What if your next houseplant could double in size overnight and end up on your dinner plate?

Today we’re talking about how to grow mushrooms indoors and why it might be one of the most fun, beginner-friendly ways to grow edible mushrooms at home.

A couple of years ago, I recorded a Mushroom Miniseries with my husband and mushroom expert Louis from North Spore, and we talked about everything from growing mushrooms indoors to outdoor cultivation and harvesting your own mushrooms at home.

This episode is all about growing mushrooms indoors, including beginner-friendly options like mushroom grow kits, easy edible varieties like oyster mushrooms and lion’s mane, and what you actually need to get started.

It’s weird, it’s fascinating, it’s surprisingly easy, and if you’re a plant parent who’s ever wanted your hobby to become dinner, this one’s for you.

I’m so excited to bring this episode back as part of our Best of Growing Joy series, and I think you’re going to love it.

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

What mushroom would you want to grow first?

Check out the full show notes and blog for grow kits, mushroom-growing tips, and everything we mentioned in this episode!

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

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Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the sea of information about indoor plants, wondering which tips to trust? You're not alone! Join me on this enlightening episode of "Growing Joy with Plants," where I chat with Tanner, the creative mind behind Tanner the Planter. Tanner's journey into the world of plants began in his childhood in Oregon, and he’s here to share his passion for plant care and how he navigates the challenges of caring for indoor plants in the age of social media. 

As Tanner recounts his transition from Oregon to Texas, he reveals how his early love for plants blossomed into a mission to provide realistic plant care advice online. We discuss the conflicting information that often leaves plant parents feeling lost and frustrated. This episode is packed with valuable insights on understanding the basic needs of your plants, such as light and water, to prevent common issues like scale insects and plant pests. Tanner emphasizes the importance of setting realistic expectations in plant care, helping you avoid the disappointment of plants dying or struggling due to mismanagement.

Throughout our conversation, we touch on the impact of social media on the perception of plant care, exploring how idealized images can create unrealistic standards for plant enthusiasts. Tanner's upcoming book aims to demystify plant care, offering practical guidance for joyful living with your indoor plants, encouraging you to embrace the process without the pressure of perfection. We also delve into essential topics like humidity for plants, watering tips, repotting plants, and propagation tips that will elevate your plant parenthood journey.

Whether you're a seasoned plant lover or just starting your gardening adventure, this episode is an invitation to cultivate wellness rooted in nature. Tune in to learn how to nurture your indoor plants with confidence and joy!

In this episode, we learn:

• [02:54] Meet Tanner the Planter
• [04:05] How Tanner’s relationship with plants evolved
• [06:51]  Where did Tanner get his information while learning?
• [08:03] AI, Google, and other confusing sources
• [09:31] Why “just put ice on it” is a perfect example of bad internet plant care!
• [11:56] How Tanner and Erica built a viral plant brand
• [16:46] Manukora
• [18:33] Espoma Organic
• [22:32] How Tanner approached writing his plant care book!
• [24:15] Why you should focus on mastering the basics in plant care
• [30:34] How to give yourself more grace when plants die
• [32:15] My Hoya heart wedding favors!
• [34:12] Why florist planters with no drainage are set up to fail
• [35:47] Did millennials change the emotional relationship we have with plants?
• [37:27] Why modern plant culture got way too complicated after COVID
• [39:41] Why “intuition” is overrated when you’re learning plant care
• [40:54] How understanding light makes the rest of plant care easier
• [42:03] Skipped generations, lost skills, and why killing plants isn’t your fault
• [44:22] How older generations were naturally more connected to plants than we are now
• [45:42] What Tanner means by “social media is killing your plants”
• [47:45] The cycle of overcorrecting, overspending, and stressing plants to death
• [52:21] How much joy even one plant can bring to you
• [54:50] Where to find Tanner, Erica, their shop, and his new book!

