Growing Joy with Plants - Wellness Rooted in Nature, Houseplants, Gardening and Plant Care

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[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 RecipeHow to Braid GarlicHow to Plant GarlicHow to Braid OnionsLomi Tabletop ComposterTerritorial Seed Garden Garlic CatalogueUpcoming Book by Jill Old-Fashioned on PurposeGrowing Joy Episode 123 How To Manage Deer, Squirrels, Chipmunks, Moles, Voles And Other Animals In Your Garden With Brie The Plant Lady Think you want to grow garlic this coming season?Check out the full show notes and blog for garlic growing tips from an expert! Follow Jill:WebsitePodcastInstagramTwitterYouTube 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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

If you love your dog as much as you love your monstera or other houseplants, you’ve probably run into this dilemma: how do you keep your plants alive without putting your pup at risk? This has been a problem for plant parents who are also pet parents. Some plants are toxic, some dogs are curious nibblers, and sometimes it feels like your plants and your pets are destined to clash. To figure this out, I talked with Dudley, the plant lover behind Pablo’s Plants on Instagram and TikTok. His brand centers on his golden retriever, Pablo, and he’s here to share with us how to keep both plants and pets safe at home.In this episode, we learn:[00:00] Can dogs and houseplants really live in harmony?[02:06] What does Dudley’s plant setup look like[02:53] Who is Dudley (aka Pablo’s Plants) and his golden retriever (Pablo)?[06:45] Who handles the plants better: the cats or Pablo?[08:18] How do you actually train a dog to “leave it”?[09:38] Which common houseplants are secretly toxic to pets? (Lilies, pothos, philodendrons)[12:10] Living with toxic plants: know your pet's personality[13:20] Bitter apple spray and other deterrent tricks[14:53] Wind River Chimes[16:39] Non-toxic plants for pet parents[18:07] Dudley’s gardening journey[19:15] Pablo's one toxic plant incident![23:06] How did Dudley’s plant business evolve?[25:59] The hoya love-hate relationship[28:24] Fragrant orchids (coconut-scented orchids)[29:31] What does Pablo’s Plants look like today?[31:55] Craziest deals buyers have taken during auctions on Whatnot & Palmstreet[33:05] How plant shows turned into a global friend network[34:57] Plant show strategy: shopping vs. selling vs. networking[36:16] Where to find him next: PlantCon NYC & IAS Miami[39”02] Where to shop Pablo’s Plants and join his “coffee & swiping” lives[40:13] Visit growingjoywithmaria.com/palmstreet and save on your first purchase!Mentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy 9: Double Joy: Plants and Cats and Poisonous Plants to Avoid with @Plant_Lady_is_the_New_Cat_LadyBarrina ledASPCAGrannick's Care Dogs Bitter Apple No Chew Spray 8ozWhatnotPalmstreetFor more pet and plant care tips,check out the full show notes and blog here!Follow Dudley:WebsiteInstagramStoreTikTokWhatnotThank you to our episode sponsor:Wind River ChimesVisit 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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

If you’re an edible gardener, chances are you’ve found yourself staring at a heaping bowl of tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, or carrots, wondering how on earth you’re going to eat them all before they go bad.In this Best of Growing Joy replay, I’m revisiting my conversation with Stephanie Thurow, a certified master food preserver and bestselling author of several books on canning and fermenting. Stephanie shares everything you need to know to get started with home canning while making the whole process feel safe, approachable, and fun.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 ThurowNational Center for Home Food PreservationBall Mason Jar Lids & BandsSpritz Society Pickle by Claussen®Food Preservation Cookbooks by Stephanie Thurow:Can It & Ferment It: More Than 75 Satisfying Small-Batch Canning and Fermentation Recipes for the Whole YearWECK Home Preserving: Made-from-Scratch Recipes for Water-Bath Canning, Fermenting, Pickling, and MoreWECK Small-Batch Preserving: Year-Round Recipes for Canning, Fermenting, Pickling, and MoreEver thought about making your own tiny ecosystem?Check out the full show notes and blog to learn how to create your own unique terrarium world!Follow Stephanie:WebsiteInstagramFacebookYouTubeFollow 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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

