
Amy Draiss
Amy Draiss, serving as the Digital Community Manager at Gardening Know How since 2021, is responsible for building and maintaining connections within our online community. Her knack for gardening has seamlessly translated into a digital green thumb, allowing her to educate and inspire thousands of gardeners daily on social media.
Amy's journey into the green world began with her hands-on experience in the family landscaping business. She later transitioned into the role of manager at a retail garden center in Northeast Ohio, where she cultivated her knowledge of plants, gardening supplies, and customer relations. Her knack for social media management soon blossomed, allowing her to connect with fellow gardeners and share her wisdom on a wider scale.
Still living in the Midwest, Amy has honed her gardening skills under the challenging conditions of the region. Her two-acre property enables her to cultivate a raised vegetable garden and enjoy a wide range of trees, shrubs and perennials, including a couple of her favorites: hydrangeas and Japanese maples. Fun fact – her deep love for hydrangeas has earned her the title of the Hydrangea Queen here at Gardening Know How.
Since joining the team, Amy has assisted in various marketing campaigns, manages email communications, publishes daily on social media and is the voice and author behind many of the team’s YouTube videos, covering a multitude of topics, with a special emphasis on her favorite subject—hydrangeas.
During her free time, she enjoys spending quality moments with her family and devoted canine companion, as well as indulging in her love for travel, theme parks, and, of course, gardening.
Amy's mission is to offer advice and inspiration for all plant enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting to sow your first seeds, Amy's expertise and genuine passion will help your garden flourish.
Latest articles by Amy Draiss
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I Tried The Viral Dollar Tree Mini Greenhouse — It's Perfect for Starting Seeds in Small Spaces (Even if You're a Beginner!)
This $1.50 compact seed starter is the easiest, most budget-friendly way to get a head start on your summer seeds.
By Amy Draiss
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How to Grow Basil: a Complete Care Guide for Deliciously Fresh Homegrown Basil
Learning how to grow basil is simple and fun! This easy-care herb deserves a spot in every garden. Here's how to care for it in yours.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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8 Hard to Kill Houseplants Even the Most Neglectful Plant Parents Can Grow With Ease
If you struggle to keep any indoor plants alive, it's time to try one of these hard to kill houseplants. Even the blackest thumbs can't hurt them!
By Mary H. Dyer
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Why Your Peace Lily Needs This Botanical Boost in March – for Lusher Leaves and Longer-Lasting Blooms
March is the ultimate wake-up call for a peace lily. If yours is looking a little winter-weary, this simple botanical kitchen infusion is the gentle restorative she needs to start blooming again
By Janey Goulding
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Don't Use Eggshells in the Garden Unless You Add This Simple Ingredient First – It Helps Plants Access Calcium
Are you using eggshells in garden soil the right way? There’s a simple ingredient you need to add first to unlock the goodness. This five-minute secret turns kitchen scraps into gold
By Tyler Schuster
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My Peat-Free Seed-Starting Mix is Cheaper to Make and More Sustainable – Here’s My Go-To Recipe
Peat moss has been the seed-starting standard for decades, but it comes at a real environmental cost. This simple three-ingredient mix saves money and saves the planet – and your seed starts will love it
By Tyler Schuster
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Is Birdseed Bad for Dogs? The 4 Surprising Bird Feed Ingredients That Can Be Harmful to Pets
If you're a bird lover with a curious pooch, you might not realize your bird food could be hiding problems. Is birdseed bad for dogs? Here's why your bird food could be hiding a toxic secret
By Teo Spengler
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Using Fungicide for Plants – When and How to Safely Use This Treatment in the Garden
When using fungicides in your garden it is important to first determine if your plant actually needs a fungicide. Learn to safely use fungicides.
By Susan Albert
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How to Grow Rosemary for a Flavorful and Ornamental Addition to Your Garden
Growing rosemary plants can bring fresh, aromatic flavor to your favorite dish or visual appeal as a gorgeous groundcover in a Mediterranean-inspired garden.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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How to Amend Clay Soil for Healthier Gardens and Happier Plants: Your Garden Will Thank You
Clay soil can be hard to garden in, but you don't have to settle! Amending clay soil with organic matter can make drastic improvements. Learn how!
By Teo Spengler
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Your Pruning Tool Could Be Causing More Harm Than Good – Here’s What You Should Be Using
Don't accidentally hurt your plants by using the wrong tool for pruning. Pick the right tool for the job.
By Tyler Schuster
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What to Do With a Jade Plant in March – These 4 Care Tasks Will Boost Spring Growth
March marks the beginning of the growing season for jade plants. Learn how to set them up for success.
By Kathleen Walters
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Moving Your Lavender Plant – How to Relocate for Health, Vitality and Lasting Fragrance
Transplanting lavender is possible, if you pick the right time, prep correctly, and tuck it into a sunny, well-drained spot. Here’s how to ensure a smooth transition for your fragrant favorite
By Tyler Schuster
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Fig Leaves Turning Yellow? Check These 4 Causes To Get Figs Back to Health
A yellowing fig tree is a plant in distress, but the solution is often simpler than you think, if you know where to look. Check these 4 common causes, and find out how to get your plant back to its figgy best
By Tyler Schuster
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March Is Your Last Chance to Prune These 8 Plants – Miss the Window and You’ll Get Fewer Flowers
March is the last time you will get to prune these plants before they break dormancy. Prune now to enjoy better growth this spring and summer.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Fertilizing Fig Trees – How to Feed Figs the Right Way for Honey-Sweet Harvests
Ever wondered why your fig trees look lush, but you can’t get those honey-sweet fruits? It might be down to what (and when) you’re feeding them. Here’s how to help figs reach their full sugary potential
By Janey Goulding
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Soil Testing 101: What You Need To Know For a Flourishing Garden
Good soil equals good plants. Regular soil testing helps you better understand your soil and how you can improve it.
By Teo Spengler
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How to Refresh Your Potted Soil in Time for Spring – Without Even Emptying the Pot
Potting soil doesn't last forever – and compacted, dusty soil can be a plant killer. Learn the secret that restores drainage and fertility, and keeps perennials and houseplants thriving for years
By Tyler Schuster

