258 episodes

The answer to a happier, more connected life could be simpler than you think: learning to care for plants and connect with nature. Houseplants and gardening do more than beautify our homes and lawns - the act of caring for them helps us reduce stress, increase joy and cultivate connections with ourselves, others and the earth. Deep, right? On the Growing Joy Podcast, learn alongside host and author Maria Failla to not only care for plants, but how to simply and affordably use plants to manage your overwhelm, anxiety and stress and live a happier, more connected and calm life. Plant care is self care. Come grow some joy with us. Follow along on socials @bloomandgrowmaria

Growing Joy with Plants - Wellness Rooted in Nature Maria Failla- Happy Plant Lady and Author of Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness

    • Leisure

The answer to a happier, more connected life could be simpler than you think: learning to care for plants and connect with nature. Houseplants and gardening do more than beautify our homes and lawns - the act of caring for them helps us reduce stress, increase joy and cultivate connections with ourselves, others and the earth. Deep, right? On the Growing Joy Podcast, learn alongside host and author Maria Failla to not only care for plants, but how to simply and affordably use plants to manage your overwhelm, anxiety and stress and live a happier, more connected and calm life. Plant care is self care. Come grow some joy with us. Follow along on socials @bloomandgrowmaria

    Climate Proof Your Garden

    Climate Proof Your Garden

    Climate change is real, plant friends—and it’s impacting our world too fast! Because of that, it’s becoming extremely important for us plant parents/gardeners to adapt our practices to ensure our gardens can withstand the challenges that lie ahead. In fact, it’s already impacting our gardens in SO many ways—from unpredictable weather to increased pest infestations. So in this episode, I invited a new plant friend, Kim Stoddart, who is a passionate gardener, climate advocate, and author of "The Climate Change–Resilient Vegetable Garden," to discuss strategies for building a climate-resilient garden.

    In this episode, we learn:[03:39] How Kim became a passionate climate activist and gardener[11:44] The Resilient Gardener vs. The Resilient Garden[15:06] Deepen your meditation practice with the Wind River Meditation Chime[16:49] Grow a thriving, climate-resistant vegetable garden with Espoma Organic![19:03] What are the climate issues to consider when building a resilient garden? (doom & gloom)[20:44] What are the effects of soil erosion and flooding on gardens?[22:56] What does “no-till” gardening mean?[24:59] What helps the soil become more resilient?[33:52] What is rainwater harvesting and what are the strategies for building water resiliency?[38:45] What is the importance of seed sovereignty in creating a more secure and sustainable garden?[44:01] What specific steps can you take to strengthen your garden's pest resistance?[46:08] What is polyculture?[49:57] What is Kim’s current garden practice? (aka what her homestead looks like)[52:12] Where can you find Kim on social media?[52:55] Where can you get her book, Climate Change Resilient Vegetable Garden?
    Mentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy Ep 227: Homesteading Basics with Kevin of Epic GardeningGrowing Joy Ep 191: The Mushroom Miniseries: How to Grow Mushrooms IndoorsGrowing Joy Ep 189: Companion Planting Basics with the Garden Managers of The Lodge at Woodloch, Ep 189Growing Joy Ep 183: The Mushroom Miniseries: How to Grow Functional Mushrooms in Your GardenGrowing Joy Ep 178: The Mushroom Miniseries: Mushrooms 101 Plus the Answer to "What is the Mushroom Growing in My Houseplant!"Growing Joy Ep 123: How to Manage Deer, Squirrels, Chipmunks, Moles, Voles and Other Animals in Your Garden with Brie The Plant LadyThe Woodchip Handbook: A Complete Guide for Farmers, Gardeners and Landscapers, book by Ben RaskinThe Climate Change Garden, UPDATED EDITION: Down to Earth Advice for Growing a Resilient Garden, book by Kim StoddartThe Climate Change–Resilient Vegetable Garden: How to Grow Food in a Changing Climate, book by Kim Stoddart
    For a more detailed list of Kim's resilient gardening tips,check out the full show notes and blog here!

