Hello! I’m Joseph, the avid gardener, grower and flower lover behind Tender Sprout, a queer-owned micro-garden and marketplace for plants, flowers and seasonal starter plants based in central London.

In today’s world, where costs are rising and things often feel uncertain, I find constant joy and pleasure in the simple act of growing plants.

Tender Sprout started from a deep love of propagating countless plants in my home and a keen interest in germinating all types of seeds from market-bought fruit & veg, and enjoying the patient process of nurturing each seed through every stage. Whether it be cherry tomatoes, sunflowers, herbs, monstera plants, snake plants or many more.

This project and business is more than just plants for me. It’s a metaphor for the importance of the basics of patience, resilience, and simple pleasures through growth, when having to navigate and continually adapt to periods of uncertainty and job pressures within a world of instant gratification, binge-worthy entertainment, job insecurity and AI automation.

The simple act of watching a seed or a plant grow and change reminds me, and those who join this journey and support this business, that growth can sometimes be slow and gentle, but still deeply rewarding and fulfilling.

Your support will help buy me a coffee, help with operational costs, buy seeds, pots, soil, packaging, as well as cover costs for local deliveries and soon market stalls. By funding Tender Sprout Plants, you’re helping a queer small business grow roots in our community and spread joy through gardening -- and perhaps also a cheaper way for us all to grow some of our own food during the ever increasing cost of food.

Donation perks:

£5: Mention on Instagram Story

£15: Early access to plant orders

£30: One free plant (local collection/delivery)

£75+: Name a plant in your honour and get a special plant box!

If you can’t donate, sharing this campaign would mean the world. Thank you for helping Tender Sprout grow, one sprout at a time.

With gratitude,

Joseph

@tendersproutplants