Bloom And Grow Radio

It’s almost that glorious time of year again...seed starting season! I don’t know about you, but this is hands-down one of my favorite times in the garden. There’s just something touching about growing those tiny pieces of potential life into healthy plants and vegetables. However, I’d be lying if I said I’ve had perfect success right off the bat. Seed starting has a bit of a learning curve, but making mistakes is all part of the fun and learning in the garden! As long as you don’t lose an entire flat of precious tomato seeds (guilty!), then it’s fair game.To help you avoid disappointment and heartache in your seed starting endeavors, I brought back renowned gardener Joe Lamp’l to share the top mistakes he sees people make. With years of seed starting expertise, including creating his online Master Seed Starting Course that I absolutely love, he’s seen it all.Get $100 off Joe’s Master Seed Starting Digital Course!Discount only applies through January 29th, 2024 so grab it while it’s live!In this episode, we l

When I think of the word “meadow,” I imagine a glorious landscape filled with grasses and wildflowers swaying in the breeze. While beautiful, these meadows also seem completely out of reach for most home gardeners. But in this episode, meadow expert Graham Laird Gardner, author of ‘Tiny and Wild: Build a Small Scale Meadow Anywhere,’ is here to show us that we can recreate tiny meadows, even on the smallest scale.In this episode, we learn:[03:40] How Graham became the “meadow man”[06:27] Living off-grid in Puerto Rico[07:54] Why did he write a book about meadows?[11:34] We are nature![13:22] What makes a meadow a “meadow”? (and why it’s better than cut flower garden)[15:31] Treat yourself to a comforting, soothing moment with Wind River Chimes[17:01] Learn self-sufficiency and homesteading with Kevin Espiritu's book: Epic Homesteading[18:27] What are the benefits of adding a meadow to your yard or local community garden?[21:10] What makes a native plant native, and how much of your meadow should be native

If there is one genus of plants that has captured my imagination for years but repeatedly evaded me, it’s Alocasia. These tropical plants with their large, alien-esque leaves and jewel-toned undersides have long obsessed me. I’d often pick them up from the garden center, only to watch them rapidly decline in my dry, temperate home. But after lots of trial and error, I’ve finally cracked the code to make them thrive! In this episode, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about growing Alocasia houseplants, including care tips, troubleshooting, and some of my new favorite varieties that are thriving in my home.In this episode, we learn:[00:00] Maria’s experience with Alocasia[02:21] Why Alocasia is not difficult to care for—it just requires very high standards of care![02:43] Why Alocasia are called alien-like plants[03:34] Characteristics and other common names of Alocasia[05:02] Where do Alocasias grow naturally?[06:31] Alocasia Care #1: Light requirements (bright indirect light)[09:06] Light is very independen

Happy New Year, plant friends! And you know what that means—time for some serious reflection about the previous year and thinking about how we want to step into 2024! I'm all about assessing what worked and what didn't across all areas of life. But today, let's talk about plants and how you and I can use them to cultivate as much happiness as possible in the coming year.When we show up consistently for our plant hobby, I firmly believe it can help us feel better, more peaceful, and more grounded. So I carved out some time to get clear on my goals based on what 2023 taught me. The name of the game is joy, calm, and some nervous system regulation from our plants!In this episode, we learn:[03:31] Let's talk about what our community aims for in 2024![05:55] Here’s a framework to help you set your own goals.[06:50] #1 Look back at how 2023 treated you and your plants (what brought you joy and what didn’t?)[07:53] #2 Set goals for 2024 (think about how your plants will fit into that)[10:01] #3 Don&#

Happy almost New Year, plant friends! For my last episode of 2023, I wanted to get a little reflective about the joy and growing parts of “Growing Joy.” This year, I bravely held a funeral for many of my houseplants that were no longer bringing me joy. Yes—I lost a LOT of houseplants this year. Some of the plants I said goodbye to weren’t even fully dead yet. They just weren’t happy in my home anymore, and I took it upon myself to consciously let them go in a ritualized way that released me from guilt.This is a taboo subject for some plant parents. But I believe we need to openly discuss “plant loss” to release guilt and make space for more plant joy. So I’ll be walking you through my plant funeral experience, and how you can perform your own plant audit to grow even more joy in 2024!In this episode, we learn:[00:00] I recently held a funeral for my dead houseplants this year[01:21] Why I performed a plant audit of my entire collection![03:47] Let’s celebrate plant loss together[04:09] An excerpt from my book

I still clearly remember the first time I used an Espoma product—their liquid indoor plant food to be exact. I had struggled so much with trying to find the right fertilizer for my houseplant collection, leading to a huge mess all over my kitchen from failed mixing attempts. But when I tried their simple liquid formula, I finally had the answer to my search, and healthy, thriving plants with gorgeous growth. And I became a lifelong Espoma convert!Little did I know then about the impressive 95-year history behind this organic garden brand. Espoma has been family-owned for four generations, starting way back in 1929. As my passion for gardening expanded over the years, Espoma continued to be my go-to for quality potting mixes, organic fertilizers and magical “tones” to feed all my container plants and garden beds.I’ve loved learning more behind the scenes over the past several years while partnering with Espoma on the Growing Joy podcast. The Brunner family leading this company today truly feels like family the