What do a theater kid, a Venus flytrap, and a million TikTok followers have in common? Abundance… and my new plant friend Brian from Redleaf Ranch! Brian is the viral TikTok gardener you've probably come across if you spend any time in plant social media. He's the guy who makes you say "abundance!" out loud, and he’s here to talk about his approach to abundance and gratitude, plus how he used gardening as a tool for personal growth and community building.In this episode, we learn:[01:42] Meet Brian from Redleaf Ranch![02:47] How long has Brian been a theater kid and a plant person?[04:09] Why carnivorous plants have super tall flowers[05:06] Growing abundance: winter squash, potatoes, and food that preserves well[06:20] How Redleaf Ranch began[09:01] The “vision” moment that made Brian feel at home in the soil[11:24] Redleaf Ranch + Redleaf Exotics[14:48] Extend your growing season with Espoma Organic[16:23] Learn 75 plant facts with the book Plants with Superpowers by David Domoney[21:21] What Kevin from Epic Gardening taught us[22:53] Plant blindness to plant awakening[25:43] How “abundance!” became Brian’s signature catchphrase[29:24] Why abundance is a mindset, not just volume[31:34] How to find abundance during dark times[34:58] What is his mindfulness practice?[36:29] Why hand watering the garden is Brian’s meditation[37:49] Content creation vs. market farming[42:28] Strategic content creation with seasonal boundaries[42:49] What’s next for Redleaf?[44:17] Nature's rule: plants live/thrive in community[45:46] Where to find Brian and his book "Gardening for Abundance" and connect with Redleaf RanchMentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy 269: Carnivorous Plants: The Houseplant Pest Control You Never Thought Of with Kenny CooganGrowing Joy 147: How to Care For Carnivorous Plants Indoors with Damon of California CarnivoresRedLeaf ExoticsGardening For Abundance — Redleaf RanchSony Alpha ZV-E10Kevin from Epic GardeningInterested in adapting the abundance mindset?Check out the full show notes and blog here! Follow Brian:WebsiteInstagramYouTubeTikTokFacebookThank you to our episode sponsors:Espoma OrganicVisit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.Quarto: Plants with Superpowers by David DomoneyPick up Plants with Superpowers at your local bookstore, bookshop.org, Barnes and Noble, quarto.com, or amazon.com. 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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

What if your next plant project wasn’t just a container of soil and greenery—but a living, breathing world? In this Best of Growing Joy episode, we revisit a wonderful conversation I had a couple years back with terrarium expert Patricia from Doodle Bird Terrariums to explore the captivating art of creating terrariums, paludariums, and vivariums—miniature ecosystems that blend plants, animals, water, and even mist into magical displays. Because let's be real, in times like these, we need a little more whimsy in our lives. So get ready to get inspired to build your own thriving little universe, no matter your experience level.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?[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] Patricia’s most recommended plants for terrariums[39:38] How do you set up a vivarium?[42:03] Can you use driftwood in a vivarium?[42:58] The best starter pets to put in a vivarium[45:05] Bigger plants to use in a vivarium[46:42] How to feed your vivarium animals[48:19] Where to get tiny and cute terrarium figurines[49:18] What is the biggest must-know when installing paladariums?[51:16] Do you clean the water in paladariums? Do you change it?[52:47] The most common terrarium care mistakes and questions[57:26] Where to find Patricia online[59:26] Maria and Billy’s terrarium plans![01:00:08] Thank you so much for the pre-orders, plant friends!Mentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy Episode 19: Terrarium 101 with @teenytinyterraA Family Guide to Terrariums by Patricia BuzoEver thought about making your own tiny ecosystem?Check out the full show notes and blog to learn how to create your own unique terrarium world!Follow Patricia:WebsiteInstagramBlogShopFollow 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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

