Tag Archive for: indoor plants

Introduce Your Child to the Magic of Gardening with Farmer Nick

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Farmer Nick and Plant

 

Inspiring the next generation to care for our planet begins with connecting them to the magic of nature. Emmy Award-winning Plant Coach, Farmer Nick, has created an engaging new resource to do just that—introducing “Farmer Nick Jr.” This 10-episode series is packed with playful, interactive learning experiences designed to capture the imaginations of kids and adults alike.

Farmer Nick and Plant project

 

Following the adventures of Farmer Nick and his friend, Plant, this free video series makes learning about the nature fun, entertaining, and memorable. From planting seeds to exploring how plants grow, each episode provides an opportunity for kids to learn the basics of gardening and plant care, all while fostering a deeper connection with nature. The series is not only educational but also entertaining, making it perfect for family viewing or classroom settings.

Farmer Nick work book

 

But it doesn’t stop there! Farmer Nick Jr. also comes with a companion workbook filled with additional activities and lessons to dive even deeper into the world of plants. The workbook is a perfect way to reinforce the lessons from each episode and inspire young learners to explore nature on their own.

Kids Gardening

This course is an invaluable resource for parents, teachers, schools, and youth groups aiming to inspire young minds to appreciate and care for the environment. Whether you’re looking to spark a love for gardening in your own kids or provide a fun educational tool for your community, “Farmer Nick Jr.” is a great way to plant the seeds of environmental stewardship. Share this engaging series and workbook to help kids discover the wonders of nature and cultivate their green thumbs!

 

Learn more about Farmer Nick – www.farmernick.com

 

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Growing Joy with Maria Blog: Minimalism and Plants

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Has your plant collection started taking over your home? Do you feel overwhelmed trying to care for all of them? Many plant parents go through phases of filling their homes with plants, but eventually, may feel fatigue, anxiety, and even shame over the size of their collections.

This might be the ideal time to adopt a minimalist plant parent lifestyle.

This blog is inspired by Episode 180 of Growing Joy with Maria Podcast, where host Maria Failla sat down with Stephanie of Mama Minimalist (former Sustainable Minimalist) to explore how principles of minimalism can be applied to plant care to build a sustainable plant collection.

When a Hobby Becomes a Burden

A key sign that your plant collection has become too large is when caring for your plants starts feeling like a chore rather than a hobby. You sigh, thinking about the next watering or repotting session, and no longer finding joy in the task.

Your plants are also likely to become nameless masses rather than individual living things you connect with. This overwhelm often results in neglecting plants, which leads to guilt and dismay. 

But don’t dwell on the past. Instead, use these feelings as motivation to shift your habits moving forward.

Tip: Try using Espoma Organic Indoor! Plant Food in your plant care routine to make your life a little easier. It helps your plants grow well, so you don’t have to spend lots of time worrying about them. This means less work for you and beautiful happy plants..

Breaking the Compulsion to Buy

Many plant parents experience strong compulsions to buy new plants, even when our spaces are already overflowing. Try putting up barriers between yourself and new purchases.

The number one tip is to pause – take a picture of the plant you want, leave the store, and reflect at home about whether you need another addition. Ask yourself how the plant will improve your life and consider the work of caring for another plant.

Taking time to reflect often helps to reduce that initial dopamine rush.

Decluttering Your Plant Collection

If certain plants no longer spark joy, consider responsibly rehoming them through gifting, donating, selling cuttings, or even composting.

Don’t forget to also declutter your plant care product supply. Have products stored that you’ll likely not use again or that don’t meet your current plant collection needs? Minimize that stash along with your plants. Consider restocking with trusted products that will help your plants thrive like  Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix or their Espoma Organic Indoor! Houseplant Food.

 

Biggest Minimalist Takeaways

A few of Stephanie’s top minimalist lessons include:

  • Evaluating “cost per use” rather than sticker price alone. A $100 wool sweater worn 50 times has a lower cost per use than a $20 synthetic sweater worn 5 times.
  • Valuing free space over stuff. Too much clutter can rob peace and turn homes into chaotic environments.
  • Understanding that memories reside in us, not objects. Appreciate your plants for their inherent qualities rather than solely as mementos or reminders of joyful moments.
  • Avoid multiples that contribute to excess clutter. In a world where goods are easily acquired, most of us do not require 5 spatulas or 16 winter boots.

