Growing Joy with Plants &#8211; Wellness Rooted in Nature, Houseplants, Gardening and Plant Care

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Soltech Solutions

Soltech Solutions makes the grow lights you’ve heard me talk about for years: whether you are looking for a pendant light, track lighting, or a simple bulb to screw into any standard light fixture, Soltech has got you covered. They offer quality products with great customer service, free shipping, and a 90-day money-back guarantee. Keep the sun shining and the plants green inside your home with Soltech Solutions.

Check them out at 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.

Field Guide to Outside Style: Design and Plant Your Perfect Outdoor Space by Ryan McEnaney

Make your lawn look restorative, stylish, and cohesive, with Ryan McKenney's new book Field Guide to Outside Style. Ryan walks you through perzonalizing your outdoor living space with the right plants, furnishings, and other design elements. Did we mention there are a lot of options, case studies, and before and after pictures to help you really digest this concept?

Check out Field Guide to Outside Style at your favorite local bookstore, quarto.com, Barnes and Noble, or amazon.com.

Follow Kelly:

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

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The History of Houseplants with Jane Perrone May 02, 2023

Show notes

Where did our houseplants come from and what’s the history behind them? From Babylonian gardens to the healing power of herbs, houseplants have been used for centuries to cultivate joy in our lives. In this episode, I spoke with Jane Perrone, OG planty podcaster and author of the newly released Legends of the Leaf. Jane has spent years researching and collecting stories, lore, and surprises about our beloved house plants, and is here to enlighten us about their history. Let’s learn all about the monstera, the spider plants, and more that have been in homes for generations!

In this episode, we learn:

[05:26] Meet Jane Perrone and learn about her latest book Legends of the Leaf
[11:38] Insight into Jane's book and its structure
[14:13] What was Jane’s research process in writing her book?
[16:47] Was aloe vera part of Cleopatra's beauty routine?
[18:19] What is the impact of plants on air quality?
[20:13] Where can you find quality indoor and outdoor gardening products?
[22:19] Where can you get flower and vegetable transplants to create an effortless garden?
[24:13] What is the cultural significance of the Aspidistra plant throughout history?
[28:37] How did Aspidistra become a popular houseplant?
[30:32] History of the spider plant and its cultural significance
[34:23] Are you looking for a book to start your first container garden?
[36:23] What is Colonial botany and why was it an important field of study?
[39:37] Dark history of Dieffenbachia
[46:23] History of the Boston fern and why it became popular
[51:40] Why is the monstera plant a must-have for any plant lover?
[54:48] Who worked on the illustrations for Jane's book?
[58:07] Where can you purchase Jane's book?
[01:05:46] Where can you find Jane Perrone on social media?

Mentioned in our conversation:

Jane Perrone’s book Legends of the Leaf
D.G. Hessayon’s book The House Plant Expert
Biodiversity Heritage Library
George Orwell’s book Keep the Aspidistra Flying
Gracie Fields’ song The Biggest Aspidistra In The World
Netflix film Enola Holmes
German poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
American Sitcom Will & Grace
Noel Kingsbury’s book The Story of Flowers

For a listicle of our favorite houseplants and their history,

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Territorial Seed Company

Gardening is made easier with flower and vegetable transplants! 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

Make sure your houseplants are getting 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.

The First Time Gardener: Container Gardening by Pam Farley

Don't let limited space and gardening anxieties hold you back from growing your own food. Start your very first garden in containers, the easy and affordable way, with the help of Pam Farley's The First Time Gardener: Container Gardening. Learn the basics and requirements of container gardening such as size, water, fertilizer, location, and more with this comprehensive and fully-illustrated book.

Check out Container Gardening at your favorite local bookstore, bookshop.org, Barnes and Noble, or amazon.com.

Follow Jane:

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

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Grow Your Own Salad: How to Grow Lettuce from Seed to Harvest Apr 18, 2023

Show notes

Did you know that the freshest and most delicious lettuce comes from growing them yourself? At home, Billy and I haven't bought a plastic box of lettuce in months and enjoy fresh salad almost daily! We've been growing lettuce hydroponically indoors and are now gearing up to start our outdoor lettuce garden. In this episode, we're joined by Nicole Burke from Gardenary, who shares her expertise on growing lettuce and how you can start your own lettuce garden, even if you don't have a lot of space or experience! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a houseplant parent looking to expand your plant collection, this episode has something for everyone.

