Welcome to the Beginner's Garden Podcast! This is the podcast with easy-to-understand resources, tips, and information to help beginning gardeners get the most out of their gardening adventure -- big or small. When I began gardening in 2013, I scoured books and Internet resources to find all the information I could. Although good information was abundant, I had trouble understanding all the gardening lingo and sifting through the information to figure out what would work for me. In this podc ...
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Beginninggardener Podcasts

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Growing Joy with Plants - Wellness Rooted in Nature, Houseplants, Gardening and Plant Care
Maria Failla- Happy Plant Lady and Author of Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness
Looking for free, natural ways to decrease stress and increase joy and calm in your life? The answer might be simpler than you think: houseplants, gardening and nature. On Growing Joy with Plants, learn alongside Happy Plant Lady, Maria Failla to care for plants, engage with nature, and use them to manage your overwhelm, anxiety and experience happiness and calm you thought was only available on vacation. Plant care is self care. Come grow some joy with us. Follow along on socials @growingjo ...
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424 - June Garden Checklist: What to Do Now to Keep Things Thriving
35:21
35:21
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35:21June might feel like the honeymoon phase in the garden — everything’s green, lush, and thriving. But don’t let the beauty fool you — this is a critical time to stay proactive if you want a healthy, productive summer garden. 💪 In this episode, I’m sharing what to plant, prune, harvest, and watch for in June — plus a sneak peek at an upcoming live wo…
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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 …
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423 - Grow Organic Apple Trees: what to do in years 1-3 with Susan Poizner
54:56
54:56
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54:56Ever wondered if you can actually grow apple trees organically—and get fruit? Or maybe you’ve got a tree that’s not thriving and you’re not sure why. In this episode, certified arborist and fruit tree expert Susan Poizner joins me to answer the most common questions about growing apple trees at home. We’ll talk about: 🍎 Choosing the right variety &…
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Sun Protection for Gardeners: Melanoma Awareness Month
33:57
33:57
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33:57It’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 te…
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422 - The Truth About Soil, Wood, and Raised Beds with Gardener Scott
41:14
41:14
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41:14Have you ever wondered if you could fill a raised bed with 100% compost? Or whether pressure-treated wood is actually safe for gardens? In today's episode, I sit down in person with Gardener Scott to tackle common raised bed myths and smart strategies for growing success — whether you're gardening on a patio or across a backyard full of beds. 💬 Top…
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Smell Your Way to Joy: The Science Behind How Plants and Aromatherapy Enhance Memory and Emotion
39:51
39:51
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39:51Did 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 …
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421 - The Best Herbs for Beginners (and How to Start Right)
34:14
34:14
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34:14Herbs are some of the easiest — and most rewarding — plants you can grow, but getting started can bring up a lot of questions. Where should you plant them? Should you start from seed or buy transplants? Which ones will keep growing year after year? In today’s episode, I’ll walk you through the five easiest herbs for beginners and help you plan wher…
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How to Propagate Plants in Fluval Stratum
43:21
43:21
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43:21You'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, …
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420 - Spring’s Best Herbs for Food & Health with Bevin Cohen
42:38
42:38
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42:38Are you ready to take your herb gardening and foraging skills to the next level? In today’s episode, author Bevin Cohen joins me to share practical, beginner-friendly advice on growing, harvesting, and using herbs throughout the seasons. We explore common herbs like calendula, dill, chickweed, plantain, dandelion, and parsley—and even touch on wild…
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What Is Naturalistic Gardening and Why It Might Change How You Garden Forever
55:14
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55:14How do you create a natural garden? Is that even possible? I want to bring you to the style of garden that’s not only sustainable but also more resilient, and honestly, more fun. In fact, it might even be the future of gardening. Natural or naturalistic garden is an approach that’s all about working with nature instead of trying to control it. To h…
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419 - How to Grow Meyer Lemons in Containers (Anywhere!)
