Janelle Alberts
School
Iowa State University
Expertise
Local Tips For Global Impact On Bee Crisis, Indoor Horticulture Effects On Mental Wellness, Perlite
- Janelle's gardening interest was launched when her neighbors became beekeepers and she pivoted from her public relations writing to publish persuasively that the only good pollinator plants are native ones and when it comes to bees, mulch matters.
- Janelle's specialty of writing complicated topics into easy-to-read pieces got its start when she was told to draft a UPS mergers and acquisitions press kit with one mandate: not to rile Jimmy Hoffa's son, James, who was then running Teamster contract negotiations with UPS's small package division.
- Her first book, Honest Answers, was endorsed by acclaimed theological scholar Scot McKnight, who praised its ability to go for candor and get to the heart of why parents are getting a side-eye from their kids that says, "Ah. My parents don't know this religion stuff either."
Experience
Janelle has worked as a professional writer for more than two decades. She started as a regional public relations supervisor with Microsoft and has since written freelance features that range from raising women's voices in religious institutions to interviewing retired NFL running back Edgerrin James. Janelle has been a regular contributor to Christianity Today's Gifted for Leadership, RELEVANT magazine, and joined Static Media in 2022 to write pieces that speak to fellow gardening novices in need of the encouragement that even small starts are mighty, because the plants themselves do all the heavy lifting.
Education
Janelle has her bachelor's degree in Communication from Iowa State University.
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Stories By Janelle Alberts
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While we want to make the pollinating jobs of bees as easy as possible, we would rather not attract the problematic carpenter bee. We'll tell you why.
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Starting a garden project in the dead of winter may sound tough, but microgreens are easy, even for the novice among us. Here's how to grow these seedlings.
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While the lack of wildflowers is problematic enough for honey bees, their lifespan is also shorter than ever. But here's how you can help these pollinators.
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If you lack a green thumb but want to display flowers for the holidays, then you may want to consider this indoor plant that takes the care out of plant care.
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Winter houseplants are a little like Goldilocks and the Three Bears fairytale but less easy to read. So, here are 5 novice pitfalls to avoid this winter.
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Growing a kitchen window herb garden can be just the pick-me-up you need during the winter. Here are five delicious herbs that anyone can grow indoors.
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A filler strategy to boost our morning mood as we get our winter bearings could be as simple as lighting a kitchen candle. Here's why this trick works.
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A fresh bouquet of flowers brightens a room as well as your day, but sometimes they fade much faster than anticipated. Here's what you need to do.
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Heading back to school can be exciting and a little nerve-racking. Many of us are looking for ways to reduce that tension and we've got a great tip!
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Trusting friends or neighbors to water and care for your plants correctly is a good idea, but here's what you can do before leaving your florae in their care.
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Let's decipher the best flower shades for our home decor, which can add extra pep to our step or invite a calming cooldown to a chaotic week.
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If you want to attract pollinating bees to your garden, science is on your side. Here's what the "blue halo effect" means and how it can save your flowers.
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It's difficult to figure out how to keep hungry animals out of your garden while also inviting in beneficial pollinators. Here's one plant that can do both!
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While deer are beautiful creatures, most people don't want them eating their flowers. Using deer-resistant plants can keep them away and save your garden.
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Gardening is a fun and healthy habit, and indoor plants bring joy to our lives as well, but sick plants can bring us down. Here are the details.
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Ice plants make a delightful addition to any garden. Here's all you need to know about these pollinator-friendly and deer-resistant flowering succulents.
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The adventure of leaving for college comes with excitement and some anxiety. An indoor herb garden has wellness benefits that can help teens adjust and thrive.
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Mulch is a useful addition to your garden but did you know it can be harmful to pollinators like bees? Read on for ways to naturally remedy this situation.
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If you want to liven up your desk and help give yourself some more focus, picking the right little succulents will help you get through the workday.
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We walk you through the efficient ways of propagating succulents. We also show you how to tell if your plant has outgrown its space and needs a new home.
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Succulents come in a wide variety of plant types -- from cute little things to plants that grow many feet tall. They're fairly easy to care for.
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If you want to help the environment and help save the bees and butterflies, now is a great time to start a pollinator garden. Her's how to get going!
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Shasta daisies are simple and beautiful and add something special to your garden with space filling lower leaves. They're also great at attracting pollinators.
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If you love succulents, we have another great option to add to your plant collection. The stonecrop succulent is beautiful and will add some extra color.
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If you love succulents and bunny rabbits, we've got a plant you're going to love adding to your home decor. Check out this cute bunny eared plant!
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Rose succulents look like a rose flowers, but they're a succulent without the sweet scent and vivid array of colors. All that aside, they're still delightful.
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If you love the look of ivy-covered buildings, you may want to read this article. Learn about taking care of ivy and the dangers it poses to buildings.