    Thank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River ChimesTurn your home into a relaxation oasis with chimes! Wind River is a Virginia-based company creating premium handcrafted and hand-tuned wind chimes for over 35 years. They are launching a new collection of chimes called Eclipse, which are Corinthian bells uniquely tuned to the Lydian mode, a scale that creates an ethereal atmosphere of enchantment that matches the mystery and wonder of the solar eclipse and of outer space. Plus, these chimes make for amazing personal gifts to your loved ones!
    Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on all engraveable wind chimes.
    Espoma OrganicIf you want a garden that provides, set it up for success with high-quality soil, fertilizer, potting mix and more! 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

    • 57 min
    Why You Should Care About the Spring Equinox

    Why You Should Care About the Spring Equinox

    What are your plans this Spring Equinox? Spring equinox is like a special day when light and dark are balanced just right. As it draws closer, it comes with a reminder that nature has its own patterns that repeat over and over, and this particular event shows us that winter is ending and spring is starting… bringing new life and growth. Tuning into the Earth's frequencies during this season can help us grow and feel refreshed too. In this episode, I’m so happy to welcome back our residential green witch and my dear plant friend, Rachael of Our Infinite Nature! She’s here to celebrate the upcoming Spring Equinox, share her insights on what's happening in the earth, sky, and ourselves during spring, and offer practices for connecting deeply with the powerful changes that happen in spring.

    In this episode, we learn:[01:58] Connecting with nature and the seasons[04:18] Cultivating intuition with plants[05:58] Why “awe” is a spiritual emotion[09:15] The importance of “seasonal living”[12:16] What is happening to the earth during Spring Equinox?[15:48] Brighten up your plants this spring with Soltech's grow lights![18:01] Learn modern, low-maintenance approach to home food gardening with "The Layered Edible Garden" by Christina Chung[20:34] How external stimuli trigger personal growth/development[25:15] What are the astrological insights for the Spring Equinox?[29:33] In case you don’t know, I’m an Aries baby![30:15] Why new moon in Aries = start of the new year (astrologically)[32:34] What are the positive aspects of the eclipse season?[35:09] Gardening tips for different moon phases[37:52] What are the best practices to nurture growth and vitality during spring?[45:51] Plants that embody spring energy[55:25] How to create your own seasonal bowl/altar[58:10] Spring awakening (a guided meditation)[01:08:10] Where can you find Rachael?
    Mentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy Ep 265 Everyday Plant Magic with Rachael of Infinite SucculentGrowing Joy Ep 225 Indoor Plant Projects for Stress Relief with Perla Sofía Curbelo-SantiagoGrowing Joy Ep 223 Cultivating Intuition with Nature with Rachael of Our Infinite NatureGrowing Joy Ep 219 How to Care for AlocasiasGrowing Joy Ep 209 Plant Magic: How to Be a Green Witch with Rachael from Infinite SucculentGrowing Joy Eo 182 Spring Houseplant Care, Ep 182Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants, book by Robin Wall Kimmerer ¡Verdura! – Living a Garden Life: 30 Projects to Nurture Your Passion for Plants and Find Your Bliss, book by Perla Sofía Curbelo-SantiagoPre-order Rachael’s new book Self-care for Eco-Anxiety: 52 Weekly Practices for Positive, Personal Change Through the Power of Nature by Rachael Cohen
    For a deeper dive into Rachael's guided spring meditation,check out the full show notes and blog here!

    Thank you to our episode sponsors:Soltech SolutionsEnsure your plants are ready for the spring sun when you supply them with enough light indoors! Soltech Solutions offers grow lights with full-spectrum white light that mimics the sun to keep your plants happy and healthy: 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 multi-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".
    Quarto: The Layered Edible Garden by Christina ChungSay goodbye to long, straight rows of vegetable plants lined up and prone to pests and diseases, and say hello to taking your cues from nature and creating a garden filled with layers of food-producing plants with the new book The Layered Edible Garden. Food gardening pro Christina Chung of @fluent.garden introduces a modern approach to home food gardening that follows nature’

    • 1 hr 12 min
    Everything You Need to Know About Calathea

    Everything You Need to Know About Calathea

    Calatheas have a bit of a reputation among plant parents for being dramatic "divas." And I'm not going to lie—they can be particular about their care. But don't let that scare you off! If you try to understand their preferences, you can totally grow lush, vibrant prayer plants at home. That’s what we’re going to talk about in this episode!

