Claim OwnershipFostering Blooms
Subscribed: 2Played: 12
Subscribe
Fostering Blooms ©2024
Description
Two friends, one passion for gardening. Welcome to Fostering Blooms — where the beauty of the garden is designed for life. Join Shannon Foster-Boline and Caitlyn Blum, two friends and neighbors, as they cultivate stunning gardens and bring the richness of nature into their homes. From growing lush English-style borders to designing pastoral homesteads, they’ll guide you through every bloom, bounty, and blunder along the way.
Alongside garden projects, they’ll dive into garden design, cooking with homegrown vegetables, and creating floral arrangements with the flowers they grow. It’s not just about cultivating beautiful spaces — it’s about using the garden to nourish the home, table, and soul. Don't miss our recurring "Garden Ready" series — monthly episodes packed with essential tasks to keep your garden thriving through every season. Whether it’s pruning in winter or harvesting in fall, you'll know exactly what to focus on each month.
With a love for flowers, vegetables, and self-sufficiency, Shannon and Cait share heartwarming stories, practical tips, and creative inspiration for turning garden dreams into reality. Whether you're planting your first seed, growing a garden to sustain your family, or crafting floral designs that bring nature indoors, Fostering Blooms will leave you inspired to grow more than just plants — but a home, a community, and a life connected to nature.
Tune in for gardening advice, seasonal inspiration, and a whole lot of heart from two women with dirty hands and big dreams.
Alongside garden projects, they’ll dive into garden design, cooking with homegrown vegetables, and creating floral arrangements with the flowers they grow. It’s not just about cultivating beautiful spaces — it’s about using the garden to nourish the home, table, and soul. Don't miss our recurring "Garden Ready" series — monthly episodes packed with essential tasks to keep your garden thriving through every season. Whether it’s pruning in winter or harvesting in fall, you'll know exactly what to focus on each month.
With a love for flowers, vegetables, and self-sufficiency, Shannon and Cait share heartwarming stories, practical tips, and creative inspiration for turning garden dreams into reality. Whether you're planting your first seed, growing a garden to sustain your family, or crafting floral designs that bring nature indoors, Fostering Blooms will leave you inspired to grow more than just plants — but a home, a community, and a life connected to nature.
Tune in for gardening advice, seasonal inspiration, and a whole lot of heart from two women with dirty hands and big dreams.
43 Episodes
Reverse
AI in the garden? Yep. In this episode, Shannon and Cait share how they use “Chat Cath” (their nickname for ChatGPT) as a practical garden consultant—while staying thoughtful about environmental impacts and double-checking advice with real-world experience. You’ll hear how they: build succession and crop-rotation plans for every bed track sow dates and auto-generate next-season calendars right-size plant quantities and verify spacing create custom organic fertilizer mixes per crop/bed translate soil test photos into plain-English actions dial in irrigation timing (pots, beds, drip) ID pests/diseases from photos and choose organic responses design planting combos (including a white knot garden) keep a voice-driven, searchable garden journal If you’re curious how AI can remove admin work so you can spend more time growing, this one’s for you. Let’s go grow, baby!
Save seeds, save money! 🌱 Shannon and Cait share how to harvest, dry, and store seeds from flowers and veggies—plus which ones actually come true next year and which don’t. It’s seed-saving season! We walk through exactly how to collect, dry, label, and store seeds from flowers and veggies you’re growing right now—and how this simple habit can save you real money year after year. Learn what must dry on the plant vs. what you can scoop from ripe fruit, how to tell chaff from viable seed, and simple storage tricks that preserve germination. We chat zinnias, dahlias, celosia, echinacea, foxglove, nigella, arugula, cilantro/coriander, tomatoes, peppers, shelling beans, peas, favas, and more—plus quick tips on F1 hybrids vs. heirlooms so you know what will (and won’t) come true next year. Show Notes: Cucumber note: Diamant & Diva are F1 (don’t expect true-to-type from saved seed). Zinnia note: Queeny Red Lime (saving is fun, but to keep it “true,” you’d need to bag blooms to prevent cross-pollination). Varieties mentioned by name: Celosia ‘Sangria’, Nigella ‘Albion’, Black Krim (heirloom), Chef’s Choice (F1), piquillo & Calabrian peppers, Nairobi snap peas.
