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September 18, 2025 47 mins

I'm thrilled to be sharing this planty conversation with my #plantfriendIRL, Kevin Espiritu from Epic Gardening! Kevin and I recently met IRL in San Diego and clicked immediately. He is a wonderfully curious Botanical Bro who has the most incredible Urban Gardening setup in his home in San Diego. Our journeys to plant parenthood are very similar but revolve around different passions: indoor (mine) and outdoor (his). Today we talk about our different interests, the similarities and differences between indoor and outdoor gardening, and container gardening for those of us who might want to try gardening outdoors! I hope you find it inspiring to grow your own food in your outdoor space! Kevin's book, Field Guide to Urban Gardening, was just released and would be the perfect companion for anyone curious to learn more about urban gardening and growing your own food!

 

In this episode, we learn:

  • [04:40] Kevin's somewhat unsuccessful intro to growing food, and how he became the amazing gardener he is now
  • [13:09] Differences in our experiences growing indoor and outdoor plants
  • [22:47] Outdoor container gardening 101- it's the growing season Plant Friends! Let's learn this together!
  • [24:24] Best plants to start with
  • [29:47] Best pots, soil and fertilizer to use as a newbie

 

Mentioned in our conversation:

 

Want to grow basil, tomatoes, or herbs right on your balcony?

Check out the full show notes and blog for Kevin's simple starter guide!

 

Follow Kevin:

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Follow Maria and Growing Joy:

Order my book: Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants)by Maria Failla, Illustrated by Samantha Leung

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Support Bloom and Grow Radio by becoming a Plant Friend on Patreon!

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