Episodes

  • Hoya Care for Beginners

    Hoya Care for Beginners
    Sep 10 2024
    There are so many different reasons to love hoyas, plant friends. They are gorgeous, drought-tolerant, and relatively easy to care for once you nail down a few key tips! Hoyas had a moment on social media in 2021 and 2022 due to their incredible diversity—Hoyas can look so different from each other, and if you’re a curious plant collector (see which one are you with my plant personality test), this is the perfect genus for you!In this ongoing mini-series, I’ll take you through how to care for hoyas indoors and I will also introduce you to my favorite Proven Winners varieties!In this episode, we learn:[01:27] Why is Hoya the perfect plant?[03:12] How Hoya became part of my wedding![03:49] Where can you find Hoyas?[04:43] Hoya care: lighting[06:01] Hoya care: watering[07:14] Hoya care: soil[08:05] Hoya care: humidity[08:31] Hoya care: potting[09:38] How to get your Hoya to bloom[12:18] How to trellis your Hoya[14:03] My favorite Proven Winners leafjoy™ Hoyas?Mentioned in our conversation:Espoma Organic Potting Soil MixEspoma Organic Orchid MixGrowing Joy Ep 226: How to Repot HouseplantsYouTube Video: How to Repot houseplantsGrow lightsEndless Cascades™ Green Light™ - Hoya carnosaEndless Cascades™ Shining Sea Star™ - Hoya carnosaEndless Cascades™ Fresh Rain™ - Hoya rangsanEndless Cascades ™ - QuinquenerviaEndless Cascades™ Shadow Falls™ - Hoya callistophyllaEndless Cascades™ Sarawak Cream - Hoya latifoliaFor my proven and tested tips on hoya care,check out the full show notes and blog here!Thank you to our episode sponsor:Proven WinnersTo care for hoyas successfully, 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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmariaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    23 mins
  • 5 Tips for Growing in Hot Climates

    5 Tips for Growing in Hot Climates
    Sep 3 2024
    Big news, plant friends. I've moved! After four wonderful years living in the Catskills my husband and I have packed up our lives–and my plants–and headed south to Florida. That’s from Zone 6B to Zone 10B! As a lifelong New Yorker, I've only ever known four distinct seasons. But now, I’m literally going to experience a whole new gardening action in a climate that feels almost tropical. And I'm feeling like a total beginner again. So, I called in the big guns—my friend Janey from Dig, Plant, Water, Repeat. She's a hot climate gardening expert, and she's got some amazing tips for us hot climate gardeners!In this episode, we learn:[00:00] I’ve moved to Florida![04:36] What should you do when changing garden zones?[05:04] Who is Janey Santos?[12:16] What are temperennials?[13:47] What is “true annual”?[15:49] Wind River Chimes[17:24] Espoma Organic[18:50] What are other examples of temperennials?[22:03] What are some gardening tips for hot climates?[24:39] Why drip irrigation could be useful[29:09] Why should you use mulch?[31:09] The best kind of mulch[32:02] Garden Supply Company[37:56] Why should you know your season?[40:20] What does Janey’s garden look like?[43:42] Connect with JaneyMentioned in our conversation:Best for the West - Janey Santos of Dig, Plant, Water, RepeatGrowing Joy Ep 176: Landscaping in the SouthwestGrowing Joy Ep 241: Small Space Cut Flower Gardening for BeginnersGrowing Joy Ep 06: Enjoy a Living, Potted Christmas Tree for the Holiday Season!Supertunia Vista® Bubblegum®LantanaCaladiumMonroviaYoutube video: 🌱 Surprising My Pregnant Sister with a Dream Raised Bed Garden!Cool Flowers: How to Grow and Enjoy Long-Blooming Hardy Annual Flowers Using Cool Weather TechniquesFor Janey's reliable hot climate gardening tips,check out the full show notes and blog here!Follow Janey:WebsitePodcastYouTubeInstagramFacebookTikTokThank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River ChimesVisit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.Espoma OrganicVisit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.Gardener's SupplyDiscover your garden favorites and exclusive innovations at gardeners.com and use code GROWINGJOY for free shipping.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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmariaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    48 mins
  • Pet Friendly Plants