If you’ve ever watched your fiddle leaf fig drop all its leaves, battled fungus gnats that fly into your ear, or poured water on your plant only to watch it run straight through the pot without soaking in, this is your wake-up call. I called in the big guns for this one with my plant friend Mandi from Happy Happy Houseplant. Between our two communities, these are the plant problems we get asked about the most, and she’s got science-backed fixes for each of them. We’re going to be talking about failing fiddle leaf figs, fungus gnats that refuse to leave, and that dreaded “gap of death” in your soil. So let's get to it!Get my new Houseplant SOS course here! In this episode, we learn:[02:26] Get to know my “Plant SOS” mini-course![05:29] How Happy Happy Houseplant began[09:51] How did Mandi grow a million-follower plant brand on IG?[15:16] Wind River Chimes[17:03] The Ultimate Guide to Houseplant Propagation[27:35] Problem #1: Why people kill their fiddle leaf figs[28:24] The #1 factor in fiddle leaf success[31:08] How to trigger growth for fiddle leaf figs[34:32] Fertilizing and leaf cleaning tips for fiddle leaf figs[36:50] Problem #2: The gap of death (hydrophobic soil)[37:30] Hydration Renew product for soil rehydration[39:23] Large plant repotting challenges[43:39] Problem #3: Fungus gnats[44:12] How fungus gnats show up[46:06] How do you treat fungus gnats?[46:45] What are death drops?[47:12] Does cinnamon work for fungus gnats?[54:43] What’s the biggest surprise in Mandi’s plant journey?[56:30] Who does Mandi look up to in the plant space?[59:59] Where to find Happy Happy Houseplant and their products?Mentioned in our conversation:Plant SOS: The Houseplant First Aid & Pest Survival GuideVintage RevivalsFungus Gnat Death DropsHydration RenewSoil RefreshKiller SmilesPlant FoodMelani Sanders (@justbeingmelani)Dana Carpenter (@fancyplantsclub)Chantel Gray (@channygrayhome)Diatomaceous Earth: Uses, Benefits, and SafetyDMV BeneficialsTaffy ShopGrowing Joy 289: How to Propagate Plants in Fluval Stratum with Lindsay SistiHaving a hard time getting rid of those fungus gnats?Check out the full show notes and blog here for Mandi's tips!Thank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River ChimesVisit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.Quarto: The Ultimate Guide to Houseplant Propagation by Lindsay SistiGrab your copy of The Ultimate Guide to Houseplant Propagation at quarto.com and wherever books are sold. 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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

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!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’?[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[00:30:20] Vole king bags vs chicken wire planters[00:32:47] How to deal with moles in the garden[00:33:21] Why you should use less mulch in the garden[00:39:16] Do you need to worry about burrowing animals if you have raised beds?[00:43:14] Squirrel damage vs groundhog damage[00:45:29] Setting up a wildlife camera for better animal surveillance in the garden[00:49:24] The best and easiest deer fence kits for your garden[00:54:25] The different plants that help repel rabbits [00:57:26] How often should you apply repellents to your plants?[01:01:50] How to install hedges and streamers that keep deer away[01:13:33] The rookie mistakes gardeners make when trying to keep animals from the gardenMentioned in our conversation:The Foodscape Revolution by Brie ArthurGardening with Grains by Brie ArthurThe Humane Gardener: Nurturing a Backyard Habitat for Wildlife by Nancy LawsonDeer‑Resistant Design: Fence‑free Gardens that Thrive Despite the Deer by Karen ChapmanHave you ever tried to rebloom an orchid?Check out the full show notes and blog to learn what to expect in your first year as an orchid parent!Follow Brie:Brie GrowsBooksInstagramFacebookFollow 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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

I thought I had a pretty deep connection with plants. I mean, this podcast is literally about talking to them (and about them). But after 300+ episodes, this is the only conversation that impacted my daily interaction with plants. My guest, LoriAnn Bird, an Indigenous Métis herbalist and author of Revered Roots, introduced a concept of “plants as our relatives.” Elders. Teachers. Sovereign beings. And once you start viewing them that way, you can’t unsee it. You will realize that we all need to take care of what takes care of us. Listen in and join the conversation!In this episode, we learn:[04:56] What does “ indigenous plants” mean for LoriAnn?[06:18] How LoriAnn developed her close relationship with nature[08:51] What it means to be a Métis woman[10:39] Being raised in a privileged Eurocentric view[12:10] How herbalism came into LoriAnn’s life[14:53] Gift a soothing and personalized Wind River Chime for any special occasion, and get a free engraving![17:06] Why the book was structured to start with relationships[17:41] The 5 Rs of plant relationship[24:17] Understanding our relatives: rooted, stone, and flying nations[28:44] What's the connection between humans and birds?[30:29] The story of “Sky Woman”[32:03] Birth, life, death, rebirth - continuous cycles[33:39] Honorable harvest and reciprocal foraging[35:58] Asking permission from landowners when foraging[38:19] How to get started with herbalism[39:47] Your garden may already be full of medicine[41:11] Where to get the book ‘Revered Roots’[43:00] Meet your local herbalist![43:19] "Ancestral" vs "indigenous" in the book titleMentioned in our conversation:Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall KimmererGathering Moss by Robin Wall KimmererDon OllsinDoug Tallamy - Co-Founder of Homegrown National ParkMary Reynolds | We Are The ArkMerlin Bird IDWebMDIf you're looking to connect deeper with your plants and with the world,check out LoriAnn's guide in the full show notes and blog.Thank you to our episode sponsor:Wind River ChimesVisit 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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

