Has 2020 brought out your green thumb? As our homes take on deeper significance in our lives during lockdown – serving not just as living spaces but also offices, schools, gyms, and so much more – many people have turned to houseplants to bring these spaces to life. But if you’ve given indoor gardening a try, you’ve probably realized fairly quickly that it can be quite difficult to keep houseplants alive and well.
Jane Perrone, host of the On The Ledge podcast, is an expert in the art of houseplants. On The Ledge gives listeners tips on growing everything from a simple succulent to the most fickle flowers. This UK based podcaster is also a freelance journalist who specializes in plants and gardening, underscoring sustainability in all she does. Jane’s vast knowledge can help you create the indoor greenhouse of your dreams.
Read more from Jane Perrone below and listen to On the Ledge here (leave a review, too!):
Name:
Jane Perrone
Podcast Name:
Tell us what your podcast is about in 3 sentences or less!
On The Ledge is a podcast all about indoor gardening – helping you to grow everything from Aloe vera to the ZZ plant. I have been nuts about houseplants since I was knee high to a Swiss cheese plant, so this show is a passion project as well as a growing community for fellow enthusiasts.
Current hometown:
Bedford, UK
Originally From:
Buckinghamshire, UK
What’s a quote or piece of advice that you try to live by?
“Don’t Panic.” Douglas Adams, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
Your Superpower:
Boundless enthusiasm
One thing on your bucket list:
Riding a fast horse on an empty beach.
Personal Anthem:
“When the Going Gets Tough, The Tough Get Going” by Billy Ocean
Last Text Message You Sent:
I am afraid this information has been redacted by the British government.
What was your first job?
Paper round!
Any unusual hobbies?
I have an encyclopaedic knowledge of 50s Midwinter china.
Biggest Pet Peeve
People who drop litter.
What inspired you to start your podcast?
I wanted to talk to someone about houseplants and my family wouldn’t listen.
Tell us more about your work/life outside of your podcast.
I am a freelance journalist specialising in plants and gardens.
What is your show’s USP?
My British accent is something many listeners seem to love.
What is one of the greatest challenges you have personally faced with your podcast?
Finding the time to make a weekly show has been tricky at times. Lots of long days were involved, sometimes sacrificing family time.
What was one of your favorite episodes you’ve ever done? Why does it stand out?
100th episode without a doubt, where I got to celebrate with my listeners. Listen here.
What is one thing you have accomplished with your podcast thus far that you are most proud of?
Keeping the show going for 3 years!
What is one major milestone that you would like to accomplish through your podcast in the next year?
Breaking the 300 mark on Patreon.
What is a trend or development in the podcast industry that you foresee happening in the next few years?
Large media companies buying into podcasting in a big way.
What is one of the best pieces of podcast-related advice you’ve ever received & why?
“Don’t worry if you don’t exactly know what you’re doing, just start and you’ll work it out as you go!”
What is one of the worst pieces of podcast-related advice you have ever received & why?
“Surely a podcast about houseplants isn’t going to be popular”? (comment from a man whose podcast had far fewer listeners than mine).
What are some of your favorite women-hosted podcasts (besides your own)?
The Allusionist, Criminal and Hothouse.
Can you tell us about a time when you took a huge risk/did something you were scared to do, and it totally paid off?
Leaving a really secure job – my dream job, really – at The Guardian to go full time as a freelance journalist.
Are there any great podcast-related resources you love that you would like to share?
I really benefited from going on an audio course with Strange and Charmed.
Is there a charity or cause you care about that you would like to share?
I support my local hedgehog rescue, Spiny Norman’s.
How do you feel you’re making a positive impact and generating change through your podcast?
I hear all the time from my listeners that they are learning from listening to On The Ledge, but also that they find the podcast an escape from the difficulties that life throws at all of us. I hope also that my continuing emphasis on sustainability will bring about change in the houseplant industry.
Stay connected with Jane Perrone and On The Ledge:
Website // Twitter // Email // Facebook // Instagram