Bloom And Grow Radio

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-podcastAdvertising 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

Introducing the Bad Seeds Podcast, by our dear friend, Summer Rayne Oakes!Bad Seeds is a new podcast from School of Humans and iHeart Podcasts that investigates a growing area of crime that you might have never heard of: plant crime. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, plant crime has been on the rise. From timber poaching in Zambia to cactus smuggling in the US' national parks, Bad Seeds explores a variety of cases where people have stolen plants - having huge repercussions on our environment and in turn...us.  All of Bad Seeds' episodes are out now. You can listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Head over to subscribe and binge! iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-bad-seeds-112229352/Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bad-seeds/id1680791653Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1MsbtuahueZqPiGa5SA9YnAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Succulents are beautiful, low-maintenance plants that are perfect for us busy plant parents. They're also total badasses. However, they can be quite tricky to care for if you don't know what you're doing. In this episode, I have invited my “succy” friend Andrea from Justsuccit.com to shed some light on the facts and fiction surrounding succulent care!In this episode, we learn:[00:17] Why succulents can mislead and frustrate people[07:34] How did Andrea become the expert succulent plant lady she is[08:48] Fascinating geometry of echeveria and other rosette-type succulents[11:25] How Andrea’s multifaceted business operates[12:13] Carefully tending to succulents is important due to their specific care needs[14:09] 3 reasons why you’re killing your succulents[14:51] Where can you find a fast-draining potting mix for succulents, cacti, and citrus plants?[17:01] Where can you pre-order garlic to grow your own bulbs and scapes?[19:26] Why you should try succulents[19:59] Are lithops considered succulents

Have you ever thought about the healing power of plants beyond just their aesthetic appeal? As plant parents, we know how much fun it is to take care of our plants, but did you know that therapeutic horticulture is a practice being used in hospitals, retirement homes, and even correctional facilities? Today, we're exploring the concept of therapeutic horticulture with the guidance of expert teacher Hilda Krus, who has been a horticultural therapist for over two decades, working with inmates at Rikers Island, New York's largest jail. Let’s dive in!In this episode, we learn:[08:16] How Hilda Krus became a therapeutic horticulture expert[17:06] What is AHDA?[21:07] Is horticultural therapy the same as therapeutic horticulture?[24:34] Need a plant-based meal delivery system that eases bloat and boosts energy?[27:41] How creating a comfortable and easy space in a garden requires intentional work[31:53] What lessons did Hilda learn after working at Rikers Island for 20 years?[42:15] How can horticultural th

Did you know that plants can also be friends? If you’ve followed me on Instagram this year, you will know about the love affair I am having at The Lodge at Woodloch, a luxury resort and spa, about an hour from where I live. A very interesting aspect of the Lodge at Woodloch is the Blackmore Farm, their regenerative organic farm that grew 9500 lbs of produce for the Lodge’s Restaurant last year! And it is run by only two guys, Sam and Derrick, whom I’ve invited to share their passion for soil biology and sustainable gardening… and to spill all the beans (pun intended) on their companion planting secrets!In this episode, we learn:[08:09] How The Lodge at Woodloch’s farm developed over the years[12:20] What is the significance and meaning of companion planting?[13:10] The "fruit, root, leaf, aromatic herb, and flower" formula for companion planting[14:05] The relationship between plant taste and companion planting[14:46] Borage, Borage, Borage![16:46] Where can you get a huge selection of flowers, herbs,

Plant friends, we are changing things up. We're taking a detour from our typical long-form content to introduce a new format — mini-episodes — taken from our rich conversations. These episodes are meant to be your bite-sized lessons about how to use nature to bring joy into your life. And in this first episode, inspired by our recent interview on aromatic gardening, we’re going to talk about 5 practical steps to incorporate scent into our daily routines.In this episode, we learn:[00:26] What these mini-episodes are about[01:18] Why smell is important for memory and stress relief[02:39] #1 Going for a restorative post-rain walk[03:21] #2 Utilizing essential oils[03:59] Different ways to diffuse essential oils[04:43] Some essential oils and plants you can use![06:04] #3 Growing scented plants (if you’re not into oils)[08:06] #4 Interplanting aromatic plants with edible plants[08:39] #5 Making yourself a mini bouquetCheck out the 5 tips in detail,read the full show notes and blog here!Follow Maria and Growin

Do you love the smell of fresh flowers or the aroma that wafts through your home as you cook with herbs? Smell might not be the first thing we think of when it comes to gardening, but it's actually a super powerful way to bring joy to our gardens! In fact, our sense of smell has strong associations with our long-term memories and emotions. Today, we're chatting with my friend Amy Anthony, a certified clinical aromatherapist and aromatic gardener, who will share her expertise on how aromatic gardening can cultivate joy, calm, and memories through scent.In this episode, we learn:[05:08] How Amy's passion for plants led to her expertise in aromatherapy[06:46] How the process of obtaining an aromatherapy certification works[09:33] How scents can trigger memories through the olfactory system[14:28] Is the connection between the olfactory system and the brain due to the nose's proximity?[16:57] Where can you find high-quality potting mix and fertilizer for your garden?[19:06] Are you searching for p

Did you love this weeks episode with Kelly from Decorating Tips and Tricks on Interior Design Trends for your Garden? If so, listen to her trailer, and go check out the Decorating Tips and Tricks Podcast and subscribe!Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Interior design principles are not limited to our indoor spaces! For us plant parents, interior design and gardening may initially appear as separate domains, but there are numerous similarities between the two—so much so that the principles of one can be applied to the other. In this episode, we'll learn from Kelly Wilkniss of Decorating Tips and Tricks podcast as she shares nine valuable interior design tips that can be applied to transform your garden into a stunning, cohesive, and joyful space.In this episode, we learn:[04:50] How has Kelly’s gardening passion intersected with her interior design career?[07:16] What inspired Kelly to do an all-white garden[08:45] What is Kelly’s interior design style?[10:30] Kelly’s opinion on modernizing antiques[12:01] How did she transition from being a lawyer to an interior designer?[14:08] Where can you find stylish lights for upgrading indoor plant environments?[16:04] Where to find a personalized Mother's Day gift that includes handcrafted wind chimes[20:31