The winter can be challenging for indoor tropical houseplants that thrive in hot, humid environments. While our houseplants do not experience the true dormancy of outdoor deciduous plants (plants that drop all their leaves at some point in the year), they can enter a period of slowed growth known as “quiescence.” During this time, they require adjusted care to stay happy and healthy. After keeping houseplants for many winters and making my share of mistakes, I want to share the knowledge I’ve gained about their winter care needs in this episode.In this episode, we learn:[04:05] Dormancy vs quiescence[05:47] Why winter is a great time to explore your inner quiescence[06:25] #1 The light levels are going to change[07:14] Why some plants might have more light availability during winter (exception to the rule)[08:29] Few things to do to help your plants survive the winter when there is less light available[10:13] #2 Your houseplants are going to hate your heaters[12:18] Tips for dealing with dry heat[15:05] Where

Have you ever wondered, “Could working with plants really be my full-time job?” Well, dear plant friend, the answer is a resounding yes! There is a whole world of opportunities waiting for you in the horticulture industry should you decide to turn your plant passion into a career. In this episode, we’ll dig into 9 jobs in horticulture with my dear friend, Daniel Fuller. Daniel is a national council member for the Australian Institute of Horticulture, host of the “Plants Grow Here” podcast, and a writer for publications like the Hort Journal Australia. With over a decade of experience as a maintenance gardener, he offers a valuable perspective on helping people find meaningful careers in horticulture.In this episode, we learn:[04:06] How Daniel built his career in horticulture[09:32] What's the easiest way to quickly enter the horticulture industry and gain experience?[09:49] #1 Maintenance gardening[10:11] #2 Retail nurseries[13:14] What's the best way to learn maintenance skills when you're just

Do you ever look around your home and wonder if your houseplants are getting enough light to thrive? Without the right amount and type of light, even the most pampered plant will struggle to survive. Yet many of us wing it when it comes to taking care of our houseplants. We stick that new fiddle leaf fig in a corner and wonder why its leaves droop. Or we assume a windowsill equals “bright indirect light” without really knowing what that means.I know it’s time to bring attention to this overlooked aspect of being a plant parent! That’s why I invited my OG plant friend, Darryl Cheng of House Plant Journal, to explore an engineer's approach to understanding light for houseplants.In this episode, we learn:[05:50] Check out Darryl’s previous and upcoming books![08:51] Why is light so important for houseplants?[12:18] What does it mean to have an “engineering mindset on a plant”?[14:00] What are the different types of lights?[16:41] Why it’s hard to measure light with your eyes[18:43] Discover the best seeds fo

The holiday season is officially here! As much as I love this festive time of year, gift-giving can be stressful for me. I always struggle to find meaningful, budget-friendly presents that make my loved ones happy. But this year, I'm spreading holiday cheer by gifting my friends and family homemade plant-inspired presents. Not only is this a budget-friendly idea—it also allows me to share my plant passion with the special people in my life. Plus, don’t you agree that plants make wonderful gifts, plant friends?In this episode, I'm sharing 5 DIY planty holiday gift ideas from simple to more advanced. Of course, I’m going to make sure there’s something for every skill level and budget. Let's get crafting!In this episode, we learn:[00:00] What are some affordable DIY plant-themed holiday gift ideas?[04:58] #1 Thrifted propagation station[08:10] #2 Windowsill herb garden[10:30] #3 Stylish Kokedama[15:07] Looking for unique and soothing chimes as a holiday gift?[16:35] Looking for the best plant genetic

The peak gardening season may be over, but there are still important tasks to do in the garden before winter arrives. As we enter fall and approach winter, it's time to start prepping our garden beds to go dormant. Properly putting your beds to rest sets your garden up for success when it awakens refreshed in spring. In this episode, gardening expert Resh Gala (@reshgala) tells us everything you need to know to properly put your garden to bed for the winter! This episode is a bit of a plant geek fest, so prepare yourselves, plant friends!In this episode, we learn:[05:19] Resh's gardening journey and how understanding soil quality led to her success[07:53] How does Resh balance gardening, extending the growing season, and self-care in her small backyard garden?[09:37] Creating a greenhouse effect in snowy conditions with bent metal or PVC pipes[11:24] Why preparing and "putting to bed" gardens for winter is important[13:20] What are the sustainable gardening practices for winter that you should

