Dream garden unlocked! In this episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon walks us through designing and installing a courtyard knot garden / parterre inspired by classic English white gardens at Sissinghurst and Hidcote—think boxwood edging, yew "sofa" hedging, limestone gravel paths, and lush white blooms that carry interest through the seasons. We talk layout math (hello precision!), off-center paths that look perfectly centered, and how to blend a modern home with historical garden style.

You'll hear how the space evolved—killing the lawn, setting four equal parterre squares with keyhole cutouts, adding spiral topiary moments, and creating a Mediterranean-leaning gravel zone for flow and access. We dig into plant picks (from white catmint, foxglove, phlox 'David', Culver's root, cosmos 'Sonata White', lavender, alliums, poppies and more) and why western sun exposure plus koi-pond humidity shaped the choices. Shannon also swaps a bamboo planter for a whimsical medlar tree (yes, the Shakespeare fruit!) and shares tips for pacing, filming progress, and keeping maintenance flexible for future gardeners.

Takeaways:

• How to design a small-scale knot garden/parterre you can view from above

• Using hedging structure with airy, abundant white plantings

• Gravel, screenings, and pathways for circulation (and moving furniture!)

• Year-round interest planning in a hot, reflective courtyard

• Two must-have whites for staying power: catmint and foxglove

If you love formal structure + romantic abundance, this one's your blueprint. Follow along on IG for the before/after and planting day reveals—then let's go grow, baby.

Fall may be here, but your garden isn't done yet! In this cozy, laugh-filled October chat, Shannon and Caitlyn share what's still thriving, what they're harvesting (spoiler: chili peppers and bean chaos), and what you can still plant before the first frost. From garlic and shallots to arugula and tatsoi, they break down exactly what you can do now to stay garden-ready through November.

You'll hear stories about runaway sweet potato vines, tangled bean towers, and why sometimes a weed tree can be a trellis. The duo also covers how to divide perennials, prep for winter, save leaves for next year's mulch, and make peace with procrastination (because we're all behind this time of year).

Let's go grow, baby! 🌿✨

Show Notes

Sweet Potatoes:
We have confirmed it! Sweet potatoes grow from a single tuber (or "slip") that sends out long, vining stems. Along those vines, nodes will root wherever they touch the soil — but typically, only the original planting site forms the main cluster of sweet potatoes. The rooted nodes might form small tubers, but the bulk of the harvest develops right beneath the original plant. Cutting the vines back during the season won't harm your crop and can actually help keep them contained.

Rio Zape Beans:
Shannon definitely made an oopsie! Rio Zape beans are a vining (pole-type) shelling bean — not a true bush type — so they'll happily climb trellises or other plants nearby. Give them support and space to sprawl, and they'll reward you with beautiful, richly flavored beans.

It's the last call for summer sowing! 🌱 In this episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon and Caitlyn share what's happening in the garden in August—from cutting back strawberry runners to sneaking in those final summer crops.

We cover:

• Fast-growing veggies you can plant in early August

• Which fall crops and herbs to sow now (and which to wait on)

• Our favorite flowers for drying and saving seeds

• A few "just for fun" fall plants we're trying for the first time 🌿

If you've been waiting to plant your fall veggies or sneak in one more summer harvest, now is the time. Grab your gardening gloves, and let's go grow, baby!

In 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 stressful.

Gift Ideas Mentioned in the Episode

• Peach vanilla jam (small-batch canned)

• Cranberry pomegranate jelly

• Mexican escabeche (pickled carrots, onion, jalapeño)

• Shelling beans in muslin bags

• Vinegar shrubs (rhubarb mint, plum lavender, peach strawberry, cranberry pomegranate)

• Dehydrated citrus (lime, lemon, blood orange)

• Cocktail/mocktail kits (including dried citrus, bitters, shrub syrups)

• Bitters (alcohol-infused herbal blends)

• Oxymels (honey and herb digestives)

• Basil vinegar

• Preserved lemons (salt-cured)

• Dried tea blends (e.g. lemon balm, mint, holy basil)

• Dried herb mixes

• Spa gift kits (bath salts, lavender towels, muslin cloths with essential oil)

• Sourdough crackers

• Goat milk soap

• Dog treats

• Custom packaging: stamped muslin bags, canvas totes, thrifted baskets, market baskets

In 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.

