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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Christmas Cactus Fertilizer Guide: How And When To Feed Plants For Better Blooms
Encouraging a Christmas cactus to flower is a lot easier if plants are fertilized properly. Learn the species' feeding needs and enjoy generous holiday blooms.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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10 Christmas Cactus Problems Solved: Diagnose Common Issues For Healthy Flowering Plants
Is your Christmas cactus underperforming or in poor health? Diagnose and correct common problems affecting holiday cacti to keep them thriving and blooming.
By Melanie Griffiths
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How To Make A Christmas Cactus Bloom – And Then Bloom Again For Double The Flowers
The ever-popular Christmas cactus needs a little encouragement to produce stunning tropical blooms over the holiday season, especially if you want them twice.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Christmas Cactus Soil Guide: Choose The Best Potting Mix To Help Your Schlumbergera Thrive
The perfect Christmas cactus soil mix will keep this festive favorite thriving. Learn how to create a well-draining, nutrient-rich potting medium.
By Tonya Barnett
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12 Most-Wanted Holiday Gifts: Gardening Know How's Staff Picks For 2024
Browse gift ideas recommended by the Gardening Know How team – from tried-and-tested gems to products we're coveting for our own wish lists.
By Melanie Griffiths
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Christmas Cactus Watering Guide: How Often To Water Plants For Better Blooms
Discover how often to water a Christmas cactus, how much, and how to avoid under and overwatering for healthy plants that flower reliably over the holidays.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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9 Host & Hostess Gift Ideas That Are So Much Better Than A Boring Bottle Of Wine
Toast your holiday host with a gift they’ll love! Explore an expert-approved list of plant-themed presents that mean so much more than a boring bottle of wine.
By Laura Walters
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Christmas Cactus Vs Thanksgiving Cactus: The Different Types Of Holiday Cactus Explained
Learn how to identify Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter cactus plants, and understand their slightly different care needs.
By Melanie Griffiths
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Bee Cups For Thirsty Pollinators
Have you heard about Bee Cups? They're the sustainable, woman-owned business dedicated to saving the bees, one sip at a time.
By Caroline Bloomfield
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Propagating A Thanksgiving Cactus: How To Grow More Plants For Free
Effortlessly propagate your Thanksgiving cactus with simple stem cuttings or root division, to create healthy new plants that burst with vibrant blooms year after year.
By Melanie Griffiths
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DIY Holiday Porch Pot Ideas: 12 Perfect Plants For A Magical Winter Display
Make a charming holiday porch pot to take you through the festive season and beyond, filled with lustrous foliage, vibrant berries, and cheerful flowers.
By Melanie Griffiths
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How To Overwinter Boston Fern Plants: Keep Sword Ferns Well Cared For In Winter Months
Boston ferns are some of our most enduring plants – but make sure you’re giving them the best care in cold months. Here’s how to overwinter Boston fern plants
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How Long Do Mums Last? Plus, How To Make Chrysanthemum Flowers Last Longer
Chrysanthemums have the potential for enduring displays as we enter the quieter months of the year. But how long do mums last? Here’s how to maximize your fall blooms
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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9 Fun Things To Do With Pumpkins That Are Past Their Prime
Wondering what to do with your pumpkin after the Halloween fun is over? Learn what to do with your pumpkins when you are done decorating with them.
By Teo Spengler
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Thanksgiving Cactus Care Guide: Grow Healthy Plants That Bloom Over The Holidays
Grow thriving Thanksgiving cactus plants that reliably rebloom, with this expert guide to creating the ideal growing conditions and solving common problems.
By Melanie Griffiths
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Repotting A Thanksgiving Cactus: Your Expert Guide For Thriving Plants
Learn how to repot your Thanksgiving cactus to ensure a happy, healthy houseplant filled with glorious blooms for the holiday season.
By Tonya Barnett
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Overwinter Mums: Keep Chrysanthemums Coming Back Year After Year
Overwintering mums is possible with the right care. Learn how to winterize mums so you can have color in your fall garden every year.
By Tonya Barnett
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How To Save Pumpkin Seeds For Planting – Plus, Tasty Ways To Eat The Leftovers!
Saving pumpkin seeds is easy. Planting pumpkin seeds from pumpkins you have enjoyed also ensures that you can enjoy them again next year. Read this article for tips on how to harvest and save pumpkin seeds.
By Amy Grant