In this episode, we learn:

[00:03] Maria shares indoor hydroponic lettuce growth and outdoor lettuce garden prep.
[06:02] Why lettuce is ideal for first-time food-growing houseplant parents.
[06:53] What is Gardenary all about?
[08:23] How Nicole makes beautiful raised-bed gardens
[14:19] Where are 98% of the United States lettuces grown?
[17:01] What materials are needed for lettuce?
[20:47] Where can you find a wide array of quality lettuce seeds and seed mixes?
[23:27] Where to get a potting mix, soil, fertilizer, or compost for your garden beds/containers?
[25:15] What lettuce does Nicole recommend for beginners?
[24:34] Lettuce Category #1: Loose leaf
[29:15] Lettuce Category #2: Head lettuce
[31:09] Is Nicole indoor-starting or direct-sowing lettuce?
[32:32] How do you calculate when it's time to start direct sowing?
[35:55] What is the process of growing lettuce from seed?
[36:14] Process #1: If you have limited space
[40:40] Where to find a nutrition program for weight management, more energy, and clear skin?
[42:55] Process #2: If you live in an apartment
[46:01] What are Nicole’s tips for harvesting?
[47:53] What mistakes do people commonly make in growing lettuce?
[49:58] How to eat Swiss chard
[52:23] Have you heard of Nicole’s newest book Kitchen Garden Revival?
[57:45] Where can you follow Nicole?

Mentioned in our conversation:

Growing Joy Episode 120 Designing and Planning My Garden // Coaching With Nicole of Gardenary
Ivette Soler’s book The Edible Front Yard: The Mow-Less, Grow-More Plan for a Beautiful, Bountiful Garden
Hydroponic planter
Nicole Burke’s book Kitchen Garden Revival
Nicole’s Burke’s book Leaves, Roots & Fruit
Rocky Top Mix Salad Blend
Territorial Seed Company Spring Mixes
Martha Stewart's book Vegetables: Inspired Recipes and Tips for Choosing, Cooking, and Enjoying the Freshest Seasonal Flavors: A Cookbook
10 Years, 4 Cities, 8 Gardens-Nicole Burke's Kitchen Garden Journey

For a complete list of lettuce types, tips, and tricks,

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Territorial Seed Company

Growing your own salad is made easier with a wide variety of lettuce seeds and seed mixes! 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

Gardening is less complicated when you have the right products on hand! 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.

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.

Follow Nicole:

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

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Mushroom Miniseries: How to Grow Functional Mushrooms in Your Garden Apr 11, 2023

Show notes

What if you could grow functional mushrooms next to your tomato plants? In this episode 2 of the Mushroom Miniseries, Billy and I continue our exploration of the world of mushrooms in partnership with North Spore and their expert mycologist, Louis Giller. Today's episode focuses on growing mushrooms in your garden and covers topics such as integrating mushrooms into a traditional garden and the benefits of cultivating mushrooms alongside your plant babies!

Enjoy an exclusive 10% off your mushrooms,

use code 'GROWINGJOY' at northspore.com!

In this episode, we learn:

[05:35] Benefits of Lion's Mane mushroom supplements for improved focus and energy
[09:15] Why should you grow mushrooms in your garden?
[10:45] Specific vocabulary in mushroom cultivation
[12:43] Is mushroom DNA diverse or uniform across different areas?
[15:30] Why you can't simply grow any mushrooms in soil alone
[17:15] Are mushrooms annuals or perennials?
[20:14] Where can you find full spectrum plant lights to bring the beauty of outdoors inside this April?
[22:16] Where can you find a healthy meal delivery program?
[24:52] What protections exist for preventing other mushroom species from colonizing a bed of ripe food and confusing the farmer?
[26:29] Can you harvest mushrooms immediately after inoculating your garden beds?
[27:35] What mushrooms are best for beginners to grow in the garden?
[29:30] Do you need a lot of space to grow a good harvest?
[30:29] Do worms compete or work with mycorrhizal?
[32:25] What materials do you need for growing mushrooms in your garden?
[34:44] Where can you find a wind chime that would make the perfect gift these holidays?
[36:21] How can you grow mushrooms in your mulch?
[41:04] Does a denser, ground-level plant provide better shade for the mushrooms??
[44:00] Is there a general rule for spacing the insertion points when inoculating a bale of hay?
[44:49] How do mycorrhizal networks and mold coexist in nature, particularly in damp and dark environments?
[48:09] How to create a mushroom container for small gardening spaces
[52:49] What are the required maintenance tasks for growing mushrooms during the season?
[57:03] What is the difference between cutting and pulling mushrooms during harvesting?
[58:23] Best beginner mushroom varieties that are resilient to temperature and humidity changes
[59:40] Different mushrooms that you can grow in different garden zones or different climates
[01:00:56] What is the process of inoculating logs for growing mushrooms?
[01:03:48] What's the purpose of wax capping your mushrooms?
[01:05:29] Can mushroom inoculation be done before or after the frost date?
[01:10:12] Where can you find mushroom spawns and learn more about mushroom growing?

