Shows
Fostering BloomsA Very Merry July: Planning Your Garden-Inspired Holiday Gifts - Episode 34In this cozy (and slightly chaotic) episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon and Caitlyn get a head start on the holidays—yes, in July! From canning jam and fermenting kraut to crafting herbal tea blends, oxymels, and even goat milk soap, they share creative, garden-inspired gift ideas that celebrate the full-circle joy of growing and giving. Whether you’re ready to make your own sourdough crackers or you’re just curious about shrubs (the drink, not the plant), this episode is packed with inspiration, laughter, and practical tips to help you plan thoughtful handmade gifts that feel special, not st...2025-07-2536 minFostering BloomsFrom Overwhelmed to Stocked: Using and Storing Your Summer Harvest - Episode 33In this quick solo episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon shares what to do when your garden is exploding with more cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, and beans than you can possibly eat. From the early days of handing out extra produce to neighbors and HVAC repair people (yep, really) to a full-blown canning and preserving setup, Shannon walks you through simple, beginner-friendly ways to enjoy your garden harvests longer. You'll get tried-and-true ideas for water bath canning, freezing, dehydrating, and baking—plus easy ways to give back with your garden abundance if you’re short on time. Whet...2025-07-1715 minFostering BloomsBeating Garden Burnout: How to Keep Going When You’re Overwhelmed - Episode 32Feeling burned out in the garden? You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not failing. In this episode, we talk about the real side of gardening in midsummer: when the weeds take over, the heat zaps your energy, and the pests push you to the brink. We’ll share honest stories about why burnout happens, how it shows up, and what we’ve learned over the years about managing overwhelm. From strategies to cut down on watering and weeding to giving yourself permission to pause and reset, here’s how we keep going—or take a much-needed br...2025-07-1026 minFostering BloomsGarden Ready July: Mid-Summer Harvests, Fall Crop Planning & Beating the Heat - Episode 31The dog days of summer are here, but your garden isn’t slowing down! In this episode, we break down what to sow, harvest, and plan in July—from beans and garlic to fall crops and shade cloth strategies. We share how we’re prepping beds for late summer planting, troubleshooting pest invasions, and tackling fertilizer dilemmas (RIP to all the bone meal–raided dahlias). You’ll hear about: 🌱 Succession planting bush beans and vining beans (over 170 ft of beans!) 🌿 Harvesting garlic and shallots and prepping for fall sowing 💦 Drip irrigation setups and shade cloth tips fo...2025-07-0445 minFostering BloomsGarlic, Shallots & Scapes—Oh My! Fall Planting to Summer Harvest - Episode 30f you've ever dreamed of skipping the grocery store garlic aisle and harvesting your own flavorful bulbs—this is the episode for you. 🧄 We’re diving deep into everything garlic and shallots: The difference between hardneck vs. softneck garlic When and how to harvest for peak flavor Curing and storing tips for long-lasting bulbs Why garlic scapes are your new kitchen obsession What & when to plant in the fall for big summer rewards Plus: real talk on what went wrong in one of our garlic beds, a...2025-06-2729 minFostering BloomsWives vs Wives: Gardeners vs Sports Fans in the Ultimate Showdown - Episode 29Can our wives tell the difference between an aphid and a stratified seed? Do we know what a full nelson is or how many yards it takes to get a first down? It’s time for the ultimate showdown in this hilarious episode of Fostering Blooms! We recorded this battle of the brains back in winter—but with roses blooming and sports season in full swing, it felt like the perfect time to drop it. Shannon and Caitlyn face off against their wives, Beth and Cierra, in a trivia match of gardening vs sports knowledge. The prize? Davi...2025-06-1825 minFostering Blooms"No Thank You!" Plants (and Gorgeous Alternatives We Love) - Episode 28Welcome to Fostering Blooms! In this episode, we’re sharing our latest round of “No Thank You” plants — the ones we’ve grown, inherited, or almost bought… but now politely decline. 