Whether you're curious about pickles, drowning in cherry tomatoes, or finally ready to try pressure canning green beans, this episode will help you make the most of summer's generosity—without wasting a bite.

Feeling 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 break. Gardening doesn't have to be perfect to be worth it.

The 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 for beating the heat
🍅 Second plantings of tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers
🎃 Dreaming up pumpkin and corn patches for fall harvests
🌸 Flowers you can still sow in July—snapdragons, foxglove, scabiosa, and more

Whether you're planning a late-season bounty or fighting the midsummer burnout, we've got you covered.

Let's go get dirty—let's go grow, baby

f 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, and how we plan to fix it next season. Whether you're a first-time grower or a garlic fanatic, there's something here for you.

Let's grow, baby 🌱

Can 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? David Austin roses or Lady Vols center court tickets. The trash talk is real. The answers? Sometimes wildly wrong—and that's what makes it so good.

🌱 Want to see the results of the winnings? Check out our Instagram @FosteringBlooms.

🎧 Whether you're team Garden or team Gameday, you're gonna love this one.

Welcome 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, learn, and maybe rethink that plant sitting in your cart.

Let's go grow, baby!

SHOW NOTES:

Korean Dogwood: Cornus kousa

Discover Life in America

Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry

This 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 bolting, and what's next

Whether you're just catching your breath after spring or wondering if you missed your window — this one's for you.

Show Notes

Cantaloupe Variety - Golden Jenny

🌿 Direct Sow Now:

• Okra

• Corn

• Pole beans

• Bush beans

• Summer squash

• Cucumbers

• Melons

• Sunflowers

• Zinnias

• Cosmos

• Marigolds

• Basil

• Dill

🪴 Start Indoors (if needed for extra protection or head start):

• Specialty zinnias or cosmos with precious seed stock

• Melons (if you're planning to transplant to raised beds or trellis)

• Additional basil for staggered planting

This month is peak warm-season planting — so if you've got open space in the garden, now's the time to fill it!

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts or watch it on YouTube!

👇🏼 Tag a garden buddy & tell us what's on your June to-do list!

Welcome 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 helps avoid pests, disease, and nutrient burnout

• Whether soil health really can replace crop rotation

• Our favorite garden planning tricks to keep the peace between feuding families

Perfect for new and experienced gardeners alike, this episode brings the drama, the strategy, and the laughs. Grab your notebook (or your garden map) and learn how to keep your beds productive and your plants happy.

✨ Follow Fostering Blooms and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Let's go grow, baby!

Show Notes:

• Jean-Martin Fortier: The Market Gardener: A Successful Grower's Handbook for Small Scale Organic Farming

AI in the garden? Yep. In this episode, Shannon and Cait share how they use "Chat Cath" (their nickname for ChatGPT) as a practical garden consultant—while staying thoughtful about environmental impacts and double-checking advice with real-world experience.

You'll hear how they:

• build succession and crop-rotation plans for every bed

• track sow dates and auto-generate next-season calendars

• right-size plant quantities and verify spacing

• create custom organic fertilizer mixes per crop/bed

• translate soil test photos into plain-English actions

• dial in irrigation timing (pots, beds, drip)

• ID pests/diseases from photos and choose organic responses

• design planting combos (including a white knot garden)

• keep a voice-driven, searchable garden journal

If you're curious how AI can remove admin work so you can spend more time growing, this one's for you. Let's go grow, baby!

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 myth-busting the garden, one shovel at a time.

           

Pollinator 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.

🌿 Plants we cover include:
Spring: sage, thyme, chives, lavender, snowdrops, catmint, salvia
Summer: zinnias, cosmos, oregano, basil, mint, bee balm, sunflowers, celosia
Fall: asters, Japanese anemone, sedum (e.g., Autumn Joy), Joe Pye weed, dahlias
Winter: snowdrops, witch hazel, hellebores, camellias, ivy (with a caveat)

👩‍🌾 Follow and subscribe to Fostering Blooms for weekly inspiration, seasonal tips, and real talk about gardening with purpose. Let's go grow, baby!

We 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 (spoiler: yogurt jars involved)

• 🌼 What we're planting now (flowers, herbs, veggies, and more!)

• 🧪 Lessons learned from past garden experiments

If your love language is free plants, you're gonna love this one.

If you want a lush, thriving garden without blowing your budget, this episode is your May garden pep talk. It's practical, a little chaotic, and full of joyful experimenting.

