Bloom And Grow Radio

Do you ever wish you could invite a little more magic into your life? As fall approaches and the spooky season of Halloween is upon us, many of us long to connect with something… mystical. But magic doesn’t have to be complicated or even supernatural, plant friends. The energy of nature that surrounds us every day provides plenty of opportunity for wonder, spiritual connection, and manifestation!To guide us, I’ve invited my dear friend Rachael Cohen, who is a wonderful example of a modern green witch. While terms like "witch" can carry a stigma, Rachael shows how nature offers a portal to our intuition, healing, and inner wisdom.In this episode, we learn:[07:25] Rachael’s journey to becoming the “Green Witch”[12:54] How did making art with succulents help Rachael find peace?[15:18] Get a free engraving with code 'growingjoy' at Wind River Chimes[19:29] Complex history behind the term “witch”[21:54] How does Rachael define a witch?[27:24] What is magic?[29:21] What does it look like to be a “Gr

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

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

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

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

Is your houseplant suddenly dropping leaves, getting spots, or just looking sick? Plant diseases can strike fear into any plant parent's heart. One day your plant baby is thriving, and the next it's on the decline! Plant diseases happen to the best of us. Even expert growers deal with fungal, bacterial, and viral plant infections. The good news is that many common houseplant diseases are treatable if caught early. But plant friends, you need to first know how to accurately identify them.In the third episode of the Grow Better series with my dear friend, Leslie Halleck, we explore how to spot symptoms, diagnose plant illnesses, build a first aid kit, and nurse your plants back to health.In this episode, we learn:[07:00] What is a plant disease?[09:55] Why do plants get these diseases? (the disease triangle)[11:47] Factors involved when a pathogen meets a host[13:11] Difference between signs and symptoms[16:36] Challenges of identifying plant symptoms[20:17] Is it enough to know what the disease is befo

The days are getting shorter and the temperatures are dropping, how do our plants adjust to this change? For us houseplant parents, this signals that it's time to start transitioning our outdoor summer plants back indoors. While it may seem simple to just pick up your plant pots and haul them inside, there are important steps to follow for a smooth transition.In this solo episode, I'll walk you through the entire process of bringing your houseplants indoors in 3 phases: Preparation, Transition, and Maintenance. Follow these 7 steps and you'll have healthy plants that continue thriving inside all winter long!In this episode, we learn:[03:23] Why it's essential to bring your plants indoors during the winter[05:54] Bringing plants indoors requires three distinct stages: preparation, transition, and maintenance[06:15] #1 Check your plants thoroughly for pests[07:36] How to get rid of the pests[08:59] #2 Prune or trim any abnormal or damaged leaves[10:15] #3 Check the soil and repot if necessary[11

When you grow an edible garden, you likely end up with a surplus of fresh produce at the peak of each growing season. Rather than letting those precious veggies and fruits go to waste, consider preserving them through time-tested techniques like canning and fermenting. These methods allow you to safely store your garden harvest so you can enjoy homemade jams, pickles, sauces, and more throughout the year! In this episode, you'll learn the basics of canning and fermenting from renowned homesteader, canning expert, and author Stephanie Thurow.In this episode, we learn:[06:06] How Stephanie got into canning and fermenting[07:42] What's the strategy behind the timing of canning? [09:53] Difference between canning and fermenting[11:53] Is fermentation a shelf-stable process like canning, or does it require refrigeration?[13:37] Why is it advised to consume a spoonful of fermented food each day, such as sauerkraut?[14:31] What is the storage setup for Stephanie's canned and fermented goods?[15:22] Mater

For most of us, the plants growing in our backyards and neighborhoods go overlooked. We mow them down or walk right over them without a second glance. But did you know many of these plants have been used medicinally for centuries? In this episode, we'll share fundamental tips from an expert forager, herbalist, and hiker, Heather Houskeeper. You'll learn basic plant identification skills, foraging best practices, and uses for several common medicinal "weeds."In this episode, we learn:[07:14] How Heather became a botanical hiker[09:30] Juliet’s Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine[13:14] What does sheep’s sorrel taste like?[18:54] What should you know when trying to make foraging your new hobby?[16:11] How does Heather's approach to foraging align with the concept of homesteading?[20:04] Where can you find the best chimes for your lawn and garden?[22:15] Why is plant identification key, especially specific to region, important?[25:35] Why is a magnifying loop helpful in the process of identify

