Did you know your “regular” herb garden can double as a medicinal herb garden, and that the mint you grab for mojitos can actually calm your nerves and your digestion? I used to think herbalism meant mysterious tincture bottles and complicated formulas… until I started turning the basil, mint, and lemon balm I grow into simple herbal teas I actually drink every night.

In this Best of Growing Joy episode, I’m revisiting a conversation with Juliet from the Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine, botanist, herbalist, and author of The Healing Garden. If you’re a gardener, tea lover, or herbalism beginner who wants to learn how to grow and use medicinal herbs you already have, this episode is for you!

You’ll learn which common herbs (like mint, basil, rosemary, lemon balm, and calendula) are most powerful to start with, how to harvest and dry them for tea, and why plant energetics (matching herbs to your unique body) matters more than any trendy supplement. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to make your own herbal tea from garden herbs instead of reaching for another tea bag.

In this episode, we learn:

• [04:58] What led Juliet Blankenspoor to become interested in herbalism
• [08:52] What makes plants medicinal, and have they been proven by doctors?
• [11:51] Energetics of plants and how to complement their energies with people's
• [15:49] How do you determine your own energy constitution?
• [16:45] Who is Wim Hoff and what are the possible benefits of cold showers?
• [19:16] What's the best way to get started with this completely new field of medicinal benefits?
• [22:22] Where to get the best seeds for your spring garden
• [23:38] The right choice for safe indoor and outdoor gardening products
• [27:03] What are the properties of Mint?
• [28:30] Some of the commonly used herbs that we might not be aware of
• [30:01] What tonic means in the context of herbal medicine
• [32:36] What are the medicinal properties of chives?
• [33:58] How we can prepare tea from fresh and dried herbs
• [38:16] Is there any medicinal value to the mint stem?
• [39:43] What other herbs can you grow to make your own tea?
• [44:13] Your next favorite kitchen appliance!
• [47:19] What are some of the most versatile medicinal plants Juliet recommends exploring that aren't found in a traditional culinary garden?
• [48:19] What plants should you add to your culinary garden for medical benefits?
• [52:38] Juliet Blankespoor’s favorite herbs that you can add to your cooking recipes
• [57:39] What can you learn from the book ‘The Healing Garden: Cultivating and Handcrafting Herbal Remedies'?

Mentioned in our conversation:

• The Healing Garden: Cultivating and Handcrafting Herbal Remedies, book by Juliet Blankespoor
• Tea strainers
• Wim Hof Method
• FREE 2-week trial to the Garden Party!

Curious what else your herb garden might be hiding?

Check out the full show notes and blog for beginner-friendly herbalism tips and recipes!

Follow Juliet

Website

Instagram

Facebook

Healing Garden Gateway, Juliet's personal website

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!

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Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!

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Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com

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I’ve always wanted to make gardening a lifelong hobby because I plan to have dirt under my nails well into my 80s or 90s, but I never really thought through HOW to make that happen. Because as much as we love our plants, gardening as you age is not about doing the same thing forever. I see it with my mom who’s an incredible gardener. She has that true plant parent energy, but even she has to change how she gardens. So what if the secret to longevity is just learning how to garden differently? To help me with that topic is Rhonda Fleming Hayes. She’s the author of Garden for Life and has been gardening across more climates, zones, and life changes than most of us can imagine. And in this episode, she teaches us gardening tips for seniors and how to adapt your garden as you age so gardening stays joyful!

In this episode, we learn:

• [02:56] Meet Rhonda Fleming Hayes, author of Garden for Life!
• [03:25] What do we call “senior gardeners” without promoting ageism?
• [04:21] Why 55 is the turning point for when/how much you garden!
• [05:56] How has Rhonda's gardening experience been?
• [08:09] How Rhonda’s relationship with her garden has changed as she’s gotten older
• [09:42] What are the mistakes senior gardeners make?
• [12:04] Gardening as something that should change with you!
• [13:03] Why continuing to garden matters as you age
• [15:09] Concrete Botany by Joey Santore
• [16:14] My summer with Melody + how companionable garden buddies help each other!
• [18:49] How to evaluate your garden for safety/accessibility?
• [21:00] Tools that make gardening sustainable over time
• [23:06] How to start gardening over again when moving to a new space
• [25:59] Why you need to create "way stations" to sit and enjoy your garden
• [27:52] How to overcome the “ego blow” of hiring professional garden help
• [31:01] What does Rhonda's own Minnesota garden look like?
• [33:40] What getting help actually looks like in practice
• [34:39] Inspiring real-life gardener stories from her book, Garden for Life
• [36:27] Where to find Rhonda and her book online

Mentioned in our conversation:

Rhonda’s books:

• Garden for Life: Strategies for Easier, Greener, More Joyful Gardening as We Age
• Pollinator Friendly Gardening: Gardening for Bees, Butterflies, and Other Pollinators

For Rhonda's complete senior gardening tips

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Follow Rhonda:

Instagram
BlueSky
The Garden Buzz Facebook
The Garden Buzz X

Thank you to our episode sponsor:

Quarto: Concrete Botany by Joey Santore

Grab Concrete Botany 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)

Support Growing Joy with Maria by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!