🎧 Let's go propagate some stuff, baby!

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 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 learned about no-dig bed prep (hint: painter's paper > butcher paper), what we're doing differently with squash, beans, and cucumbers, and why it's time to net, stake, and trellis everything now—so future you isn't wrestling floppy dahlias in 90° heat.

Whether you're scaling up like Shannon or squeezing plants into every inch like Caitlyn, this episode will give you a dose of motivation, some laughs, and a practical checklist for getting it done this May.

🌱 Topics we cover:

• Trench-planting tomatoes in raised beds

• Why we love cattle panel trellises for climbing crops

• Flea beetle panic mode + organic pest control options

• Landscape fabric vs. screenings vs. mulch: what actually worked

• Beans, squash, cucumbers, eggplant, and dahlia planting timelines

• Irrigation systems: drip line tips, timers, and rain barrel prep

• What to stake and net now (and why it's better than doing it later)

• Planting annuals, potted roses, hydrangeas, and perennials in late spring

If you're gardening in Zone 7B (or anywhere that's heating up fast), this episode will help you stay one step ahead—and remind you that you're never really "behind."

Let's go get dirty. Let's go grow, baby! 🌼

🎧 Love what you hear?
Follow Fostering Blooms on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.
Leave a rating or review to help other garden lovers find us. And share this episode with a friend who's out there planting tomato trees and fighting beetles, too.

🌸 Follow us on Instagram [@fosteringblooms] for garden inspo, behind-the-scenes chaos, and planty joy.

Want 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!)

• When and how to plant seeds for pressing success

• Which sun-loving and shade-loving flowers press beautifully

• Why some popular flowers like Queen Anne's Lace aren't the best choice—and what to grow instead

This episode is jam-packed with planting tips, beginner wins, and beautiful flower ideas that are both affordable and easy to grow—even if you're new to gardening.

Whether you're dreaming of a lush cutting garden or just want a few blooms to press in books, this guide has you covered. Let's grow, baby! 🌸

🌼 Plants Mentioned:
For Sun:

• Poppies: Mother of Pearl, Pandora, Flemish, California poppies

• Daisies

• Echinacea 

• Cosmos (Apricotta)

• Ammi Majus (False Queen Anne's Lace)

• Ammi Visnaga (Bishop's Flower)

• Pansies

• Hardy Geranium (Geranium Rozanne)

• Phlox drummondii (Creme Brulee)

• Wallflower (Erysimum, variety 'Vulcan')

For Shade:

• Columbine (Aquilegia)

• Hellebores (Wedding Series)

• Ferns (Autumn Fern, Cinnamon Fern)

• Hydrangea (BloomStruck, Endless Summer series)

• Solomon's Seal (Variegated Polygonatum)

🎧 Listen in and get inspired to start your own beautiful, blooming flower bed for pressing—without breaking the bank.

It'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 packed with inspiration and laughs.

🌸 Featured flowers: Bathsheba rose, Clematis Duchess of Edinburgh, peonies Sarah Bernhardt, Karl Rosenfield and Bartzella, Snapdragon Potomac Royal, Artist Viridiflora tulip, Mollie Rillstone, Matcucana, Cupani, Windsor, High Scent, and Nimbus sweet peas, Narcissus Gay Tabor, Lambada Fringed Tulip, perennial phlox, and Vulcan wallflower. 

🥬 Veggies we love: Red Russian kale, Dark Side spinach, Marvel of Four Seasons lettuce, French breakfast radish, Watermelon Radish, Nairobi snap peas, asparagus, spring onions, and Arugula (Shannon's still can't find the variety but it is Botanical Interests seed).

Subscribe so you never miss a new episode every Wednesday — and let us know what's blooming in your garden right now!

🎧 Listen now and let's go grow, baby.

Got 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, and even tea blends!)

• Companion planting tips for flavor and pollinators

• Watering tips and timing for southern zones

• Bonus: a tropical container garden for fragrance and mosquito defense!

This episode proves that you don't need a yard to grow something beautiful. 🌿

👉 Don't forget to follow and rate the podcast! It helps more gardeners and plant lovers find us.

📩 Send your questions to: tips@fosteringblooms.com

Let's go grow, baby!

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 potting on, hardening off seedlings, and planting out perennials, trees, roses, and berries—all the big moves that happen when your mail-order garden dreams show up on your doorstep.