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Pre-order Tanner’s new book: For the Love of Houseplants: Caring for & Keeping Plants with Confidence
• Growing Joy 327: Growing a Plant Business, A Marriage and A Community of Plant Parents with @mrstannertheplant
• Google Scholar
• Maria's Espoma Storefront

For Tanner's correct and well-researched plant care advice,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Follow Tanner the Planter:

Website
Facebook
TikTok
Instagram
YouTube

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Manukora

Go to manukora.com/bloom to get up to 31% off the starter kit that includes their 850+ Manukora honey jar, 5 honey travel sticks, a wooden spoon, and a guidebook, PLUS $25 worth of free gifts!

Espoma Organic

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

Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)

Support Growing Joy with Maria 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

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

2026 is the year of ease, joy, and low-maintenance plant care! It’s time that plants make us feel good instead of dread every time we walk past them. Something’s off if plants are stressing you out. So I invited my friend Cassidy Tuttle from Succulents and Sunshine back on the podcast because if there’s anyone who embodies easy plant care, it’s her! We talked about what’s actually happening in our plant lives right now: having too many plants, letting some go, and redefining what our collections look like. Listen in!

In this episode, we learn:

• [03:49] Meet my friend Cassidy from Succulents & Sunshine!
• [04:50] Cassidy’s latest projects: the Cheerful Plants app and Snappy Pots
• [06:28] How her relationship with plants changed over the years
• [08:39] What other low-maintenance plants is she experimenting with?
• [09:45] Cuttings vs established plants
• [11:25] My unexpected reality of growing plants in Florida!
• [13:30] Why we now concentrate plants in specific zones of the house
• [15:30] Get 3x the antioxidants of regular honey with Manukora!
• [17:11] Post-pandemic shifts in plant culture
• [19:41] Why whimsical is the 2026 plant trend at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show
• [22:11] What does plant number mean to Cassidy?
• [25:43] Pros and cons of grouping succulents in arrangements
• [28:26] Reducing your plant collection
• [31:59] Choosing how you want your collection to grow (fewer big plants vs. many small ones)
• [33:59] How Cassidy reworks her watering systems and setups to save time and effort!
• [37:03] What tools are worth upgrading for your plant care?
• [40:08] Why you should cull your plant accessories too!
• [44:02] Where you keep your plants in your house matters
• [44:42] Why you should stop buying more plants when you don’t need them
• [45:55] Comparison & social media plant envy
• [48:15] What is the Cheerful Plants app all about?
• [51:11] Why AI plant care apps often fail
• [54:06] Breakdown of Cheerful Plants app features!
• [56:59] Where to try the app and how the pricing works
• [58:18] Where to find Cassidy, her course, and future offerings!

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Succulents and Sunshine
• Succulents (Idiot's Guides) by Cassidy Tuttle
• Cheerful Plants app
• Snappy Pots
• Bonsai Jack Succulent Gritty Mix
• Maria's fave: Espoma Organic Cactus Potting Soil Mix
• Blossom Effect talks about watering tips (including the backpack spray!)
• Using the 20/20 rule to make decluttering decisions
• Growing Joy episodes:
  • 330: 2026 Garden and Houseplant Trends: My Main Takeaways from Northwest Flower and Garden Festival
  • 267: Create a Biophilic Office Space: Boost Your Workday Motivation by Adding These Plants to Your Office
  • 246: What is Regenerative Gardening and Permaculture? with Stephanie Rose of Garden Therapy
  • 171: What To Do When A Plant Dies with Cassidy from Succulents and Sunshine

For Cassidy's other low-maintenance plant care tips,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Follow Cassidy:

Website
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Pinterest
Books
Membership

Thank you to our episode sponsor:

Manukora

Go to manukora.com/bloom to get up to 31% off the starter kit that includes their 850+ Manukora honey jar, 5 honey travel sticks, a wooden spoon, and a guidebook, PLUS $25 worth of free gifts! 

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

Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)

Support Growing Joy with Maria 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

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

If you ask me, the secret to being everyone’s favorite neighbor or friend is always having a handful of blooms ready to share. And the best way to do that is to grow your own cut flower garden so you can step outside, snip a few stems, and instantly make someone’s day.