    Pet Friendly Plants
    Aug 27 2024

    You've probably seen that funny meme going around that says "pets are the new children, and plants are the new pets." I couldn't agree more! We're all out here treating our plants like our babies and our pets like our kids. But what happens when these two loves collide—and your toxic plant harms your pet? In this episode, I share the different plants that are safe for our furry babies, how to keep pets away from toxic plants, and other things to keep in mind when caring for both plants and pets.


    In this episode, we learn:
    • [01:44] Things you need to know if you have pets and plants
    • [04:10] Which plants are the most toxic for pets?
    • [05:34] How do you keep your pets away from your plants?
    • [09:07] Make summer unforgettable with a personalized Wind Chime!
    • [10:42] Protect your pets and the planet with high-quality, organic plant products
    • [13:10] Which plants are pet-friendly?
    • [15:25] What other resources can help you?


    Mentioned in our conversation:
    • Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants by ASPCA
    • Pet Poison Helpline
    • Mosser Lee ML1121 River Rock Soil Cover
    • Grannick's Bitter Apple for Dogs Spray Bottle
    • GJ EP 123: How to Manage Deer, Squirrels, Chipmunks, Moles, Voles and Other Animals in Your Garden with Brie The Plant Lady


    Thank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River Chimes

    Visit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.

    Espoma Organic

    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-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



    Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    18 mins
  • Anthurium Care 101

    Anthurium Care 101
    Aug 20 2024
    Anthuriums have everything a plant parent could want. This genus has the most widely distributed, easily grown plants as well as some rare and expensive collectibles. Both its leaves and flowers are also indispensable. I especially love it because of its heart-shaped leaves and its gorgeous long, skinny stems. And I’ll tell you all about it and how to care for it in this episode of Proven Winners Mini Series.In this episode, we learn:[02:17] Why I love Anthuriums![02:55] Anthurium mental wellness note[03:56] High-level overview of the Anthurium genus![06:56] Care #1: Watering your anthurium[07:21] Care #2: Light requirements for anthurium[08:07] Care #3: Humidity needs for anthurium[09:18] How to troubleshoot your anthurium problems[12:27] Take my Plant Parent Personality test![12;46] Thank you, Proven Winners Leafjoy![14:04] What are the different Anthurium varieties?[20:49] Which Anthurium variety suits your plant personality?Mentioned in our conversation:Dome Glass ClocheGlass TerrariumGrow LightMini Watering Globe SetArching Amour™ Alexandrite is Right™ (Crystallinum)Arching Amour™ Heart's Desire™Arching Amour™ Tall Tale™ (Bird's Nest Anthurium)Arching Amour™ Follow Your Heart™ (Brownii)Growing Joy Episode 92: Begonias with Marc from NYBGThank you to our episode sponsor:Proven WinnersIf you want an indoor anthurium jungle, 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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmariaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    24 mins
  • The Business of Horticulture

    The Business of Horticulture
    Aug 13 2024
    How do you level up from being a casual plant lover to a true pro in the horticulture industry? What does it take to become one? There are plenty of things we don't get as hobbyists about the horticulture industry—so much more happening behind the scenes than we can imagine. Fortunately, Leslie Halleck, a favorite guest on the podcast and one of my best plant friends, is here to tell us about how the horticulture industry works and how you might become part of it! In this episode, we learn:[03:45] How to turn plant passion into a horticultural career[06:54] What is Leslie's background in horticulture?[14:46] Don't let shorter days dim your plant's shine with Soltech grow lights![17:01] Nourish your plants with Espoma’s premium organic products![18:42] Leslie’s career transitions[23:04] What other jobs are in the horticulture field?[24:52] How do plants get from farm to store?[29:23] What affects plant prices and availability?[34:58] What are the common mistakes aspiring plantrepreneurs make?[40:53] What are the educational pathways in horticulture?[48:49] Why is horticulture mostly family businesses?[51:48] Women's positions in a male-dominated horticultural sector[53:27] Leslie’s new horticulture business courses + coaching programs[01:00:37] Where can you find out more about Leslie?Mentioned in our conversation:Cultivate '24Tropical Plant International Expo (TPIE)COURSE: The Business of HorticultureCOURSE: The Business of Selling Plants'Tiny Plants' by Leslie HalleckProfessional Horticulture Program | Longwood GardensHorticulture Classes | New York Botanical GardenMaster Gardeners - American Horticultural Society For a deeper look into the processes behind the plant industry,check out the full show notes and blog here!Follow Leslie:WebsiteCoachingInstagramFacebookXPinterestYouTubeThank you to our episode sponsors:Soltech SolutionsCheck them out at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code "bloom15".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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmaria Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • How to Use Nature as a Spiritual and Wellness Tool with Jessica Zweig

    How to Use Nature as a Spiritual and Wellness Tool with Jessica Zweig
    Aug 6 2024
    How many times have you heard someone say "My garden is my therapy" or "Plant care is self-care”? These phrases have become so popular lately, and they're absolutely true! As someone who's written a whole book on this topic, I can tell you that being connected to nature gives us so many gifts: perspective, gratitude, love, and as we'll explore today, reverence and reciprocity. I have a deep-rooted connection with Gaia (or Mother Earth) that I’m gonna share with my equally deeply spiritual friend, Jessica Zweig, business coach and author of ‘The Light Work’. We both have spookily similar experiences moving out of congested cities into nature and seeing the shifts in our systems and lives that have happened. I hope you take something good from this ep!In this episode, we learn:[06:38] Jessica’s evolution of connecting with nature[10:41] Moving to the countryside[14:40] Unwind and relax with Wind River Chimes[16:15] Begin your homesteading life with Simple Country Living by Annette Thurman[17:22] How does nature help alleviate our worries?[20:36] What is the practice of reciprocity?[23:14] What is the frequency of Gaia?[26:28] What are the codes of Gaia?[30:21] Successfully grow anything with Gardener Supply Company[32:17] Meeting the Kichwa Anangu tribe[36:45] Where can you find Jessica’s book?[38:25] Where can you find Jessica on social media?Mentioned in our conversation:Birds of Tennessee Field Guide (Bird Identification Guides) by Stan TekielaMerlin Bird IDSimply Be by Jessica ZweigThe Light Work by Jessica ZweigComunidad Kichwa AñanguLion’s Gate Activation SummitFor Jessica's nature-based wellness practices,check out the full show notes and blog here!Follow Jessica:WebsitePodcastInstagramFacebookYouTubePinterestLinkedInThank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River ChimesVisit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen 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.Gardener's SupplyDiscover your garden favorites and exclusive innovations at gardeners.com and use code GROWINGJOY for free shipping.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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmariaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    42 mins
  • Garden to Table Recipes

    Garden to Table Recipes
    Jul 30 2024
    Are you running out of ideas on how to use the tomato and cucumber harvest from your garden? As summer goes on, many gardeners end up with a ton of produce they don't know what to do with. Those eight tomato plants that seemed like a good idea in spring are now producing more than you can eat! But my guest this episode has got you covered with some of her delicious and creative ways to use up your garden bounty. I had an amazing conversation with Julia from Lemon Stripes about her new cookbook "Garden Grown," and I'm excited to share some fantastic recipes and preservation techniques that will help you make the most of your tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs.In this episode, we learn:[05:51] Who is Julia and how did she start her gardening journey?[08:06] Julia’s small-scale homesteading project[11:15] What are her tomato recipes (tomato confit!)[15:24] Actionable garden solutions in any weather with Kim Stoddart's "The Climate Change Resilient Vegetable Garden"[16:52] How to preserve your harvest[19:12] How to make a tomato tart[21:58] What is cowboy caviar?[24:51] Fish with tomato recipe[28:17] Simple pickling recipes![30:30] Cucumber Basil Margarita Recipe![32:40] What is a hot and cold cucumber salad?[34:46] Marinated cucumbers (a snack homage)[39:03] Vegetarian rainbow rolls (with peanut sauce)[43:00] Herb salt and homemade teas![47:08] Exploring shrubs and simple syrups[50:55] Where can you find Julia and her book, Garden Grown?Mentioned in our conversation:Growing Joy Episode 195: Homesteading for Beginners with Michelle Bruhn and Stephanie ThurowRITUAL ZERO PROOF Tequila AlternativeGarden Grown by Julia DzaficAnel Dzafic (@botanicalbosnian)For Julia's easy and delicious tomato and cucumber recipes,check out the full show notes and blog here!Follow Julia:WebsiteRecipesInstagramPinterestThank you to our episode sponsors:Quarto: The Climate Change-Resilient Vegetable Garden by Kim StoddartGrab the book 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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmariaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    54 mins
  • Growing Joy "After Dark": Spilling the Planty Tea

    Growing Joy "After Dark": Spilling the Planty Tea
    Jul 23 2024
    Here’s a special late-night edition of Growing Joy with Plants: After Dark where I spill the planty tea and share a cocktail with my two incredible plant friends, Agatha Isabel and Kamili Bell Hill. You might know Kamili as @plantblerd on Instagram and Agatha as @agathatisabel on Instagram. They've been my real-life plant friends for years, and we recently had a blast at the New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show—and had a sleepover at Kamili's house the night before, which resulted in this episode! This is a candid chat as we dish the dirt on everything from embarrassing plant parent moments to the real talk about representation in the plant community.In this episode, we learn:[00:53] Growing Joy After Dark: Real conversations about plant parenthood[02:18] Plant connections and friendships![05:36] What has their collection looked like over time?[11:18] What is the dark side of plant collecting?[13:37] Get a personalized wind chime![15:11] Safe, high-quality potting mixes and fertilizers[20:29] What are their favorite plant species?[23:33] Plant care tips and humidity hacks[26:24] Grow houseplants even in low-light spaces[27:57] What is the balance between the joy and stress of plant care?[30:56] Taking care of plants when traveling[32:42] Resilient plants and hoyas[33:25] Some plant disaster stories[37:16] What's the craziest plant experiment they’ve done?[39:34] What are the signs of being a true "plant parent"[51:21] Where to find Agatha and Kamili on social mediaMentioned in our conversation:The Orchid Show: Florals in Fashion | New York Botanical GardenSummer Rayne OakesBad Seeds on Apple PodcastsBad Seeds on SpotifyHappy Plants, Happy You by Kamili Bell HillHouseplant Hookups by Agatha IsabelFor our truest, deepest thoughts on plant parenthood,check out the full show notes and blog here!Follow Agatha:WebsitePlant Ma ShopInstagramEventsFollow Kamili:LinktreeInstagramTikTokPinterestThank you to our episode sponsors:Wind River ChimesVisit windriverchimes.com and use code GROWINGJOY to receive free engraving on your chosen wind chimes.Espoma OrganicVisit espoma.com to find your local Espoma dealer or check my Amazon storefront.Soltech SolutionsCheck them out at soltechsolutions.com and get 15% off with code "bloom15".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 LeungJoin 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: @growingjoywithmariaTiktok: @growingjoywithmariaSubscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel! /growingjoywithmariaWebsite: www.growingjoywithmaria.comPinterest: @growingjoywithmariaAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
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    58 mins