Think mums are your only option for fall color? Think again. In this episode, Shannon and Caitlyn share over 30 annuals, perennials, shrubs, and seeds you can plant right now for vibrant fall color—and a head start on spring blooms. Show Notes (Plant List): Annuals: pansies, violas, ornamental kale & cabbage, snapdragons, calendula, dusty miller, dianthus, chrysanthemums Perennials: asters, peonies, irises, hardy geraniums, lavender, hellebores, ferns, hostas, sedum, daylilies, echinacea Seeds to Sow Now: Iceland poppies, California poppies, eryngium (‘Miss Wilmott’s Ghost’), nigella, bells of Ireland, ammi, rudbeckia, bachelor’s buttons, lupine, coneflowers, milkweed, monarda, wallflowers Shrubs & Trees: roses, hydrangeas, mock orange, serviceberry, spirea, boxwood, yew, laurel, thuja, camellias, ginkgo (male) Bonus Favorites: Japanese anemones, Swiss chard, kale
Ready to trade summer scorch for cozy garden wins? In this “Garden Ready September” episode, Shannon and Cait share exactly what to plant now for a thriving fall garden—and even a head start on spring. We cover fall veggies, greens, and brassicas, plus our favorite seed-saving tips and variety picks. You’ll also hear when to order bulbs, how to layer compost and leaves, and what shrubs and perennials to prune this month. Let’s go grow, baby! 🌱 Show Notes – Varieties Mentioned Beets: Boldor (yellow), Chioggia (striped) Carrots: Napoli, Purple Haze Cauliflower: Amethyst (purple) Kale: Red Russian, Lacinato (Dinosaur), Dazzling Blue Lettuce: Marvel of Four Seasons, Gatsby, Salanova (red & green) Swiss Chard: Firebird Cucumbers: Diamant (pickling), Diva (slicing) Beans: Romano vining, Monte Gusto Fava Beans: Vroma, Broad Windsor (saved seed) Garlic: Softneck varieties (new trial this year) Lavender: Grosso, Hidcote, Munstead
Summer has been in full swing — and it’s been a wild ride in the garden! In this episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon and Caitlyn share what they’ve been up to lately: from harvesting cucumbers and canning 57 jars of pickles, to trying fermentation for the first time with homemade sauerkraut, and diving into herbalism and tea making with lemon balm, holy basil, mullein, and more. We talk about the highs and lows of gardening in Zone 7B’s summer heat, the burnout that hits when harvests come in fast and furious, and the joy of turning homegrown food into something special — whether that’s sourdough bread, homemade yogurt, or herbal teas straight from the apothecary. If you’ve ever wondered what real-life gardeners are up to behind the scenes, this is your peek into the messy, delicious, and creative reality of summer gardening. Episode notes: Pickling Cucumber Variety: Diamant Monarda Variety: Monarda Punctata (Spotted beebalm)
What happens when you’ve got a bucket of wine grapes and no plan? In this episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon and Caitlyn dive into a spontaneous kitchen adventure — plucking grapes, simmering them on the stove, and making homemade grape juice straight from the vineyard. From food mills to cheesecloth mishaps (and even a few runaway spiders), you’ll hear every step of this messy, funny, and surprisingly successful experiment. We share exactly how much juice came from just 1.7 pounds of grapes, what worked, and what we’d do differently next time. And while this episode focuses on making grape juice, the story doesn’t stop there — the leftover pulp inspired us to try jelly the very next day. (Spoiler: it turned out delicious, and we’ll share more about it in a future episode!) If you’ve ever wondered how to make grape juice from wine grapes, or you just love real-life garden-to-kitchen stories, this one will inspire you to grab your harvest, get messy, and have fun.
Discover how gardening can transform not just what you eat, but how you cook. In this solo episode, Caitlyn shares how growing Swiss chard, fennel, radishes, and even saffron made her braver, more creative, and more mindful in the kitchen. From sautéing radish tops in butter to crafting bright fennel salads and infusing rice with homegrown saffron, you’ll hear simple, garden-to-table recipes that elevate everyday meals. Learn how zero-waste cooking, seasonal eating, and underused herbs like thyme can add flavor, color, and mindfulness to your cooking. Whether you’re new to gardening or already harvesting your own vegetables, this episode will inspire you to see every leaf, stem, and blossom as an opportunity for creativity in the kitchen.
Bock bock, baby—it’s chicken time! In this fun (and feather-filled) episode, Shannon grills Caitlyn with rapid-fire questions all about backyard chickens—from how many to start with, to coops, predators, feed, egg production, and beyond. Whether you're a curious beginner dreaming of fresh eggs or knee-deep in coop building, Caitlyn shares everything you really need to know, including hilarious personal stories, the truth about cleaning (or not cleaning) coops, and why she doesn't name her chickens anymore. Get ready for practical tips, surprising facts (did you know chickens are blind at night?!), and lots of laughs. Plus, meet Caitlyn’s favorite farm friends, including her egg-laying hens, protective roosters, and even turkeys who eat cabbage moths. This is the ultimate beginner’s guide to keeping chickens—perfect for gardeners who are chicken-curious and egg-loving. Let’s get clucking.