Mentioned in our conversation:

For a complete checklist of mushroom gardening necessities,

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Soltech Solutions

Soltech Solutions makes the grow lights you’ve heard me talk about for years: whether you are looking for a pendant light, track lighting, or a simple bulb to screw into any standard light fixture, Soltech has got you covered. They offer quality products with great customer service, free shipping, and a 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".

Sakara

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

Wind River Chimes

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

Follow North Spore:

Louis' 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

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

check our the full show notes and blog here!

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Spring Houseplant Care Apr 04, 2023

Show notes

Are you ready to give your house plants the love and care they deserve this spring? It's that time of year again where we shed our winter blues and embrace the sunshine and fresh air of a new season. And what better way to welcome the change than by spring cleaning for your plant babies? In this episode, we've got you covered with a checklist of things to do to set your plants up for success this season, while also cultivating joy and mindfulness in the process!

In this episode, we learn:

[02:42] What is spring cleaning for your houseplants
[03:45] How the health of your plants can reflect your mental state
[04:00] Spring Houseplant Care Checklist
[04:09] 1. Understanding how the change in daylight affects plant care
[05:09] 1.a. How to adjust watering frequency during spring
[08:10] 1.b. More light equals more photosynthesis (Ensure your plants are getting enough light!)
[10:18] 2. Mind your temperature (Keep your plants in a comfortable environment!)
[11:20] 3. Spring cleaning!
[13:10] 3.a. Prune brown and yellow leaves to promote growth
[16:45] 3.b. Why you need to wipe your leaves
[19:30] Where can you get plant-rich meals delivered to your door?
[22:22] The best place to get safe and easy-to-use gardening products for your houseplants
[24:17] 4. Refresh soil if necessary
[25:45] 4.a. Repot or pot up your plants
[29:41] 5. Fertilize if your plant is growing
[31:23] 6. Consider the pros and cons of moving plants outside in the spring
[36:06] 7. Why it is important to assess your plant collection
[38:18] How tending to your plants can reveal interesting parallels between them and your life

Mentioned in our conversation:

For the full houseplant spring cleaning checklist,

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Sakara

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

Espoma Organic

Spring cleaning is less complicated when you have the right products on hand! 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

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Top Gardening Mistakes to Avoid in your 2023 Garden with Joe Lamp'l Mar 28, 2023

Show notes

Are you ready to take your gardening skills to the next level and avoid common pitfalls? Spring is finally here, and it's time to get ready for gardening season! But before you start planting, it's important to know what not to do in your garden. That's why we've brought back Joe Lamp'l of joegardener.com to share his expertise on common gardening mistakes and how to avoid them. From beginners to seasoned gardeners, there's something for everyone in this fun and informative discussion!

In this episode, we learn:

[03:41] Why you shouldn’t fear mistakes when starting a garden!
[06:05] How gardening mistakes can lead to unexpected positive results and help you improve
[08:00] What is the guideline for seed sowing density in intense planting method?
[08:43] How often should you check on your seedlings to prevent legginess and promote growth?
[10:15] Why seedlings need special care to grow properly
[11:01] What are the biggest gardening mistakes?
[12:23] #1 Forgetting to plan!
[15:15] What is the definition of garden planning and how should you do it?
[16:13] What is necessary for successful gardening planning?
[17:39] Plan your balcony garden with a diagram and use garden planners to organize your planting
[20:00] How did Joe feel about starting gardening with two rose bushes?
[21:07] What's the order for planning tasks (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly) when planting for spring, summer, and fall?
[24:00] Where can you find container varieties of plants specifically bred for limited-space gardening?
[27:35] #2 Overdoing it!
[28:54] Why does gardening make us feel optimistic and ambitious?
[32:34] #3 Improper spacing!
[35:27] Why are plants forgiving?
[36:07] #4 Leaving your soil bare!
[38:50] How can one mitigate the negative consequences of bare soil?
[40:31] Joe’s favorite type of mulch!
[42:37] #5 Planting too early or too late! Oopsies!
[44:20] How fix the problem if you started gardening either too early or too late?
[47:23] Where can you find a personalized gift with a variety of colors, sizes, and sounds available?
[49:35] List of garden hurdles you might face!
[49:34] #1 What if you have an apartment?
[50:38] #2 What should you do if you have a garden with space but has low light or shade?
[51:50] What if you don’t have a budget for gardening?
[54:55] #3 What if you’re overwhelmed?
[56:13] How to avoid weed overwhelm
[59:18] What is Joe’s new course Organic Vegetable Gardening all about?
[01:03:20] Joe explains what a single module in the OVG course would entail
[01:06:55] The OVG course is on sale for $100 less during its launch week!