🙅♀️🌿 These aren’t plants we hate — okay, maybe one or two — but ones we’ve learned aren’t the right fit for our gardens due to invasiveness, poor pollinator value, maintenance headaches, or just plain overuse. And of course, we’re not here to judge — we’re here to help you make better planting choices with smarter, more beautiful alternatives. ✨ Grab your tea (or gloves), and get ready to laugh, l...2025-06-1125 minFostering BloomsGarden Ready June: The Full Summer Checklist (With a Side of Melons) - Episode 27This week on the podcast, we’re covering everything you should be doing in the garden this month — from what to plant, what to pull, and what to support, to how we’re handling pests, mulch math, and our melon experiments (yes… there are melon bralettes involved 😅). Here’s a taste of what’s inside: ✔️ What to sow right now (okra, beans, melons & more) ✔️ Why mulching early = your future self’s BFF ✔️ Natural pest control strategies we’re actually testing ✔️ Support systems for dahlias, tomatoes & chilies ✔️ Our fertilizing routines (real talk, no guilt) ✔️ What’s blooming, what’s...2025-06-0434 minFostering BloomsMob Rules in the Garden: Why Some Veggies Should Never Share a Bed - Episode 26Welcome to Fostering Blooms, the podcast where we dig deep into gardening and all the ways it can enrich your home and life. Today, we’re diving into the garden's underground world of veggie families and why planting them side-by-side can cause more drama than a mafia reunion. In this episode, we cover: The four major plant families and their turf wars: Solanaceae (Nightshades), Brassicaceae (The Crucifer Crew), Fabaceae (Legume Syndicate), and Cucurbitaceae (The Gourd Family) The real reason you shouldn’t plant tomatoes after potatoes (aka Blight City!) Why rotating crops...2025-05-2921 minFostering BloomsDon’t Do That! 7 Garden Myths That Might Surprise You - Episode 25 In this episode, we’re busting some of the most common garden myths—like whether you really need to water every day, if gravel helps drainage, and whether native plants actually take care of themselves. Spoiler: we’ve made some of these mistakes too! We’ll share our honest opinions on fertilizing, talk about what works (and what totally doesn't), and laugh through a few garden confessions along the way. Plus, Shannon shares a sweet update about a special garden she’s planting in memory of her dog Xena. 🌼💛 So grab your compost and your curiosity—we’re m...2025-05-2120 minFostering BloomsPollinator Power: Year-Round Plants for Bees, Butterflies & Beyond - Episode 24Pollinator gardening isn’t just a trend—it’s essential. In this episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon and Caitlyn break down how to build a garden that supports bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, parasitic wasps, and even hoverflies—season by season. From herbs and annuals to perennials and native plants, you’ll discover how to keep pollinators well-fed all year long (yes, even in winter!). Plus, they share personal stories, propagation tips, and why it’s time to rethink your lawn. Whether you have a large garden or just a few containers, this episode is packed with practical, pollinator-loving ideas. 2025-05-1424 minFostering BloomsFree Plants & Full Beds: What to Divide, Propagate & Plant Right Now - Episode 23We already gave you our May To-Do list… but this episode? It’s a deep dive into the three garden activities we’re obsessed with this month: dividing, propagating, and planting. We’re sharing how to multiply your garden without multiplying your budget, with real talk about what’s working (and what’s not) in our own spaces. Expect soil-saving propagation tips, free plant goldmines, and a plant list packed with everything that thrives in May. Inside the episode: 💸 Our favorite plants to divide this month 🌱 What we’re propagating in soil and water (spoi...2025-05-0720 minFostering BloomsGarden Ready: May – To-Do List for Summer Blooms, Big Veggies & Fewer Weeds - Episode 22Welcome to Fostering Blooms — the podcast where two gardening-obsessed friends, Shannon Foster-Boline and Caitlyn Blum, dig into the joys (and challenges!) of growing a beautiful life from the ground up. In this episode, we’re talking about all the real-life tasks we’re doing in May to get our gardens set up for a season of lush blooms and abundant harvests. That means trench-planting tomatoes, laying down limestone screenings, dealing with the first big pest wave (hello, flea beetles 😱), and making time for drip irrigation before the summer heat rolls in. We also share what we’ve lea...2025-04-3027 minFostering BloomsBest Flowers for Pressing: Easy-to-Grow Blooms for Beginners - Episode 21Want to grow your own pressed flower collection on a budget—without needing expert skills or a giant garden? In this solo episode, Shannon answers a question from Instagram follower, Dee at the Fairy Door Project, and breaks down exactly how to create a simple, budget-friendly garden for growing flowers ideal for pressing. From building a no-dig raised bed to choosing the right blooms for sun and shade, Shannon shares beginner-friendly, low-cost ways to get started right now. You'll learn: The easiest no-dig method to build a 4x4 raised bed (without wood!) 2025-04-2321 minFostering BloomsOur Top 10 Spring Plants: Favorite Flowers and Veggies to Grow Now - Episode 20It’s finally here — the spring bloom bonanza! 