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

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
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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

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Have you ever felt the weight of the world lift as you dig your hands into the soil? Join me, in today's episode of "Growing Joy with Plants" as I sit down with the incredible Diane Dreher, a professor emeritus and author whose journey through gardening has shaped her understanding of healing in nature. With a passion for plants that was nurtured by her grandfather, Diane shares her inspiring story of how she has cultivated her love for gardening despite the challenges of a transient lifestyle, thanks to her father's Air Force career. Together, we explore the profound connection between nature, gardening, and personal well-being, revealing how healing in nature can transform our mental health and foster a sense of community.
Throughout our conversation, Diane emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of engaging with the outdoors, highlighting how simple acts like mindful gardening can alleviate stress, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness. Her research in positive psychology introduces us to the empowering concept of 'active hope,' which encourages us to set goals and create pathways to achieve them. We discuss the alarming disconnection from nature and each other, a problem that has only grown with our reliance on technology, and how this contributes to feelings of isolation among plant parents.
Diane also shares insights from her latest book, "Pathways to Inner Peace," which offers various strategies for reconnecting with nature and fostering a deeper sense of belonging and purpose. Through personal anecdotes and scientific studies, we illustrate the healing power of nature, community, and mindfulness, encouraging listeners to cultivate connections that not only enhance their well-being but also inspire hope. Whether you’re struggling with plant pests, looking for watering tips, or seeking advice on repotting plants, this episode is packed with valuable information for anyone on their plant parenthood journey.
Join us as we dive deep into the world of holistic plant care, joyful living, and the essential role that plants play in our mental health. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to enrich their home-based wellness routine through the healing in nature. Tune in now, and let’s grow joy together!
 
In this episode, we learn:
[01:59] Join my 2026 Growing Joy live community experience!
[03:04] Meet Dr. Diane Dreher (hope researcher, positive psychology coach, and nature scholar)
[05:54] What’s the difference between wishing and active hope
[07:15] How doom-scrolling quietly erodes motivation and creativity
[08:04] Why hopelessness is really a symptom of disconnection
[09:28] The science behind nature walks and creative thinking
[12:00] Healing through nature is free and still underused!
[13:15] Lao Tzu, water, bamboo, and the strength of flexibility
[14:13] How Daoist philosophy shaped modern psychology and leadership
[14:54] What is forest bathing?
[15:34] The Continuous Vegetable Garden by Charlie Nardozzi
[17:31] The hospital window study that changed how we view healing
[18:18] Forest medicine, immunity, and cancer-fighting cells
[20:30] Why Pathways to Inner Peace was written
[20:49] How smartphones reshaped anxiety, loneliness, and attention
[22:50] Habits to break to reconnect with nature
[27:42] Why joy and longevity are tied to purpose
[27:59] How awe regulates the nervous system and expands hope
[30:16] Why awe and hope live in the same emotional space
[31:52] Simple ways to cultivate awe and connection daily!
[32:04] #1 Mindful presence
[32:47] #2 Mindful breathing
[34:52] Why cooking with herbs is a collaboration with nature
[36:16] The biophilia hypothesis and mirrored growth
[37:46] Community as medicine for modern isolation
[38:10] Meditation, compassion, and quieting the inner critic
[41:27] A pivotal U-turn that changed Diane’s life path
[45:01] Growth mindset vs. fixed mindset in real life
[45:18] Where to find Diane online
 
Mentioned in our conversation:
Inner Gardening: A Seasonal Path to Inner Peace by Diane Dreher
Pathways to Inner Peace by Diane Dreher
Awe: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life by Dacher Keltner
Forest Bathing: How Trees Can Help You Find Health and Happiness by Dr. Qing Li
Growing Joy Episode 322: From Plant Care to Nature Therapy: A Solo Heart to Heart
Join my 2026 Growing Joy live community experience
 
If you're needing a little more hope and light in your life,
here are the full show notes and blog for Dr Dreher's expert advice.
 
