PlantTipTuesday: 5 Ways to Expand Your Plant Knowledge
We originally shared this post back in 2020, pre-pandemic (can you even imagine such a time?!) and thought it was worth re-sharing now!
Sagittarius season is officially upon us (more to come on that from Erin at TBH Magic, soon!) and in short, that means we’re all looking to learn something new.
Read along to discover 5 ways to expand your plant knowledge this season.
1. Get a Plant Identification App
Plant id apps are the best invention, like, ever. They come in handy all the time, especially when you lost the tag your plant came home with. There are loads available, but here are two of our favorites.
Using an artificial intelligence (nice word for robot) algorithm, this app helps you identify all types of plants from cacti to mushrooms. All you have to do is snap a photo of the plant, and PlantSnap tells you what it is. The app also offers video tutorials.
Free, available for iOs and Android
This app allows you to interact with horticulture experts for help identifying plants, pests and diseases. It also features a digital care calendar feature that lets you build your garden in the app to receive tailored monthly advice, relevant recommendations and seasonal reminders.
Subscription, available for iOS only
2. Subscribe to a Plant Podcast
Podcasts are a great way to learn about a new subject or interest, especially if you a lot of time with your headphones on. There are loads of generalist plant podcasts out there, but oddly few indoor/house plant podcasts. Our two favorites are On The Ledge and Bloom and Grow Radio.
3. Get a Guide
What's a writer without a dictionary? What's a plant parent without a guidebook? There are lots and lots (and lots and lots) of plant care guides available. Our favorite is The House Plant Expert by D.G. Hessayon. Published in 1993, it's got tons of helpful information on plant care that has stood the test of time. Hessayon is clear and simple in his writing and includes many pictures and diagrams. Best of all, the book is cheap and easy to get on Amazon.
4. Grow Your #PlantFamily
Plant folks are some of the nicest people around. In general, they love to share tips and trade cuttings, and they LOVE to engage with others about their plants. Social media is a great way to connect to plant people - even the shy ones.
Instagram is especially great for sharing plant know-how because of the focus on photo and video. Here are some cool folks to follow on Instagram.
@thezensucculent (duh!)
You can also follow hashtags on Insta. For example, follow a hashtag of your favorite plant in your collection. You'll be surprised how many cool things you can learn just adding that to your feed. Here are some hashtags we learn a lot from.
5. Take a Class
Plant classes are a great way to learn more about plants. It's also a fun way to socialize with other people who share your plant interests. We offer several workshops a month, ranging from terrarium design to making macramé plant hangers. Check out our schedule here and sign up. You can also stop by the shop and try our DIY terrarium bar if you can't find a workshop that meets your schedule.
Have you learned anything new about plants lately? Share with us below :-)