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Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria

Subscribe to the Growing Joy YouTube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com

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Did you know mushrooms aren’t actually plants, but a completely different kingdom that plays a huge role in soil health, plant health, and the success of your indoor and outdoor garden?

This is the third episode in our Mushroom Mini Series, and this week we’re having a high-level conversation all about what mushrooms are, how fungi and mycelium work, and why they matter so much for plant parents and anyone interested in holistic plant care.

Louis from North Spore joins me and my husband Billy for a really fun conversation about the underground “wood wide web,” how mushrooms support your garden ecosystem, and why understanding fungi can completely change the way you think about gardening, mushrooms in soil, and growing mushrooms at home.

I hope this conversation helps you better understand the hidden life in your soil and inspires you to look at mushrooms, plant care, and your garden in a whole new way.

In this episode, we learn:

• [05:42] What is it like being a mushroom farmer?
• [06:40] Multiple harvests from the grow kits through proper moisture management
• [08:51] Debunking magic mushroom misconceptions
• [2:44] Billy and Maria’s positive experiences with Lion's mane mushroom
• [14:34] How do you grow mushrooms indoors?
• [14:44] #1 Spray & Grow Kits (The perfect beginner species!)
• [18:02] #2 Fruiting Blocks
• [19:17] Where can you get premium quality growlights?
• [21:05] Where can you find delightful wind chimes that make for a perfect gift choice?
• [22:23] #3 Martha Tents (aka North Spore’s Boom Room)
• [25:36] How do you avoid mold with a Martha tent?
• [28:18] What's the ideal humidity level on the humidistat for the fruiting blocks?
• [30:39] What comprises a fruiting block and what goes into making it?
• [32:17] How do you distinguish spawns versus spores?
• [37:13] How do you pasteurize something?
• [37:58] What would be three great beginner mushrooms to start in a grow tent?
• [40:09] Economics of mushroom cultivation
• [42:26] Can a Martha tent enable a wider range of mushroom growth compared to a mono tub?
• [43:21] #3 Mono tub
• [50:22] What are the two substrates of Nameko mushrooms?
• [54:23] Who is North Spore?

Mentioned in our conversation:

• How to Make a Martha Tent Mushroom Fruiting Chamber
• ‘BoomRoom’ Automated Mushroom Martha Tent Grow Kit
• How to Make a Monotub: The Complete Monotub Tek Guide
• Using a Spray & Grow Kit
• Fruiting Block Kits
• Spray & Grow Kits
• Monotub Kits
• Monotub Set Up & Grow Guide
• How to Grow Mushrooms in Buckets & Containers

Feeling a little more mushroom curious after this episode?

Check out the full show notes and blog for fungi basics and growing tips!

Follow North Spore

Louis' LinkedIn

Website

Instagram

YouTube

Facebook

TikTok

Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

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

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!

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

Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!

Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria

Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

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Did you know that your bulb garden doesn't have to be high-maintenance? One of my earliest memories is my mom planting what felt like endless tulip bulbs—500 of them, in fact. She was a young mom with three kids, no spare time, and definitely not a person who could fuss over plants every day, but somehow, she always had color! Bulbs showed up for her, and she did not have to slave over her garden to get them. That’s why I know it is possible to create a low‑maintenance garden with bulbs. So I invited Jenny Rose Carey on the show to walk us through it. She gardens on a 4.5‑acre property called Northview, filled with thousands of bulbs that bloom from late winter through fall. She’s a horticulturist, a biologist, a teacher at heart, and the author of The Essential Guide to Bulbs. She shares how bulbs actually work, which ones are worth planting, and how to plant them so they don’t rot or disappear after one season! Let's begin!

In this episode, we learn:

• [04:04] Meet Jenny Rose Carey
• [07:05] What’s the history behind her 4-acre garden called Northview?
• [09:57] What a full season of bulbs actually looks like at Northview
• [11:30] What counts as a bulb? (Are dahlias bulbs?)
• [12:43] How the bulb cycle works
• [14:25] Designing a wedding garden with dahlias, raised beds, and containers full of flowers!
• [15:44] Manukora Honey
• [17:30] How to understand the seasonal lifecycle & dormancy of bulbs (spring bulb vs summer bulb)
• [22:12] How bulbs can create a lower-maintenance garden
• [23:37] What are the best summer bulbs?
• [26:55] Summer bulbs Jenny loves most for flowers and cutting gardens!
• [29:48] Bulb planting 101
• [33:20] How do you know which way is up when planting a bulb?
• [34:32] Why some bulbs seem to “fail” the first year
• [37:16] The drainage rule to avoid bulb rot
• [39:28] In-ground vs. containers for bulbs
• [41:42] How lasagna planting works for bulbs
• [44:39] The best places in your garden to plant bulbs
• [45:52] What are Jenny’s favorite fragrant bulbs for summer?
• [48:03] The biggest mistakes people make when planting bulbs
• [49:15] How to use store-bought bulbs for instant gratification
• [50:28] Where to find Jenny, her book The Essential Guide to Bulbs, and her garden at Northview!

