This episode of the Healthy Family Project podcast is all about how to get started with gardening. Heather Manzo gives us a crash course on different types of gardening and what to consider before deciding which style best suits your space and lifestyle.

Gardening is a relaxing hobby that requires a decent time commitment but offers big rewards and positively impacts the environment. Whether you have a small balcony or large backyard, you can work with your space and choose plants that can thrive in your environment.

From edible landscapes and container gardens to flower beds and indoor gardens, it’s all about balancing your goals with your limitations. Heather gives us a crash course on different types of gardens and their benefits, plus useful tips to help you succeed and work on your green thumb.

Listen to the episode

What We Cover:

Want to skip straight to a hot topic? See timestamps below. But of course, we recommend listening all the way through to get all the great tips and tricks!

  • 2:45 Get to know Heather
  • 4:47 How can beginners get started with gardening?
  • 6:23 Limitations to consider when deciding what to do with your space
  • 8:06 Beginner-friendly plants
  • 11:05 What are companion plants?
  • 12:46 How to select native plants for your garden?
  • 14:08 What is a plant palette?
  • 16:20 What are the benefits of container gardening?
  • 20:20 How to attract bees and butterflies?
  • 27:07 What you need to know about soil and composting?
  • 32:33 What can the act of nurturing a seed do for us?
  • 35:40 Hot takes

About Our Guest, Heather Manzo

Heather Manzo is the executive director at the Allegheny County Conservation District. Heather is passionate about preserving the world around her and helping others discover how they can make a difference in our current environment. She practices permaculture and urban ag at her home, tends to grow pumpkin patches in her front yard, and in her free time documents the plants and people of wild places armed with hiking boots, a camera and plenty of trail mix.

Other Podcast Episodes to Check Out:

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Healthy Family Project Podcast

Conversations covering hot topics in the world of health, food and family with a dose of fun. Helping families ease their way into a new fresh and healthy world.

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If you are interested in being a guest on the Healthy Family Project podcast, contact amanda@healthyfamilyproject.com with your topic idea for consideration.