment that might cause me to get two trees this year… The importance of mulch Proper technique for replanting your tree Using your tree as an heirloom Follow Joe on: GrowingAGreenerWorld.com joegardener.com Facebook.com/joegardener facebook.com/GGWTV twitter.com/joegardener twitter.com/GGWTV instagram.com/joelampl Follow Bloom and Grow Radio on: Instagram @bloomandgrowradio Facebook @bloomandgrowradio Here is the blog I mentioned! https://www.growingagreenerworld.com/live-christmas-trees/ Are you inspired? I hope so! Make sure to check out Episode 5 about cut Christmas tre
S1 E5 · Tue, November 28, 2017
Episode 05: Christmas Tree Extravaganza Part 1/2 - Cut Christmas Trees
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas trees are on every corner of NYC and it’s time to pick one up and bring it into your home to celebrate the holidays. Although a cut Christmas Tree isn’t exactly a living houseplant… Christmas Trees could be argued to be one of the oldest indoor plant traditions around which is why I thought it would make a fun and interesting episode! Mary Jeanne Packer, Executive Director of The Christmas Tree Farmers Association of New York, takes us through the best practices for caring for a cut Christmas Tree. Founded in 1953, the mission of the Christmas Tree Farmers’ Association of New York (CTFANY) is to empower its members in the development of the real Christmas tree industry. CTFANY provides information and opportunities for its members that include national visibility and stature, quality production, preservation, education, pride in their products and customer satisfaction. They provide education to the public about the real tree industry, enable the public to purchase and enjoy the benefits of farm fresh and fragrant real Christmas trees and evergreen products. At the same time, they protect the environment that surrounds us and enhance the contributions of the Christmas tree industry to New York’s economy. If you are interested in learning the best ways to care for your cut Christmas tree this season- this episode is for you! If you are interested in learning about having an actual potted, LIVING Christmas tree this year… check out Episode 06! In this episode you we discuss: Why a cut Christmas Tree is actually better for the environment than an artificial tree The various ways to recycle your cut tree after the holidays Best practices for having a Cut Christmas Tree, from selecting it, to taking it home, how to position and properly care for it and how to properly recycle it after the season. Myth Busters! Are chemicals and Sprite needed to feed your Christmas Tree? Listen to find out! Shopping local to celebrate the holiday spirit. For more information on The Christmas Tree Farmers Association of NY visit http://www.christmastreesny.org For more information on Bloom and Grow Radio visit www.bloomandgrowradio.com and following us on Instagram @bloomandgrowradio Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S1 E4 · Tue, November 21, 2017
Episode 04: Plants for the Advanced Plant Parent and Practicing Patience
I learned about Summer Rayne Oaks when I first started researching “Urban Jungles” in NYC. She is a Model/Activist/Entrepreneur who is famous for her Brooklyn apartment in which she has over 670 plants. She has dedicated the last decade of her life to being a champion for sustainable practices in the fashion, beauty and food industries. She wears many hats including being named the first “eco model”. She has a sugar detox program (sugardetoxme.com), a cookbook, a style guide, a podcast (Idea Nosh), and founded Le Souk, a global materials marketplace. She is a serial entrepreneur with a degree in environmental science from Cornell and a passion for plants. She is the founder of Homestead Brooklyn, a blog and Youtube channel created to help bring more nature to urban living. And to top it all off… she was even the muse and inspiration for the Toyota Prius C! What can’t she do? Her Youtube channel, Plant One On Me is packed with informative videos about plant care and fun DIY projects. If you are curious about Summer Rayne’s journey to 670+ plants in her NYC apartment, this episode is for you! If you are an advanced Plant Parent looking to nerd out, this is the episode for you! In this episode we discuss: Plant Swaps as a way to connect behind the Instagram photos Her plant collection of 670+ in her Brooklyn apartment Preparing houseplants for Winter months Bringing Plants in the shower The appealing qualities of Peperomia Best Plants for the Advanced Plant Parent Summer Rayne’s time as an “undercover activist” in the Fashion Industry as an Eco Model Homestead Brooklyn’s mission and purpose The Power of Showing up Practicing patience and going beyond perfection Follow Summer Rayne at Instagram @homesteadbrooklyn Facebook @homesteadbrooklyn YouTube @summerrayneoakes "Plant One On Me" Website: www.homesteadbrooklyn.com Twitter: @sroakes Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S1 E3 · Tue, November 14, 2017