We'll also chat through our tips for setting up drip irrigation, why mulching and composting in April is a game changer, and how we're staying on top of weeds before they take hold.

Whether you're in full expansion mode like Shannon and Caitlyn, or managing a more modest garden space, this episode offers real-time encouragement, practical ideas, and plenty of laughs to help you make the most of April in your garden.

🌱 Topics we cover:

• What to sow indoors vs. outdoors in April

• Succession planting strategies for cucumbers, carrots, and more

• Potting on tips + when to move seedlings out

• Best practices for drip irrigation & water-saving

• Mulching & composting for weed control and soil health

• What to plant now: fruit trees, roses, perennials, shrubs

• How to avoid feeling overwhelmed in a busy garden month

If you're gardening in Zone 7B (or similar climates), this episode will help you stay one step ahead—and give you the motivation to just keep growing.

Let's go get dirty. Let's go grow, baby! 🌼

  Companies mentioned in episode:   Green Heron Compost   Drip Depot Irrigation     🎧 Love what you hear?
Follow Fostering Blooms on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.
Rate & review to help other garden lovers find us, and don't forget to share with a friend who's growing something beautiful this spring.
🌸 Follow us on Instagram @fosteringblooms for behind-the-scenes videos, garden inspiration, and more!      

Think 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 more problems

• What to plant instead (yes, they have suggestions!)

• Personal stories of invasive chaos and hard-earned lessons

🚫 Want to save yourself from garden regret? This is the episode you didn't know you needed.

✨ Follow, review, and send us your most-hated plant picks—we might feature them in a future episode!

Soil 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 gardeners make, debunks common soil myths, and shares her game-changing composting secrets (including how to make rich, fertile soil in just 18 days!).

But that's not all—we also dive into:

✅ Why soil is the real secret to a low-maintenance garden
✅ How to mimic nature for an effortless growing system
✅ The truth about crop rotation & why you might not need it
✅ Why "waiting for the perfect homestead" is a mistake—start where you are!
✅ How Anne turned hard-packed Tennessee clay into fertile, thriving soil

And of course, there's plenty of laughs, tangents, and even some unexpected goat sounds along the way. Whether you're a first-time gardener or a seasoned grower looking to do more with less, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss!

🎧 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen!

Save seeds, save money! 🌱 Shannon and Cait share how to harvest, dry, and store seeds from flowers and veggies—plus which ones actually come true next year and which don't.

It's seed-saving season! We walk through exactly how to collect, dry, label, and store seeds from flowers and veggies you're growing right now—and how this simple habit can save you real money year after year. Learn what must dry on the plant vs. what you can scoop from ripe fruit, how to tell chaff from viable seed, and simple storage tricks that preserve germination.

We chat zinnias, dahlias, celosia, echinacea, foxglove, nigella, arugula, cilantro/coriander, tomatoes, peppers, shelling beans, peas, favas, and more—plus quick tips on F1 hybrids vs. heirlooms so you know what will (and won't) come true next year.

Show Notes:

• Cucumber note: Diamant & Diva are F1 (don't expect true-to-type from saved seed).

• Zinnia note: Queeny Red Lime (saving is fun, but to keep it "true," you'd need to bag blooms to prevent cross-pollination).

• Varieties mentioned by name: Celosia 'Sangria', Nigella 'Albion', Black Krim (heirloom), Chef's Choice (F1), piquillo & Calabrian peppers, Nairobi snap peas.

Welcome 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 50+ catmint plants to create a breathtaking garden moment
🌿 Why catmint and hardy geraniums are must-haves for structure, movement, and long-lasting color
🌿 The Hampton Hack pruning trick that guarantees a second flush of blooms
🌿 The best varieties to plant (including her new UK-inspired obsession)
🌿 How to pair these garden staples with other perennials for an effortlessly layered look

If you want plants that do the hard work for you while looking gorgeous from spring through fall, this episode is for you.

✨ Connect with us:
🌿 Follow along on Instagram @FosteringBlooms for behind-the-scenes garden updates.
📩 Got a question? Email us at tips@fosteringblooms.com—we'd love to hear from you!

Love the show? Leave us a review—it helps fellow garden lovers find us!