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 nationwide. 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.In this episode, we learn:Why Orchids have a reputation for being difficult, and why they can be intimidatingWhat an orchid is and where we find them in natureThe anatomy of an orchidMyth Busting on ice cubes, level of difficulty, fertilizerOrchid care: light and wateringOrchid bark—how necessary is it? What is it?Is it ok to buy orchids at your local grocery store or Trader Joe’s/Whole FoodsWhat 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 useMyth busting: Are ice cubes a good idea for watering?Listener questionsWhy everyone should try growing an orchidMentioned in our conversation:GJ Episode 133: How To Manage Deer, Squirrels, Chipmunks, Moles, Voles And Other Animals In Your Garden With Brie The Plant LadyGJ Episode 30: Orchid 101 With ChrisGJ Episode 84 : African Violets 101 With LisaOrder Lisa’s book “Bloom: The secrets of growing flowering houseplants year-round”Have you ever tried to rebloom an orchid?Check out the full show notes and blog to learn what to expect in your first year as an orchid parent!Follow Chris Satch:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInFollow The Sill: WebsiteInstagramXYouTubeFacebookTikTokPinterestPlant Parent ClubFollow 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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

Are you looking at your basket filled with zucchini (and cucumbers) that you’ve harvested this summer? You might also be wondering what you can do with them because there’s only so much roasted zucchini and pickled cucumber one person can take. You’re in the perfect place, because in this episode, I invited one of my favorite plant people, Kaleb Wyse of Wyse Guide. Kaleb’s a modern homesteader, gardener, storyteller, and now a New York Times bestselling cookbook author!He joined us to chat about all the ways to actually enjoy your zucchini harvests aside from your typical zoodles! These four recipes are from Kaleb’s book There’s Always Room at the Table, and they’re flavorful, comforting, and super doable. Time to cook!In this episode, we learn:[03:50] Meet Kaleb Wyse from Wyse Guide[05:44] What type of gardener is Kaleb?[06:18] Zone 5B growing conditions[09:02] How can you find boundaries in your gardening practice?[10:16] Kaleb's #1 advice for new gardeners[12:21] My Floridian challenges![15:21] Revive your garden's late-season growth with Espoma Organic’s high-quality products![16:20] Kaleb’s gardening philosophy and childhood stories[19:48] Zucchini growing tips: when and how to plant[21:45] Eating zucchini flowers (stuffed with goat cheese)[22:27] Growing zucchini on the ground vs. trellising?[24:05] The inspiration behind his cookbook, ‘There’s Always Room at the Table’?[26:55] What is Kaleb’s favorite zucchini recipe?[28:31] How to prevent zucchini from going mushy[29:36] More zucchini recipes![32:42] Using dill flower heads for pickling[33:53] Quick pickle vs. normal pickle[35:09] Zucchini dip as a sandwich spread[36:16] Zucchini fritters recipe[38:37] Does Kaleb grow his own garlic? [39:42] Fermenting garlic and honey for health and flavor[40:56] Zucchini loaf cake recipe[44:27] Where to follow Kaleb and get his cookbookMentioned in our conversation:There’s Always Room at the Table by Kaleb Wyse'Incredible Escalator' Climbing Zucchini – Renee's GardenFor Kaleb's easy yet delicious zucchini recipes,check out the full show notes and blog here!Follow Kaleb:WebsiteInstagramTikTokYouTubeFacebookXThank you to our episode sponsor:Espoma OrganicVisit 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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

