Fostering Blooms

Welcome to Fostering Blooms—the podcast where two gardening-obsessed friends, Shannon Foster-Boline and Caitlyn Blum, dig into the joys (and challenges!) of growing a beautiful life from the ground up.

In this episode, we're welcoming April with open arms and muddy hands as we break down everything you need to do in your garden this month to keep things blooming, productive, and on track.

From indoor sowing of warm-season crops like tomatoes, zinnias, and peppers, to direct sowing essentials like carrots, okra, and sunflowers, we're covering all the what-to-plant-now details. We also dive into potting on, hardening off seedlings, and planting out perennials, trees, roses, and berries—all the big moves that happen when your mail-order garden dreams show up on your doorstep.

We'll also chat through our tips for setting up drip irrigation, why mulching and composting in April is a game changer, and how we're staying on top of weeds before they take hold.

Whether you're in full expansion mode like Shannon and Caitlyn, or managing a more modest garden space, this episode offers real-time encouragement, practical ideas, and plenty of laughs to help you make the most of April in your garden.

🌱 Topics we cover:

• What to sow indoors vs. outdoors in April

• Succession planting strategies for cucumbers, carrots, and more

• Potting on tips + when to move seedlings out

• Best practices for drip irrigation & water-saving

• Mulching & composting for weed control and soil health

• What to plant now: fruit trees, roses, perennials, shrubs

• How to avoid feeling overwhelmed in a busy garden month

If you're gardening in Zone 7B (or similar climates), this episode will help you stay one step ahead—and give you the motivation to just keep growing.

Let's go get dirty. Let's go grow, baby! 🌼

Companies mentioned in episode: Green Heron Compost Drip Depot Irrigation 🎧 Love what you hear? Follow Fostering Blooms on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen. Rate & review to help other garden lovers find us, and don't forget to share with a friend who's growing something beautiful this spring. 🌸 Follow us on Instagram @fosteringblooms for behind-the-scenes videos, garden inspiration, and more!

Think all plants are lovable? Think again. In this spicy episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon and Caitlyn share their most hated plants—the ones they've ripped out, sworn off, or watched take over their gardens like villains in a garden drama.

💔 From Nandina to Monkey Grass to the ever-tricky Black-Eyed Susan Vine, they spill the dirt on which plants just aren't worth the trouble—and offer better alternatives you can grow instead.

🎙️ In this episode you'll learn:

• Which popular plants are secretly garden nightmares 😬

• Why some "low maintenance" plants actually cause more problems

• What to plant instead (yes, they have suggestions!)

• Personal stories of invasive chaos and hard-earned lessons

🚫 Want to save yourself from garden regret? This is the episode you didn't know you needed.

✨ Follow, review, and send us your most-hated plant picks—we might feature them in a future episode!

Soil is the foundation of every thriving garden, but what if we told you it could also be the key to effortless, abundant growth? In this episode of Fostering Blooms, we sit down with the legendary Anne Briggs, also known as Anne of All Trades, to talk about all things lazy gardening, soil health, and sustainable homesteading.

Anne shares her science-backed, no-fuss approach to gardening, revealing how anyone—whether on acres of farmland or a tiny apartment balcony—can create a thriving ecosystem that works for you, not against you. She walks us through the biggest mistakes new gardeners make, debunks common soil myths, and shares her game-changing composting secrets (including how to make rich, fertile soil in just 18 days!).

But that's not all—we also dive into:

✅ Why soil is the real secret to a low-maintenance garden ✅ How to mimic nature for an effortless growing system ✅ The truth about crop rotation & why you might not need it ✅ Why "waiting for the perfect homestead" is a mistake—start where you are! ✅ How Anne turned hard-packed Tennessee clay into fertile, thriving soil

And of course, there's plenty of laughs, tangents, and even some unexpected goat sounds along the way. Whether you're a first-time gardener or a seasoned grower looking to do more with less, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss!

🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen!

Welcome back to Fostering Blooms, the podcast where we dig deep into gardening and all the ways it can enrich your home and life. In this episode, Shannon is flying solo to share the unsung heroes of a well-designed garden—catmint and hardy geraniums. These powerhouse plants may not always steal the show, but they are the quiet backbone of stunning, effortless garden design. 🌸

From creating lush, romantic borders to attracting pollinators and thriving on almost zero maintenance (hello, lazy gardener dream plants!), these perennials deserve a spot in your garden. Shannon shares:

🌿 How she planted 50+ catmint plants to create a breathtaking garden moment 🌿 Why catmint and hardy geraniums are must-haves for structure, movement, and long-lasting color 🌿 The Hampton Hack pruning trick that guarantees a second flush of blooms 🌿 The best varieties to plant (including her new UK-inspired obsession) 🌿 How to pair these garden staples with other perennials for an effortlessly layered look

If you want plants that do the hard work for you while looking gorgeous from spring through fall, this episode is for you.

