Self-care scents and plant doctors: Two booths at the Renton Farmers Market

Dozens and dozens of tents pop up with things to smell, eat, wear, and experience from 3 to 7 p.m. every Tuesday in the downtown Renton Plaza at 233 Burnett Ave. S.

Kadeleigh Co. is a candle, incense and tart company consisting of Elexis Jackson and her two school-aged kids, Karleigh and Kadence Jackson.

As many did, the family began experimenting with candles and scents during quarantine, said Elexis. They gave them first as gifts, but quickly had a surplus and began selling the candles.

Soon enough, the two daughters’ names, Kadence and Karleigh (pronounced car-lee) formed the business name Kadeleigh (kad-i-lee).

“Spending time with my girls is the best part,” Elexis said.

Each candle and stick of incense comes from their own experimentation and handy work. Their setup is in their garage at home. The company also does custom orders, and can imitate a scent a customer may want.

Elexis’ favorite candle scent is called “sunshine,” while Karleigh’s favorite is “self-care” and Kadence’s favorite is “salted caramel.”

The company is online year-round and has had a booth at the Renton Farmers Market for two summers in a row.

“My favorite part is meeting new people,” said Kadence, the youngest.

The essential oils, fragrances, and soy wax used for the candles are all-natural and sourced in the United States.

To learn more, visit www.kadeleighcandleco.com/home.

Master Gardeners

One of the first tents at the farmers market entrance is one that gives free gardening, plant care and lawn advice. It is called Master Gardeners, a funded extension program by Washington State University.

The volunteers work in 14 different community gardens across King County, each with its own project like growing food for local food banks. Master Gardeners also host clinics like the booth at the Renton Farmers Market.

The volunteers are multi-generational and diverse in their motivation. Master Gardeners are people becoming plant therapists, business owners, farmers, students and more. Regina Austin and Regee Costanzo work the booth at the Renton Farmers Market as two Master Gardeners (though they say a better name would be “Apprentice Gardeners,” as they are always learning).

“These ladies know so stinkin’ much,” said Austin. “And every person you meet has a niche. Some are fruit tree people, some are compost people. I’d say mine is that of whoever I’m talking to.”

The pair answers any plant questions marketgoers might have. These range from lawn care questions to “how can I bring my rose back to life?” to advice on starting a container garden, something good for those with limited time, space and money.

Water conservation is a theme the Master Gardeners always incorporate into their lawn advice. Although letting a lawn get brown over the summer is the best option, some people might want differently, and that’s okay, Costanzo said. There are plenty of tips on how to water a lawn more mindfully.

“The client might pick and choose from our advice, and that’s okay,” said Costanzo.

“I’ve lived in this area for a while and I love meeting who lives in my community through conversation,” Costanzo said. “The questions people give us are opportunities to learn.”

More about the Master Gardener program can be found at https://extension.wsu.edu/king/gardening.

A vendor map of the Renton Farmers Market can be found at https://maps.managemymarket.com/6428.