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 at the beginning of my plant collection where I felt like the love for plants kind of took over my life. I was constantly buying new plants, going to plant shops, and researching plants on the internet. I was having so much fun with this new hobby, but for a moment, it felt like I couldn’t stop. Billy had to have a little intervention with me to slow me down and make sure we had the space and knowledge of the plants we already had. With his help (or maybe insistence), I put myself on a plant pause, which helped snap me out of that obsessive moment. But I’ve always thought about that particular phase in my life when I couldn’t stop.Enter Dr. Caitlin Vander Weele, the answer to my “plant-iest” and “expert-iest” of dreams. Caitlin is not only an awesome listener of Growing Joy but also 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. Caitlin is really, really smart. And she is also a crazy plant lady, and this conversation blew my mind.In this episode, we learn:How Caitlin became a crazy plant ladyMaria gets real with Caitlin and explains the addictive behaviors she experienced early 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 possibleWhat causes our brain to release dopamine and what it isWhat compulsive behavior isWhat our brain on dopamine doesWhat neurotransmitters, synapses and receptors areThe difference between endorphins and dopamineWhy we feel bonded to our plants: enter oxytocinHow these things are measured in our brains4 phases of compulsive behaviors to look out forHow to cope with compulsive urges when growing your urban jungleLooking for more reasons to justify your plant addiction?Check out the full show notes and blog to learn how your brain responds to plant care!Follow Caitlin:InstagramTwitterFollow Stellate:WebsiteTwitterFollow 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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

Your plant parent story might have started with some humble pothos. It’s forgiving, fast-growing, and honestly, it’s probably the most underrated plant in most of our collections. But there is so much more to the pothos that you might be missing out on. So in this episode, we’re going to talk about pothos way beyond the basics with the help of my plant friend Justin Hancock of Costa Farms.Justin started in horticultural publishing before joining Costa Farms to assist with their marketing. His role at Costa Farms now involves testing how new plant varieties hold up with different light/watering/environment conditions, and making sure the average person can be successful with them. Let’s dive in!In this episode, we learn:[00:00] Why Pothos might be the most underrated plant in your collection[02:14] Meet Justin Hancock from Costa Farms![03:09] Justin’s lifelong plant passion and career path[04:37] What Justin does at Costa Farms[05:20] Why Pothos is having a comeback moment[07:45] Where do pothos come from?[08:16] Pothos or Epipremnum or... something else? What makes a pothos a pothos?[09:17] Why pothos is called "Devil's Ivy"[09:46] Pothos vs philodendron vs scindapsus[11:50] How do we care for pothos?[13:05] Indirect light and what plants actually want[15:24] Moss poles vs. fence planks[16:03] How to make Pothos look so lush and full[17:35] What’s the #1 problem with pothos care?[18:19] What are the different pothos varieties?[20:19] How do you specifically care for variegated pothos?[22:26] How Costa Farms discovers new varieties around the world[24:24] How Shangri-La and Champs-Élysées came to be[27:18] The trend of fenestrated Pothos is here[27:49] Rapid-fire matchmaking: which Pothos fits your personality?[29:57] What is Costa Farms and where to find their plants[31:04] Where to follow Justin and Costa Farms onlineMentioned in our conversation:Trending Tropicals® Collection – Costa FarmsExotic Angel – Costa FarmsBlog: A Plethora of Pothos VarietiesGolden PothosAlbo PothosLemon Top PothosGlobal Green PothosPothos ManjulaPothos Neon JoyJessenia PothosFor pothos recommendations based on your plant parent personality,check out the full show notes and blog here!Follow Costa Farms:WebsiteInstagramFacebookYouTubeTikTokPinterestLinkedInFollow 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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

Houseplants are celebrated for their amazing foliage, but I think we overlook 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. In this episode, we learn:[01:13] Maria’s garden updates[04:15] Introducing Lisa, a beloved Growing Joy 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[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 remarksMentioned in our conversation:GJ Episode 133: How To Manage Deer, Squirrels, Chipmunks, Moles, Voles And Other Animals In Your Garden With Brie The Plant LadyGJ Episode 30: Orchid 101 With ChrisGJ Episode 84 : African Violets 101 With LisaOrder Lisa’s book “Bloom: The secrets of growing flowering houseplants year-round”Do you think blooming houseplants are too tricky?Check out the full show notes and blog for easy-care options that bloom beautifully!Follow Lisa: InstagramWebsiteFacebookBooksFollow 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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