In this Best of Growing Joy replay, I’m bringing back one of my favorite conversations with flower farmer and friend Brooklyn Sherri, a Denver-based urban flower farmer and founder of the Cool Choice Plant Studio for kids. We break down cut flower gardening for beginners and talk through the best flowers for a cut flower garden, including easy annuals, reliable perennials, and beginner-friendly blooms that bring beauty, pollinators, and joy into your space.

We also cover the flower gardening basics that make all the difference, like annuals vs. perennials, pinching, deadheading, and how to confidently grow flowers with less fear and more fun.

In this episode, we learn:

• [00:02:23] Maria’s garden update
• [00:05:40] Who is Brooklyn and how she became a flower farmer
• [00:08:31] Why everyone should have flowers in their garden
• [00:09:15] Brooklyn shares the personal connection she feels when growing flowers
• [00:12:08] Things to consider before growing flowers in your garden
• [00:14:06] The best flowers to grow for beginners: sunflowers, zinnias, strawflowers, and more
• [00:17:05] A quick recap on annuals vs perennials
• [00:18:32] The best perennial flowers to grow for blooms year after year
• [00:21:22] How to plan your flower garden so you have blooms all year long
• [00:25:48] Brooklyn’s favorite ‘cut and come again’ flowers
• [00:27:16] How to make the best soil mix for your flowers
• [00:29:30] When to use fertilizers on your flowers
• [00:31:04] Where to get the best potting mix, compost and fertilizer for your garden
• [00:32:41] Where to order your garlic for this season
• [00:35:03] Why you want to fertilize your flowers (and some signs that they need it!)
• [00:36:12] Determining how much light your flowers need
• [00:37:30] Maria shares her experience with her first garden and reading seed packets
• [00:41:17] How to transplant your flowers and harden them off
• [00:44:27] How to pinch flowers, what is it for, and when you should do it
• [00:48:04] What should you do with your flower’s first bud?
• [00:48:25] What is deadheading and how to do it properly
• [00:51:03] Brooklyn’s growing tips for peonies
• [00:52:43] How to grow flowers from corms and bulbs
• [00:57:33] Brooklyn’s top five favorite flowers (and greens) to grow
• [00:59:34] A little heartwarming story about Mama Failla and her garden gifts
• [01:03:22] Maria shares her newfound interest and joy in flower gardening

Have you ever wanted to start your own cut flower garden?

Check out the full show notes and blog to learn which flowers are easiest to grow for beginners!

Follow Brooklyn:

Instagram

The Cool Choice

Petal and Herb Farm

Ya Grandma's Garden and Houseplants on Clubhouse

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

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

Have you ever wondered how the trees around you might hold stories of spirits and ancient traditions? Join me, on this enchanting journey into the heart of Finnish mythology, as I chat with the incredibly talented Nina, an illustrator and researcher from Finland. Nina's profound connection to nature, rooted in her upbringing in a forestry village, brings an enlightening perspective on tree worship and the animistic beliefs that celebrate trees as living entities with their own spirits or 'väki. 

In this episode, we dive deep into the rich tapestry of Finnish folklore, exploring how the relationship between humans and nature is woven into the very fabric of their mythology. Nina shares fascinating insights into the concept of spirit trees—those special trees that families adopt to symbolize their connection to the land. You’ll learn about the rituals surrounding offerings to these trees, which serve as a beautiful reminder of our bond with the environment.

As plant lovers and plant parents, we often seek ways to connect with nature, and this episode offers practical tips on how to foster relationships with trees in our own communities. From hugging trees to making thoughtful offerings, Nina encourages us to embrace acts of reverence that deepen our connection with the natural world. Plus, we touch on the resurgence of interest in folklore amidst modern environmental concerns, highlighting how these ancient beliefs can guide us in our gardening practices and home-based wellness.