Episode 03: How to NOT Kill Succulents and learning resiliance
Diana Zarins is the mastermind behind the Instagram account and Youtube channel How To Succulents. She is a “black thumb” turned #succulentwhisperer with a following of over 70,000 followers who turn to her for succulent inspiration and education. If you want to learn how to better care for your succulents, this is the episode for you! In the episode you will learn: Diana’s journey from “black thumb” to succulent lover Her extensive collection of 300 indoor and outdoor succulents Why succulents are great houseplants 5 things to know to NOT kill your succulent – drainage, water, light, temperature, infestation The secret to knowing how dry your soil really is Transitioning plants from indoors to outdoors for the changing of the seasons Best “starter succulent” How to use her hashtags to learn more about succulent care #propagationweek #howtobeasucculentwhisperer Using succulents to inspire hardiness and grit in your everyday life Follow How To Succulents: Instagram: @howtosucculents Youtube channel: How to Succulents https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7oOq8BmqaDCUpKxdpZ_SBQ Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S1 E2 · Mon, November 13, 2017
Episode 02: Top 5 Houseplants for Beginners and Learning Kindness
Today’s episode is with one of my most favorite Plant People I have met yet… Christopher Satch! He is the Plant Scientist and Head of Education at The Sill. The Sill is an amazing plant shop located in Chinatown, NY that not only sells plants, but also hosts monthly educational events and ships potted plants nationwide. They also have created a somewhat cult following on Instagram with over 150,000 followers who drool over their urban jungle inspirations and informative plant care stories. I’ve had the pleasure of going to one of Chris’s Plant 101 classes at The Sill, which was not only informative, but wine filled, so fun and a great way to meet other Plant Parents in NYC. His wealth of knowledge about every plant under the sun is unparalleled, but what makes him so special is his humor, perspective and openness. I couldn’t be more excited to have him as my first guest! If you are looking for an amazing, concise overview of the top 5 plant care basics, this is the episode for you! In this episode you will learn: A little about Chris’s personal journey with plants How houseplants help you reconnect to nature The Sill, it’s mission and how #PlantsMakePeopleHappy Plant 101 courses at The Sill Top houseplants for beginners All beginners are not created equal! Are you a low maintenance or high maintenance Plant Parent- and how that informs which plants you pick. Fun trick to save your plants from your radiators in the winter Houseplant care 101 The difference between low, medium, bright light Using plants to expand your mind and practice kindness and understanding Visit Chris and the team at The Sill at 84 Hester Street in Chinatown or visit www.thesill.com to order some of their plants or register for a plant workshop! Follow @TheSill on Instagram, Twitter and Tumbler Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
S1 E1 · Mon, November 13, 2017
Episode 01: The Reason behind Bloom and Grow Radio!
Bloom and Grow Radio is a weekly Podcast designed for the Urban Jungle Dweller, Houseplant Enthusiast and Succulent Killer alike. Maria Failla interviews different “Plant Parents” in the Urban Gardening community to source houseplant care tips, stories and lessons they’ve learned from caring for their plants along the way. Each episode has a practical and spiritual tips and stories that empower and inspire the listener to have their own houseplant collection. In this episode you will learn: Bloom and Grow Radio’s mission What inspired the creation of Bloom and Grow Radio Founder, Maria Failla’s journey from Succulent Killer to Crazy Plant Lady Instagram: @BloomandGrowRadio Website: www.bloomandgrowradio.com Our Sponsors: * Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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