When to Buy New Plants

Instead of using shopping to self-soothe negative emotions, plan purchases around positive events. Each new plant can become a living reminder of accomplishments, joyful milestones, or celebrations with loved ones.

While minimalism is not for everyone, having a plant collection and home that you feel happy to have and be in is still a lesson everyone can take from this lifestyle. At the end of the day, our plants thrive when we also feel connected to ourselves and our space.

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3 Tips for Trying to Live More Sustainably! || Farmer Nick

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3 Tips to Help You Live SUSTAINABLY!

1. Save every jar (within reason). I use upcycled mason jars from nut butters and salsa all the time. They’re great for holding dried goods, propagating plants and much much more. Just make sure it doesn’t become an obsession…

2. Eat more plants! Animal agriculture (in a factory farm setting) has a highly negative impact on the environment, but you don’t have to go fully vegan to make a difference. Just incorporating more veggies on your daily dinner plate can be a great first step, and make sure to support the local farmers in your area.

3. Rethink your transportation. The majority of car rides are within 5 miles of your home, so to cut down on environmental and traffic pollution, why not try a bike or public transportation instead? And if you have to drive, think about investing in an EV as there are lots of federal rebate programs available.

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 Our products utilize a vast array of renewable and sustainable ingredients that work in harmony with nature, preserve natural resources, and make a safer world for future generations.  Learn more.

 

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Growing Joy with Maria Blog – How to Grow Citrus Indoors ??

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Growing citrus indoors, complete with flowers and fruit, may sound too good to be true. However, by choosing the right citrus varieties and providing them with the ideal growing conditions, you can indeed become a successful indoor citrus farmer.

This blog is inspired by Episode 210 of Growing Joy with Maria Podcast, where host Maria Failla chatted with citrus expert Danny Trejo of Via Citrus to talk about how to choose citrus varieties, set up the right growing environment, and how to effectively care for them.

 

Popular Citrus Varieties for Indoors

Some of the best citrus trees for growing inside include:

  • Calamansi – bears fruit year-round
  • Key lime – small in stature like calamansi, perfect for containers
  • Meyer lemon – a classic lemon variety that flowers beautifully indoors
  • Kumquat – sweet edible fruits

You can also consider unique varieties like the Buddha’s Hand with its unique fruit, the thorny Australian finger lime, or fragrant yuzu. Blood oranges require lots of light but their antioxidant-rich fruit may be worth the effort.

Prepping for Your Citrus Tree

Before bringing home a new citrus plant, make sure that you have the proper growing conditions it requires. Citrus trees originate from subtropical climates and do best with 6-8 hours per day of direct sunlight, warm interior temperatures, and plenty of humidity. 

Have an appropriate sunny window or consider investing in a grow light like the Soltech Aspect™ LED Growlight. These lights can help your citrus tree grow well, and you can place them wherever you need to.

How to Grow Citrus Successfully

Citrus trees require deep yet infrequent watering. Use a well-draining soil like Espoma Organic Cactus Mix, which is designed not just for cactus, but also succulents, palms, and citrus. Wait until the top part of the soil is dry, and then water the tree a lot until water comes out from the bottom holes.

Place your citrus in terracotta to allow excess moisture to evaporate. Notably, Danny offers a range of pots crafted from recycled materials for this purpose.

Small adjustments to your citrus care can make all the difference, so observe them closely. Leaves that curl upward typically indicate underwatering while leaves that yellow or brown at the tips signal overwatering issues.

Feeding Your Citrus

Fertilize citrus plants during the active growing season. We recommend pairing Espoma Citrus-Tone with Espoma Bloom! liquid fertilizer when fertilizing indoor citrus. Bloom! is an effective option that ensures your citrus indoor plants receive the necessary nutrients without the risk of unpleasant smells. Slow or stop feeding over winter when trees enter a period of dormancy. 