It’s the last call for summer sowing! 🌱 In this episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon and Caitlyn share what’s happening in the garden in August—from cutting back strawberry runners to sneaking in those final summer crops. We cover: Fast-growing veggies you can plant in early August Which fall crops and herbs to sow now (and which to wait on) Our favorite flowers for drying and saving seeds A few “just for fun” fall plants we’re trying for the first time 🌿 If you’ve been waiting to plant your fall veggies or sneak in one more summer harvest, now is the time. Grab your gardening gloves, and let’s go grow, baby!
In this cozy (and slightly chaotic) episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon and Caitlyn get a head start on the holidays—yes, in July! From canning jam and fermenting kraut to crafting herbal tea blends, oxymels, and even goat milk soap, they share creative, garden-inspired gift ideas that celebrate the full-circle joy of growing and giving. Whether you’re ready to make your own sourdough crackers or you’re just curious about shrubs (the drink, not the plant), this episode is packed with inspiration, laughter, and practical tips to help you plan thoughtful handmade gifts that feel special, not stressful. Gift Ideas Mentioned in the Episode Peach vanilla jam (small-batch canned) Cranberry pomegranate jelly Mexican escabeche (pickled carrots, onion, jalapeño) Shelling beans in muslin bags Vinegar shrubs (rhubarb mint, plum lavender, peach strawberry, cranberry pomegranate) Dehydrated citrus (lime, lemon, blood orange) Cocktail/mocktail kits (including dried citrus, bitters, shrub syrups) Bitters (alcohol-infused herbal blends) Oxymels (honey and herb digestives) Basil vinegar Preserved lemons (salt-cured) Dried tea blends (e.g. lemon balm, mint, holy basil) Dried herb mixes Spa gift kits (bath salts, lavender towels, muslin cloths with essential oil) Sourdough crackers Goat milk soap Dog treats Custom packaging: stamped muslin bags, canvas totes, thrifted baskets, market baskets
In this quick solo episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon shares what to do when your garden is exploding with more cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, and beans than you can possibly eat. From the early days of handing out extra produce to neighbors and HVAC repair people (yep, really) to a full-blown canning and preserving setup, Shannon walks you through simple, beginner-friendly ways to enjoy your garden harvests longer. You'll get tried-and-true ideas for water bath canning, freezing, dehydrating, and baking—plus easy ways to give back with your garden abundance if you’re short on time. Whether you're curious about pickles, drowning in cherry tomatoes, or finally ready to try pressure canning green beans, this episode will help you make the most of summer's generosity—without wasting a bite.
Feeling burned out in the garden? You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not failing. In this episode, we talk about the real side of gardening in midsummer: when the weeds take over, the heat zaps your energy, and the pests push you to the brink. We’ll share honest stories about why burnout happens, how it shows up, and what we’ve learned over the years about managing overwhelm. From strategies to cut down on watering and weeding to giving yourself permission to pause and reset, here’s how we keep going—or take a much-needed break. Gardening doesn’t have to be perfect to be worth it.
The dog days of summer are here, but your garden isn’t slowing down! In this episode, we break down what to sow, harvest, and plan in July—from beans and garlic to fall crops and shade cloth strategies. We share how we’re prepping beds for late summer planting, troubleshooting pest invasions, and tackling fertilizer dilemmas (RIP to all the bone meal–raided dahlias). You’ll hear about: 🌱 Succession planting bush beans and vining beans (over 170 ft of beans!) 🌿 Harvesting garlic and shallots and prepping for fall sowing 💦 Drip irrigation setups and shade cloth tips for beating the heat 🍅 Second plantings of tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers 🎃 Dreaming up pumpkin and corn patches for fall harvests 🌸 Flowers you can still sow in July—snapdragons, foxglove, scabiosa, and more Whether you’re planning a late-season bounty or fighting the midsummer burnout, we’ve got you covered. Let’s go get dirty—let’s go grow, baby
f you've ever dreamed of skipping the grocery store garlic aisle and harvesting your own flavorful bulbs—this is the episode for you. 🧄 We’re diving deep into everything garlic and shallots: The difference between hardneck vs. softneck garlic When and how to harvest for peak flavor Curing and storing tips for long-lasting bulbs Why garlic scapes are your new kitchen obsession What & when to plant in the fall for big summer rewards Plus: real talk on what went wrong in one of our garlic beds, and how we plan to fix it next season. Whether you're a first-time grower or a garlic fanatic, there’s something here for you. Let’s grow, baby 🌱
Can our wives tell the difference between an aphid and a stratified seed? Do we know what a full nelson is or how many yards it takes to get a first down? It’s time for the ultimate showdown in this hilarious episode of Fostering Blooms! We recorded this battle of the brains back in winter—but with roses blooming and sports season in full swing, it felt like the perfect time to drop it. Shannon and Caitlyn face off against their wives, Beth and Cierra, in a trivia match of gardening vs sports knowledge. The prize? David Austin roses or Lady Vols center court tickets. The trash talk is real. The answers? Sometimes wildly wrong—and that’s what makes it so good. 🌱 Want to see the results of the winnings? Check out our Instagram @FosteringBlooms. 🎧 Whether you're team Garden or team Gameday, you're gonna love this one.