Join us for this joyful living exploration of Finnish mythology and the healing power of nature. Whether you're looking for watering tips, battling plant pests, or simply seeking a mindful gardening experience, this episode is packed with insights to enhance your plant parenthood journey. Tune in to discover how you can cultivate a deeper relationship with the trees around you and bring more joy into your life through holistic plant care.

In this episode, we learn:

• [02:26] Meet Niina and her life growing up in Finnish forests!
• [03:39] How she went from “weird” folklore kid to researcher
• [04:50] Why Finnish mythology centers on “animism” and not on heroic gods
• [05:48] A bit of Finnish history!
• [07:45] What is the concept of väki?
• [09:24] What does Finnish tree mythology represent in daily life?
• [11:36] Why spirit trees are seen as guides, healers, and places to seek advice
• [12:41] What is the story of "The Giving Tree”?
• [13:03] How are these beliefs practiced socially vs individually?
• [15:45] Experience rich and antioxidant-packed Manukora honey!
• [17:28] Start your seed starting season with Espoma Organic’s premium gardening products!
• [19:58] How Finland’s month names followed seasons
• [21:54] What are some tree-centered traditions tied to birth, death, and life cycles?
• [23:40] Offerings and sacrificial trees!
• [25:33] What “tree spirits” are and how they’re imagined in Finnish lore
• [27:41] Hunting rituals and making offerings to forest deities
• [28:31] Favorite stories about  Mielikki and Tapio
• [30:07] Is there a resurgence of interest in Finnish folklore and old names?
• [31:40] Tree hugging, forest bathing, and tourists seeking Finnish woods!
• [32:33] What are some practices to start building your own relationship with trees?
• [34:28] Modern rituals: offering, gratitude, and everyday connection
• [35:01] What is Niina’s personal relationship with trees?
• [36:48] Where to find Niina online and how to get her illustrated tree folklore book!

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Growing Joy Episode 322: From Plant Care to Nature Therapy: A Solo Heart to Heart
• Growing Joy Episode 298: Tree Communication 101: Science, Spirit, and Synchronicity with Rachael of Our Infinite Nature
• Little Book Of Finnish Tree Magic (Finnish Mythology With Fairychamber) by Niina Niskanen

To learn more about the vast world of Finnish mythology,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Follow Niina:

Website
Instagram
All her products
Courses

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Manukora

Go to manukora.com/bloom to get up to 31% off the starter kit that includes their 850+ Manukora honey jar, 5 honey travel sticks, a wooden spoon, and a guidebook, PLUS $25 worth of free gifts!

Espoma Organic

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

Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)

Support Growing Joy with Maria 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

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

What if you could grow 300+ indoor plants without hauling watering cans to the shower every weekend… and without even dealing with soil?

In this episode of the Best of Growing Joy series, we’re revisiting one of the most amazing approaches to plant care: passive hydroponics, often called semi-hydro. My friend Kay from @inrootedlove is back for what we’re calling Passive Hydro 2.0, and we’re diving into the real-life details of growing plants this way. We talk about LECA vs Pon, root pruning, reservoirs, fertilizer concerns, and what happens when life gets busy and you forget about your plants for a while.

If you’ve experimented with LECA, are curious about Pon, or want to better understand passive hydroponics for indoor plants, Kay is the perfect person to learn from. This conversation will help you troubleshoot common issues, understand the method more deeply, and grow your plants with greater confidence.

In this episode, we learn:

