Stem By Stem: The New Best Garden Planning App
- Sarah Alexander
- Sep 21, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 11
From Barren Lot to Thriving Habitat: How One Vision Sprouted Stem by Stem

It all began in a newly purchased home with a yard full of weeds and dirt. The founder, who held a PhD and a passion for research, dreamed of transforming this barren plot into a secret garden teeming with native plants and critters. Yet, after numerous calls and consultations, it became clear that most landscapers and nurseries couldn’t fully embrace the vision. Undeterred, the founder pieced together a dedicated crew of vendors, meticulously coordinating months of planning and hands-on labor—often with help from ChatGPT—to finally create a peaceful haven that honored local wildlife.
Throughout that journey, the founder realized how fulfilling it was to be outside, cultivating thriving habitats. A background in social services had already instilled a deep awareness of community challenges, particularly around food insecurity and access to fresh, culturally relevant produce. During a brainstorming session with fellow entrepreneurs, one friend mentioned the benifits for all parties involved in a scheduling app. This struck a chord, and reminded the founder of a conversation with concerned farmers regarding loss of their land to big developers.
Driven by a desire to protect farms, promote healthier eating, and continue fostering biodiversity, the founder envisioned the "best garden planning app" that could unite all these strands: empowering communities with personalized support for growing native gardens, sourcing fresh foods that fit cultural and nutritional needs, and protecting local farmland in the process. Thus, Stem by Stem was born—an endeavor shaped by a heartfelt wish to enrich everyday lives, one native garden, one healthy meal, and one local farm at a time.
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