As houseplant parents, most of us will inevitably encounter some type of pest infestation at some point. Seemingly overnight, our beautiful, thriving plants can become under attack by bugs we didn't even know existed! Pests can quickly damage and even kill our treasured plants if left unchecked. In Episode 2 of the Grow Better Series, my dear friend Leslie Halleck is back to teach us how to identify the most common houseplant pests and take action to get rid of them fast.In this episode, we learn:[02:07] Happy 200th episode, plant friends![07:29] Why experiencing plant infestations is common and not a sign of failure[10:16] How do your plants become infested with insects?[13:30] How fungal diseases and viruses spread through plants and insect vectors[16:58] How overwatering or misting can activate fungal spores brought in on new plants[17:14] What are the symptoms of a plant pest outbreak that we should regularly look for?[18:20] #1 Identifying fungus gnats[20:08] Where to find potting mixes, composts, an

I hope you LOVED this weeks episode on How to Grow Garlic with Jill Winger!Jill was an amazing and has an incredible podcast of her own all about homesteading and slow living called Old Fashioned On PurposeI wanted to introduce you to in, incase you dream of a homestead or slower way of living.Type in "Old Fashioned On Purpose" into the podcast player search bar and go subscribe or click this link!https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/old-fashioned-on-purpose-podcastOur Sponsors:* Check out Manukora: https://manukora.com/BLOOM* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/BLOOMAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Garlic is a staple in so many savory dishes, but if you've only ever cooked with the sad grocery store bulbs, it's time to see garlic's true potential by growing your own. The depth of flavor and variety that homegrown garlic offers blows store-bought out of the water. Lucky for us, plant friends, growing our own garlic at home is so easy! In this episode, homesteader extraordinaire Jill Winger walks us through how to grow garlic step-by-step, select varieties, grow, harvest, and store your own garlic for a steady supply of flavorful garlic all year long.In this episode, we learn:[03:09] Garden Society shoutout[05:17] What led Jill to embrace homesteading?[07:01] Check out Jill’s blog and podcast![09:29] How Jill's garden has evolved over the years[11:23] Jill’s early years of homesteading and its long-term evolution[13:18] Why homesteading involves continuous trial and error[13:54] How long has Jill been growing garlic?[14:59] Homegrown vs. store-bought garlic[15:57] How to select the right g

Soltech has achieved remarkable success in recent years, growing from a small startup to a million-dollar business. For long-time listeners, you probably bought their grow lights already using my coupon code Bloom15, and I’m sure you love them as much as I do! And for those who haven’t, join me in this episode as we talk in-depth with Soltech’s founders and my dear plant friends—Chris, Mike, and Paul—about their remarkable journey, the challenges they overcame, and the strategies that propelled them to the pinnacle of success.In this episode, we learn:[06:13] Get to know the three people behind SolTech[09:33] What is it like to create a multi-million dollar plant brand?[11:28] Which came first, their friendship or the business?[12:19] What role did plants play in their college lives?[12:58] When did they realize the untapped potential and demand for high-quality grow lights[15:58] The tale of Soltech grow lights[19:17] Where can you find premium, handcrafted wind chimes that are perfect for gifting?[24:03] Di

Gardening has long been known for its therapeutic advantages and as a place of calm and peace in the middle of a hectic schedule. Garden therapy can relieve stress and enhance our mental and emotional health. In this episode, we'll look at 9 gardening practices that can help you develop a deeper connection with nature—and yourself.In this episode, we learn:[05:11] Therapeutic benefits of gardening during tough times[09:40] How gardening can help you with focus and monotasking[10:55] The connection between gardening and mindfulness[12:55] 9 therapeutic garden activities for a more joyful gardening experience[13:01] #1 Turn your garden visits into a self-care reflection moment[17:08] Where can you find the best tone fertilizers for your indoor and outdoor plants?[21:09] Engage your 5 senses![21:18] #2 Sight (being fully present in the beauty of nature)[22:53] #3 Smell (enjoy aromas and incorporate them into daily routines)[24:56] #4 Sound (especially bird songs!)[26:54] #5 Touch (trace leaf outlines and fee