Follow Diane:
Website
Facebook
LinkedIn
Bsky
Books
Meditations
 
Thank you to our episode sponsor:
Quarto: The Continuous Vegetable Garden by Charlie Nardozzi
Grab The Continuous Vegetable Gardenat 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

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

If you’re new to gardening, seed starting indoors can feel scary and overwhelming. I know it did for me. For a long time, I stuck to buying seedlings because starting seeds felt like too much. The equipment, the space, the timing, the fear of doing it wrong. All of it can feel intimidating, especially for new plant parents.
In today’s episode, we’re bringing back a favorite from the Growing Joy archives all about starting seeds indoors for beginners, featuring the ultimate seed-starting expert, Joe Lamp’l of joegardener.com. Joe is a longtime garden mentor and friend of mine, and in this conversation, he completely demystifies seed starting basics. We break down the why behind the how, making seed starting feel approachable, doable, and genuinely fun.
Some of the most flavorful tomatoes I’ve ever grown came from seed. When you grow vegetables from seed, you’re not limited to what’s available at the garden center. You get access to incredible varieties you’ll never find as seedlings, and that’s one of the most rewarding parts of gardening.
 
In this episode, we learn:
[00:00:10] Maria shares her favorite experiences and benefits of seed starting
[00:02:11] Where to get the best seeds for your spring and summer gardens this year
[00:06:20] Joe demystifies seed starting and why you shouldn’t be nervous about starting your own garden!
[00:07:24] What Joe does for a living and where you can check out for more of his gardening tips
[00:09:39] Why Joe emphasizes understanding the why’s of gardening and plant parenthood
[00:10:17] Maria shares her own experience with growing seeds and why she didn’t give it a ‘real shot’ prior
[00:11:12] Joe talks about the rewarding feeling of starting from a seed versus seedling
[00:12:43] The sense of ownership that seed starting instills in us
[00:13:31] How growing your own garden expands your food choices
[00:14:26] What Maria learned about seed starting versus seedlings when she grew her own tomatoes
[00:16:47] Joe answers the question we’re all thinking about: how much do we need for a successful seed starting setup?
[00:16:56] Breaking down the materials, the costs, the alternatives, and the conditions you need for seed starting
[00:22:14] What kind of soil is ideal for seed starting?
[00:24:10] Joe’s recommendations for seed tray sizes, compartment depth, and seed tray materials
[00:28:06] When is the best time to start on your seeds? What is the most important date you need to know when growing your own seeds?
[00:30:20] Where Maria is sourcing her seeds from for this gardening season
[00:33:55] Do seeds have an expiration date? Joe emphasizes the importance of buying seeds from a good and established company
[00:35:40] Do we need to be looking out for non-GMO seeds?
[00:36:19] Is it possible to grow the seed of a fruit that you just ate? Joe discusses the difference between hybrid and open pollinated non-hybrid
[00:38:17] Now that you’ve got your seed starting setup, how do you put your seeds in the soil?
[00:39:01] What is the ideal light situation for seed starting?
[00:39:38] The step-by-step process of seed starting, what you should expect when you’ve planted your seeds, and the most intensive part of the process according to Joe
[00:43:10] The process of thinning and why Maria finds it SO frustrating
[00:45:38] Is there a right and only way to germinate your seeds? For Maria’s mom, a damp towel in a Ziploc bag is the way to go
[00:46:30] How to check if your seeds are still good
[00:47:50] How does cold stratification work and why do some plants need it? Joe explains the what’s, the why’s, and the how’s of this process
[00:49:46] What you can learn from Joe’s Master Seed Starting class
[00:50:38] The importance of building an engaged and active community of seed starters
[00:54:57] An exciting offer from Joe and Maria on how to be a better seed starter!
[00:57:41] What Maria is excited about with her seed starting this season!
 
Mentioned in our conversation:
Take the Master Seed Starting Course
Growing Joy Episode 06: Living, Potted Christmas Trees with Joe Lamp’l
Growing Joy Episode 72: Fall Garden Plants and Projects with Joe Lamp’l
Growing Joy Episode 20: Talking Tomatoes with Craig LeHoullier and My MOM
Cultivating Place Podcast by Jennifer Jewell
 
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 Joe
Website
Instagram
YouTube
Facebook
Pinterest
X
Podcast
 
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.