Until next time… let's go grow, baby! 🌱🎙

Soil 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 stronger seedlings with less waste and more success! 🌸

📢 Resources & Tools Mentioned:
🛒 Soil Blocker → Swift Blocker
🛒 Cocoa Coir → Coco Coir Blocks
🛒 Widger → Johnnys Seeds Widger

💬 Got gardening questions? We love hearing from you! Email us at tips@fosteringblooms.com or DM us on Instagram @FosteringBlooms

⭐ Love this episode? Don't forget to follow & leave a review to help us grow!

March 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 trial and error yourself. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gardener, this episode is full of practical tips, a lot of laughs, and the friendly encouragement you need to make March your most productive garden month yet.

Plus, get a sneak peek of their upcoming guest, Anne of All Trades (@anneofalltrades), and the game-changing composting method they're testing this month. If you're ready to kick winter to the curb and get growing, this episode is for you.

Highlights:
🌱 The truth about chitting potatoes (and why you're probably already doing it).
🌱 What you can sow and transplant this month (spoiler: a lot).
🌱 Clever bed prep hacks (your Amazon boxes finally have a purpose).
🌱 Why direct sowing is about to become your new favorite task.
🌱 Our favorite pepper varieties (and why bell peppers are kinda boring).
🌱 Hardening off 101 (because your baby plants deserve a soft launch into the real world).
🌱 Garden experiments we're running — so you don't have to.

Let's go grow, baby! 🌸

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 your back & time ⏳
✔️ How to use a stirrup hoe like a pro
✔️ Why a high-quality watering can is worth the investment

📌 Time Stamps:
00:00 - Welcome to Fostering Blooms!
00:09 - Introduction: Gardening Tools That Matter
02:12 - Show and Tell: Our Favorite Gardening Tools
04:29 - The Life-Changing Japanese Sickle
06:54 - The Stirrup Hoe: Weed Like a Pro
09:08 - The Widger: The Secret Seed-Starting Tool
10:43 - The Hori Hori: Your All-Purpose Garden Knife
12:36 - Watering Cans, Tarps & Other Hidden Essentials
16:21 - Final Thoughts & Our #1 Tool Picks

📢 Resources & Products Mentioned:
🛒 Shop Our Favorite Gardening Tools:

• Widger
• Stirrup Hoe
• Hori Hori Knife
• Japanese Sickle
• Sussex Trug
• Felco Pruners
• Haws Watering Cans
• Snips
• Tarps

👉 Love this episode? Don't forget to subscribe & leave a review! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📺 Watch the video version on YouTube: Fostering Blooms Channel

 

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

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gardener, this episode is packed with expert advice and inspiration to help you grow stunning dahlias from tuber to bloom.

🎧 Tune in now and let's go grow, baby!

00:00 – Welcome to Fostering Blooms!
00:22 – Caitlyn's Dahlia Journey: How It All Started
01:12 – Transforming a Vineyard into a Dahlia Garden
03:08 – Must-Know Tips for Growing Dahlias
07:26 – Dahlia Varieties & Their Unique Charms
10:53 – How to Keep Your Dahlias Blooming All Season
14:59 – Dealing with Common Pests & Diseases
16:07 – Final Thoughts & Must-Have Dahlia Resources   Cafe Au Lait Dahlia   Night Silence   Breakout Dahlia   Arber Organics   Hortonova Netting    

In 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 design!   00:00 Welcome to Fostering Blooms! 00:25 Listener Q&A: Lexi's Curb Appeal Challenge 01:17 Shannon's Landscape Recipe for Lexi 11:40 Caitlyn's Landscape Recipe for Lexi 16:05 Final Thoughts and Follow-Up 16:37 Stay Connected with Fostering Blooms  

* Hellebores (Helleborus spp.)Wedding Party® Series: This series offers a range of colors, including speckled pinks and deep purples

* Daffodils (Narcissus spp.) Available in various colors such as yellow, peach, and white.

* Bigleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)

• 'BloomStruck' (Endless Summer® Series): Known for vivid rose-pink or purple blooms, depending on soil pH.

• 'Blushing Bride' (Endless Summer® Series): Features pure white blooms that mature to blush pink or blue.

* Panicle Hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculata)

• 'Little Lime': A compact hydrangea with lime green blooms that age to a rich pink.

* Hostas (Hosta spp.)

• 'Blue Perfection': Known for its large, blue-gray leaves.

• 'Waterslide': Features ruffled, wavy blue leaves with a waxy coating.

• 'Mouse Madness': A miniature hosta with variegated leaves.

* Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum')

• Features arching stems with variegated leaves and small white bell-shaped flowers.