✨ Connect with us: 🌿 Follow along on Instagram @FosteringBlooms for behind-the-scenes garden updates. 📩 Got a question? Email us at [email protected]—we'd love to hear from you!

Love the show? Leave us a review—it helps fellow garden lovers find us!

Until next time… let's go grow, baby! 🌱🎙

Soil Blocking 101: The Secret to Stronger, Healthier Seedlings! 🌱

In this episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon Foster-Boline & Caitlyn Blum dive into soil blocking—a game-changing method for starting seeds without plastic trays! 🌍✨

💡 What You'll Learn: ✔️ The benefits of soil blocking (stronger roots, less transplant shock!) ✔️ The exact soil mix recipe for perfect blocks ✔️ The best tools for beginners (& where to get them!) ✔️ Seeding, watering, & maintenance hacks to get the best germination rates ✔️ Common mistakes & how to avoid them

Whether you're a first-time seed starter or a seasoned gardener, this episode will help you grow stronger seedlings with less waste and more success! 🌸

📢 Resources & Tools Mentioned: 🛒 Soil Blocker → Swift Blocker 🛒 Cocoa Coir → Coco Coir Blocks 🛒 Widger → Johnnys Seeds Widger

💬 Got gardening questions? We love hearing from you! Email us at [email protected] or DM us on Instagram @FosteringBlooms

⭐ Love this episode? Don't forget to follow & leave a review to help us grow!

March is here, and so is your official garden prep checklist! 🌱 In this episode, Shannon and Caitlyn are marching (literally) into spring with a jam-packed to-do list to get your garden thriving. From chitting potatoes (aka prepping them to sprout) to sowing tomatoes, peppers, and flowers, they're covering everything you need to do right now to stay ahead of the season.

But they're not stopping there — they're also sharing smart bed prep strategies (hello, cardboard hoarding) and talking about their own garden experiments so you can learn what works (and what flops) without doing all the trial and error yourself. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gardener, this episode is full of practical tips, a lot of laughs, and the friendly encouragement you need to make March your most productive garden month yet.

Plus, get a sneak peek of their upcoming guest, Anne of All Trades (@anneofalltrades), and the game-changing composting method they're testing this month. If you're ready to kick winter to the curb and get growing, this episode is for you.

Highlights: 🌱 The truth about chitting potatoes (and why you're probably already doing it). 🌱 What you can sow and transplant this month (spoiler: a lot). 🌱 Clever bed prep hacks (your Amazon boxes finally have a purpose). 🌱 Why direct sowing is about to become your new favorite task. 🌱 Our favorite pepper varieties (and why bell peppers are kinda boring). 🌱 Hardening off 101 (because your baby plants deserve a soft launch into the real world). 🌱 Garden experiments we're running — so you don't have to.

Let's go grow, baby! 🌸

Must-Have Gardening Tools: Game Changers for Every Gardener!

In this episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon Foster-Boline & Caitlyn Blum break down the absolute best gardening tools that will make your garden life easier, faster, and more enjoyable.

We cover everything from the historical Sussex trug 🏡 to the life-changing Japanese sickle, plus essential tools for weeding, planting, pruning, and seed-starting.

🌱 What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ The one tool every gardener wishes they had known about sooner ✔️ Why the Hori Hori knife is like a samurai sword for gardening 🗡️ ✔️ The best weeding tools to save your back & time ⏳ ✔️ How to use a stirrup hoe like a pro ✔️ Why a high-quality watering can is worth the investment

📌 Time Stamps: 00:00 - Welcome to Fostering Blooms! 00:09 - Introduction: Gardening Tools That Matter 02:12 - Show and Tell: Our Favorite Gardening Tools 04:29 - The Life-Changing Japanese Sickle 06:54 - The Stirrup Hoe: Weed Like a Pro 09:08 - The Widger: The Secret Seed-Starting Tool 10:43 - The Hori Hori: Your All-Purpose Garden Knife 12:36 - Watering Cans, Tarps & Other Hidden Essentials 16:21 - Final Thoughts & Our #1 Tool Picks

📢 Resources & Products Mentioned: 🛒 Shop Our Favorite Gardening Tools:

• Widger
• Stirrup Hoe
• Hori Hori Knife
• Japanese Sickle
• Sussex Trug
• Felco Pruners
• Haws Watering Cans
• Snips
• Tarps

👉 Love this episode? Don't forget to subscribe & leave a review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 📺 Watch the video version on YouTube: Fostering Blooms Channel

In this solo episode of Fostering Blooms, Caitlyn takes you deep into the world of dahlias—one of the most breathtaking flowers you can grow.