This year, I had the joy of hosting a live Growing Joy popup at the Southeast Plant Show. I’ve been fortunate to attend a few plant events lately, but this one felt special in a way that’s hard to describe. The energy was electric! The people were overflowing with joy, and the plants were everything.If you love to connect with plant people, discover trending varieties, and just soak up good vibes, the Southeast Plant Show is a must. It’s a plant parent’s dream, with over 120 vendors representing everything from tropical houseplants to handmade pots (even snakes). Here’s a compilation of my conversations with different plant vendors, influencers, and company owners! They share trending houseplants, expert tips, and juicy hot takes about your favorite plants.In this episode, we learn:[03:16] Erica Parker, founder & creator of Southeast Plant Show! Southeast Plant Show | @southeastplantshow[05:49] Wade Richards - Plants by Wade Lee | @plantsbywadelee[09:18] Jeannie Tejeda - @urbnflockr | Urbnflockr | TikTok[13:17] Ben - Trapped Nursery | @trappednursery[16:43] Ara - Propagation Diaries | @propagationdiaries[20:03] Adam Golan - @pourednh | @pouredllc | YouTube[23:49] Jenni - @gazinggreen[26:35] Jocelyn Ho - Rare Plant Fairy | @rareplantfairy[29:41] Leslie Patton - @_lottap | Not Your Average Sansevieria[32:42] Carlos Nieto - @carlosalocasias_leafandreef | Leaf and Reef Facebook[35:35] Colah B Tawkin - @blackinthegarden | Black in the Garden - Podcast[39:36] Cass Marion - @plantaddicted_cass[43:20] Davida Freeman (CPMG Studio Press) - @condoplantmama[45:38] Lakeisha Jones - @pinkpothosatl | @pinkpothosatl | TikTok[48:27] Jess Gaston - @live.glow.grow | liveglowgrow | TikTok[52:00] Joshua Hite - Plant Zaddy | @infinite_hite[53:54] Lauren (Lauren's Fairy Garden) - @stufflaurendoes_ | @stufflaurendoes_ | TikTok[58:33] Carley Crutchfield - @theproblemplant | @theproblemplant | TikTok[59:49] Derek Haynes - @thechocolatebotanist | The Chocolate Botanist[01:02:37] Angelina - Palmstreet | @palmstreetappMentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy 147: How to Care For Carnivorous Plants IndoorsSpecial Thanks to:Ara (@propagationdiaries) and Scott (@top_cut_plants) for coordination of the podcastJosh (@plantzaddyclub) and Marcus (@plantdecoatl) for the production and design of the podcast lounge)For your favorite influencers' hottest plant takes,check out the full show notes and blog here!Thank you to our episode sponsor:Espoma OrganicVisit 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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

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! In this episode, we learn:[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[25:07] What to consider for your greenhouse flooring[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[39:16] How much does a good beginner greenhouse cost?[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?[50:12] Greenhouse #1: Amy’s apartment-deck greenhouse in cold Massachusetts[53:27] Greenhouse #2: Tiffany’s indoor greenhouse for 200+ plants[59:28] Greenhouse #3: Kristin’s fully-customized permanent greenhouse from a kit[01:05:48] Greenhouse #4: Eric’s Instagrammable East Nash Greenhouse with recycled windowsMentioned in our conversation:Patrick's other blogs: Sublime Succulents & Self-Sustaining EcosystemDomino Magazine article: How a Stylist DIY-ed Her Dream Greenhouse From a Prefab KitInterested to learn more about greenhouses?Check out the full show notes and blog for the best beginner tips!Follow this episode's guests: Patrick / greenhouseinfo.com: Greenhouse Info | EmailAndi and Eric / East Nashville Greenhouse: InstagramKristin / Tending West: Instagram | Newsletter | WebsiteTiffany / plantmahmah: Instagram | EmailAmy Lefavour: InstagramFollow 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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