Mentioned in our conversation:

Territorial Seed Company’s Garden Planners
Grow Bag Gardening
Joe’s Books
Joe’s newest course Organic Vegetable Gardening

For a list of Joe's gardening tips and tricks,

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Territorial Seed Company

For this garden season, Territorial Seed Company is making sure no one is left behind. Grow plants that have been tested and bred specifically for container gardening, so you can maximize your limited space. 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 berries, 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

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

Follow Joe:

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

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Minimalism and Plants with Stephanie of Sustainable Minimalist Mar 21, 2023

Show notes

As plant parents, we love our green babies, but sometimes we can get carried away with our collections. With life returning to normal, we might feel like it's time to simplify our spaces and make room for new experiences. Today's episode is all about embracing the joy of living with less. We're joined by Stephanie, the host of the Sustainable Minimalism podcast, to talk about how the principles of minimalism can bring positivity and happiness into our plant parenthood journeys. So get ready to enjoy some uplifting conversation on how to create a healthy and balanced plant collection!

In this episode, we learn:

[03:04] Maria’s recent trip to Florida and her experience with outdoor plants
[05:58] How did Stephanie become a sustainable minimalist and what journey did she take to get there?
[08:57] How can regret and shame be used as a tool for positive change?
[10:23] Do you throw your stuff away, give it away, or return it?
[13:01] Why you should not let the “investment shame” hold you back from letting go of items that no longer serve you
[15:15] Where to get a variety of edible flowers that can add beauty to your garden and unique flavors to your dishes
[17:41] Are there any hidden signs of overwhelm people should watch out for when deciding to go minimalist?
[21:13] What tools can you use to resist the urge to buy something new when trying to declutter?
[25:01] Books and resources Stephanie recommends for those interested in minimalism!
[26:33] What are the first steps you should take toward decluttering?
[31:51] How wind chimes can be a beneficial addition to a mindfulness practice
[34:28] Where can you find high-quality, safe, and eco-friendly indoor and outdoor gardening products?
[36:13] Stephanie’s top minimalist takeaways that could inspire anyone interested in minimalism, and how it could apply to your plant collection
[36:56] #1 Using cost per use as a metric!
[38:19] #2 Space is more valuable than your belongings!
[38:51] #3 Memories do not reside in items!
[39:47] #4 Multiples of an item keep us cluttered!
[42:04] How do you know if it's time to celebrate getting a new plant and be more intentional about what you buy?
[43:07] #5 Pair your next purchase with something wonderful going on in your life!
[45:29] Follow Stephanie and Sustainable Minimalist!

Mentioned in our conversation:

For a detailed list of tips and tools for your minimalism journey,

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Territorial Seed Company

For this garden season, Territorial Seed Company is telling you: eat your flowers! Edible flowers are not only beautiful, but they are also good for your body, and this company has your back. 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 berries, 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

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

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

Follow Stephanie:

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

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Living Soil, Planttok and Creativity Through Plants with Dirty Roots Berlin Mar 14, 2023

Show notes

Have you ever wondered about the fascinating world of soil biology and the joy of creativity through plants? In this episode, we're joined by Adam from @dirty_roots_berlin to learn all about the importance of living soil, growing your own soil, and using nature to combat nature. Plus, we'll dive into how TikTok offers a refreshing and diverse platform for sharing your love for plants and exploring your unique personality! We'll also discuss how plants can help us reconnect with our sense of awe and wonder and inspire us to embrace creativity and curiosity in unexpected ways. So get ready to join us for an inspiring and enlightening discussion about all things green!