* Celandine Poppy (Stylophorum diphyllum)

• A woodland plant with bright yellow poppy-like flowers.

* Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)

• 'Sutton's Apricot': Known for its soft apricot-colored blooms.

* Yew (Taxus spp.)

• 'Hicksii' (Hick's Yew): A columnar evergreen shrub suitable for hedges.

* Boxwood (Buxus spp.)

• 'Green Velvet': A compact boxwood with a rounded form.

* Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)

• Known for its oak-shaped leaves and white to pinkish blooms.

* Sky Pencil Holly (Ilex crenata 'Sky Pencil')

• A narrow, columnar holly ideal for vertical accents.

* Bleeding Heart (Dicentra spectabilis)

• Features heart-shaped pink or white flowers that dangle from arching stems.

* Columbine (Aquilegia spp.)

• 'Ruby Port': A deep wine-colored variety.

* Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla)

• 'Bright Lights': Features vibrant, multicolored stems.

* Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium)

In 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 lighthearted discussion on composting with 'pluffy' manure.

 

00:00 Introduction and February To-Do List

00:10 Getting Garden Ready: Seed Potatoes

05:13 Sowing Seeds Indoors

08:02 Direct Sowing in the Garden

11:52 Transplanting and Hardening Off Seedlings

15:41 Composting and Weeding

18:37 Conclusion and Final Tips

 

In 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 Plans

05:56 Succession Planning

08:22 Conclusion and Wrap-Up

 

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 Feedback from Friends 01:21 Introducing Audio Mini Sessions 01:58 Hellebores: The Lazy Gardener's Plant 03:17 Planting and Growing Tips for Hellebores 04:05 Hellebores in Arrangements and Varieties 09:20 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up 09:49 Listener Engagement and Support  

Join 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!

 

00:00 Introduction to Lazy Gardener Plants

00:52 Defining Lazy Gardener Plants

02:04 Honorable Mentions: Salvia and Dahlias

04:29 Top 10 Lazy Gardener Plants: Numbers 10 to 7

07:46 Top 10 Lazy Gardener Plants: Numbers 6 to 3

16:14 Top 10 Lazy Gardener Plants: Numbers 2 and 1

18:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

18:39 Follow Us for More Gardening Tips

 

Plants discussed in this episode: Salvia, Dahlias, Hardy Geraniums, Zinnias, Yew, Hydrangeas, Thyme, Chives and Green Onions, Catmint, Marigolds, Swiss Chard, and Hellebores (Lenten Rose).

 

Think mums are your only option for fall color? Think again. In this episode, Shannon and Caitlyn share over 30 annuals, perennials, shrubs, and seeds you can plant right now for vibrant fall color—and a head start on spring blooms.

Show Notes (Plant List):
Annuals: pansies, violas, ornamental kale & cabbage, snapdragons, calendula, dusty miller, dianthus, chrysanthemums
Perennials: asters, peonies, irises, hardy geraniums, lavender, hellebores, ferns, hostas, sedum, daylilies, echinacea
Seeds to Sow Now: Iceland poppies, California poppies, eryngium ('Miss Wilmott's Ghost'), nigella, bells of Ireland, ammi, rudbeckia, bachelor's buttons, lupine, coneflowers, milkweed, monarda, wallflowers
Shrubs & Trees: roses, hydrangeas, mock orange, serviceberry, spirea, boxwood, yew, laurel, thuja, camellias, ginkgo (male)
Bonus Favorites: Japanese anemones, Swiss chard, kale

In 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 personal anecdotes, making this episode a relatable and insightful listen for both novice and experienced gardeners.

 

00:00 Welcome to Fostering Blooms

00:18 Reflecting on 2024: Successes and Failures

01:17 Garden Success Stories

02:48 Garden Expansions and Climbing Roses 

04:35 Cut Flower Garden and Solarizing Soil

07:01 Seed Collecting Adventures

08:39 The Hosta Debacle

10:44 Weeds and Volunteer Plants

14:11 Conclusion and Farewell

 

Join 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 have years of experience, this episode is packed with valuable information to help you kickstart the new year in the garden.