Have you ever felt drawn to a specific tree—and wondered why? You might already be receiving messages without realizing it.In this episode of Growing Joy, I sat down with intuitive nature expert and green witch Rachael Cohen of Our Infinite Nature to explore one of the most fascinating and overlooked topics in the natural world: tree communication. From the underground mycelial networks to intuitive connections and bioelectrical signals, this conversation will change the way you see the trees around you.In this episode, we learn:[03:03] Launching the Intuitive Moon Community[04:23] Upcoming Reiki mentorship program[05:36] How do nature and trees support mental health?[07:51] Why we feel more “rooted” around trees than houseplants[09:47] Can trees actually touch us back? The TikTok tree trend[11:27] The science of tree communication: phytochemicals and warning signals[13:21] How trees share resources underground via the mycelial network[14:52] Wind River Chimes[16:39] AI, bioelectricity & PlantWave technology[19:44] How can we deepen our connection with trees?[22:52] How different people experience tree messages (clairvoyant, clairsentient, claircognizant)[26:22] Different ways to build a connection with a tree[31:32] Looking up tree symbolism after following intuition[33:51] How nature speaks before you even know what it means[36:15] Rachael’s breathwork experience and grounding through a tree[37:50] Where did the term “tree hugger” come from?[39:16] A simple challenge for you[42:36] Where can you find Rachael’s socials and her upcoming offers?Mentioned in our conversation:Join Rachael’s Intuitive Moon CommunityAmazing Tree Touching Experience - Join the Challenge! | TikTokBook: The Overstory by Richard PowersBook: Self-Care for Eco-Anxiety by Rachael CohenBook: Everyday Plant Magic by Rachael CohenPlantWaveProject gives 200-year-old Dublin tree 'a voice'Growing Joy Episode 277: What Are Flower Essences and How Can They Help Me? with Katie Hess of LotusweiGrowing Joy Episode 294: I Found 22 Ducklings on My Roof: A Nature-Curious Story of Trust and TransformationTo discover the magical world of communicating with trees,check out the full show notes and blog here!Follow Rachael:WebsiteInstagramTikTokFacebookYouTubeThank you to our episode sponsor:Wind River ChimesVisit 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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

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”[17:51] 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 & StephanieMentioned 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 MoreCan It & Ferment It: More Than 75 Satisfying Small-Batch Canning and Fermentation Recipes for the Whole YearWECK Home Preserving: Made-from-Scratch Recipes for Water-Bath Canning, Fermenting, Pickling, and MoreWECK Small-Batch Preserving: Year-Round Recipes for Canning, Fermenting, Pickling, and MoreFood Preservation Cookbooks by Stephanie Thurow: Chicken Pens at Tractor Supply Co.Ready to start your homesteading journey?Check out the full show notes and blog for the best beginner tips!Follow Stephanie:WebsiteInstagramFacebookYouTubeFollow Michelle:WebsiteFacebookInstagramFollow 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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

Did you know that some common outdoor plants have superpowers? Some can survive atomic bombing, clean up radiation, and even outsmart insects. This is Part 2 of my conversation with David Domoney, author of Plants with Superpowers, about the superpowers of outdoor plants. These plants can completely change how you walk down the street and look at nature.Listen to Part 1 of our conversation about indoor plant superpowers here.In this episode, we learn:[02:19] Welcome to part 2 with David Domoney[03:29] How did ginkgo trees survive Hiroshima?[06:08] How do sunflowers purify radioactive and toxic soil?[08:24] How magnolias trap beetles for pollination[09:31] Calming lavender vs. stimulating lavender[11:02] David’s lavender gin and tonic recipe![13:32] Raspberries with a surprise twist[13:54] Bee orchid's mimicry superpower[14:51] Espoma Organic's[16:14] How do walnuts help our brain?[17:23] Hedgehog Holly's shape-shifting defense mechanism[19:24] Can blueberries help with belly fat?[20:53] What makes rosemary so powerful for memory and wellness?[24:03] Did Roman gladiators really chew parsley for strength?[25:13] Curly vs. flat leaf parsley differences[27:43] Where can you find David's socials and book?Mentioned in our conversation:Plants with Superpowers: 75 Remarkable Plants for your Garden and HomeGrowing Joy Episode 296: How to Grow Lavender with Rebecca of Lavender ConnectionGrowing Joy Episode 292: 7 Houseplants with Superpowers with David DomoneyCurious to know which outdoor plant in your area has superpowers?Check out the full show notes and blog here for David's list!Follow David:WebsiteInstagramFacebookYouTubeTikTokPinterestXThank you to our episode sponsor:Espoma OrganicMake sure your garden plants are maintaining their superpowers by using organic gardening 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 Cultivating Happiness (and Plants) by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