• What Kay's Plant Number is
• How Kay manages to keep 200+ plants in her home happy and healthy with NO grow lights
• The home characteristics Kay looked for when buying a home so her plants could thrive [9:00]
• What Maria secretly dreams of for the next home (it's not what you think) [10:00]
• What is Semi or Passive Hydro [10:55]
• Reasons for why you should try Semi or Passive Hydroponics [12:52]
• Kay's experience having small children and a large plant collection [12:37]
• Maria's main takeaways from a year of experimenting with semi-hydro: what she is doing great and where she still needs help [13:50]
• How do net pots work when roots start to grow out of the pot [15:43]
• How to handle orchid roots in LECA [17:0]
• How to handle aroid roots in LECA [17:20]
• Root pruning [17:50]
• The story behind Kay's gorgeous Albo Monstera [19:30]
• Is it bad for plants roots to touch the water in a Semi Hydro or Passive Hydro set up? [20:00]
• When to repot your plant in semi hydro [21:00]
• What happened when Maria forgot about her plants in LECA for 2 months [22:40]
• How can you avoid root rot when using semi hydroponics or passive hydroponics? [24:25]
• Nutrient troubleshooting deep dive [27:25]
• Kay elaborates on how she uses Azomax to manage pests in her large collection [31:19]
• What are the signs of a healthy plant in semi hydro [34:30]
• What does a healthy root look like in LECA
• How dry can you let your reservoir get before you kill your plant [37:16]
• How to gage water levels with opaque pots [37:50]
• What's an appropriate transition time for a plant to go through transplant shock? [41:26]
• Kays product she uses to help plants transition more efficiently [42:15]
• LECA VS PON: their differences, pros and cons [43:58]
• What PON lechuza is made up of [44:20]
• What plants Kay chooses to put PON in over LECA [45:00]
• Why Kay doesn't put all her plants in PON [45:01]
• What plants Kay plants in PON [45:20]
• Why Kay grows anthurium in PON [46:48]
• Does a PON set up look different than a LECA set up? [47:26]
• Why fertilizing with PON will look very different than fertilizing in LECA
• Are there any plant your shouldn't put in passive hydro? [49:10]
• How Kay uses PON completely different on her arid plants to help better replicate their natural environments [49:37]
• My Raphidophora tetrasperma propagation experiment

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Episode 77 Semi or Passive Hydro 101 with Kay! (Maria and Kay's first episode together)
• Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects, and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)
• Heating Mats for plants (Kays Amazon Affiliate Links to the ones she uses) Large Option and Small Option
• Maria's youtube video on her first passive hydro set up
• Maria's youtube video on her 8 month passive hydro update
• Kay and Maria's youtube video potting up in LECA VS PON tutorial
• Kevins Green Pets (Kay's friend who intro'd her to Anthurium's in PON)

Have you experimented with LECA or Pon yet?

Check out the full show notes and blog to learn how passive hydroponics works and how to get started!

Follow Kay

Instagram

Facebook

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

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

I'm getting certified as a forest therapy guide with the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT)! Every single time, though, people’s response is the same. "Oh my God, that sounds so cool. But what is that?" I get that the words "forest therapy" or "forest bathing" sound vague. Some think it’s like hiking or yoga in the woods, but many can be mistaken.

I spent years focused almost entirely on houseplants. But the deeper I got into plant care, the more I started to see the bigger picture. Plants aren't just decoration, and nature isn't just a backdrop. There's something real happening when we slow down and actually be in it. So I invited Amos Clifford, the founder of ANFT, and the top forest therapy guide and trainer, Nadine Mazzola, to talk about what this practice really is!

In this episode, we learn:

• [01:54] Why forest therapy feels so accessible and meaningful to me!
• [03:05] What is forest bathing?
• [06:32] How did Nadine become a forest therapy guide?
• [08:26] The story behind how ANFT was founded!
• [12:07] How forest therapy slowly gained traction
• [13:13] Why forest bathing is gaining cultural relevance
• [15:16] The Productive Garden
• [16:37] How everyone carries stories about nature
• [17:18] What actually happens during a forest therapy walk?
• [21:03] Why participants often experience anxiety at the beginning of forest therapy
• [22:01] How forest bathing helps regulate the nervous system
• [25:40] My first forest bathing experience and the challenge of slowing down
• [26:57] Why having a forest guide matters
• [32:00] What’s the science behind forest bathing?
• [32:42] Amos on the global boom in forest therapy research
• [35:19] Chronic stress and “salaryman” overwork in Japan
• [38:59] How forest therapy differs from other wellness practices
• [41:32] How forest bathing practices differ across the world
• [44:55] Why ANFT guiding focuses on sensory invitations
• [48:32] Inside the rigorous forest therapy guide training!
• [53:05] The relational philosophy of forest therapy
• [55:54] Why is all medicine relational?
• [59:05] How forest therapy addresses our disconnection from the world
• [1:03:16] Where to find Nadine’s work and her book Forest Bathing With Your Dog
• [1:04:18] What is Amos’s next chapter for ANFT and forest therapy?
• [01:10:02] Where to find Amos' work, the ANFT global guide map, and Forest Bathing Finder
• [01:12:50] How my upcoming digital forest therapy sessions will work!