From choosing the right varieties to planting, watering, and maintaining a thriving dahlia garden, she shares essential tips and personal insights to help you succeed.

🌿 Learn about: ✅ The best conditions for healthy, vibrant dahlias ✅ Common mistakes to avoid when planting & caring for tubers ✅ The top dahlia varieties Caitlyn is excited to grow ✅ How to deal with pests & diseases naturally ✅ Creative ways to expand your garden space

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gardener, this episode is packed with expert advice and inspiration to help you grow stunning dahlias from tuber to bloom.

🎧 Tune in now and let's go grow, baby!

00:00 – Welcome to Fostering Blooms! 00:22 – Caitlyn's Dahlia Journey: How It All Started 01:12 – Transforming a Vineyard into a Dahlia Garden 03:08 – Must-Know Tips for Growing Dahlias 07:26 – Dahlia Varieties & Their Unique Charms 10:53 – How to Keep Your Dahlias Blooming All Season 14:59 – Dealing with Common Pests & Diseases 16:07 – Final Thoughts & Must-Have Dahlia Resources Cafe Au Lait Dahlia Night Silence Breakout Dahlia Arber Organics Hortonova Netting

In this episode of Fostering Blooms, hosts Shannon Foster-Boline and Caitlyn Blum dive into their first listener Q&A! They respond to a question from Lexi in Knoxville, who seeks advice on enhancing the curb appeal of her northwest-facing, partially shaded front yard. Both Shannon and Caitlyn create unique 'landscape recipes' tailored to Zone 7B, incorporating a range of plants that thrive in partial sun and shade. From hydrangeas and hellebores to hostas and foxgloves, they provide detailed suggestions to help Lexi design a stunning and resilient garden. Tune in for an engaging and informative session on garden planning and design! 00:00 Welcome to Fostering Blooms! 00:25 Listener Q&A: Lexi's Curb Appeal Challenge 01:17 Shannon's Landscape Recipe for Lexi 11:40 Caitlyn's Landscape Recipe for Lexi 16:05 Final Thoughts and Follow-Up 16:37 Stay Connected with Fostering Blooms

* Hellebores (Helleborus spp.)Wedding Party® Series: This series offers a range of colors, including speckled pinks and deep purples

* Daffodils (Narcissus spp.) Available in various colors such as yellow, peach, and white.

* Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)

• 'BloomStruck' (Endless Summer® Series): Known for vivid rose-pink or purple blooms, depending on soil pH.

• 'Blushing Bride' (Endless Summer® Series): Features pure white blooms that mature to blush pink or blue.

* Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata)

• 'Little Lime': A compact hydrangea with lime green blooms that age to a rich pink.

* Hostas (Hosta spp.)

• 'Blue Perfection': Known for its large, blue-gray leaves.

• 'Waterslide': Features ruffled, wavy blue leaves with a waxy coating.

• 'Mouse Madness': A miniature hosta with variegated leaves.

* Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum')

• Features arching stems with variegated leaves and small white bell-shaped flowers.

* Celandine Poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum)

• A woodland plant with bright yellow poppy-like flowers.

* Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

• 'Sutton's Apricot': Known for its soft apricot-colored blooms.

* Yew (Taxus spp.)

• 'Hicksii' (Hick's Yew): A columnar evergreen shrub suitable for hedges.

* Boxwood (Buxus spp.)

• 'Green Velvet': A compact boxwood with a rounded form.

* Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)

• Known for its oak-shaped leaves and white to pinkish blooms.

* Sky Pencil Holly (Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil')

• A narrow, columnar holly ideal for vertical accents.

* Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)

• Features heart-shaped pink or white flowers that dangle from arching stems.

* Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)

• 'Ruby Port': A deep wine-colored variety.

* Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla)

• 'Bright Lights': Features vibrant, multicolored stems.

* Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium)

In this episode, Shannon Foster-Boline and Caitlyn Blum hosts of Fostering Blooms, discuss their comprehensive February gardening to-do list, ensuring you're garden ready with them. They emphasize the importance of ordering seed potatoes from a trusted supplier like Wood Prairie Farm, and introduce the concept of 'chitting'.

The conversation includes tips on sowing a variety of vegetables both indoors and directly into the garden, with insights on soil preparation, composting, and the benefits of using family-run businesses for quality, organic seeds.

Caitlyn & Shannon also share personal experiments with succession planting and soil amendments, ending with a lighthearted discussion on composting with 'pluffy' manure.

00:00 Introduction and February To-Do List

00:10 Getting Garden Ready: Seed Potatoes

05:13 Sowing Seeds Indoors

08:02 Direct Sowing in the Garden

11:52 Transplanting and Hardening Off Seedlings

15:41 Composting and Weeding

18:37 Conclusion and Final Tips