Pruning and Pest Prevention

Prune citrus trees in early spring to remove any dead branches and shape them for better growth habits. Before you bring your citrus trees inside in the late fall, keep an eye out for tiny bugs like spider mites and aphids on them. Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap to prevent bringing pests indoors.

 

From Flower to Fruit

Don’t feel sad if your citrus has lots of blooms but only a portion of them form into actual fruit. Citrus decide how many fruits they can make depending on how much light and nutrients they get. So just enjoy the wonderful smell of citrus blooms!

Humidity for Healthy Citrus

Keep the air moist (40-60% humidity) for your citrus plants during dry winter when heaters are running. Using a humidifier can help keep the higher humidity during dry seasons. Even though citrus slows down in winter, don’t expose them to sudden temperature changes or drafts. 

Are You Ready to Grow Citrus?

Growing citrus indoors can be a rewarding experience for indoor gardeners. Observe them closely, make small adjustments, practice patience with fruiting times, and soon you’ll enjoy homegrown citrus for gourmet dishes and cocktails!

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VIDEO: DIY – BOTANICAL NIGHT LIGHT Fairy Garden ??? || Summer Rayne Oakes

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Looking for a cute DIY plant project to brighten up your home? ?? Join  @summerrayneoakes  as she combines Espoma Organic Bonsai Mix, Cactus Mix, and Perlite to create a unique potted diorama.

Summer feeds her cactus plants with Espoma’s Cactus! Liquid Plantfood. It provides the essential nutrients ideal for all succulents and cacti to grow and thrive.

 

Learn more about Summer Rayne Oakes here:

Website: homesteadbrooklyn.com

YouTube: @summerrayneoakes

Facebook: facebook.com/homesteadbrooklyn

Instagram: instagram.com/homesteadbrooklyn

Twitter (X): twitter.com/sroakes

 

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VIDEO: Starting Lisianthus from Seed with Garden Answer!

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Follow along with Laura from Garden Answer as she demonstrates how to plant multiple varieties of Lisianthus from seeds.

 

Learn more about Garden Answer here:

https://www.youtube.com/c/gardenanswer 

https://www.gardenanswer.com/

https://www.facebook.com/gardenanswer

https://www.instagram.com/gardenanswer/

 

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3 Tips for Anyone that Wants to Start Growing! ??|| Farmer Nick

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3 Tips to Get GROWING! ?

1. Seeds!

Experiment with seeds! Yes, it may take longer, but it is incredibly rewarding and very cost-efficient. Plus you can start indoors with microgreens and level up to growing crops that can be transplanted (or succession planted) all throughout the growing season.

2. Lights!

Invest in grow lights. Not only will grow lights be valuable for your edible plants, but they also supplement the lighting for your houseplants during the darker winter months. Grow lights nowadays are very energy efficient and can blend in with most house lighting fixtures.

3. Check in!

Perform daily check-ins with your plants. This will allow you to be proactive and catch potential problems early and often. I do this for my indoor and outdoor plants (time permitting depending on the size of your garden) and it will save you lots of time and heartache in the future.

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Learn More about Farmer Nick here: 

Website: https://www.farmernick.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farmernick/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/farmernick/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasGgFeyrf2V81w3KxnE4qQ

 

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VIDEO: Repotting Geraniums and a Kumquat tree ??? with Garden Answer!

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Join Laura from @gardenanswer as she ventures into the greenhouse and guides us through the repotting process of her young geraniums and a stunningly large Kumquat tree. Along the way, Laura shares valuable plant care advice.

For this task, Laura uses Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix for her geraniums and Cactus Mix for the Kumquat tree, ensuring an optimal growing environment for her plants. To nourish and promote the growth of her green friends, she mixes in  Espoma Organic Flower-tone and Citrus-tone to provide the essential nutrients her plants need to flourish.

 

 

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VIDEO: Planting Amaryllis Bulbs Indoors for Holiday Blooms 🌺 with Wyse Guide!

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Brighten your holidays with the stunning Amaryllis! This festive plant is a holiday favorite, adding a splash of color to any indoor setting.