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness by Dr. Qing Li
• Forest Bathing with Your Dog by Nadine Mazzola
• Your Guide to Forest Bathing: Experience the Healing Power of Nature by Amos Clifford
• Guide Directory - Association of Nature and Forest Therapy (ANFT)
• Forest Bathing Finder

For a deeper dive into the science of forest bathing,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Follow Nadine:

Website
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube

Follow Amos:

Website
Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
X

Thank you to our episode sponsor:

Quarto: The Productive Garden by Stephanie Hafferty

Grab The Productive Garden at quarto.com and wherever books are sold.

Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants)by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung

Take the Plant Parent Personality Quiz (Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)

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Welcome back to part two of our Understanding Natural Light series. We’re bringing this conversation back as part of our Best of Growing Joy episodes because it’s one of the most helpful discussions we’ve ever had about indoor plant lighting.

This episode is a replay of my conversation with Leslie Halleck, a dear plant friend of mine and a horticulture and lighting expert. If you’re a plant parent trying to understand the light in your home, this conversation is a must-listen because the number one mistake I see plant lovers make is misunderstanding their light.

Most people think they have bright light for their plants when they actually don’t. Our eyes are not great at judging how much light indoor plants really receive, which is why so many plants struggle indoors.

So in this episode, we dive into how to measure light for indoor plants. We talk about window directions, the difference between brightness and light volume, and how to use simple tools like a light meter to understand what your plants are actually experiencing. We also break down why plants think about light in energy or calories, not just how bright a room feels to us.

And make sure you grab the free Understanding Natural Light download that goes with this series. It walks you step by step through how to measure light in your home so you can stop guessing and start choosing the right plants for your space.

In this episode, we learn:

• What the most important colors of light are for growing plants
• How to use a free app to get a better understanding of your indoor lighting environment
• What is the difference between LUX, Footcandles and PAR
• What micromoles are
• What DLI (Daily Light Intergral) is
• The results of my homework and how many “aha” moments I had about the ACTUAL light in my apartment
• How drastic the difference in light is within only a few feet from your window
• What area of your apartment is probably low light that you never knew about
• Whether or not you can put plants in a bathroom with no windows
• Whether or not you can put plants in an office with no windows
• Citrus under lights, pests

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Lux Light Meter
• PAR meter
• Soltech Solution Aspect Light (Use code bloom15 for 15% off!)
• Free Understanding Natural Light Download
• Leslie’s Book, Gardening Under Lights; The Complete Guide for Indoor Growers

Do you actually know how much light your plants are getting?

Check out the full show notes and blog to learn how to measure light for your indoor plants!

Follow Leslie

Website

Instagram

Twitter

Pinterest

Facebook

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

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This is my third year attending the Northwest Flower and Garden Show in Seattle, and I come back with all the plant tea! Every year, this festival just keeps getting better. The only way I can describe what it feels like is that I walked into a convention center and forgot I was in one. In front of me, there were 20 full garden landscapes installed on the concrete floor. The lights are dimmed, and you can hear birdsongs and smell mulch and something floral. I gave a talk on my plant parent personalities and co-hosted the House of Plants pop-up with Costa Farms. But I always leave with more than I came for because every year, the garden installs and what vendors are selling tells me something real about where gardening and houseplants are headed. So here are my main takeaways from the 2026 Northwest Flower and Garden Festival!