🌷 In this episode, we’re sharing five flowers and five vegetables we’re most excited about in our early spring gardens. From stunning David Austin roses and clematis to sweet peas, tulips, kale, and the best crunchy radishes you’ll ever taste, we walk through what’s blooming (and what’s almost there) in our Zones 7B gardens. These are the plants we believe in, whether they’re tried-and-true or brand-new-to-us varieties. If you’re planning your next succession planting or wondering which flowers will make your garden shine, this episode is packe...2025-04-1622 minFostering BloomsGrow Anywhere: How to Grow Tomatoes, Herbs & More in Pots - Episode 19Got a porch, patio, or balcony and want to grow your own food? You’re in luck! In this listener Q&A episode, Shannon and Caitlyn answer a question from Shannon’s sister, Gracie, who lives in an apartment in Wilmington, NC, and wants to start growing some vegetables this year. Whether you’re working with limited space or dreaming of your first patio garden, this episode has everything you need to get started! They cover: The best pot sizes and materials for veggies and herbs What to plant (including tomatoes, herbs...2025-04-0915 minFostering BloomsGarden Ready: April To-Do List for Thriving Spring Gardens – Episode 18 Welcome to Fostering Blooms—the podcast where two gardening-obsessed friends, Shannon Foster-Boline and Caitlyn Blum, dig into the joys (and challenges!) of growing a beautiful life from the ground up. In this episode, we’re welcoming April with open arms and muddy hands as we break down everything you need to do in your garden this month to keep things blooming, productive, and on track. From indoor sowing of warm-season crops like tomatoes, zinnias, and peppers, to direct sowing essentials like carrots, okra, and sunflowers, we’re covering all the what-to-plant-now details. We also dive into po...2025-04-0218 minFostering BloomsThe Plants We’ll Never Grow Again: Our Most Hated Garden Picks - Episode 17Think all plants are lovable? Think again. In this spicy episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon and Caitlyn share their most hated plants—the ones they’ve ripped out, sworn off, or watched take over their gardens like villains in a garden drama. 💔 From Nandina to Monkey Grass to the ever-tricky Black-Eyed Susan Vine, they spill the dirt on which plants just aren’t worth the trouble—and offer better alternatives you can grow instead. 🎙️ In this episode you’ll learn: Which popular plants are secretly garden nightmares 😬 Why some “low maintenance” plants actually cause mor...2025-03-2615 minFostering BloomsAnne of All Trades on Lazy Gardening, Soil Health & Composting Hacks - Episode 16Soil is the foundation of every thriving garden, but what if we told you it could also be the key to effortless, abundant growth? In this episode of Fostering Blooms, we sit down with the legendary Anne Briggs, also known as Anne of All Trades, to talk about all things lazy gardening, soil health, and sustainable homesteading. Anne shares her science-backed, no-fuss approach to gardening, revealing how anyone—whether on acres of farmland or a tiny apartment balcony—can create a thriving ecosystem that works for you, not against you. She walks us through the biggest mistakes new...2025-03-2059 minFostering BloomsThe Rundown: How to Grow & Care for Catmint & Hardy Geraniums (And Why They’re Garden Superstars!) - Episode 15Welcome back to Fostering Blooms, the podcast where we dig deep into gardening and all the ways it can enrich your home and life. In this episode, Shannon is flying solo to share the unsung heroes of a well-designed garden—catmint and hardy geraniums. These powerhouse plants may not always steal the show, but they are the quiet backbone of stunning, effortless garden design. 🌸 From creating lush, romantic borders to attracting pollinators and thriving on almost zero maintenance (hello, lazy gardener dream plants!), these perennials deserve a spot in your garden. Shannon shares: 🌿 How she planted...2025-03-1716 minFostering BloomsSoil Blocking 101: The Secret to Stronger, Healthier Seedlings - Episode 14Soil Blocking 101: The Secret to Stronger, Healthier Seedlings! 🌱 In this episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon Foster-Boline & Caitlyn Blum dive into soil blocking—a game-changing method for starting seeds without plastic trays! 