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

Did you know that you can actually grow edible gourmet mushrooms in your garden right alongside your tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, herbs, and veggies?

You can! And by doing that, you can improve your soil health, support your garden ecosystem, and add another delicious crop to harvest and enjoy throughout the growing season.

This is the second episode in our Mushroom Mini Series. Last week, we re-released our episode on growing mushrooms indoors, and this week, we’re talking all about how to grow mushrooms outdoors in your garden.

Louis from North Spore joins me and my husband Billy for such a fun conversation about growing mushrooms outdoors right alongside your vegetables, herbs, and even cut flowers.

We talk about beginner-friendly ways to start growing edible mushrooms at home without a fancy setup required! If you’re a plant lover, gardener, or curious plant parent, this episode will open your mind to just how easy and rewarding mushroom gardening can be.

I can’t wait to see what kinds of mushrooms you grow, how you cook them up, and how they support both your garden and your health.

 

In this episode, we learn:

[05:35] Benefits of Lion's Mane mushroom supplements for improved focus and energy

[09:15] Why should you grow mushrooms in your garden?

[10:45] Specific vocabulary in mushroom cultivation

[12:43] Is mushroom DNA diverse or uniform across different areas?

[15:30] Why you can't simply grow any mushrooms in soil alone

[17:15] Are mushrooms annuals or perennials?

[20:14] Where can you find full spectrum plant lights to bring the beauty of outdoors inside this April?

[22:16] Where can you find a healthy meal delivery program?

[24:52] What protections exist for preventing other mushroom species from colonizing a bed of ripe food and confusing the farmer?

[26:29] Can you harvest mushrooms immediately after inoculating your garden beds?

[27:35] What mushrooms are best for beginners to grow in the garden?

[29:30] Do you need a lot of space to grow a good harvest?

[30:29] Do worms compete or work with mycorrhizal?

[32:25] What materials do you need for growing mushrooms in your garden?

[34:44] Where can you find a wind chime that would make the perfect gift these holidays?

[36:21] How can you grow mushrooms in your mulch?

[41:04] Does a denser, ground-level plant provide better shade for the mushrooms??

[44:00] Is there a general rule for spacing the insertion points when inoculating a bale of hay?

[44:49] How do mycorrhizal networks and mold coexist in nature, particularly in damp and dark environments?

[48:09] How to create a mushroom container for small gardening spaces

[52:49] What are the required maintenance tasks for growing mushrooms during the season?

[57:03] What is the difference between cutting and pulling mushrooms during harvesting?

[58:23] Best beginner mushroom varieties that are resilient to temperature and humidity changes

[59:40] Different mushrooms that you can grow in different garden zones or different climates

[01:00:56] What is the process of inoculating logs for growing mushrooms?

[01:03:48] What's the purpose of wax capping your mushrooms?

[01:05:29] Can mushroom inoculation be done before or after the frost date?

[01:10:12] Where can you find mushroom spawns and learn more about mushroom growing?

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

North Spore ‘Spray & Grow' Mushroom Growing Kits

Pink Oyster ‘Spray & Grow’ Mushroom Growing Kit

YouTube video North Spore Test garden in Portland, Maine

Lion’s Mane tincture

How to Grow Mushrooms in Buckets & Containers

Which Species of Log is Best?

How to Make Outdoor Mushroom Beds

How to Grow Mushrooms on Logs, Totems & Stumps

Mushroom Spores vs. Spawn: What is the Difference?

YouTube video How to Grow Mushrooms on Logs | Complete Inoculation Walkthrough!

 

Are you officially tempted to start a mushroom bed now?

Check out the full show notes and blog for mushroom-growing tips and everything we mentioned in this episode!

 

Follow North Spore

Louis' LinkedIn

Website

Instagram

YouTube

Facebook

TikTok

 

 

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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My goal this year is to find more ease and joy in my garden! I love my plants, but I don’t want my yard to feel like another job. And when I realized that was a theme that was gonna keep coming up, I knew I needed to do an episode on permaculture. So I invited my plant friend, Brandy Hall. She’s a permaculture designer and has helped me see it as a simple, practical way to garden. She calls herself a garden editor for homeowners, which means she helps people like us turn regular lawns into regenerative spaces that get better over time.

 

In this episode, we learn:

[02:45] Meet Brandy Hall of Shades of Green Permaculture!

[03:23] How did she become the permaculture expert that she is today?

[04:38] What pesticide exposure did to her family and why it changed everything

[08:24] How travel, farm life, and construction work pulled Brandy into this career

[10:51] Permaculture vs regenerative gardening vs rewilding vs ecological landscaping

[12:50] Is permaculture growing your own food?

[14:44] What are the three pillars of a regenerative landscape?

[14:55] Pillar #1 Restore water cycle

[15:11] Pillar #2 Soil fertility

[15:46] Espoma Organic

[17:22] Pillar #3 Building plant communities

[18:00] Applying permaculture to real neighborhoods

[21:19] How modern development broke the natural water cycle

[23:42] What permaculture does differently with water

[26:22] The biggest water management mistakes homeowners make

[27:23] How to work with your downspouts and rain gardens to manage water

[28:19] Why the soil is your best water storage system

[30:19] How much water actually falls on your roof

[31:55] What does a permaculture site consultation actually look like?

[33:23] How to “read” your own space

[34:47] How to choose plants for permaculture

[36:02] Native vs non‑native plants

[37:39] How to make a permaculture garden look aesthetic (even in an HOA)

[40:00] How Brandy designs beautiful & productive beds

[41:10] Where to start if you're new to permaculture

[42:53] Brandy's online course, The Regenerative Backyard Blueprint

[44:10] Where to find Brandy, her book, and her resources

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

The Complete Guide to Home Permaculture by Brandy Hall

The Cut Flower Handbook: Select, Plant, Grow, and Harvest Gorgeous Blooms by Lisa Ziegler

 

For Brandy's recommended permaculture habits,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

 

Follow Brandy:
Website
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube

 

Thank you to our episode sponsor:

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

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

Support Growing Joy with Maria 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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What if your next houseplant could double in size overnight and end up on your dinner plate?

Today we’re talking about how to grow mushrooms indoors and why it might be one of the most fun, beginner-friendly ways to grow edible mushrooms at home.

A couple of years ago, I recorded a Mushroom Miniseries with my husband and mushroom expert Louis from North Spore, and we talked about everything from growing mushrooms indoors to outdoor cultivation and harvesting your own mushrooms at home.

This episode is all about growing mushrooms indoors, including beginner-friendly options like mushroom grow kits, easy edible varieties like oyster mushrooms and lion’s mane, and what you actually need to get started.

It’s weird, it’s fascinating, it’s surprisingly easy, and if you’re a plant parent who’s ever wanted your hobby to become dinner, this one’s for you.

I’m so excited to bring this episode back as part of our Best of Growing Joy series, and I think you’re going to love it.

 

In this episode, we learn:

[00:56] This episode’s special guest!

[02:02] Billy and I started exploring mushrooms after watching ‘Fantastic Fungi’

[05:57] An overview of our four-part mushroom miniseries!

[07:57] Who is Louis Giller and why is he so crazy about mushrooms?

[11:31] Mushroom appreciation!

[12:36] How we started this passion project

[16:42] What is the difference between mushrooms and fungi?

[19:00] Are you looking for a product that improves plant growth while reducing water usage?

[20:40] Where can you get high-quality potato seeds this summer?

[22:50] What differentiates fungi from flora?

[25:21] What is the main purpose of mushrooms?

[27:08] Let’s explore the Wood Wide Web!

[30:54] What determines the fungus' fruiting body structure?

[35:38] Do potting mixes and composts with mycorrhizae help plants absorb water and nutrients faster, and how does this work?

[37:05] What are the little yellow mushrooms growing in your houseplant soils?

[39:36] What are adaptogenic mushrooms?

[40:40] Chaga and Reishi mushrooms: their anti-inflammatory benefits and unknown mechanisms

[43:43] Why mushroom have high-end protein content

[48:56] Ready to prioritize your health by investing in your sleep with the comfiest bedsheets

[51:07] Are the Cordyceps from The Last of Us TV show real?

[53:21] Louis’ best mushroom-related books for beginners!

[57:37] What are the mushrooms that Loius regularly consumes?

[59:31] What are some affordable ways to grow mushrooms at home?

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

Champs Trade Shows

Paul Stamets’s film Fantastic Fungi

Pizza ai Funghi

Giuliana Furci

FunDiS

HBO TV Series The Last of Us

Netflix TV Series How to Change Your Mind

Tero Isokauppila’s book Healing Mushrooms

Tero Isokauppila’s book Healing Adaptogens

David L. Spahr’s book Edible and Medicinal Mushrooms of New England and Eastern Canada 

Merlin Sheldrake’ book Entangled Life

Four Sigmatic

 

What mushroom would you want to grow first?

Check out the full show notes and blog for grow kits, mushroom-growing tips, and everything we mentioned in this episode!

 

Follow North Spore

Louis' LinkedIn

Website

Instagram

YouTube

Facebook

TikTok

Pinterest

 

 

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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the sea of information about indoor plants, wondering which tips to trust? You're not alone! Join me on this enlightening episode of "Growing Joy with Plants," where I chat with Tanner, the creative mind behind Tanner the Planter. Tanner's journey into the world of plants began in his childhood in Oregon, and he’s here to share his passion for plant care and how he navigates the challenges of caring for indoor plants in the age of social media. 

As Tanner recounts his transition from Oregon to Texas, he reveals how his early love for plants blossomed into a mission to provide realistic plant care advice online. We discuss the conflicting information that often leaves plant parents feeling lost and frustrated. This episode is packed with valuable insights on understanding the basic needs of your plants, such as light and water, to prevent common issues like scale insects and plant pests. Tanner emphasizes the importance of setting realistic expectations in plant care, helping you avoid the disappointment of plants dying or struggling due to mismanagement.

Throughout our conversation, we touch on the impact of social media on the perception of plant care, exploring how idealized images can create unrealistic standards for plant enthusiasts. Tanner's upcoming book aims to demystify plant care, offering practical guidance for joyful living with your indoor plants, encouraging you to embrace the process without the pressure of perfection. We also delve into essential topics like humidity for plants, watering tips, repotting plants, and propagation tips that will elevate your plant parenthood journey.

Whether you're a seasoned plant lover or just starting your gardening adventure, this episode is an invitation to cultivate wellness rooted in nature. Tune in to learn how to nurture your indoor plants with confidence and joy!

 

In this episode, we learn:

[02:54] Meet Tanner the Planter

[04:05] How Tanner’s relationship with plants evolved

[06:51]  Where did Tanner get his information while learning?

[08:03] AI, Google, and other confusing sources

[09:31] Why “just put ice on it” is a perfect example of bad internet plant care!

[11:56] How Tanner and Erica built a viral plant brand

[16:46] Manukora

[18:33] Espoma Organic

[22:32] How Tanner approached writing his plant care book!

[24:15] Why you should focus on mastering the basics in plant care

[30:34] How to give yourself more grace when plants die

[32:15] My Hoya heart wedding favors!

[34:12] Why florist planters with no drainage are set up to fail

[35:47] Did millennials change the emotional relationship we have with plants?

[37:27] Why modern plant culture got way too complicated after COVID

[39:41] Why “intuition” is overrated when you’re learning plant care

[40:54] How understanding light makes the rest of plant care easier

[42:03] Skipped generations, lost skills, and why killing plants isn’t your fault

[44:22] How older generations were naturally more connected to plants than we are now

[45:42] What Tanner means by “social media is killing your plants”

[47:45] The cycle of overcorrecting, overspending, and stressing plants to death

[52:21] How much joy even one plant can bring to you

[54:50] Where to find Tanner, Erica, their shop, and his new book!