38:36
38:36
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38:36Have you ever dreamed of growing lemons but didn’t know where to start—or tried and failed like I have? In this episode, I’m diving into the world of Meyer lemons: the sweet, compact citrus tree that’s perfect for container gardening in Zones 8 and below. In this episode: 🍋 [00:01:30] Why Meyer lemons are the go-to citrus for home gardeners 🍋 [00:0…
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Plant Mythbusters: Debunking 5 Viral Plant Hacks with The Chocolate Botanist
35:42
35:42
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35:42Have you ever seen one of those viral plant hack videos where someone sprinkles banana peels in their soil or ices their orchid? If you’re wondering if they work, I hate to be the bearer of bad news because the answer is no. Sorry, plant friends. In this episode, I will be separating fact from fiction with my dear friend, Derek Haynes aka The Choco…
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418 - What Market Farmers Know That Backyard Gardeners Don’t (Yet!) with Pam Dawling
40:06
40:06
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40:06In this episode, we explore how backyard gardeners can apply market farming techniques to grow healthier, more productive gardens with Pam Dawling author of Sustainable Market Farming. From disease and pest control to crop rotation and weeding, our guest shares practical, sustainable strategies drawn from real-world farming experience. Topics we co…
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Why Politicians Should Be Gardeners: An Invitation to Rethink Leadership Through the Wisdom of Nature
21:30
21:30
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21:30Why should politicians become gardeners? No, this is not a political post. No, I didn’t lose it! We will not be talking about sides. This is about healing, connection, and what we can learn from our gardens and our plants in a time where it feels like everything is falling apart. Lately, I’ve been feeling this weight from watching the world spin in…
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417 - How Your Grandparents Knew When to Plant: Using Phenology (Like Lilacs & Oak Leaves) in Your Spring Garden
25:30
25:30
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25:30Have you ever wondered how gardeners knew when to plant before weather apps, frost charts, or ChatGPT? Today we’re talking phenology—the art (and science) of reading nature’s cues to time your planting. 🌼 Forsythia blooms, dandelion sightings, and dogwood flowers... 🌱 Old-school wisdom meets modern science 📝 Practical examples and tips to start you…
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Growing Dahlias Made Easy: How to Grow Stunning Blooms from Tuber to Flower
45:25
45:25
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45:25“To know a Dahlia is to love a Dahlia.” And once you grow one, it’s like all your other flowers just kind of fade into the background. There’s just something about them. One of my most favorite flowers I have ever grown is a Dahlia called Kogane Fubuki. It was this magical pink and yellow ombre bloom that literally stopped me in my tracks every tim…
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416 - Your last frost date has arrived! Now what?
29:55
29:55
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29:55Today’s my average last frost date—maybe it’s yours too. So, is it time to plant everything? Not so fast. In this episode, we’re diving into what your last frost date really means and why it’s more of a guidepost than a green light. We’ll cover: 🌱 What the “average last frost date” actually means 🌱 Why warm-weather crops might still need to wait 🌱 …
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How Office Gardens Are Boosting Employee Wellness, One Plant at a Time
40:08
40:08
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40:08With the push to get people back into offices, there’s a glaring question floating around the corporate world: how do we make the office a place people actually want to come back to? As someone who believes in the impact of plants not just on spaces but on people, this question has me wishing of a world where every office has its own green vegetabl…
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415 - Your April Garden Checklist: Tasks, Planting, and Common Pitfalls
35:47
35:47
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35:47April is here, and garden season is in full swing! But if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the tasks ahead, you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m breaking it all down so you can focus on what’s most important and skip the stress. We’ll cover: 🌱 Essential garden tasks to tackle this month 🌿 What to plant based on your last frost date 🚫 Common pitf…
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From Wishlist to Whoops: 2025 Houseplant Trends, Plant Care Tips & Plant Fail Confessions From the Northwest Flower & Garden Show
54:45
54:45
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54:45What plants are flying off the shelves this year? If you’ve been hanging out with me on Instagram or listening to the podcast lately, you know that part of my job is traveling the country to speak at plant shows. I love getting to see what’s new, what’s trending, and honestly… just being surrounded by thousands of plants and planty people. It fills…
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414 - Growing Blackberries: A Starter Guide with Chad Cargill
44:56
44:56
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44:56In this episode, I sit down with Chad Cargill to dive deep into one of his favorite fruits to grow—blackberries! Whether you're a beginner or have been growing blackberries for years, this conversation is packed with insights. Chad shares his passion for blackberries, the best varieties to grow, tips for pruning and trellising, and how to get the s…
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Soil & Strategy: The Two Garden Planning Secrets for Bigger, Healthier Harvests
