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. 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 5-year warranty. Keep the sun shining and the plants green inside your home with Soltech Solutions.

Check them out at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code "bloom15".

Wind River Chimes

Tap into the power of mindfulness and 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 you are looking for a new way to grow joy in your life and find a moment of peace, a Wind River chime is the perfect addition for your home or garden. Plus, it's a perfect personalized gift for your loved ones!

Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on all Corinthian Bells wind chimes.

Follow Leslie:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Twitter

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

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 taking care of houseplants is also taking care of one's self. Learn easy houseplant care tips alongside lessons like how to use houseplants to live a stress-free and self-loving life. Check out Happy Plants, Happy You at your favorite local bookstore, quarto.com, Barnes and Noble, 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 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

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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
• National Center for Home Food Preservation
• Ball Mason Jar Lids & Bands
• Spritz 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 Year
• WECK Home Preserving: Made-from-Scratch Recipes for Water-Bath Canning, Fermenting, Pickling, and More
• WECK Small-Batch Preserving: Year-Round Recipes for Canning, Fermenting, Pickling, and More

For Stephanie's go-to recipes,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Thank you to our episode sponsor:

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 you are looking for a new way to grow joy in your life and find a moment of peace, a Wind River chime is the perfect addition for your home or garden. Plus, it's a perfect personalized gift for your loved ones!

Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on all Corinthian Bells wind chimes.

Espoma Organic

Ensure a thriving plant paradise 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.

Quarto: The Cottage Garden by Claus Dalby

Explore the history and draw inspiration from different cottage garden design-styles in this organically-written book filled with over 700 full-color photographs. Learn the fundamentals and the principles behind well-design cottage gardens as author Claus Dalby features famous and modern cottage gardeners and gardens from all over the world. This book is your ultimate resource for understanding and interpreting the cottage garden design, so you can create your own! Check out The Cottage Garden at your favorite local bookstore, quarto.com, Barnes and Noble, or amazon.com.

Follow Stephanie:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

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

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 Sea Trail
• A Guide to the Edible and Medicinal Plants of the Finger Lakes Trail
• Alone - TV show

For five of the most common backyard healing plants and their uses,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Thank you to our episode sponsor:

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 you are looking for a new way to grow joy in your life and find a moment of peace, a Wind River chime is the perfect addition for your home or garden. Plus, it's a perfect personalized gift for your loved ones!

Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on all Corinthian Bells wind chimes.

Follow Heather:

The Botanical Hiker

School of Plant and Place Connection

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

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

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 sponsor:

Espoma Organic

Ensure a thriving plant paradise 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.

Soltech Solutions

Bring the beauty of nature into your home. 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 5-year warranty. Keep the sun shining and the plants green inside your home with Soltech Solutions.

Check them out at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code "bloom15".

Follow Leslie:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Twitter

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

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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
• Lomi Tabletop Composter
• Territorial Seed Garden Garlic Catalogue
• Upcoming Book by Jill Old-Fashioned on Purpose
• Growing Joy Episode 123 How To Manage Deer, Squirrels, Chipmunks, Moles, Voles And Other Animals In Your Garden With Brie The Plant Lady

For a step-by-step guide on growing your own garlic,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Territorial Seed Company

Growing garlic for the first time does not have to be a struggle! 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.

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 Jill:

Website

Podcast

Instagram

Twitter

YouTube

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

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 GROW BAR!

Curious about the ups and downs of starting a plant business?

Check out the full show notes and blog here!

PRE-ORDER THE GROVE GROW BAR!

Thank you to our episode sponsor:

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 you are looking for a new way to grow joy in your life and find a moment of peace, a Wind River chime is the perfect addition for your home or garden. Plus, it's a perfect personalized gift for your loved ones!

Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on all Corinthian Bells wind chimes.

Follow Soltech Solutions:

PRE-ORDER THE GROVE GROW BAR!