    In this episode, we learn:[01:44] Understanding calathea (now also called Goeppertia)[02:21] Why calathea isn’t for everyone (so set your expectations)[05:46] Why calatheas are the perfect statement plant![06:17] Understanding the natural habitat of Calathea[06:51] Why calatheas are called “prayer plants”[07:41] High-level overview of Calathea[08:41] Calathea Care #1: Lighting[11:10] Calathea Care #2: Watering[14:42] Top tip: Calathea enjoy filtered water [15:28] Enjoy superior quality and a variety of plants from Proven Winners Leaf Joy![17:14] Mindful goal reflection through daily plant check-ins[18:13] Calathea Care #3: Humidity[21:04] How do you create a microclimate for your plants?[22:02] Why Calathea are resilient[23:42] Calathea Care #4: Fertilizing[24:08] Calathea Care #5: Troubleshooting[24:46] Tip: Trim the brown edges off your Calathea![28:20] Different Calathea species[28:43] #1 Rattlesnake plant (Calathea lancifolia or Goeppertia insignis) = low maintenance[30:01] #2 Calathea majestica Diamond Dazzler White Star[31:30] #3 Calathea picturata = drama queen[32:38] #4 Calathea orbifolia = Instagram favorite
    Mentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy Episode 224: Everything You Need to Know About FicusGrowing Joy Episode 219: How to Care for AlocasiasUnderstanding Natural Light WorksheetPotting Soil Mix by Espoma OrganicTerracotta PotsCeramic PotsPlastic Pots
    For my personal ranking of popular calathea varieties,check out the full show notes and blog here!

    Thank you to our episode sponsor:Proven WinnersIf you want to have success with houseplants, you’ve got to have two things: the knowledge to care for them successfully and healthy plants. Meet my new favorite houseplant grower: Proven Winner’s leafjoy™. With only the best plant genetics grown in a state-of-the-art, European greenhouse, you will not be disappointed in the variety and quality of your favorite plants from Proven Winner’s leafjoy™. This company has taken the guesswork out of plant shopping with plant tags that include scientific names and care guides, as well as color-coded collections for the different areas of your home that you want plants in!
    Find plant joy in leafjoy™. Head to provenwinners.com to find your local leafjoy™ dealer and let me know which plant you take home on socials!

    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


    Our Sponsors:
    * Check out Manukora and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: https://manukora.com
    * Check out Rosetta Stone and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.rosettastone.com/


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

    • 37 min
    Homesteading Basics

    Homesteading Basics

    Is homesteading your ultimate dream? Because mine too, plant friends! Like most gardeners, I've always dreamed of someday creating a homestead and being more self-sufficient. I very much enjoy growing my own fruits, veggies, and herbs, but starting homesteading seemed a little scary. That’s why I was so excited to speak with gardening influencer Kevin Espiritu of Epic Gardening, who has spent the last few years turning his suburban property into an enviable homestead. Kevin shared his advice for transitioning from gardener to homesteader, one step at a time.

