PlantWatcher was established in 2004.  However, for many years, Ron Sargent had in mind an idea for a simplified plant watering system.  Ron, who enjoys plants, traveled often.  He was very busy and felt uncomfortable that his plants were not watered at the right time and in the right amount.  Finally, in late 2003, a design evolved that seemed to solve his problems.  It was a solid concept that worked well in his plants, yet it was simple enough to warrant the investment and time to launch a company.  The new highly scientific design uses soil moisture tension as the control for watering time and watering amount.  Tests were conducted in simple tube prototypes.  Plants flourished and the results were very good.  The proven system was then packaged in an aesthetically desirable styling that was to be, most often, hidden in the foliage.  The result was named PlantWatcher. 

 

As the company was starting, Ron’s father, Frank Sargent took a great interest in the product and contributed an investment along with many ideas.  He became a partner in the project and has helped steer the company toward success.  Frank and Ron along with Ron’s brother Bud, had been partners before in Thetford Corporation.  One of their very successful previous products was Porta Potti® for camping.  Thetford grew to become the leading maker of recreational vehicle sanitation in the world.  Frank felt that PlantWatcher had the potential of becoming the number one product in the potted plant watering field.  That story is yet to be told.  However, the little company is off to the races to make Frank’s prediction a reality.

 

In the final stages of development a character, Waldo The PlantWatcher, was developed.  Waldo, based on an Australian emu, was created to seriously represent the careful monitoring and watering care provided by PlantWatcher for indoor potted plants.  He speaks only in rhyme and is always on the job.  He enjoys playfully extolling the virtues of PlantWatcher.