Have you ever wandered through the citrus section of a nursery, inhaling the sweet scent of Meyer lemons and key limes, and thought “Oh my, I want one”? As someone who impulse purchased a struggling lime tree years ago—which I named Limey, by the way—growing citrus indoors is possible with the right care and conditions. Citrus plants can be great houseplants if you set them up for success, and they present a unique opportunity to engage all five senses! In this episode, I invited my long-lost dear friend Danny Trejo from Via Citrus to share with you everything you need to know to cultivate your own indoor citrus plant, from choosing the right variety to proper care for growth and fruiting.In this episode, we learn:[00:00] What citrus varieties has Maria grown over the years? [11:59] What is Danny's background with citrus?[15:01] Try Soltech's high-quality grow lights and get 15% off with code BLOOM15[17:23] Where can you get the best citrus soil mix and citrus tone fertilizer?[19:39] What citrus varie

Do you ever wish you could invite a little more magic into your life? As fall approaches and the spooky season of Halloween is upon us, many of us long to connect with something… mystical. But magic doesn’t have to be complicated or even supernatural, plant friends. The energy of nature that surrounds us every day provides plenty of opportunity for wonder, spiritual connection, and manifestation!To guide us, I’ve invited my dear friend Rachael Cohen, who is a wonderful example of a modern green witch. While terms like "witch" can carry a stigma, Rachael shows how nature offers a portal to our intuition, healing, and inner wisdom.In this episode, we learn:[07:25] Rachael’s journey to becoming the “Green Witch”[12:54] How did making art with succulents help Rachael find peace?[15:18] Get a free engraving with code 'growingjoy' at Wind River Chimes[17:08] Explore diverse, flavorful garlic varieties for your garden at Territorial Seed Company [19:29] Complex history behind the term “witch”[21:54]

Caring for houseplants often means dealing with pests, diseases, or cultural issues at some point. Having a houseplant first aid kit prepared allows you to quickly treat problems and nurse your plants back to health. In this episode, our favorite horticulturist Leslie Halleck shares must-have items to include in your DIY houseplant first aid kit so you can effectively treat plant problems as soon as they pop up!In this episode, we learn:[00:17] What is a Houseplant First Aid Kit?[09:46] What is horticultural oil, when is it used, and how does it differ from neem oil?[12:57] Neem vs neem oil[15:03] How to brighten up your home and keep your houseplants happy all year with high-quality grow lights[17:28] DIY houseplant first aid kit essentials: Fungus Gnats Death Drop and neem oil![19:44] Is neem oil safe as a leaf shine for plants, or does it potentially harm them by clogging stomata or pores?[22:58] Why should you include fungicide/bio-insecticide in your first aid kit for houseplants?[25:52] Does fungicide r

Wouldn't it be nice to wake up every morning to the hypnotic sound of wind chimes gently drifting through your bedroom window, plant friends? The delicate tones of wind chimes dancing on the breeze can turn an ordinary morning into a magical experience. In this episode, I spoke with the owners of Wind River Chimes to uncover the history, craftsmanship, and meaning behind these musical garden ornaments. If you’re a constant listener, I’m sure you know them as one of my podcast sponsors! Patty, Jamie, Luke, and I talked about the joyful art and science behind creating beautiful chimes that connect us to soothing sounds and special memories.In this episode, we learn:[00:10] Why wind chimes have become significant for Maria’s mental health[03:51] Let’s welcome Patty, Jamie, and Luke from Wind River Chimes![05:30] What are their favorite Wind River chimes?[07:39] History of Wind River Chimes[08:53] How Jamie and Patty got involved and eventually bought the company in 2005[10:54] How has the company evolved sin

Ever heard the saying, "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade"? You bet those lemons might have come from an Italian garden, plant friends! To celebrate Italian American Heritage Month, this episode brings us all about the history of Italian gardens and citrus cultivation with Helena Attlee, an expert on Italian gardens and author of the book The Land Where Lemons Grow. We will talk about Italy's epic obsession with gardens and citrus fruits over the centuries.In this episode, we learn:[00:00] What is the deep-rooted connection between Italian culture and gardening?[07:36] How Helena became passionate about Italian gardening[11:48] Helena’s garden features and the cultural significance of citrus in Italian agriculture[13:57] Why is it not advisable to grow citrus in Britain?[15:00] Get your fall planting and feeding essentials from Espoma Organics![16:30] Gift the magic of soothing melodies this season with Wind River Wind Chimes[18:23] What recurring cultural garden themes did Helena find in

If you love styling your indoor plants and have an eye for design, becoming a professional plant stylist may be the perfect side hustle or full-time career for you, plant friends! Plant styling has exploded in popularity recently, as more people discover the therapeutic benefits of surrounding themselves with plants. In this episode, we'll share insights from Maryah Greene, a successful New York-based plant stylist and influencer, on how she built her brand Greene Piece. You'll learn Maryah’s tips for starting a plant styling company, calculating rates, and her new children's book, ‘Good Things.’ We'll also cover her top plant styling techniques to create cohesive, harmonious plant designs tailored to you and your space.In this episode, we learn:[03:26] Maryah on balancing plant collections and responsibilities[05:48] Why Maryah created Greene Piece and the inspiration behind it[08:09] How did Maryah's Japan experience shape her passion for plant teaching?[14:20] How did Maryah manage her

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 befo

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

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] Mater