51:29
51:29
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51:29How do you plan your garden? Actually, do you plan your gardens at all? After many years of gardening and speaking with many garden experts, I learned that a successful organic vegetable garden doesn’t just happen when you plant it; it starts on the day you plan it. In this episode, I have the perfect recurring guest, Joe Lamp'l, to discuss plannin…
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413 - Growing Blueberries: A Starter Guide
39:01
39:01
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39:01Want to grow sweet, homegrown blueberries? In this episode, we’re diving into everything you need to know about planting, caring for, and harvesting blueberries. Whether you’re growing them for the first time or looking to boost your current harvest, I’ll cover: 🌱 How to pick the perfect variety for your region 🌍 Why planting multiple varieties imp…
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How to Live Seasonally and Celebrate the Spring Equinox
45:23
45:23
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45:23What if the secret to a happy life is to live seasonally? Living seasonally isn’t just about eating fresh produce (but, yes, that’s delicious). It’s about noticing nature’s rhythms, then adjusting depending on the season and celebrating those small shifts that define the passage of time. And with the Spring Equinox here, which is a time of renewal …
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412 - Carrots: what no one tells you about choosing the right variety
29:24
29:24
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29:24When you think of carrots, you probably picture the classic orange root vegetable—but did you know there are many different types, each with its own flavor, texture, and ideal growing conditions? In this episode, we’re diving into the fascinating world of carrot varieties, from crisp Imperators to sweet Nantes and stubby Chantenays. Whether you're …
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Grief is so heavy that it can feel like an impossible weight to carry. But if you think about it, you can use plant care as a method to process grief and loss. Like plants, people can also grow and find resilience. They don’t rush and don’t demand. They just grow… little by little, day by day. In this episode, I want to share the story of my dear p…
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411 - Grow Your Own Fruit with Chad Cargill
50:18
50:18
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50:18In this episode of The Beginner’s Garden Podcast, we’re diving into the world of homegrown fruit! 🍎🍑🍋 You told us you wanted to learn more, so today marks the beginning of many future episodes on growing different kinds of fruit. To kick things off, I’m joined by Chad Cargill, an experienced fruit grower, to help us navigate the basics. 🌱 We discus…
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5 Signs You're Overthinking Plant Care (And How to Relax)
29:33
29:33
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29:33Have you ever found yourself overthinking over a yellow leaf and wondering, “Is this overwatering or underwatering? Does it need water? Is this normal?” You’re just like the rest of us, plant friend! It's something I've done many, many times, and I know it's something that people in our community do all the time. We all want to get it right, but ov…
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March is one of the busiest planting months! In this episode, I’ll share exactly what I’m planting in the weeks leading up to my last frost date. Whether your climate matches mine or not, you can adjust the timing based on your own frost date. What You’ll Learn: Key crops to plant in early, mid, and late March How to adjust for your last frost date…
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409 - Tomato Types Explained: How to Pick the Perfect Tomato for Your Garden
30:07
30:07
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30:07Feeling overwhelmed by all the tomato varieties out there? Whether you're flipping through a seed catalog, browsing online, or staring at the racks at your local garden center, choosing the right tomato can be daunting. But the right tomato for you depends on your garden, your kitchen, and your taste! In this episode, I break down the different typ…
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Houseplants for Kids: Raising the Next Generation of Plant Parents
32:48
32:48
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32:48“Start ‘em young.” That’s my motto. Well, it’s not really mine but I say it all the time when it comes to houseplants. And for this episode, I’m sure plant parents are gonna be happy to learn how to connect the younger generations to plants and nature at a young age. So I want to share this conversation with my plant friend Priscille Joseph, who is…
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408 - How to use AI to Make Garden Planning More Efficient (8 Prompts You Can Use Today)
28:31
28:31
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28:31Remember all that extra time you had for gardening in 2020? Fast forward five years, and life feels busier than ever. But you’re still gardening—which means you’re finding ways to make it work. The biggest challenge? Time. In this special episode of The Beginner’s Garden Podcast, we’re exploring how AI, specifically ChatGPT, can help streamline you…
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407 - Companion Planting Myths & Realities
27:44
27:44
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27:44When you hear "companion planting," do you feel excited, skeptical, or just plain confused? In this episode, we're cutting through the myths and giving you a practical, science-backed approach to pairing plants in your garden. What You'll Learn: 🌿 Myth 1: Do certain plants really boost each other’s growth? 🐞 Myth 2: Can companion planting truly pre…
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