 

00:00 Introduction to Fostering Blooms

00:09 January Gardening Tasks Overview

00:25 Organizing and Ordering Seeds

02:09 Soil Testing 

03:08 Creating a Garden Map

04:16 Pruning 

05:59 Preparing Beds for Early Spring Planting

07:09 Seed Starting & Garden Cleanup

10:06 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

 

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 learn why this passionate gardener wants to share her journey with you all.   Plants Mentioned in this episode: Yellow Itoh peony Bartzella Queen of Sweden David Austin rose Korean Boxwood Hardneck garlic Yew (Densiformis or Hicks) Foxglove Tomatoes Thyme   00:00 Introduction and Greetings   00:28 Wildfire Scenario: Saving One Plant   02:12 The Story Behind a Love for Gardening   04:32 Describing Garden Style in Three Words   07:27 Top Five Plants to Grow Forever   10:02 Favorite and Least Favorite Gardening Tools   12:54 Shannon's "why" behind the Podcast    

In 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 youth to raising miniature donkeys and goats with her own family today.

The hosts emphasize their mission to inspire both novice and experienced gardeners alike, making it clear that gardening is not just about plants but about sharing joy and knowledge. Tune in for an episode that promises to be as informative as it is heartwarming.

 

00:00 Introduction to Fostering Blooms

00:20 Choosing the One Plant to Save

01:35 The Story Behind a Love for Gardening

03:05 Dream Garden Design

04:41 Describing Garden Style in Three Words

06:00 Life on the Farm

08:08 Why We Started This Podcast

10:36 Conclusion and Farewell

 

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 gardening experiences and tips right to you, all wrapped up in (mostly) under 20 minutes. Welcome to 'Fostering Blooms' – let's grow together!   00:00 Introduction to Fostering Blooms 00:09 Why Start a Gardening Podcast in Winter? 01:09 The Unique Appeal of Fostering Blooms 01:52 Real Talk: What to Expect 02:28 Join Us on This Gardening Journey 03:01 Conclusion and Welcome  

Ready to trade summer scorch for cozy garden wins? In this "Garden Ready September" episode, Shannon and Cait share exactly what to plant now for a thriving fall garden—and even a head start on spring. We cover fall veggies, greens, and brassicas, plus our favorite seed-saving tips and variety picks. You'll also hear when to order bulbs, how to layer compost and leaves, and what shrubs and perennials to prune this month.

Let's go grow, baby! 🌱

Show Notes – Varieties Mentioned

• Beets: Boldor (yellow), Chioggia (striped)

• Carrots: Napoli, Purple Haze

• Cauliflower: Amethyst (purple)

• Kale: Red Russian, Lacinato (Dinosaur), Dazzling Blue

• Lettuce: Marvel of Four Seasons, Gatsby, Salanova (red & green)

• Swiss Chard: Firebird

• Cucumbers: Diamant (pickling), Diva (slicing)

• Beans: Romano vining, Monte Gusto

• Fava Beans: Vroma, Broad Windsor (saved seed)

• Garlic: Softneck varieties (new trial this year)

• Lavender: Grosso, Hidcote, Munstead

Summer has been in full swing — and it's been a wild ride in the garden! In this episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon and Caitlyn share what they've been up to lately: from harvesting cucumbers and canning 57 jars of pickles, to trying fermentation for the first time with homemade sauerkraut, and diving into herbalism and tea making with lemon balm, holy basil, mullein, and more.

We talk about the highs and lows of gardening in Zone 7B's summer heat, the burnout that hits when harvests come in fast and furious, and the joy of turning homegrown food into something special — whether that's sourdough bread, homemade yogurt, or herbal teas straight from the apothecary.

If you've ever wondered what real-life gardeners are up to behind the scenes, this is your peek into the messy, delicious, and creative reality of summer gardening.

 

Episode notes:

Pickling Cucumber Variety: Diamant

Monarda Variety: Monarda Punctata (Spotted beebalm)

What happens when you've got a bucket of wine grapes and no plan? In this episode of Fostering Blooms, Shannon and Caitlyn dive into a spontaneous kitchen adventure — plucking grapes, simmering them on the stove, and making homemade grape juice straight from the vineyard.

From food mills to cheesecloth mishaps (and even a few runaway spiders), you'll hear every step of this messy, funny, and surprisingly successful experiment. We share exactly how much juice came from just 1.7 pounds of grapes, what worked, and what we'd do differently next time.

And while this episode focuses on making grape juice, the story doesn't stop there — the leftover pulp inspired us to try jelly the very next day. (Spoiler: it turned out delicious, and we'll share more about it in a future episode!)