    In this episode, we learn:[04:43] Managing multiple projects and Kevin’s homestead building[04:51] What got Kevin interested in homesteading?[07:59] Homesteading vs gardening[09:14] What are the aspects/elements of homesteading?[11:15] What is “greywater” and its potential for water recycling?[14:17] Different uses of rainwater (and why you should start collecting them!)[15:22] Experience cozy mindfulness with Wind River Chimes![16:53] Learn actionable steps to build resilience in your garden with ‘The Climate Change Resilient Vegetable Garden’ by Kim Stoddart[18:40] Kevin’s rainwater harvesting system (which gauges the amount of rainfall one can capture over a year)[21:59] How solar energy works and how the net metering system operates[26:47] What is the role of a pond in homesteading?[28:53] Creating an aquaponic system[31:30] Switch to Espoma Organic's soil, compost, and plant food for a healthier homestead garden.[33:24] How has Kevin's experience raising chickens been?[36:51] Chicken care tips![39:12] Can you do homesteading indoors?[40:53] What was the inspiration for Kevin's orchard?[42:30] What are the various fruits grown by Kevin?[43:47] What is the food forest approach to growing food?[45:47] What is Kevin’s favorite way of preserving food?[46:55] What’s next for Kevin?[48:08] Check out Kevin’s book, Epic Homesteading
    Mentioned in our conversation:Book by Kevin Espiritu, Epic HomesteadingDr. Bronner's SoapBAR SOAP – OasisAquascapeCarolina CoopsChickenGuardGrowing Joy Episode 210: How to Grow Citrus Indoors With Danny of via CitrusGrowing Joy Episode 206: The History of Italian Gardens and Italian Citrus With Helena Attlee
    For a list of homestead components that you can start with,check out the full show notes and blog here!

    Thank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River ChimesBring 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 to 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.
    Quarto: The Climate Change-Resilient Vegetable Garden by Kim StoddartOur gardens can face a lot of concerns with this changing climate, from water-usage restrictions, extended heat waves, disastrous flooding, “super weeds,” or prolonged pest life cycles, there’s daunting challenges ahead for food growers around the world. Author Kim Stoddart outlines a clear path toward building resilience in your vegetable plants, your soil, and yourself with their new book The Climate Change-Resilient Vegetable Garden. With actionable tasks that reduce resource use, stabilize the garden’s ecosystem, and offer regenerative solutions to the most challenging issues faced by gardeners, this book provides advice to help you weather these storms with ease. 
    Grab the book at your favorite local bookstore, bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble or amazon.com.
    Espoma OrganicIf you want a garden that provides, set it up for success with high-quality soil, fertilizer, potting mix and more! Espoma Organic is dedicated to making safe indoor and outdoor gardening products for people, pets

    • 52 min
    How to Repot Houseplants

    How to Repot Houseplants

    Do you know that repotting and potting up mean different things? As our houseplants grow happily under our care, eventually they will outgrow their current pots. Determining whether your plant needs to simply have its soil refreshed (repotting) or be shifted to a larger container (potting up) can be challenging for new plant parents. In this episode, I will walk you through when to pot up versus repot, proper techniques for both, tips to avoid issues, and how to turn repotting into an uplifting self-care ritual by really tuning into your plants' needs and creating an environment that allows them to thrive.

    In this episode, we learn:[02:30] Things I learned about repotting in the last couple of years[03:34] Some personal plant care routines[04:59] Do some spring cleaning![06:28] Repotting vs potting up vs potting up water-rooted cuttings[09:04] Some rules to remember in potting up[10:43] Do the two-inch “bump up” rule when potting up[11:59] When should you pot up?[13:08] What is repotting and why is it important?[14:36] How do you repot a plant?[15:03] Get stylish, minimalist grow lights your plants will love with Soltech![17:16] Give your plants the love they deserve with Espoma's organic, eco-friendly potting mixes![19:08] Common mistake people make when repotting/potting up[19:30] How do you pot up water-rooted cuttings?[21:02] General steps for repotting/potting up/potting up water-rooted cuttings[27:31] The best time to repot or pot up houseplants[29:05] Why you should not pot your houseplants in dirt from outside[32:00] Make sure that you saturate the soil![32:35] Pay attention to the type of container or pot you are using[34:08] Use repotting as an opportunity for mindfulness[37:16] A letter to my pepper plant going into transplant shock
    Mentioned in our conversation:How to Repot Plants // A Step By Step GuideGrowing Joy Ep 182: Spring Houseplant CareGrowing Joy Ep 192: How To Overcome Burnout Through The Healing Power Of NatureGrowing Joy Ep 200: Common Houseplant Pest Identification And How To Get Rid Of Fungus Gnats, Spidermites, Scale, White Flies And Mealybugs: Grow BetterPotting Soil Mix by Espoma OrganicCactus Potting Soil Mix by Espoma OrganicAfrican Violet Potting Soil Mix by Espoma OrganicOrchid Mix - Coarse Bark Mix by Espoma Organic
    For repotting dos and don'ts,check out the full show notes and blog here!

