Plant Step sounds like the go-to for Windows-based tech, so for the Apple users, the Plant Album app is an option. I use an iPad for the app and both my tablet and phone to take photos.
The database can be viewed as a list

Or thumbnails

The data page for Coral Majority

The rest of Coral Majority's data page

Log notes page for CM


Pros: tons of places to record info. Easy to figure out. Includes import/export features, plant counts, aggregated value of plants, can put text box on picture. Was inexpensive. There is a free "lite" edition.

Cons: garden list does not allow double entries (can't put a plant in two gardens), can't cross-reference, has some data cells I won't use (and can't change), can freeze when trying to import too many pix at once.

The app cost less in money than I would have paid in time if I had my own database set-up.

My question is what does the Plant Album app offer that the Dave's programming here on NGA, does not? How do those two compare? The good thing about Dave's program here on NGA is that it is available on my iPad when I go outside or down to the garden, but my Plant Step Flower program is not.

I use the Plant Album app outside. I can take pictures of flowers while in the app, or record information about bloom sizes or scape heights, etc. I don't need an internet connection to use the app where I would need an internet connection to use the NGA. Since most of my daylilies are too far from the house for a connection, the app keeps me from writing down info on paper and transferring the info later (cuz I know I suck at that )

There might not be enough advantages for some to worry about getting the app.

Interesting stuff! I didn't know I had such a great plant page on here I gotta go look!

Transferring data is the biggy for me. I don't know about Ipad users, but no way is my Surface Pro going out in the garden. I don't mind the occasional bar-b-que sauce or bacon grease, but no way could I tolerate pollen and mud smears on my pretty little baby.

My iPad is a hand-me-down, so pollen smears and mud have pretty much become a way of life for it for the rest of it's life, what a way to go! I am hoping it is enjoying it's retirement as much as I am.

Great info.

"a hand-me-down"
You lucky dog

I like Plantstep better than having a plant page on this site. I do like to look my cultivars up in the database, and then cut and paste to my hearts content

But what I really love is when you click the find button and it fills in all the appropriate blanks for you Spoiled rotten

Awesome info Diana! I've been looking for an app for my iPhone and this will be perfect! I will definitely download it and use it this growing season. The great part is I can add my seedlings to it with no problem and adding pics directly to the app is amazing. I sent you some acorns. Enjoy!

Wouldn't it be nice if they could adapt Plantstep to Apple

Elena, thank you for the acorns! I hope you enjoy the app as much as I have! Let me know if I can help : )

Sorry to keep hijacking this thread, but I have just one more thing to say. I've been watching the Plantstep videos on youtube, especially the ones about daylily hybridizing . I pause the video, then follow the steps in my own program. Once you learn how to use it, it's soooo cool

josieskid said:Sorry to keep hijacking this thread, but I have just one more thing to say. I've been watching the Plantstep videos on youtube, especially the ones about daylily hybridizing . I pause the video, then follow the steps in my own program. Once you learn how to use it, it's soooo cool

That is such a good idea! I am going to try that

The videos do help, but a lot of stuff is not covered in them. They will at least get you started.

So this is my plight. I have Windows at the office (and it's so much easier to add things over the lunch hour, etc. here) and all Apple products at home.

Seedfork said:The videos do help, but a lot of stuff is not covered in them. They will at least get you started.

I got all my cultivars added successfully. Now I have to work on the seedlings.

@Legalily Ginny, Plant Step is 30.00 and Plant Album is 8.00 for the full version. There is a lite version, which is free...

Are those one time fees?

I don't know about Plant Step for sure (I think so), and yes, just a one-time fee for Plant Album.

Yes, it's a one time fee for Plantstep. Diana, does Plant Album have anything for keeping track of your hybridizing?

It might be that each of these applications has unique advantages. I looked at Plant Step videos, and it seems to me that it would be great for hybridizers, since you get a nice page for each one with complete information.
Not as good for quickly putting in a lengthy list of seeds purchased on the LA and posting basic data on them prior to planting outside. For this, I made a quick spreadsheet for tracking ordering, payment, status etc, and then generating hundreds of labels for the markers all at once.

Plant Step seems like it has a lot more overhead/info to enter for each plant up front. However, when I get to the point where I select blooming seedlings, I might buy it.

I use and iPhone and iPad also, plus my new laptop is a MacBook Pro. So I might get the Plant Album app. Since iPhones take such great photos, it seems like a natural to take out into the garden (when that moment comes!)