Website

Pinterest

Instagram

TikTok

YouTube

Twitter

Facebook

LinkedIn

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

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Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 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

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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
• Tiny Plants: Discover the joys of growing and collecting itty-bitty houseplants

For an in-depth look on overwatering vs underwatering,

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. 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 5-year warranty. Keep the sun shining and the plants green inside your home with Soltech Solutions.

Check them out at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code "bloom15".

Follow Leslie:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Twitter

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

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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, Fermenting, Pickling, and More
• WECK Small-Batch Preserving: Year-Round Recipes for Canning, Fermenting, Pickling, and MoreFood Preservation Cookbooks by Stephanie Thurow: 
• Chicken Pens at Tractor Supply Co.

For honest tips and recommendations on raising your own chickens,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Territorial Seed Company

Growing your own food does not have to be difficult! 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.

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 you are looking for a new way to grow joy in your life and find a moment of peace, a Wind River chime is the perfect addition for your home or garden. Plus, it's a perfect personalized gift for your loved ones!

Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on all Corinthian Bells wind chimes.

Follow Stephanie:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Follow Michelle:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

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

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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

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 you are looking for a new way to grow joy in your life and find a moment of peace, a Wind River chime is the perfect addition for your home or garden. Plus, it's a perfect personalized gift for your loved ones!

Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on all Corinthian Bells wind chimes.

Espoma Organic

Grow an abundance of flowers 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 Noel:

Website

Garden Masterclass

Instagram

Twitter

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

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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

For Maggie's recommendations on best container gardening plants,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Espoma Organic

Set your garden up for success 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.

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 you are looking for a new way to grow joy in your life and find a moment of peace, a Wind River chime is the perfect addition for your home or garden. Plus, it's a perfect personalized gift for your loved ones!

Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on all Corinthian Bells wind chimes.

Follow Maggie:

Website

Facebook

Book

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

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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) 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

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 Kits
• Monotub Set Up & Grow Guide
• How to Grow Mushrooms in Buckets & Containers

For a list of beginner-friendly indoor mushrooms,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Soltech Solutions

Bring the beauty of nature into your home. 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 5-year warranty. Keep the sun shining and the plants green inside your home with Soltech Solutions.

Check them out at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code "bloom15".

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 you are looking for a new way to grow joy in your life and find a moment of peace, a Wind River chime is the perfect addition for your home or garden. Plus, it's a perfect personalized gift for your loved ones!

Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on all Corinthian Bells wind chimes.

Follow North Spore:

Louis' LinkedIn

Website

Instagram

YouTube

Facebook

TikTok

Pinterest

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

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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 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.

Territorial Seed Company

Grow your own garlic! 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 Andrea and JustSuccIt:

Website

Facebook

Instagram

TikTok

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

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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
• American Horticultural Therapy Association
• Horticultural Society of New York
• Book by Sue Stuart-Smith The Well-Gardened Mind
• Book by Rebecca L. Haller, Christine L. Capra Horticultural Therapy Methods

For more insights on therapeutic horticulture,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Sakara

Make eating healthier easier with science-backed, plant-rich nutrition programs and wellness essentials right to your door! Sakara provides ready-to-eat meals that are nutritionally designed to deliver results — from weight management and eased bloat, to boosted energy and clearer skin. Enjoy delicious meals that have a perfect balance of plants,protein and fats, while also taking control of your physical health.

Get 20% off your first order when you use code "GROWINGJOY" at sakara.com.

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 you are looking for a new way to grow joy in your life and find a moment of peace, a Wind River chime is the perfect addition for your home or garden. Plus, it's a perfect personalized gift for your loved ones!

Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on all Corinthian Bells wind chimes.

Follow the Horticultural Society:

Hilda’s LinkedIn

Website

Instagram

Twitter

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

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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's fave companion planting combos,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Territorial Seed Company

Don't let the winter blues stop you from gardening! 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 The Lodge at Woodloch:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

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

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

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

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands