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

When I first started gardening, the second someone mentioned hardiness zones or frost dates, my eyes would immediately glaze over.
I had no idea what my USDA hardiness zone was. I didn’t know how to find my last frost date. I didn’t understand what “Zone 6B” or “Zone 10A” even meant for my plants. I had lived in the same place my entire life and somehow never once looked at a zone map. I didn’t think it mattered.
Now, after years of gardening (and now living in South Florida in zone 10B), my hardiness zone and frost dates are second nature to me. But whenever I talk to new gardeners and say, “Oh, I’m in zone 10B,” I see that same glazed-over look. And I get it. Words like USDA hardiness zone, frost dates, and microclimates sound technical and overwhelming. They’re not exactly things we learned in school.
But understanding your gardening climate is one of the most important things you can do as a plant parent.
Knowing your hardiness zone tells you what plants can survive your winters. Knowing your first and last frost dates helps you time your seed starting and planting correctly. And understanding microclimates can help you push your zone just enough to grow something you didn’t think was possible.
So in this Best of Growing Joy replay, I’m bringing back my conversation with Rochelle Greayer of Pith + Vigor. This episode was recorded when I had just moved to the Catskills and was planning my very first outdoor garden. We break down what hardiness zones actually mean, how to find your frost dates, what those little A and B letters stand for, and how to use all of it to confidently plan your first garden.
 
In this episode, we learn:
[04:46] What Maria has in store for fellow novice gardeners like her this summer!
[05:40] How Rochelle went from flying aircraft and satellites to a full-time garden designer
[08:34] What Rochelle loves about garden design—and Maria’s luxury spa biophilic experience
[10:00] The many careers you can get into if you want to pursue a plant profession
[11:26] Do plants really clean the air in your apartment? Maria discusses this hot topic circulating in the plant community
[13:10] The topics that Maria wants to understand about outdoor gardens
[13:49] What are hardiness zones? What are the pros and cons of the USDA Hardiness Zones?
[17:23] The difference between the USDA hardiness zones and the American Horticultural Society (AHS) Heat Zones
[18:39] What does a plant’s hardiness mean?
[19:20] Once you know your hardiness zone, how do you apply that information to your outdoor garden?
[21:11] Does hardiness matter for annual plants?
[21:58] How do frost dates differ from hardiness zones? What are frost dates actually for?
[23:10] Why it is important to know frost dates—beware of last frost!
[25:54] What’s more important between hardiness zone and frost dates?
[29:48] How to plan your garden with your hardiness zone and frost dates information
[31:02] Frost date hack: you can extend your growing season inside!
[32:31] Understanding how a plant supports itself during growing season
[35:06] What are the Sunset climate zones?
[36:58] Listener question #1: How much does microclimate affect your predicted garden zones? What is a microclimate?
[39:31] How do you know if you have a microclimate in the garden?
[41:06] Listener question #2: What methods can be used to push gardening zones, if a plant is hardy just outside your gardening zone?
[41:43] Why it’s important to pay attention to the environments in your garden
[44:44] Listener question #3: Have the zones changed because of climate change?
[46:49] Rochelle’s favorite piece of advice for those who want to try out garden design
[48:57] Rochelle’s gardening course for homeowners looking into improving their gardens
[50:26] The cool history behind Pith + Vigor’s name
[53:23] Maria’s plans for this seed season and how she’s applied this conversation to her garden planning
 
Mentioned in our conversation:
USDA Hardiness Zone Map
Frost Dates Calculator
The Old Farmer’s Almanac
 
What’s your USDA hardiness zone, and what are you planting this season?
Check out the full show notes and blog to find your zone and plan your garden with confidence!
 
Follow Rochelle
Website
Instagram
Classes
 
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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Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn a passion for plants into a thriving business? Join me as I sit down with Erika, the incredible wife of Tanner the Planter, to explore their inspiring journey in the plant business. From their unexpected meeting during a lunch break to co-owning the flourishing plant shop, Famous in Oregon, which opened its doors during the pandemic, Erika shares the heartfelt story behind their love and entrepreneurial spirit. This episode is packed with insights on how to cultivate joy and wellness through plants, and you won't want to miss it!
Erika opens up about the challenges they faced transitioning from separate careers in education and party rentals to becoming plant business partners. With a focus on community and customer relationships, she emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and valuing their time as they navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Together, they balance their strengths—Erika shines in customer care while Tanner excels in operations—creating a harmonious dynamic that fuels their passion for plants.
Throughout our conversation, we also touch on practical topics that every plant parent can benefit from, including watering tips, how to get rid of gnats, and the best strategies for repotting plants. Plus, we dive into the world of plant pests, discussing how to deal with scale insects and other plant diseases that can threaten your beloved greens. Erica even shares some of their exciting future plans, including a new product line and Tanner's upcoming book, which promises to be a must-read for plant lovers everywhere.
This episode is a joyful exploration of love, partnership, and the healing power of nature. Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or just starting your journey into the world of gardening, there's something here for everyone. So, grab your favorite plant, settle in, and let's grow some joy together!
In this episode, we learn:
[04:30] Meet Erika from Tanner the Planter and Famous in Oregon!
[05:49] How did Erika and Tanner first meet and start dating?
[07:08] Erika’s background in education and administration
[11:21] Erika’s first experience with entrepreneurship
[13:36] How their plant business actually runs today (storefront, live sales, shipping center)
[15:15] The Wild & Free Garden
[17:14] Live selling plant shop
[21:02] Where did the name "Famous in Oregon" actually come from?
[23:50] How did they start and scale content to millions of followers?
[27:55] Turning customer data points into education, content, and book!
[29:22] How Erika and Tanner's strengths/weaknesses help the business
[31:27] The team that runs the day-to-day operations
[33:23] How did their plant shop look for the first two years?
[35:01] Brick-and-mortar slowing down (and why online live sales now carry the business)
[37:43] What do sourcing plants, freight logistics, and dealing with growers look like?
[42:50] Steve's Leaves as their first supplier!
[45:10] What are some of their struggles? (QuickBooks, payroll, HR, legal, taxes)
[47:16] What makes the plant shop business worth it?
[48:26] What is their vision for the future of the business?
[49:19] Why they're turning down reality TV opportunities
[50:03] What makes their partnership successful?
[52:30] Pilates, health, and evolving together beyond the business
[57:01] Erika’s advice for couples working together!
[58:56] As the author's wife, what was it like experiencing Tanner's book launch?
 
Mentioned in our conversation:
Sony NWZ-A17
Steve's Leaves
Tropical Plant International Expo
 
Ever wonder what makes a successful plant business?
Check out the full show notes and blog here for Erika's secret!
 
Follow Erika and Tanner:
Website
Facebook
TikTok
Instagram
YouTube
 
Thank you to our episode sponsor:
Quarto: The Wild & Free Garden by Stephanie Rose
Grab The Wild & Free Garden at quarto.com and wherever books are sold. 
 
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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Have you ever been scrolling Instagram before and seen a picture where it looks like plants are planted in Cocoa Puffs, like little brown balls, or gravel? Maybe as you've been scrolling, you've seen the words semi-hydroponics, passive hydroponics, or LECA.
Well, today’s episode is a deep dive into the art of growing plants hydroponically, but specifically through semi-hydroponics, a popular soil-free growing method that uses an inorganic growing medium instead of traditional potting mix.
We'll dive into what that means in the episode. This is a way-back conversation with Kay from @inrootedlove as part of the best of Growing Joy series because more and more plant parents are becoming curious about hydroponic growing for their houseplants, and I thought this would be a really interesting discussion to revisit for anyone considering their own transition away from soil.
I’ll also share a little bit about my personal experience growing in LECA at the end of this episode. It’s been several years since I recorded this interview, and I’ve had a long semi-hydroponics journey since then, so I’ll give you an honest update before we wrap.
 
In this episode, we learn:
What is “semi-hydro” aka “passive hydroponics”?
How Kay became the LECA Plant Lady she is today
How Semi-Hydro works
What are LECA balls
What materials do you need to have a LECA setup?
How does a beginner make their first LECA setup
How expensive is this hobby?
How to fertilize
What products Kay uses in her home
Pest management for a semi-hydro setup
 
Mentioned in our conversation:
“Passive or Semi-Hydro” Amazon Store
YouTube: First Time "Semi" or "Passive" Hydroponic Set Up for Houseplants!
 
Are you curious if semi-hydro (aka passive hydroponics) could simplify your plant care routine?
Check out the full show notes and blog for a beginner-friendly breakdown of LECA, reservoirs, and more!
 
