MOMTALK MARYLAND | SEASON 2, EPISODE 18
What if growing your own food could be possible no matter how much space, time, or money you have? In this episode of Mom Talk Maryland, host Claire Duarte sits down with Roxana, founder of Gardyn-Doulah, to talk about sustainable gardening, permaculture, and how families can create thriving gardens that work with nature and their everyday lives.
Roxana shares her journey from working as a birth doula to becoming a certified permaculture designer and launching Gardyn-Doulah. Through her work, she helps DIY gardeners overcome common challenges with personalized garden designs, hands-on coaching, and educational workshops. She explains how permaculture goes beyond traditional gardening by focusing on regenerating the land, building habitats, growing food, and creating healthier relationships between people and the environment.
Together, Claire and Roxana explore common gardening misconceptions, including whether you need a large yard, an expensive setup, or a green thumb to get started. Roxana shares practical ways to grow food in small spaces, garden throughout Maryland's changing seasons, save money through seeds and plant swaps, and choose beginner-friendly crops. She also discusses indoor gardening, hydroponics, and strategies for protecting plants from deer and unpredictable weather. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of finding a gardening rhythm that fits your lifestyle rather than feeling discouraged by traditional rules or expectations.
Whether you're a beginner hoping to grow your first vegetables, a busy parent looking for budget-friendly ways to garden at home, or an experienced gardener ready to make your landscape more resilient, this conversation will inspire you to start small, learn as you grow, and discover the joy of connecting with nature.
In this episode, we discuss:
Roxana's journey from birth doula to certified permaculture designer and founder of Gardyn-Doulah
What permaculture means and how it supports sustainable, regenerative gardening
How to grow food in small spaces, including townhouses, patios, and indoor gardens
Gardening through Maryland's four seasons and adapting to unpredictable weather
Budget-friendly ways to start a garden, from growing plants from seeds to finding free compost and participating in plant swaps
Beginner-friendly vegetables, greens, herbs, and perennial crops to consider growing
Indoor gardening, microgreens, and affordable hydroponic systems
Creating realistic garden maintenance routines that fit your schedule and lifestyle
Building resilient gardens with native plants and strategies for protecting plants from deer
The connection between gardening, wellness, community, and a deeper relationship with the land
Connect with Roxana and Gardyn-Doulah:
Learn more about garden design, hands-on coaching, educational workshops, and sustainable gardening initiatives at www.gardyn-doulah.com.
Explore Gardyn-Doulah's resources and upcoming workshops to discover practical ways to start or improve your own garden.
Roxana M. Segovia-Beltran | Founder of Gardyn-Doulah
Roxana M. Segovia-Beltran is a permaculture designer, educator, and founder of Gardyn-Doulah, a social enterprise dedicated to sustainable gardening, ecological design, and community education. With over 18 years of gardening experience and a background in teaching and birth doula support, Roxana helps individuals and families grow their own food, create resilient gardens, and reconnect with nature. Through garden design, hands-on coaching, and educational workshops, she makes sustainable gardening more accessible while inspiring healthier, more connected communities.
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