Growing your own plants from seeds is one of the most gratifying experiences in the garden. Watching a tiny seed become a full-grown plant just gives you the most amazing feeling as a plant parent. However, seed starting is a whole different science and practice on its own and requires special soil, different care, grow lights and water monitoring, and interesting practices to make sure that your seeds actually sprout: seed scarification is one of those practices that may seem intimidating, but takes your seed starting game into a whole different level. Leslie Halleck, my plant friend and Bloom and Grow Garden Society's resident horticulturist, gives us the know-how behind seed scarification in this Knowledge Nugget!Join the Bloom and Grow Garden Society!The Bloom and Grow Garden Society is your one-stop shop for plant parenthood growth. When you join, you'll gain full access to the Garden Party Community Platform and App PLUS monthly plant care lectures with Horticulturist in Residence Leslie Halleck, monthly office hours with Leslie to troubleshoot your personal plant care issues and monthly Growing Joy Calls with Maria to develop our community of Society Members and explore the plant/person connection. Click here to join us!Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast,so you don't miss the amazing episodes we have coming up!In this episode we learn:[01:29] How to access Leslie Halleck’s planty lectures[02:59] What is seed scarification for?[04:16] Different ways to scarify a seed[04:32] Mistakes to avoid when doing seed scarification[07:05] Your open invitation to the Garden Society!Follow Maria and Bloom and Grow Radio: PRE-ORDER LINK: 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! Take the Bloom and Grow 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 and Facebook: @BloomandGrowRadio Tiktok: @bloomandgrowradio Subscribe to the Bloom and Grow Youtube Show! /Bloomandgrowradio Website: www.bloomandgrowradio.com Join the (free) Garden Club: www.bloomandgrowradio.com/garden-club

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What is Seed Scarification? // Knowledge Nugget #3

Looking for free, natural ways to decrease stress and increase joy and calm in your life? The answer might be simpler than you think: houseplants, gardening and nature. On the Growing Joy with Plants Podcast, learn alongside Happy Plant Lady, Maria Failla to care for plants, engage with nature, and use them to manage your overwhelm, anxiety and experience happiness and calm you thought was only available on vacation. Plant care is self care. Come grow some joy with us. Follow along on socials @growingjoywithmaria

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Have you ever felt a sense of worry, fear, or anger when you think about climate change and the state of our planet? If so, you may be experiencing what's called "eco-anxiety." As plant lovers who are so connected to nature through our gardens and houseplants, it makes total sense that eco-anxiety could affect us. We care deeply about the Earth because we are part of it. So, let us spend some time with my dearest friend and resident green witch, Rachael Cohen, to better understand this concept. 
In this episode, we learn:[03:33] What is eco-anxiety?[07:14] Rachael’s personal story of identifying/managing eco-anxiety[09:45] Coping with eco-anxiety[11:21] How perspective affects happiness[12:16] What is the environmental impact of our actions, and how does it relate to our well-being?[15:21] Fill your homes with the most ethereal sounds with the new Wind River Eclipse Collection (use code GROWINGJOY)[17:26] Discover gardening tips, kitchen tricks, and family activities to reduce waste and save money with ‘Simple Country Living’ by Annette Thurmon[18:39] What is Rachael's book, Self-Care for Eco-Anxiety, all about?[20:01] Is corporate responsibility being misdirected, with consumers unfairly blamed?[22:30] How to shift from fight/flight to parasympathetic rest and digest mode[24:18] Somatic practices to release severe negative feelings associated with eco-anxiety[29:01] Finding neutrality and managing anxiety[30:10] What is the concept of “the mother tree” in Rachael’s book?[32:25] What is the mycelium network?[36:42] What are some ways we can give back to Mother Nature?[41:37] Rachael’s favorite strategy for bringing oneself back from an eco-anxiety spiral[43:23] How is the book constructed?[46:55] Where can you get the book?
Mentioned in our conversation:Finding the Mother Tree: Discovering the Wisdom of the Forest, book by Suzanne SimardThe Overstory: A Novel, book by Richard PowersGrowing Joy Ep 229: Why You Should Care About the Spring EquinoxSelf-care for Eco-Anxiety: 52 Weekly Practices for Positive, Personal Change Through the Power of Nature, book by Rachael CohenGrowing Joy Ep 223: Cultivating Intuition with Nature with Rachael of Our Infinite NatureGrowing Joy Episode 209: Plant Magic: How to Be a Green Witch with Rachael from Infinite Succulent
For a list of simple ways that you can give back to Mother Nature,check out the full show notes and blogs here! 
 Follow Rachael: Website Instagram TikTok Facebook YouTube 
Thank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River ChimesVisit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on all engraveable wind chimes.Quarto: Simple Country Living by Annette ThurmonGrab Simple Country Living: Techniques, Recipes, and Wisdom for the Garden, Kitchen, and Beyond by Annette Thurmon at your favorite local bookstore, bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble or amazon.com. 
 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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Eco Anxiety