    Thank you to our episode sponsors:Soltech SolutionsWith shorter days and colder days upon us, ensure your plants are getting enough light indoors! Soltech Solutions offers grow lights with full-spectrum white light that mimics the sun to keep your plants happy and healthy: 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 multi-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".
    Espoma OrganicIf you want plants that thrive, set them up for success with high-quality soil, fertilizer, potting mix and more! 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-wee

    • 41 min
    Indoor Plant Projects for Stress Relief

    Indoor Plant Projects for Stress Relief

    Do you feel a little sad or bored being stuck inside this winter (at least those in the northern hemisphere)? I hope the winter months haven’t got you down too much because I know we’re all feeling a bit cooped up lately. That’s why I brought on a new plant friend, Perla Sofía Curbelo-Santiago, a gardening expert and horticultural therapist, to share some of her favorite simple DIY indoor plant projects to spark joy during these months. Note that these are all featured in her new book ¡Verdura! – Living a Garden Life, which celebrates little plant-inspired passion projects to nurture our creativity!

    In this episode, we learn:[01:53] Rebranding of my YouTube Channel[02:43] Introducing Perla Sofia Curbelo-Santiago aka Agrochic![04:24] How did Perla develop her passion for gardening and plants?[07:05] How did Agrochic start?[09:38] How did Perla balance Spanish and English content?[11:32] What does her plant collection and garden look like?[15:08] Make meditation more relaxing and meaningful with Wind River’s Meditation Chimes![16:51] Learn how to grow cut flowers with The Cut Flower Handbook’s beautiful illustrations![18:41] Why are people drawn to nature and plants right now? [21:08] Seeking simplicity to escape social media overstimulation[22:08] Perla’s interesting success stories about bringing plants into clients' lives[29:17] What is nature’s role in mood and healing?[30:42] Concept of gardening as a means to reconnect with one's inner child[34:18] Rediscover a sense of "awe" and childlike wonder[38:21] What is Perla’s barefoot garden project all about?[45:02] How do you create a miniature garden for yourself?[50:34] Get Perla’s book and follow her on social media!
    Mentioned in our conversation:Book by Perla ¡Verdura! – Living a Garden Life: 30 Projects to Nurture Your Passion for Plants and Find Your BlissBook by Florence Williams The Nature Fix: Why Nature Makes us Happier, Healthier, and More CreativeGardenCommMy Garden BreakKidsGardening
    For step-by-step tutorials on these indoor plant projects,check out the full show notes and blog here!

    Thank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River ChimesBring 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 to 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.
    Quarto: The Cut Flower Handbook by Lisa M ZieglerOne of the most joyful things you can do in the garden is to grow flowers! If you are interested in upping your cut flower game, make sure to grab The Cut Flower Handbook by professional flower farmer Lisa M Ziegler. It is the bouquet-building bible gardeners have been waiting for! Included in The Cut Flower Handbook are 50 extensive flower profiles, planting tips, instructions, and images on how to pinch plants, how to make your cuts, how to dig a planting bed, and more. Plus, there are over 200 photos of the best cut flowers for home gardeners to grow and advice on caring for a cutting garden.
    Pre-order now online or in-store, and if you're checking out this episode after February 27th, pick it up at your favorite local bookstore, quarto.com, bookshop.org, Barnes &Noble or amazon.com.

    Follow Perla:
    Website - Spanish
    Website - English
    Instagram
    Facebook
    Twitter/X

    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, pr

    • 55 min

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