Follow Kay
Instagram
Facebook
Threads
Amazon
 
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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Are you ready to transform your garden into a thriving sanctuary without breaking the bank? Join me, as I chat with the incredible Stephanie Rose, also known as the Garden Lady. Stephanie's journey into gardening began during a challenging time in her life, marked by illness and isolation. Her latest book, "The Wild and Free Garden," is a testament to her philosophy of mindful gardening—a perfect fit for those looking to create a buy nothing garden that flourishes with minimal financial investment. Together, we explore how a few seeds and a lot of passion can lead to a garden that not only beautifies your space but also nurtures your mental health and overall well-being.
Stephanie shares her invaluable insights on cultivating a joyful living space through plants, emphasizing a low-cost approach that encourages plant lovers and plant parents alike to embrace a more relaxed and intuitive gardening style. We delve into the therapeutic benefits of gardening, discussing how it can serve as a powerful tool for healing in nature. Whether you're struggling with plant pests, plant diseases, or simply trying to keep your plants thriving, Stephanie's wisdom is bound to resonate with you.
Throughout our conversation, we touch on the importance of community in gardening. Discover how local resources like seed libraries and community gardens can enhance your gardening experience and how bartering and sharing economies can help you build a supportive network of fellow plant enthusiasts. Stephanie encourages listeners to connect with their local gardening communities, explore grants for neighborhood gardening projects, and ultimately foster deeper connections that cultivate a sense of belonging.
Join us as we dive into practical tips on dealing with scale insects, getting rid of gnats, and understanding humidity for plants. Whether you're looking for watering tips, repotting advice, or propagation tips, this episode is packed with actionable insights that every plant parent will appreciate
In this episode, we learn:
[01:50] Join my Growing Joy in 2026 masterclass!
[03:01] Meet Stephanie Rose!
[08:37] Why do many people misunderstand the accessibility of gardening?
[11:00] What does “wild and free gardening” mean?
[12:15] Finding patio pavers on Craigslist and building a garden backward
[13:49] How leaf color, size, and growth habits teach garden placement
[14:47] Manukora Honey
[16:29] Espoma Organic
[18:20] Houseplant control vs. outdoor gardening
[19:53] How Buy Nothing gardening is a response to waste culture
[23:06] How personalization creates emotional attachment to spaces
[24:33] What is the modern day sharing economy?
[25:23] Buy Nothing community, plant swaps, and hyper-local abundance
[29:43] Why Stephanie’s gardening book goes far beyond thrifted junk projects
[33:28] Reclaimed greenhouses and patience as a design principle
[34:43] How does the concept of bartering apply to gardening?
[36:47] How bartering helped me make a lifelong friend
[39:06] How grants can fund personal and community garden projects
[41:40] How to search for funding for your garden!
[43:46] Finding real-life plant communities beyond social media
[48:10] Where to find Stephanie, her book, newsletter, and resources!
 
Mentioned in our conversation:
The Wild & Free Garden by Stephanie Rose
Crescent Garden
Neighbourhood Small Grants
Nextdoor
Bunz
Growing Joy 246: What is Regenerative Gardening and Permaculture? with Stephanie Rose of Garden Therapy
 
For Stephanie's buy-nothing gardening tips,
check out the full show notes and blog here!
 
Follow Stephanie:
Website
Instagram
TikTok
Facebook
YouTube
X
 
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 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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So what if instead of feeling mysterious, kind of weird, and sometimes dramatic, begonia care was actually much simpler than it seems? Begonias are such a beautiful and diverse family of plants, with so many stunning varieties, yet they’re often misunderstood. While they can be disappointing for some plant parents, the truth is that indoor begonia care can be surprisingly easy when you understand what they need.
That's why I am bringing a very old episode of Growing Joy back from the archives in this best of Growing Joy series where we are joined by Marc Hachadourian, otherwise known as @orchidmark. And he is the head honcho at New York Botanical Garden.
Marc joined me to break down why Begonias look the way they do, where they come from, and how we can keep them thriving indoors. From Angel Wings to Rex Begonias, this conversation covers practical watering tips, the importance of humidity for plants, and how small adjustments in holistic plant care can help plant lovers trade begonia fear for confidence and curiosity. And honestly, it’s making me want to go out and buy another angel wing polka dot begonia right this very minute!
 
In this episode, we learn:
Marc's love of Begonias
The Begonias (and other plants) that were featured in American Gothic
The wide variety of Begonias available to plant parents
Marc's famous Houseplant Hospital and Humidity Hacks
General care guidelines for light, soil, and watering of Begonias
Where Begonias grow in the natural world
Troubleshooting answers: how to deal with leggy Begonias and water damage!
 
Mentioned in our conversation:
Plant Parenting by Leslie Halleck
Orchidmarc
 
What seed have you always wanted to grow but felt too intimidated to try?
Check out the full show notes and blog for the ultimate beginner-friendly seed starting guide!
 
Follow NYBG
Website
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
TikTok
Bluesky
 
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.