You may have heard that compost is the key to a healthy garden, and feeding the soil is more important than feeding your plants. And if you don't garden, you've probably heard about composting as an eco-friendly way to live more sustainably and support the planet. That is why I dedicate an entire episode explaining what composting is and how it works. My guest, Michelle Balz, is a true composting guru who has written, not one, but two incredible books solely focused on this amazing soil amendment. By the end of our conversation, you'll understand exactly what compost is made of, how it benefits your garden's soil, why it's so great for the environment, and best of all—how to successfully compost both indoors and out. 
In this episode, we learn:[06:49] What has Michelle’s journey been in composting?[09:24] How many different composting systems does Michelle have in her home?[10:20] Compost vs soil vs potting mix[12:02] What makes compost so special?[13:53] How does composting benefit the environment, ourselves, and our gardens?[14:31] Carbon sequestration[15:40] Discover the secrets to attracting birds to your garden with 'Bird Friendly Gardening'![17:44] Skip the hassle of making your own compost with this organic Compost Blend![20:51] How does composting impact gardeners?[26:42] How does compost help support the mycorrhizae?[27:20] What can and cannot be composted?[29:52] Is the composting ratio important?[32:18] What do we need to know about anaerobic/aerobic composting?[34:17] Indoor composting[35:07] How does vermicomposting work?[36:55] How can compost be extracted without worms?[40:30] Bokashi composting[42:57] Terracotta pot composting[45:22] What are the best composting options for outdoor gardeners? (bin and in-garden systems)[49:27] How do you know when the compost is finished/ready?[50:13] What is the life cycle of composting, how long until the first batch, and how can you nurture it effectively?[01:01:23] What is Hügelkultur?[01:02:45] What is an African keyhole garden?[01:05:14] Where can you find Michelle's books and social media?
Mentioned in our conversation:Lomi tabletop composterNo-Waste Composting: Small-Space Waste Recycling, Indoors and Out. Plus, 10 projects to repurpose household items into compost-making machines (No-Waste Gardening), book by Michelle BalzComposting for a New Generation: Latest Techniques for the Bin and Beyond, book by Michelle Balz
For Michelle's recommended composting methods,check out the full show notes and blog here! 
 Follow Michelle: LinkedIn Instagram X Amazon 
Thank you to our episode sponsors:Quarto: Bird-Friendly Gardening by Jen McGuinnessGrab the book at your favorite local bookstore, bookshop.org, Barnes & Noble or amazon.com.Espoma OrganicVisit 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-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: manukora.com/BLOOM
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Composting Basics