If you've ever wondered how to make grape juice from wine grapes, or you just love real-life garden-to-kitchen stories, this one will inspire you to grab your harvest, get messy, and have fun.

 

Discover how gardening can transform not just what you eat, but how you cook. In this solo episode, Caitlyn shares how growing Swiss chard, fennel, radishes, and even saffron made her braver, more creative, and more mindful in the kitchen. From sautéing radish tops in butter to crafting bright fennel salads and infusing rice with homegrown saffron, you'll hear simple, garden-to-table recipes that elevate everyday meals.

Learn how zero-waste cooking, seasonal eating, and underused herbs like thyme can add flavor, color, and mindfulness to your cooking. Whether you're new to gardening or already harvesting your own vegetables, this episode will inspire you to see every leaf, stem, and blossom as an opportunity for creativity in the kitchen.

Bock bock, baby—it's chicken time! In this fun (and feather-filled) episode, Shannon grills Caitlyn with rapid-fire questions all about backyard chickens—from how many to start with, to coops, predators, feed, egg production, and beyond. Whether you're a curious beginner dreaming of fresh eggs or knee-deep in coop building, Caitlyn shares everything you really need to know, including hilarious personal stories, the truth about cleaning (or not cleaning) coops, and why she doesn't name her chickens anymore.

Get ready for practical tips, surprising facts (did you know chickens are blind at night?!), and lots of laughs. Plus, meet Caitlyn's favorite farm friends, including her egg-laying hens, protective roosters, and even turkeys who eat cabbage moths.

This is the ultimate beginner's guide to keeping chickens—perfect for gardeners who are chicken-curious and egg-loving. Let's get clucking.

In this episode of Fostering Blooms, we share how we create meaningful homemade gifts using what we grow, preserve, and make throughout the year. What started as a simple idea turned into a six-month journey of crafting thoughtful holiday gifts straight from the garden, kitchen, and home apothecary.

We talk through everything included in our handmade gifts—herbal tea blends, salves and balms, goat milk soap, lip balm, oxymels, shrubs, wine grape jelly, sourdough crackers, granola, dried citrus, chili flakes, and more—along with what we grew ourselves, what we sourced, and what we learned along the way.

This episode is about more than gift baskets. It's about the confidence that comes from learning new skills, the joy of using what you already have, and how growing even a few herbs can open the door to homemade remedies, pantry staples, and heartfelt gifts.

If you're interested in simple living, herbalism, preserving food, or garden-to-table gifting, this episode will inspire you to start where you are—and maybe begin planning for what you'll grow and make next season.

December may be busy, but there's still plenty you can do in the garden — without overworking yourself. In this Garden Ready December episode of Fostering Blooms, we share practical, low-stress gardening tasks to help protect your plants, finish the season strong, and prepare for a healthier spring.

We cover everything from planting bulbs late, cleaning up frost-killed plants, and lightly pruning roses, to preventing black spot, mulching garlic and strawberries, and using frost cloths correctly. You'll also learn why December is an ideal time for preventative rose care, how to handle hellebores, and what garden chores are actually okay to skip.

Plus, we talk about unhooking hoses and irrigation, organizing seed trays, shopping for seeds and grow lights, and why feeding and cleaning bird feeders matters so much this time of year.

Whether you're gardening in Zone 7, the Southeast, or anywhere with winter weather, this episode will help you feel confident, calm, and ready for January — all while leaving room to rest and enjoy the holidays.

Curious about how to make goat milk soap at home? In this episode of Fostering Blooms, we walk you through our very first attempt at DIY goat milk soap—from gathering supplies to mastering lye safety, blending oils, choosing scents, and cutting our final bars. We break down the exact process we used, what we learned (including what not to do!), how much everything cost, and how many bars we actually made for holiday gifts.

We talk about:
• Freezing goat milk for soap making
• Using lye safely and preventing scorched milk
• The oils and butters we used (coconut, olive, shea, almond, safflower)
• Achieving trace with an immersion blender
• Adding essential oils, lavender buds, and oats
• Mold types, curing time, and storage
• Full cost comparison vs. store-bought goat milk soap

Whether you're a homesteader, gardener wanting to make handmade gifts, or a total beginner looking for a step-by-step guide, this episode gives you everything you need to try goat milk soap yourself.

If you've ever wondered how to make natural soap, how to use lye safely, or whether homemade goat milk soap is worth it—this episode breaks it all down.