Do your plants get enough water and light? These questions are typically asked, and the answer is often "It depends." But this answer is more meaningful than you might think, which will be explained in today's episode of our new series, "Grow Better," featuring Leslie Halleck. As a certified horticulturist with extensive experience in plant care, Leslie is here to share her insights on the subject of overwatering and underwatering, offer valuable insights into the optimal light requirements for plants, and explore the common challenges plants encounter.In this episode, we learn:[07:04] Who is Leslie Halleck and what is her background in plant care?[08:24] How has social media impacted plant parenthood and gardening? (aka green guilt)[10:32] Why losing plants is normal even for horticulturalists[12:06] Why do plants need time to adapt when moving from a greenhouse to our homes?[16:51] How are watering and light related in plant care?[20:39] Where can you find stylish grow lights with full s

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a homesteader? A growing number of people are turning to self-sufficiency and sustainability in their way of living. However, homesteading can seem intimidating, especially when social media portrays it as an exclusive lifestyle requiring acres of land and living off the grid. The good news is that it doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing lifestyle! In this episode, learn how Stephanie Thurow and Michelle Bruhn, co-authors of the book Small Scale Homesteading and absolute BFFs, are making homesteading accessible to everyone—no matter how much land you have. They share their experiences with gardening, chicken keeping, maple sugaring, and more, all while living on less than an acre in the suburbs of Minneapolis.In this episode, we learn:[06:43] Stephanie & Michelle’s homesteading journey[13:08] The challenges of gardening in different regions (know your last frost date)[16:24] How Stephanie & Michelle’s friendship and shared interests led to their book “Sm

Flowers have totally mesmerized people for ages with their awesome colors, shapes, and smells. We're totally obsessed with them, and they've been a huge part of our cultures, traditions, and personal bonds for as long as we can remember. In this episode, we're going to talk about the history of flowers with a celebrated garden writer, Noel Kingsbury. We'll explore the history and meanings behind flowers, how they've evolved alongside pollinators, and the special relationships we have with these amazing plants.In this episode, we learn:[05:22] When did Noel’s passion for plants and flowers start?[07:41] Noel shares his earliest plant memory[08:47] The inspiration behind Noel's book “The Story of Flowers”?[11:19] What is cultivation and how has it changed throughout the centuries?[12:43] Similarities and differences observed in the various human civilizations[15:37] Difference between high and low culture in plant profiles[16:32] Why is dahlia considered a low-brow flower in old British

Gardening is already a popular hobby, but the pandemic has revived an interest in growing plants. Many of us plant parents turned to gardening to keep busy, improve our mental health, and even grow food as we were forced to spend more time at home. Similar to this occurrence is the Victory Gardens of the past. In this episode, Maggie Stuckey joins us to review the history of Victory Gardens and their surprising role in society throughout the last hundred years. We also explore why people are so drawn to plants in tough times!In this episode, we learn:[00:00] War Gardens, Victory Gardens, or Pandemic Gardens[05:30] Maggie shares an excerpt from her book about gardening as a manifestation of hope[08:07] Growing up in rural South Carolina where farming and vegetable gardens were prominent[10:46] How Maggie’s book on container gardening became a go-to gardening resource, challenging the belief that vegetables couldn't be grown in containers[13:46] Drawing parallels between the current gardening movement and p

How do you handle burnout? We have all asked that question at some point because modern society has a lot of demands, and it's become too easy to feel overwhelmed. But what if there was a free and accessible tool that could help you turn towards yourself again, away from overstimulation and crazy schedules? In this episode, I will share with you my own experience with deep depression and severe burnout, and how I found healing through making major life shifts centered around spending more time in and with nature.In this episode, we learn:[00:24] Maria shares her experience with depression and severe burnout over the past three years[01:54] Plants are a great way to reconnect with a part of ourselves that modern society ignores[10:24] How is burnout defined?[12:27] How do you recover from burnout?[13:25] What is Attention Restoration Theory?[14:23] First type of attention: Directed Attention[14:37] Second type of attention: Involuntary Attention (aka fascination)[16:10] Involuntary attention practices to h

Do you want to learn how to grow mushrooms at home? In the third episode of our Mushroom Mini-series, Billy and I share how you can enjoy the process of growing mushrooms indoors. Our relationship as co-hosts, and more importantly, as life partners, has made this journey more delightful. We enjoy our time together as self-proclaimed “mushroom farmers,” learning and growing together. In this episode, we are grateful to welcome back Louis from North Spore who shares his mushroom expertise and beginner-friendly tips!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 ch