Hey, I’m Jessalyn, and my pronouns are they/them! I’ve been content intern here at Planter since the summer of 2022 and help to write Growing Guides, draw up some plant icons, and generally update information in the app! I live near Waterford, CT and attend the University of Connecticut in pursuit of an Environmental Sciences major and an Ornamental Horticulture minor. Though I don’t have room for a garden, I keep my room as green as they can and love to learn more about plants whenever I can! My favorite plant so far is my tricolor stromanthe! đżđđŞ´
When I’m not working, I throw myself into creative endeavors; making clothes and costumes, playing Dungeons & Dragons, and drawing digital art when I have a chance đď¸.
Revolutionize Your Seed Starting with Soil Blocking
Have you been curious about the technique of soil blocking? Wondering why you might want to try soil blocks instead of the usual seedling trays? Well then, youâve come to the right place!
Soil blocking is a seed-starting technique that can be a bit baffling for many gardeners who arenât familiar with it. The beauty of this technique is that itâs a versatile option for gardeners who have troubles with seedling roots or simply want to cut down on their hobbyâs waste....
Unlock Your Garden's Potential with the Right Tools!
Are you looking to restock your gardening equipment? Maybe youâre starting up new and looking for the tools for the job youâve planned on Planter? Or perhaps, youâre looking for gifts for a loved one who gardens? Well look no further! Thereâs a large variety of tools that could go to good use in your planting space; it all just depends on what you need done! SoâŚ
Letâs start first with the basics!...
A Beginner's Guide to Canning!
The gardenerâs true bane: after months of hard work, your well-earned gains have to be used quickly at risk of spoiling. Why not spite winter and preserve your fruits and vegetables for the season? Canning is a wonderfully rewarding routine for the end of the season to continue to enjoy your produce past its time!
If canning is already a skill well in your wheelhouse, hereâs another Growing Guide listing a few alternative methods of using up your end-of-season produce!...
Coloring Your Clothes (and Food!) with Ingredients Straight from Your Garden
Why Go Natural with your Colors? Have you ever tie-dyed with your family or friends? Itâs a fun and creative activity, and many synthetic dye kits are available on the market! However, there are several good reasons to try dying with plants; put simply, natural dyes are more eco-friendly than those on the market. You reduce your ecological footprint every time you choose to reduce your packaging waste or avoid introducing chemicals to the water system; choosing homemade alternatives is a great way to do both!...
16 of Your Garden's Local Pest Hunters
The Benefits of Beneficial Insects Natural predation can help take care of pests instead of using chemicals! Not only are pesticides becoming less effective on pests due to developing resistances in the insect populations, they wreak havoc in the environment. Pesticides can ruin the soil and seep into the water sources nearby, causing harm to the local ecosystem. Pesticides also arenât selective; not only do they kill pests as intended, theyâll also kill beneficial insects and harm creatures that feed on the dead insects....
The Ups and Downs of Bottom Watering
Looking for some ways to change up your watering routine? Having troubles with root rot in your container plants or seedling trays? The way that youâre watering could be part of the problem - and we have just the alternative! Bottom watering is a highly recommended practice that may be just the change you need.
What is Bottom Watering?
Most peopleâs watering strategy is top watering: pouring the water on or around the plant to water the top of the soil and let it drain down....