In this episode, we learn:

[00:05] How caring for plants helps us reconnect with our inner child and inner student
[02:49] TikTok is teeming with creators sharing their plant expertise!
[05:13] Adam, creator of Dirty Roots Berlin, talks about his unique approach to plant care
[07:24] The best way to take care of plants may not be what you think it is
[08:24] Why Adam likes collecting large plants and those that serve a function (featuring Bee Baths!)
[10:03] What inspired his bee garden and how did the idea of using a 3D printer for set pieces lead to the bee bath design?
[11:50] How Adam's curiosity about plant nutrients and microbes led to an innovative approach to indoor gardening
[16:10] Why did Adam move to Berlin and how has his plant collection changed?
[18:56] Why is it important to have the best bedding for a good night's sleep?
[21:24] On the importance of replicating natural conditions for successful houseplant care
[24:26] What are those “globes” and what makes them different?
[28:17] What is soil biology, or living soil, and how does it contribute to nutrient cycling for plants?
[37:52] How can plants help people reconnect with their inner creativity and awe?
[39:51] Should you sanitize your houseplant scissors?
[43:41] What are some cost-effective ways to propagate plants, and why is failure important?
[46:59] What's different about the plants in Berlin's grocery stores and garden centers?
[48:00] How can grow lights help bring spring and summer indoors year-round?
[49:55] Adam's distinct method of engaging with his audience on TikTok.
[55:32] How do TikTok and Instagram engagement differ?
[58:32] Have you seen Adam’s planty bathroom?
[01:00:09] Who are Adam's favorite TikTok creators?
[01:01:19] Where can you follow Adam on social media?

Mentioned in our conversation:

For a deeper dive into soil biology and the fun world of PlantTok,

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

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

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The Mushroom Miniseries: Mushrooms 101 Plus the Answer to "What is the Mushroom Growing in My Houseplant!" Mar 07, 2023

Show notes

Are you ready to dive into the magical world of mushrooms? We're excited to introduce the Mushroom Miniseries, our four-part exploration into the incredible, functional world of mushrooms. From learning about their adaptogenic nature to understanding how they grow, we're here to take you on a journey of discovery! Join me and my husband Billy as we partner with mushroom expert Louis Giller from North Spore to explore everything from how to grow mushrooms outdoors and indoors to discovering the incredible benefits mushrooms can offer our health and wellbeing. Our journey began with a simple walk in a nature preserve, and now we're bringing this passion project to you! Welcome to the wonderful world of mushrooms!

In this episode, we learn:

[00:56] This episode’s special guest!
[02:02] Billy and I started exploring mushrooms after watching ‘Fantastic Fungi’
[05:57] An overview of our four-part mushroom miniseries!
[07:57] Who is Louis Giller and why is he so crazy about mushrooms?
[11:31] Mushroom appreciation!
[12:36] How we started this passion project
[16:42] What is the difference between mushrooms and fungi?
[19:00] Are you looking for a product that improves plant growth while reducing water usage?
[20:40] Where can you get high-quality potato seeds this summer?
[22:50] What differentiates fungi from flora?
[25:21] What is the main purpose of mushrooms?
[27:08] Let’s explore the Wood Wide Web!
[30:54] What determines the fungus' fruiting body structure?
[35:38] Do potting mixes and composts with mycorrhizae help plants absorb water and nutrients faster, and how does this work?
[37:05] What are the little yellow mushrooms growing in your houseplant soils?
[39:36] What are adaptogenic mushrooms?
[40:40] Chaga and Reishi mushrooms: their anti-inflammatory benefits and unknown mechanisms
[43:43] Why mushroom have high-end protein content
[48:56] Ready to prioritize your health by investing in your sleep with the comfiest bedsheets
[51:07] Are the Cordyceps from The Last of Us TV show real?
[53:21] Louis’ best mushroom-related books for beginners!
[57:37] What are the mushrooms that Loius regularly consumes?
[59:31] What are some affordable ways to grow mushrooms at home?

Mentioned in our conversation:

Champs Trade Shows
Paul Stamets’s film Fantastic Fungi
Pizza ai Funghi
Giuliana Furci
FunDiS
HBO TV Series The Last of Us
Netflix TV Series How to Change Your Mind
Tero Isokauppila’s book Healing Mushrooms
Tero Isokauppila’s book Healing Adaptogens
David L. Spahr’s book Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms of New England and Eastern Canada
Merlin Sheldrake’ book Entangled Life
Four Sigmatic

For a more comprehensive look into the world of mushrooms,