If you're a houseplant lover like me, chances are you already have a philodendron or two in your collection. These awesome tropical plants are some of the most popular and beloved houseplants for good reason—they come in tons of different shapes, colors and sizes, and they're relatively easy to care for too! In this episode, I'm going to give you the full rundown of everything you need to know about growing these amazing plants at home. We'll cover the basics of their natural habitat and key care requirements, and I'll introduce you to some of my current favorite philodendron varieties. 
In this episode, we learn:[03:50] Philodendron high-level overview[09:38] Care #1: Light[13:43] Care #2: Water[15:38] Care #3: Soil[16:05] Care #4: Humidity[17:08] Care #5: Fertilizer [17:39] Troubleshooting philodendron issues[19:10] Thank you Proven Winners leafjoy™ for sponsoring this episode![21:01] Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)[22:21] Philodendron 'Brasil'[22:37] Philodendron 'Lemon Lime' (as seen on my podcast art!)[24:13] Prismacolor™ Brandtianum[25:16] Philodendron atabapoense[26:05] Philodendron 'Silver Sword' (Philodendron hastatum)[27:11] Prismacolor™ Philodendron Fozzie™[28:38] Philodendron 'White Wizard' (Philodendron erubescens)[30:18] 'Prince of Orange' Philodendron[32:08] Prismacolor™ Sun Red Philodendron[32:33] Philodendron 'Pink Princess'
Mentioned in our conversation:Prismacolor™ Sun Red - Philodendron hybridPrismacolor™ Atabapoense - Philodendron hybridPrismacolor™ Brandtianum - Philodendron hybridPrismacolor™ Florida Green - Climbing PhilodendronPrismacolor™ Fozzie - Fuzzy Petiole PhilodendronPrismacolor™ Gloriosum - Creeping PhilodendronPrismacolor™ Hastatum - Silver Sword PhilodendronPrismacolor™ Pink Princess - Philodendron hybridPrismacolor™ Rojo Congo - Philodendron hybridPrismacolor™ Sun Red - Philodendron hybridPrismacolor™ White Wizard - Philodendron hybridPrismacolor™ Lemon Lime - Philodendron hybrid
For a list of my current Philodendron favorites,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: manukora.com/BLOOM
* Check out undefined and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: undefined
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Everything You Need to Know About Philodendron

If you interact with the houseplant community online at all, you've definitely felt the impact of The Sill on our plant niche. I honestly can't believe that it took me a whopping 230 episodes to finally have Eliza Blank, founder of The Sill, grace the Growing Joy with Plants podcast! Her female founder story of recognizing a need for a houseplant brand and building it into a million-dollar company would make you feel empowered, as it did me. In case you didn’t know, The Sill was one of the OG plant brands that helped start the houseplant craze before the pandemic. And when I first started my podcast, they were also the first to reach out and show their support! So I want to take this opportunity to show you the story behind the success of The Sill live on stage at the Northwest Flower and Garden Festival in Seattle. 
In this episode, we learn:[00:30] The Sill and its impact on the houseplant community[05:23] How did Eliza get into houseplants?[07:28] How exciting/challenging is it to launch a houseplant brand early on?[11:20] How did The Sill come about?[13:13] How Eliza built a multimillion-dollar brand[14:25] Why “fake it till you make it” mindset works WONDERS![15:47] Create the perfect Danish hygge atmosphere with Wind River Chimes[18:57] What was the struggle for The Sill during COVID? [20:34] Navigating challenges in the plant industry[22:23] What’s the process of sourcing and acquiring plants?[24:14] What’s Eliza’s definition of success (and has it changed over the years?)[25:10] What it feels like being a woman in a male-dominated industry[26:56] Trends and customer preferences in 2024[29:01] What’s next for The Sill? [30:01] Eliza’s personal life and hobbies beyond plants[32:30] Eliza’s favorite client story!
Mentioned in our conversation:Northwest Flower and Garden FestivalTropical Plant International Expo (TPIE)Growing Joy Ep 18: Prepping Your Houseplant For Spring and the Science Behind Fertilizer With Chris Satch from The SillGrowing Joy Ep 30 Orchid 101 with Chris from The SillGrowing Joy Ep 38: Transitioning Your Plants Back Indoors for Winter with Chris from The Sill
For a deeper dive into The Sill's story,check out the full show notes and blog here! 
Thank you to our episode sponsor: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. 
 Follow Eliza: Website Facebook Instagram X YouTube LinkedIn 
 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: manukora.com/BLOOM
* Check out undefined and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: undefined
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How She Grew The Sill: Plantrepreneur Eliza Blank

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 your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront. 
 Follow Kim: Website Instagram X Kim Stoddart | The Guardian The Climate Change Garden 
 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: manukora.com/BLOOM
* Check out undefined and use my code BLOOM for a great deal: undefined
* Check out undefined and use my code TODAY for a great deal: undefined


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

What is Seed Scarification? // Knowledge Nugget #3

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