Welcome to Fostering Blooms! In this episode, we’re sharing our latest round of “No Thank You” plants — the ones we’ve grown, inherited, or almost bought… but now politely decline. 🙅♀️🌿 These aren’t plants we hate — okay, maybe one or two — but ones we’ve learned aren’t the right fit for our gardens due to invasiveness, poor pollinator value, maintenance headaches, or just plain overuse. And of course, we’re not here to judge — we’re here to help you make better planting choices with smarter, more beautiful alternatives. ✨ Grab your tea (or gloves), and get ready to laugh, learn, and maybe rethink that plant sitting in your cart. Let’s go grow, baby! SHOW NOTES: Korean Dogwood: Cornus kousa Discover Life in America Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry
This week on the podcast, we’re covering everything you should be doing in the garden this month — from what to plant, what to pull, and what to support, to how we’re handling pests, mulch math, and our melon experiments (yes… there are melon bralettes involved 😅). Here’s a taste of what’s inside: ✔️ What to sow right now (okra, beans, melons & more) ✔️ Why mulching early = your future self’s BFF ✔️ Natural pest control strategies we’re actually testing ✔️ Support systems for dahlias, tomatoes & chilies ✔️ Our fertilizing routines (real talk, no guilt) ✔️ What’s blooming, what’s bolting, and what’s next Whether you’re just catching your breath after spring or wondering if you missed your window — this one’s for you. Show Notes Cantaloupe Variety - Golden Jenny 🌿 Direct Sow Now: Okra Corn Pole beans Bush beans Summer squash Cucumbers Melons Sunflowers Zinnias Cosmos Marigolds Basil Dill 🪴 Start Indoors (if needed for extra protection or head start): Specialty zinnias or cosmos with precious seed stock Melons (if you’re planning to transplant to raised beds or trellis) Additional basil for staggered planting This month is peak warm-season planting — so if you’ve got open space in the garden, now’s the time to fill it! 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts or watch it on YouTube! 👇🏼 Tag a garden buddy & tell us what’s on your June to-do list!
Welcome to Fostering Blooms, the podcast where we dig deep into gardening and all the ways it can enrich your home and life. Today, we’re diving into the garden's underground world of veggie families and why planting them side-by-side can cause more drama than a mafia reunion. In this episode, we cover: The four major plant families and their turf wars: Solanaceae (Nightshades), Brassicaceae (The Crucifer Crew), Fabaceae (Legume Syndicate), and Cucurbitaceae (The Gourd Family) The real reason you shouldn’t plant tomatoes after potatoes (aka Blight City!) Why rotating crops helps avoid pests, disease, and nutrient burnout Whether soil health really can replace crop rotation Our favorite garden planning tricks to keep the peace between feuding families Perfect for new and experienced gardeners alike, this episode brings the drama, the strategy, and the laughs. Grab your notebook (or your garden map) and learn how to keep your beds productive and your plants happy. ✨ Follow Fostering Blooms and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Let’s go grow, baby! Show Notes: Jean-Martin Fortier: The Market Gardener: A Successful Grower's Handbook for Small Scale Organic Farming
In this episode, we’re busting some of the most common garden myths—like whether you really need to water every day, if gravel helps drainage, and whether native plants actually take care of themselves. Spoiler: we’ve made some of these mistakes too! We’ll share our honest opinions on fertilizing, talk about what works (and what totally doesn't), and laugh through a few garden confessions along the way. Plus, Shannon shares a sweet update about a special garden she’s planting in memory of her dog Xena. 🌼💛 So grab your compost and your curiosity—we’re myth-busting the garden, one shovel at a time.
Pollinator gardening isn’t just a trend—it’s essential. In this episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon and Caitlyn break down how to build a garden that supports bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, parasitic wasps, and even hoverflies—season by season. From herbs and annuals to perennials and native plants, you’ll discover how to keep pollinators well-fed all year long (yes, even in winter!). Plus, they share personal stories, propagation tips, and why it’s time to rethink your lawn. Whether you have a large garden or just a few containers, this episode is packed with practical, pollinator-loving ideas. 🌿 Plants we cover include: Spring: sage, thyme, chives, lavender, snowdrops, catmint, salvia Summer: zinnias, cosmos, oregano, basil, mint, bee balm, sunflowers, celosia Fall: asters, Japanese anemone, sedum (e.g., Autumn Joy), Joe Pye weed, dahlias Winter: snowdrops, witch hazel, hellebores, camellias, ivy (with a caveat) 👩🌾 Follow and subscribe to Fostering Blooms for weekly inspiration, seasonal tips, and real talk about gardening with purpose. Let’s go grow, baby!
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States