🌍✨ 💡 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ The benefits of soil blocking (stronger roots, less transplant shock!) ✔️ The exact soil mix recipe for perfect blocks ✔️ The best tools for beginners (& where to get them!) ✔️ Seeding, watering, & maintenance hacks to get the best germination rates ✔️ Common mistakes & how to avoid them Whether you're a first-time seed starter or a seasoned gardener, this episode will help you grow str...2025-03-1216 minFostering BloomsGarden Ready: March Into Spring - Your Essential To-Do List - Episode 13March is here, and so is your official garden prep checklist! 🌱 In this episode, Shannon and Caitlyn are marching (literally) into spring with a jam-packed to-do list to get your garden thriving. From chitting potatoes (aka prepping them to sprout) to sowing tomatoes, peppers, and flowers, they’re covering everything you need to do right now to stay ahead of the season. But they’re not stopping there — they’re also sharing smart bed prep strategies (hello, cardboard hoarding) and talking about their own garden experiments so you can learn what works (and what flops) without doing all the tri...2025-03-0515 minFostering BloomsThe Best Gardening Tools for Beginners & Experts (What You Actually Need!) - Episode 12 Must-Have Gardening Tools: Game Changers for Every Gardener! In this episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon Foster-Boline & Caitlyn Blum break down the absolute best gardening tools that will make your garden life easier, faster, and more enjoyable. We cover everything from the historical Sussex trug 🏡 to the life-changing Japanese sickle, plus essential tools for weeding, planting, pruning, and seed-starting. 🌱 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ The one tool every gardener wishes they had known about sooner ✔️ Why the Hori Hori knife is like a samurai sword for gardening 🗡️ ✔️ The best weeding tools to save you...2025-02-2617 minFostering BloomsThe Rundown: Everything You Need to Know About Growing Dahlias - Episode 11 In this solo episode of Fostering Blooms, Caitlyn takes you deep into the world of dahlias—one of the most breathtaking flowers you can grow. From choosing the right varieties to planting, watering, and maintaining a thriving dahlia garden, she shares essential tips and personal insights to help you succeed. 🌿 Learn about: ✅ The best conditions for healthy, vibrant dahlias ✅ Common mistakes to avoid when planting & caring for tubers ✅ The top dahlia varieties Caitlyn is excited to grow ✅ How to deal with pests & diseases naturally ✅ Creative ways to expand your garden space W...2025-02-1917 minFostering BloomsListener Q&A: Perfect Plant Picks for a Part Shade Flower Bed - Episode 10In this episode of Fostering Blooms, hosts Shannon Foster-Boline and Caitlyn Blum dive into their first listener Q&A! They respond to a question from Lexi in Knoxville, who seeks advice on enhancing the curb appeal of her northwest-facing, partially shaded front yard. Both Shannon and Caitlyn create unique 'landscape recipes' tailored to Zone 7B, incorporating a range of plants that thrive in partial sun and shade. From hydrangeas and hellebores to hostas and foxgloves, they provide detailed suggestions to help Lexi design a stunning and resilient garden. Tune in for an engaging and informative session on garden planning and de...2025-02-1216 minFostering BloomsGarden Ready: February To-Do List for A Thriving Garden - Episode 9In this episode, Shannon Foster-Boline and Caitlyn Blum hosts of Fostering Blooms, discuss their comprehensive February gardening to-do list, ensuring you're garden ready with them. They emphasize the importance of ordering seed potatoes from a trusted supplier like Wood Prairie Farm, and introduce the concept of 'chitting'. The conversation includes tips on sowing a variety of vegetables both indoors and directly into the garden, with insights on soil preparation, composting, and the benefits of using family-run businesses for quality, organic seeds. Caitlyn & Shannon also share personal experiments with succession planting and soil amendments, ending with a...2025-02-0519 minFostering BloomsGardening Goals for 2025: Let's Grow Together This Year - Episode 8In this episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon Foster-Boline and Caitlyn Blum kick off the new year with their top garden goals for 2025. They discuss New Year's resolutions specifically for gardening, including composting, intentional garden design, propagation, and succession planning. Shannon shares her aspiration to master composting, while Caitlyn emphasizes the importance of intentional garden design. Tune in to get inspired, learn new tips, and set your own garden goals for a flourishing 2025! 00:00 Introduction and New Year Greetings 00:11 Garden Goals for 2025 00:36 Composting Aspirations 03:17 Designing the Garden 04:40 Propagation Plans2025-01-2908 minFostering BloomsThe Rundown: Hellebores & Lenten Roses- Episode 7 In this episode of Fostering Blooms, host Shannon Foster-Boline shares her experiences and tips on growing Hellebores, also known as Lenten Roses. From understanding their proper Latin name to caring for them in various climates, this episode covers everything you need to know about these versatile and hardy plants. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, tune in for insights on soil preferences, planting times, and why hellebores are a must-have for any (lazy) gardener. Join in for this deep dive and get ready to add some magic to your garden with Hellebores! 00:00 Welcome to Fostering Blooms! 00:09 Support and Feedba...2025-01-2210 minFostering BloomsTop Ten Lazy Gardener Plants You’ll Love! - Episode 6Join Shannon Foster Boline and Caitlyn Blum on Fostering Blooms as they reveal their top ten plants perfect for any lazy gardener. These are hassle-free, low-maintenance plants that thrive even with minimal care. From hardy perennials like Salvia and Yew, to vibrant annuals such as Zinnias and Marigolds, these selections not only beautify your garden but also demand little in return. Shannon and Caitlyn share personal experiences, tips, and tricks for each plant, ensuring you have a bountiful yet low-effort garden. Tune in to discover beginner-friendly options and some surprises along the way! 2025-01-1718 minFostering BloomsWrapping Up 2024: Gardening Hits and Misses - Episode 5In this episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon Foster-Boline and Caitlyn Blum reflect on their gardening successes and failures as the year 2024 comes to an end. Shannon discusses the successful expansion of her vegetable garden and the establishment of a cut flower garden, while Caitlyn shares her achievements with climbing roses and her passion for seed collecting. They also highlight their challenges, including Shannon's struggles with relocating hostas during a drought,mysterious plant deaths and Caitlyn's battle with persistent weeds, and overgrown volunteer plants. Throughout the conversation, the duo shares practical tips and...2025-01-0514 minFostering BloomsGarden Ready: January's Must-Do Jobs - Episode 4Join Shannon and Caitlyn of Fostering Blooms in this January episode as they share a detailed list of gardening tasks for both vegetables and flowers. From organizing and ordering seeds, soil testing, and creating garden maps to pruning fruit trees and shrubs, preparing beds for early spring planting, and starting seeds indoors, they cover all the essential activities to keep your garden thriving during the winter months. The hosts share these jobs in the context of their own gardens and experiences, providing practical tips and relatable insights. Whether you're a novice gardener or hav...2025-01-0511 minFostering BloomsCaitlyn's Story: Rooted in the Garden, Harvested with Love - Episode 3In this episode of Fostering Blooms, hosts Shannon Foster-Boline and Caitlyn Blum ignite their passion for gardening in a fun and fiery conversation. Caitlyn shares gripping tales of her favorite plants, including a resilient Bathsheba rose, and delves into her long-standing love of gardening that traces back to her teenage years. Listeners will also be treated to Caitlyn's dream garden inspired by the beautiful landscapes of Italy and her eclectic garden style. As the conversation explores the therapeutic benefits of gardening, Caitlyn shares her journey—from founding her family’s first farm in her...2025-01-0510 minFostering BloomsShannon's Journey: Why Every Garden Has a Story - Episode 2 In this episode of Fostering Blooms, hosts Shannon Foster-Boline and Caitlyn Blum dive deep into Shannon's gardening journey. Caitlyn interviews Shannon with some tricky questions. From the emotional dilemma of rescuing just one plant in a wildfire to her lifelong love for the Arts & Crafts/cottage garden style inspired by trips to England, Shannon opens up about what makes her garden special. Tune in to discover Shannon's favorite garden tools, including the indispensable Hori Hori, and hear why she believes everyone can have a green thumb. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the joys and challenges of gardening, and lear...2025-01-0515 minFostering BloomsWelcome to Fostering Blooms: Kickoff Episode 1 Join hosts Shannon Foster-Boline and Caitlyn Blum in the inaugural episode of 'Fostering Blooms' as they introduce their unique gardening podcast, even as it rains and the temperature drops to 30 degrees. Despite the unconventional winter start, they're here to show you why January is perfect for garden planning. You'll learn about the duo's friendship rooted in a love for gardening, what you can expect from their honest and sometimes humorous episodes, and you'll be inspired to get your hands dirty—literally and figuratively. Whether you're a busy parent or a seasoned green thumb, Shannon and Caitlyn will bring their real-life garde...2025-01-0503 min