Follow along with Kaleb Wyse of Wyse Guide as he demonstrates how to plant and care for Amaryllis bulbs in containers. Kaleb provides his top tips to help you have amazing blooms over the holidays!

Kaleb uses Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix to plant his Amaryllis bulbs, providing them with a nutrient-rich environment for optimal growth. He emphasizes the importance of proper watering and temperature to foster vibrant blooms.

 

 

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Growing Joy with Maria Blog: Monstera 101

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With its glossy leaves and signature holes, Monstera deliciosa (a.k.a. the Swiss Cheese plant), has become the latest Instagram celebrity. Named after the Latin word “monstrous,” these plants’ leaves can grow up to two feet wide! The Monstera is popular among plant parents looking to create an urban jungle in their homes, and despite appearances, aren’t that tricky to care for.

This blog is inspired by Episode 33 of Growing Joy with Maria Podcast, where host Maria Failla interviewed Scott Cain, owner of @tropicaloco on Instagram, to discuss how to keep your Monstera happy and healthy.

Caring for Your Monstera

Light

Monsteras thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Place your Monstera 1-3 feet away from an east-facing or west-facing window where it will receive bright, indirect light throughout the day. Avoid south-facing windows as they can provide harsh, direct sunlight that will scorch the leaves. If your Monstera sits in direct light, keep a close watch to make sure leaves do not burn.

Water

Monstera is a tropical plant that prefers evenly moist (but not soggy) soil. Allow 1-2 inches of the topsoil to dry out between waterings, checking with your finger to be sure there is no residual moisture. According to Scott, it’s better to under-water these plants than over-water them. For assistance in the perfect balance, use an organic potting soil like Espoma Organic Potting Mix to help retain moisture.

Fertilizer

During the growing season, use a diluted liquid fertilizer to help encourage new growth. Look for options made for tropical foliage plants, such as Espoma Organic Indoor Plant Food!

 

Cleaning

Over time, Monstera leaves can gather dust that blocks their ability to photosynthesize. Every 1-2 weeks, gently wipe both sides with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove dust. For an occasional, deeper clean, move the plant to a kitchen or bathroom for a gentle shower. Be sure it dries fully before returning to bright light to avoid sunburn.

Support

While not always needed, providing a moss pole or other support structure can help train your Monstera’s growth vertically. If aerial roots form, gently tuck them into the moss pole or back into the soil to ensure they do not lose nutrients. For the best moss pole, keep it slightly moist.

 

Fixing Common Monstera Problems

If your Monstera leaves start to change colors or droop, pinpoint the problem with this troubleshooting guide by Scott:

  • Drooping or yellowing leaves: Normally a sign of overwatering. Allow soil to dry out more between waterings.
  • Brown leaf tips: Indicates too much sun, overwatering, or just old leaves. Remove the entire leaf by cutting at the base of the stem.
  • Small new leaves: If your plant’s new growth is smaller than other leaves, it needs more sunlight. Move it closer to a window.
  • Wilting: Both too little and too much water can make the leaves wilt. Check soil moisture by sticking your finger in it before watering to ensure you are watering at the right times.

By observing your plant’s needs and making adjustments accordingly, you can get your Monstera back to its healthy, happy self. Patience and attentiveness are always key!

 

Different Types of Monstera Plants

There are around 50 species in the Monstera genus, though the types you’re most likely to find for sale include:

Monstera deliciosa: The classic swiss cheese plant, known for its big, heart-shaped leaves. In the wild, it can produce edible fruit.

Monstera adansonii: Also referred to as the swiss cheese vine, due to its smaller oval leaves and growth like a vine.

Monstera borsigiana: Sometimes confused with deliciosa, it has flexible leaves without the ruffled part where they attach to the stems.

Monstera obliqua: Very rare as houseplants. It has lacy leaves with lots of holes and thin leaf strands.

Monstera variegata: A Monstera variety with white variegation on the leaves. Variegated Monstera need more light than non-variegated Monstera.

Caring for your Monstera is simple as long as you stay aware of the right growing conditions. Their interesting shapes and detailed leaves make them gorgeous to plant parents and visitors alike.

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