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Growing Joy 150: Bulb Basics with Jenks Farmer
• The Essential Guide to Bulbs by Jenny Rose Carey
• Northview Gardens

For Jenny's complete bulb tutorial,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Follow Jenny:

Website
Northview Garden
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
X

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

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Did you know that you can actually grow edible gourmet mushrooms in your garden right alongside your tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, herbs, and veggies?

You can! And by doing that, you can improve your soil health, support your garden ecosystem, and add another delicious crop to harvest and enjoy throughout the growing season.

This is the second episode in our Mushroom Mini Series. Last week, we re-released our episode on growing mushrooms indoors, and this week, we’re talking all about how to grow mushrooms outdoors in your garden.

Louis from North Spore joins me and my husband Billy for such a fun conversation about growing mushrooms outdoors right alongside your vegetables, herbs, and even cut flowers.

We talk about beginner-friendly ways to start growing edible mushrooms at home without a fancy setup required! If you’re a plant lover, gardener, or curious plant parent, this episode will open your mind to just how easy and rewarding mushroom gardening can be.

I can’t wait to see what kinds of mushrooms you grow, how you cook them up, and how they support both your garden and your health.

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:

• North Spore ‘Spray & Grow' Mushroom Growing Kits
• Pink Oyster ‘Spray & Grow’ Mushroom Growing Kit
• YouTube video North Spore Test garden in Portland, Maine
• Lion’s Mane tincture
• How to Grow Mushrooms in Buckets & Containers
• Which Species of Log is Best?
• How to Make Outdoor Mushroom Beds
• How to Grow Mushrooms on Logs, Totems & Stumps
• Mushroom Spores vs. Spawn: What is the Difference?
• YouTube video How to Grow Mushrooms on Logs | Complete Inoculation Walkthrough!

Are you officially tempted to start a mushroom bed now?

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

Follow North Spore

Louis' LinkedIn

Website

Instagram

YouTube

Facebook

TikTok

Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

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

Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & App AKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trial here!

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

Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!

Instagram: @growingjoywithmaria

Tiktok: @growingjoywithmaria

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmaria

Website: www.growingjoywithmaria.com

Pinterest: @growingjoywithmaria

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

My goal this year is to find more ease and joy in my garden! I love my plants, but I don’t want my yard to feel like another job. And when I realized that was a theme that was gonna keep coming up, I knew I needed to do an episode on permaculture. So I invited my plant friend, Brandy Hall. She’s a permaculture designer and has helped me see it as a simple, practical way to garden. She calls herself a garden editor for homeowners, which means she helps people like us turn regular lawns into regenerative spaces that get better over time.

In this episode, we learn:

• [02:45] Meet Brandy Hall of Shades of Green Permaculture!
• [03:23] How did she become the permaculture expert that she is today?
• [04:38] What pesticide exposure did to her family and why it changed everything
• [08:24] How travel, farm life, and construction work pulled Brandy into this career
• [10:51] Permaculture vs regenerative gardening vs rewilding vs ecological landscaping
• [12:50] Is permaculture growing your own food?
• [14:44] What are the three pillars of a regenerative landscape?
• [14:55] Pillar #1 Restore water cycle
• [15:11] Pillar #2 Soil fertility
• [15:46] Espoma Organic
• [17:22] Pillar #3 Building plant communities
• [18:00] Applying permaculture to real neighborhoods
• [21:19] How modern development broke the natural water cycle
• [23:42] What permaculture does differently with water
• [26:22] The biggest water management mistakes homeowners make
• [27:23] How to work with your downspouts and rain gardens to manage water
• [28:19] Why the soil is your best water storage system
• [30:19] How much water actually falls on your roof
• [31:55] What does a permaculture site consultation actually look like?
• [33:23] How to “read” your own space
• [34:47] How to choose plants for permaculture
• [36:02] Native vs non‑native plants
• [37:39] How to make a permaculture garden look aesthetic (even in an HOA)
• [40:00] How Brandy designs beautiful & productive beds
• [41:10] Where to start if you're new to permaculture
• [42:53] Brandy's online course, The Regenerative Backyard Blueprint
• [44:10] Where to find Brandy, her book, and her resources

Mentioned in our conversation:

• The Complete Guide to Home Permaculture by Brandy Hall
• The Cut Flower Handbook: Select, Plant, Grow, and Harvest Gorgeous Blooms by Lisa Ziegler

For Brandy's recommended permaculture habits,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Follow Brandy:
Website
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube

Thank you to our episode sponsor:

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 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

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 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.