In this episode, we learn:

• [02:05] What the Northwest Flower & Garden Show (Festival) is
• [05:15] How the display gardens work!
• [06:11] What are the biggest 2026 garden trends?
• [07:50] My 3 favorite whimsical garden installs!
• [14:09] Why you should do whimsy/storytelling in your own gardens!
• [14:32] What are the newest houseplant trends in 2026?
• [16:36] Why plant parents are craving low-maintenance plants
• [18:14] How Espoma Organic helped bring me to the NWFG!
• [20:41] Ripe Tomato Revolution by Frank Hyman
• [22:45] Krystal (Plantswithkrystal) on diverse plants, terrariums, and ponds
• [24:48] Justin (Costa Farms) on variegation trends and golden monstera
• [25:20] What’s the one thing plant parents still get wrong?
• [26:42] Zach (Soltech) on bold statement plants and grow lights
• [30:04] Kamili (Plantblerd) on evergreen favorites and the lure of “unicorn plants”
• [32:48] Farmer Nick on variegation overload and the limits of “rare plant” culture
• [37:18] Cassidy (Succulents and Sunshine) on why rigid watering schedules don’t work
• [41:52] Claudia (In the Garden with Claudia) on houseplant energy at a gardening show

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Northwest Flower & Garden Festival
• Costa Farms
• Relish Gardens’ The Jewel Box: A Moment Preserved
• West Seattle Nursery’s Where Stories Take Root
• Hello Garden Designs’ The Garden Maker’s Atelier
• Krystal @plantswithkrystal: Website | Instagram
• Justin from Costa Farms: Website | Instagram
• Zach from Soltech: Website | Instagram
• Kamili Bell Hill @plantblerd: Instagram
• Nick Cutsumpas @farmernick: Website | Instagram
• Cassidy @succulentsandsunshine: Website | Instagram
• Claudia @inthegardenwithclaudia: Instagram

For my favorite plant installs at the NWFGS 2026,

check out the full show notes and blog here! 

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Espoma Organic

Visit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.

Quarto: Ripe Tomato Revolution by Frank Hyman

Grab Ripe Tomato Revolutionat quarto.com and wherever books are sold.

Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants)by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha 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

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

Natural light for indoor plants is one of the most misunderstood parts of plant care. Most plant parents think their homes are bright enough for houseplants… but the truth is, we often overestimate how much light our plants are actually getting.

So we all know that the concept of bright indirect light is kind of a disaster. It’s one of the most confusing things in indoor plant care, and most plant parents wildly overestimate how much light they have in their homes.

That’s exactly why I’m so excited to bring back this two-part series on natural light for indoor plants from the Best of Growing Joy collection.

In this episode, I’m joined by my dear friend, horticulturist and lighting expert Leslie Halleck, author of Gardening Under Lights, one of the best resources for understanding grow lights and indoor plant lighting. But before we even talk about grow lights, we need to understand something even more fundamental: how light actually works for plants.

In this conversation, Leslie and I get into the nitty-gritty of what light really means for houseplants, why the phrase “bright indirect light” causes so much confusion for plant parents, and how to actually measure light for your plants at home.

There’s also a free download in the show notes that walks you through three days of measuring the natural light in your home, so you can finally understand what your plants are really getting.

In this episode, we learn:

• How Leslie came to be the lighting expert she is now
• Measuring and understanding NATURAL light 101
• The difference between the volume of light vs the brightness of light
• What PAR is and why it is important for understand our natural light in our apartments
• The most brilliant metaphor for light that will make even the science inept person understand light, photons and photosynthesis
• How the direction your window faces affects the amount of light in your apartment, and a good rule of thumb to live by
• What the heck “bright indirect light’ actually is!
• Practical steps to understanding “bright indirect light” for your specific surrounding
• How many feet away from your windowsill does “bright light” turn to “medium light” and then turn to “low light”
• Why we overwater our plants (spoiler alert… it’s often because of your lighting conditions)
• If sunbeams that move throughout your apartments make a different for your plants
• Why experimenting with plant placement and light is crucial

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Soltech (Use code bloom15 for 15% off!)
• Gardening Under Lights; The Complete Guide for Indoor Growers

Are you sure your plants are actually getting enough light?