Did you know that lavender comes in dozens of varieties, each with a different smell, and many with different growing habits? I did learn that from Rebecca at Lavender Connection, who owns a family-run lavender farm in Sequim, Washington, which also happens to be the lavender capital of the United States! After meeting her at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show, where her beautiful lavender scents were wafting over to my booth all day, I knew I had to have her on the podcast to share her incredible expertise.In this episode, we learn:[02:40] How Rebecca became a lavender expert[06:25] Where does lavender grow natively?[07:17] How many species does lavender have?[09:06] English vs French vs Spanish lavender[11:19] How to avoid killing your lavender (top growing tips!)[12:55] Why you need well-draining soil for lavender[15:13] Make someone’s special day unforgettable by gifting them Wind River Chimes![17:27] Common mistakes new lavender gardeners make[20:12] Life as a lavender farmer: agritourism, DIY, and more[22:17] The lavender essential oil bar experience[24:03] How Starbucks drinks was inspired by her Lavender Connection![25:29] Favorite lavender varieties (including the mysterious Row 19)[27:15] What you can actually do with harvested lavender[29:30] What’s the easiest thing you can do with a lavender?[30:28] Where can you find Lavender Connections?Mentioned in our conversation:GJ Episode 158: Grow and Make Essential Oils with Chris Satch“Row 19” Lavender Essential Oil (lavandula intermedia)Planning to grow your own lavender?Check out the full show notes and blog for Rebecca's expert growing tips!Follow Lavender Connection:WebsiteInstagramFacebookPinterestYelpTrip AdvisorThank you to our episode sponsor:Wind River ChimesBring the gift of peace, serenity, and magic this wedding season 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. Plus, you can engrave the wind sail on the wind chime with meaningful dates, names, or phrases!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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

Have you ever killed a succulent and then felt like you were completely doomed as a plant parent? That was totally me about eight years ago. I brought succulents home because everyone said they were the easiest, most foolproof plant. Yet I still managed to kill them. Naturally, I spent a lot of time thinking I was just a plant killer. However, I eventually learned that succulents aren’t fool proof. And if you’ve had your heart broken by one (or five), it might not have totally been your fault. Maybe it just wasn’t the right plant for you! Or you just needed a few key things to learn about how to keep succulents alive.So I invited my plant friend and the succulent queen of Indiana, Abby Perry of Abby’s Garden Parties, to talk about the real reason so many people kill succulents, what they actually need, and how to figure out if they’re even the right plant for you.In this episode, we learn:[03:16] How Abby became a succulent expert[07:14] The #1 mistake: overwatering[08:47] What makes a plant a “succulent”?[09:56] Cacti vs. succulents[12:26] How to water succulents[14:59] Grow lights and why succulents need strong lighting[15:25] Wind River Chimes[17:12] Espoma Organic Cactus Mix[20:51] Low, medium, and high light succulent suggestions[22:05] Does your room have enough light?[25:19] Care tips for Strings of Things[26:26] Color and succulents[27:37] Etiolation: what stretching means in succulents[30:52] Fertilizing your succulents[32:42] How to water succulents in terrariums with no drainage[34:01] The most common mistakes in succulent care[35:36] Best succulents for each plant parent type[42:15] Where can you find Abby onlineMentioned in our conversation:Northwest Flower and Garden ShowGuess that plant with @abbysgardenparties | InstagramFind Out Your Plant Parent PersonalityWant to know the best succulents for your lifestyle and lighting situation?Check out the full show notes and blog here!Follow Abby:WebsiteInstagramFacebookTikTokParty PackagesThank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River ChimesGo to windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.Espoma OrganicVisit 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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria