Growing Joy with Plants - Wellness Rooted in Nature, Houseplants, Gardening and Plant Care Podcast

How do you view soil in your garden?A lot of us look at soil as just the brown stuff under our feet. We usually dont think about all of the different components that make up soil, all of the different organisms living in soil, or how it is this whole environment that our plants depend on. It is a living, breathing ecosystem that could be the answer to improving your entire garden. As gardeners, you know that soil is important so you should be feeding it, not just feeding your plants. And there's no better person to talk about that topic today than Juliet Sargeant, an award-winning British garden designer, educator, and author ofStart with Soil: Simple Steps for a Thriving Garden.

In this episode, we learn:

• [00:00] Why soil is more than just dirt
• [03:28] Who is Juliet Sargeant?
• [05:31] Soil as a mix of science and creativity
• [09:02] What are the different components of soil? (topsoil, subsoil)
• [12:07] Air pockets in soil
• [14:37] Give your plants the nutrient-rich foundation they need withEspoma Organic!
• [16:08] Join the movement of confident female gardeners withDovetail x John Deere Workwear!
• [18:03] What are the essential soil elements to consider as a gardener?
• [19:40] Soil testing 101: pH kits, sedimentation jars
• [22:20] Too much clay? Too much sand? How to fix your soil naturally
• [24:16] Should you really change your soil composition? (adapting native plants)
• [29:12] What are the least invasive ways that we can improve our soil?
• [30:06] What is no-dig gardening?
• [34:18] What are the essential nutrients for plants?
• [37:31] Where can you find Juliet online?

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Start with Soil: Simple Steps for a Thriving Garden by Juliet Sargeant

For Juliet's expert tips on achieving a healthier and livelier soil,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Follow Juliet:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

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Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Espoma Organic

Visitespoma.comto find your local Espoma dealer or check myAmazon storefront.

Dovetail Workwear

Grab a pair today and get 10% off atdovetailworkwear.com/growingjoy. The discount is applied at checkout and promo is limited to one per person.

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 theBloom and Grow Garden Party Community Platform & AppAKA the plantiest and kindest corner of the internet! Get your FREE 2-week trialhere!

Take thePlant Parent Personality Quiz(Get the perfect plants, projects and educational resources for YOUR Lifestyle)

Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend onPatreon!

Instagram:@growingjoywithmaria

Tiktok:@growingjoywithmaria

Subscribe to the Growing Joy Youtube channel!/growingjoywithmaria

Website:www.growingjoywithmaria.com

Pinterest:@growingjoywithmaria

Did you know that your houseplants have superpowers? Some can actually seek out darkness to find the light, some can count, and some can actually bring wealth. To help me reveal all these amazing aspects of our houseplants is my new friend, David Domoney. He’s a celebrated British horticulturist, television presenter, and author with over 30 Royal Horticultural Society medals. And his book, Plants with Superpowers, is what actually inspired me to do this episode. This is the first of a two-part series on plants and their superpowers, and I have him on twice because he is such an enthusiastic person. I love his energy so much.

In this episode, we learn:

• [03:50] Why is green considered a calming color
• [04:40] How did David become the lore specialist of plants?
• [08:33] What inspired David to write his book?
• [11:20] What is the superpower of the Venus flytrap?
• [13:43] Venus Flytrap evolution and feeding tips
• [14:40] Garden in comfort and style with new Dovetail Workwear X John Deere overalls, designed specifically for women!
• [17:57] How plants help our world become livable
• [18:22] How important is the role of soil microorganisms in the process of nutrient uptake in plants?
• [19:46] What is the superpower of Mimosa pudica?
• [21:33] What is the superpower of Monstera?
• [22:42] Different growth patterns of plants
• [28:28] What is the superpower of the Prayer plant?
• [30:56] Nature as the original artist
• [33:11] What is the superpower of aloe vera?
• [34:54] What is the superpower of the jade plant?
• [39:59] Where can you find David online?

Mentioned in our conversation:

• 'Plants with Superpowers' by David Domoney
• 'My House Plant Changed My Life' Signed Book by David Domoney
• TV Shows where David Domoney appeared in
• Growing Joy Ep 269: Carnivorous Plants: The Houseplant Pest Control You Never Thought Of with Kenny Coogan

For David's amazing list of houseplants with superpowers,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Follow David:

Website

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

TikTok

Pinterest

X

Thank you to our episode sponsor:

Dovetail Workwear

Grab a pair today and get 10% off at dovetailworkwear.com/growingjoy. The discount is applied at checkout and promo is limited to one per person.

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

It’s Melanoma Awareness Month! Two years ago, I walked into a dermatologist’s office thinking I had a simple skin issue… then I walked out with a melanoma diagnosis at 34. As a lifelong gardener, I never expected my love of plants would overlap with a serious health scare, but here we are. I’m not a beach person nor an outdoor enthusiast. I just tend to my garden every day, really. But that little dot on my face changed everything about my relationship with the sun. I learned to love sunscreens, especially UPF clothing. So if you’re a plant parent like me who spends hours outside with your hands in the soil, I hope this becomes your gentle nudge to protect your skin the same way you protect your plants.

In this episode, we learn:

• [03:36] Special thanks to Coolibar’s UPF50 clothing
• [04:49] Why should we care for our skin as we do our plants?
• [08:54] Why short, daily garden sessions still add up to major sun exposure risk
• [10:21] Should you use sunscreen?
• [11:45] Chemical vs. mineral sunscreens
• [13:40] My favorite sunscreen brands
• [15:41] Why I love UPF Clothing (especially Coolibar’s sun clothing)
• [16:08] Coolibar products
• [16:46] What is UPF clothing and why it’s better than sunscreens
• [19:40] Gardeners Supply Company
• [22:36] Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses in the garden
• [24:34] How to use the UV Index when gardening
• [27:04] Hydration and skin health in the garden
• [27:26] Espoma Organic
• [29:43] Why skin care in the garden matters

Mentioned in our conversation:

• RMS Beauty SunCoverup Super Tint SPF 50
• ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
• ISDIN Fusion Water MAGIC
• Savor Beauty Radiance Sun Milk SPF 50+
• NEUTROGENA® Sunscreen and Sun Protection Products
• La Roche-Posay Broad Spectrum Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
• Coolibar Bel Aire Zip-Off Sun Visor | Black UPF 50+
• Coolibar Women's Devi Long Sleeve Fitness T-Shirt | Lavendula UPF 50+

Sun protection doesn't need to be complicated!

Check out the full show notes and blog here for my sun protection tips! 

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Coolibar

Protect your skin with Coolibar and save 25% off your order at coolibar.com with code GROWINGJOY25.

Gardener's Supply

Discover your garden favorites and exclusive innovations at gardeners.com and use code GROWINGJOY for free shipping.

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

Did you know the scent of plants can do more than just make your garden smell good? It can actually improve your mood, your memory, and your overall health. I’ve always thought of plant scents as just a lovely bonus in the garden, but I didn’t know there’s some wild science behind how smell connects to our emotions and even our brains. And to help me with that is Dr. Rachel Herz, a neuroscientist and expert on the psychology of scent. She explains how the smells from our plants can shape how we feel, what we remember, and how we heal.

In this episode, we learn:

• [03:06] How did Dr. Herz start her career in the science of scents?
• [06:18] Why smell is tied to memories and emotions
• [09:01] Aromatherapy and emotional associations
• [10:28] Ingesting rosemary vs. smelling rosemary
• [12:27] Why do people like or dislike different smells?
• [14:30] How does the human olfactory system detect and process scents?
• [15:32] Wind River Chimes
• [17:20] Coolibar
• [21:43] What’s the role of the olfactory bulbs?
• [22:36] Why is the nose a significant entry point for substances entering the body?
• [25:12] Why do people often think smell is the least important sense?
• [27:25] Losing sight vs smell
• [30:20] Gardeners Supply Company’s
• [32:48] The perception of a smell as "good" or "bad"
• [35:08] Can our sense of smell be cultivated?
• [36:30] Where can you find Dr. Herz and her works online?

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Rachel Herz: Smell, Your Least Appreciated Sense | TED Talk
• Rachel Herz: Smell Can Change the World: Health, Technology, and the Future | TED Talk
•  International Flavors & Fragrances
• Monell Chemical Senses Center
• Trygg Engen
• Dr. Rachel Herz’s books:
• The Scent of Desire
• Why You Eat What You Eat
• That's Disgusting: Unraveling the Mysteries of Repulsion

Ready to explore the healing wonders of natural fragrances?

Check out the full show notes and blog here!

Follow Dr Rachel:

Website

LinkedIn

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Academic Work

Consulting

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.

Coolibar

Protect your skin with Coolibar and save 25% off your order at coolibar.com with code GROWINGJOY25.

Gardener's Supply

Discover 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 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

You've tried water and soil, but have you ever rooted a cutting in a Fluval Stratum? Yes, it’s technically made for fish tanks. Yes, it looks like little black caviar. But it might just be the best thing to happen to your houseplant propagation! So in this episode, let’s break down everything I’ve learned from my conversation with my plant friend, Lindsay Sisti (@alltheplantbabies), who is a propagation extraordinaire and the author of The Ultimate Guide to Houseplant Propagation. Thanks to her, I now know exactly how and why this strange little volcanic material is revolutionizing plant propagation!

In this episode, we learn:

• [00:00] Is there a mess-free plant propagation?
• [02:28] How did Lindsay become a propagation expert?
• [07:31] What is hybridization/pollination of plants?
• [09:26] What is Fluval Stratum?
• [10:00] What is a volcanic tephra?
• [12:42] What makes Fluval Stratum popular for plant propagation?
• [14:47] Protect yourself this Melanoma Awareness Month with Coolibar’s sun-protective clothing!
• [19:07] LECA vs. Fluval Stratum
• [20:25] Practical tips for propagating with Fluval Stratum
• [25:10] Can you re-use Fluval Stratum?
• [26:49] What are the best plants for Fluval Stratum
• [27:53] Combining Fluval Stratum with perlite
• [30:50] Can Fluval Stratum be used as a growing medium in semi-hydroponic setups?
• [32:27] What are the best practices for propagating plant cuttings in Fluval Stratum?
• [34:52] Transferring cuttings from Fluval to potting media
• [36:50] Experiments with different growth mediums (Fluval Stratum, aroid mix, tree fern fiber, sphagnum moss, and peat moss)
• [39:58] Where can you find Lindsay and her resources online?

Mentioned in our conversation:

• Get a copy of Lindsay’s book, The Ultimate Guide to Houseplant Propagation
• Fluval Stratum
• LECA
• Lechuza Pon
• Hoya propagation tutorial with @alltheplantbabies

For Lindsay's expert tips on how to use Fluval Stratum,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

Follow Lindsay:

Website

Instagram

YouTube

TikTok

Thank you to our episode sponsor:

Coolibar

Protect your skin with Coolibar and save 25% off your order at coolibar.com with code GROWINGJOY25.

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