Check out the full show notes and blog to learn how to measure the natural light in your home!

Follow Leslie

Website

Instagram

Twitter

Pinterest

Facebook

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

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

Are you tired of the boom-and-bust cycle of traditional gardening? Imagine a world where your garden is a source of joy and sustenance all year round! Join me, in this enlightening episode of Growing Joy with Plants, where I chat with the incredibly knowledgeable gardening expert, Charlie Nardozzi. Together, we dive deep into the realm of low maintenance gardening and explore innovative techniques that not only simplify your gardening experience but also promote sustainable practices.

Charlie takes us on a journey through his childhood, sharing his cherished memories of gardening with his Italian grandparents. His passion for plants blossomed into a successful career as a horticulturist and author, and today, he’s here to help us shift our gardening mindset. Forget the traditional methods that often lead to plants dying or battling plant pests; it's time to embrace low maintenance gardening strategies that yield continuous harvests!

In this episode, we discuss the concept of a continuous vegetable garden that allows you to enjoy fresh produce throughout the growing season. Charlie introduces us to the wonders of perennial vegetables and self-sowing plants, which can transform your garden into a thriving ecosystem with minimal effort. We also touch on the ecological benefits of diverse planting, ensuring that your garden not only flourishes but also contributes positively to the environment.

Throughout our conversation, Charlie shares invaluable tips on mindful gardening, including how to effectively manage scale insects, rid of gnats, and tackle common plant diseases. Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or just starting your journey into home-based wellness, this episode is packed with practical advice on watering tips, humidity for plants, and propagation tips that will elevate your gardening game.

So, if you're ready to cultivate a joyful living space filled with abundant blooms and delicious harvests, tune in to this episode of Growing Joy with Plants! Let’s dig into the world of low maintenance gardening together!

In this episode, we learn:low

• [01:27] How Charlie Nardozzi became a continuous vegetable garden expert
• [04:56] What “continuous gardening” really solves
• [05:50] What are self-sowing vegetables?
• [07:51] How I used basil for succession planting!
• [08:28] Manually scattering seeds vs true self-sowing
• [09:40] What perennial edibles are most gardeners overlooking?
• [13:00] Growing wine cap mushrooms as a perennial!
• [14:08] What mulch and organic matter do wine caps need to fruit?
• [14:49] Manukora
• [16:32] Other ways to grow mushrooms at home!
• [17:02] How your hardiness zone changes what counts as a perennial
• [18:28] What are some of the best self-sowing edibles to start with?
• [19:34] When to let volunteer tomatoes grow and when to pull them
• [20:26] Where seed saving and self-sowing overlap
• [22:10] What Charlie’s garden actually looks like now
• [23:19] No-dig raised beds and mimicking nature for less work
• [24:08] What are Charlie’s favorite plant combinations for a bed?
• [26:14] Can you grow a mostly perennial food garden?
• [27:22] Why Jerusalem artichokes (sunchokes) are an underrated perennial staple
• [29:05] Making garlic and potatoes “perennial” through selective saving
• [30:36] Practical tips for saving seeds, curing garlic, and overwintering tubers
• [32:16] Why labeling matters and how to use mystery seeds
• [32:39] Creating a polyculture bed
• [33:43] Where to find Charlie, his book, and what he's got coming up!

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Charlie’s gardening books mentioned:
  • The Continuous Vegetable Garden
  • The Complete Guide to No-Dig Gardening
•  

For Charlie's low-maintenance gardening guide,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Follow Charlie:

Website
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
Pinterest
Other books
Webinars

Thank you to our episode sponsor:

Manukora

Go to manukora.com/bloom to get up to 31% off the starter kit that includes their 850+ Manukora honey jar, 5 honey travel sticks, a wooden spoon, and a guidebook, PLUS $25 worth of free gifts! 

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

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