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

Pre-order Tanner’s new book: For the Love of Houseplants: Caring for & Keeping Plants with Confidence

Growing Joy 327: Growing a Plant Business, A Marriage and A Community of Plant Parents with @mrstannertheplant

Google Scholar

Maria's Espoma Storefront

 

For Tanner's correct and well-researched plant care advice,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

 

Follow Tanner the Planter:

Website
Facebook
TikTok
Instagram
YouTube

 

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Manukora

Go to manukora.com/bloom to get up to 31% off the starter kit that includes their 850+ Manukora honey jar, 5 honey travel sticks, a wooden spoon, and a guidebook, PLUS $25 worth of free gifts!

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

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

Support Growing Joy with Maria 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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

2026 is the year of ease, joy, and low-maintenance plant care! It’s time that plants make us feel good instead of dread every time we walk past them. Something’s off if plants are stressing you out. So I invited my friend Cassidy Tuttle from Succulents and Sunshine back on the podcast because if there’s anyone who embodies easy plant care, it’s her! We talked about what’s actually happening in our plant lives right now: having too many plants, letting some go, and redefining what our collections look like. Listen in!

 

In this episode, we learn:

[03:49] Meet my friend Cassidy from Succulents & Sunshine!

[04:50] Cassidy’s latest projects: the Cheerful Plants app and Snappy Pots

[06:28] How her relationship with plants changed over the years

[08:39] What other low-maintenance plants is she experimenting with?

[09:45] Cuttings vs established plants

[11:25] My unexpected reality of growing plants in Florida!

[13:30] Why we now concentrate plants in specific zones of the house

[15:30] Get 3x the antioxidants of regular honey with Manukora!

[17:11] Post-pandemic shifts in plant culture

[19:41] Why whimsical is the 2026 plant trend at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show

[22:11] What does plant number mean to Cassidy?

[25:43] Pros and cons of grouping succulents in arrangements

[28:26] Reducing your plant collection

[31:59] Choosing how you want your collection to grow (fewer big plants vs. many small ones)

[33:59] How Cassidy reworks her watering systems and setups to save time and effort!

[37:03] What tools are worth upgrading for your plant care?

[40:08] Why you should cull your plant accessories too!

[44:02] Where you keep your plants in your house matters

[44:42] Why you should stop buying more plants when you don’t need them

[45:55] Comparison & social media plant envy

[48:15] What is the Cheerful Plants app all about?

[51:11] Why AI plant care apps often fail

[54:06] Breakdown of Cheerful Plants app features!

[56:59] Where to try the app and how the pricing works

[58:18] Where to find Cassidy, her course, and future offerings!

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

Succulents and Sunshine

Succulents (Idiot's Guides) by Cassidy Tuttle

Cheerful Plants app

Snappy Pots

Bonsai Jack Succulent Gritty Mix

Maria's fave: Espoma Organic Cactus Potting Soil Mix

Blossom Effect talks about watering tips (including the backpack spray!)

Using the 20/20 rule to make decluttering decisions

Growing Joy episodes:

330: 2026 Garden and Houseplant Trends: My Main Takeaways from Northwest Flower and Garden Festival

267: Create a Biophilic Office Space: Boost Your Workday Motivation by Adding These Plants to Your Office

246: What is Regenerative Gardening and Permaculture? with Stephanie Rose of Garden Therapy

171: What To Do When A Plant Dies with Cassidy from Succulents and Sunshine



 

For Cassidy's other low-maintenance plant care tips,

check out the full show notes and blog here!

 

Follow Cassidy:

Website
Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Pinterest
Books
Membership

 

Thank you to our episode sponsor:

Manukora

Go to manukora.com/bloom to get up to 31% off the starter kit that includes their 850+ Manukora honey jar, 5 honey travel sticks, a wooden spoon, and a guidebook, PLUS $25 worth of free gifts! 

 

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

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

Support Growing Joy with Maria 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

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.