
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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Muhly Grass Growing Guide – Uniquely Gorgeous Native Grass Will Add Texture and Interest To Any Garden
Muhly grasses are fabulous additions to any garden and some of the most beautiful native grasses. They are eye-catching thrive even in poor soil.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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7 Plants That Like Coffee Grounds: Perk Up These Key Plants & Shrubs With A Cup Of Joe – Plus, Why They Enjoy The Caffeine Boost
You’re not the only one who can benefit from a shot of caffeine! Meet the 7 plants that like coffee grounds and find out why (and how) they can benefit from the added caffeine boost
By Janey Goulding
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How To Grow A Mountain Hydrangea – The Underused Shrub With Wonderfully Whimsical Blooms
Mountain hydrangeas are a beautiful, compact variety that is sure to stun. Learn all about these vibrant shrubs and how you can grow one in your garden.
By Teo Spengler
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Dwarf Dahlias: 7 Varieties Of Brilliant Blooms Best Suited For Containers And Small Gardens
Passionate about dahlias but short on space or keen to advance your container garden? Try growing dwarf dahlias like these special shorties for stunning blooms
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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8 Fantastic Container Vegetable Combinations For Better Produce In Small Spaces, According To Expert Gardener & Former Chef
These container veggie combinations will boost your produce. Each plant will help the others grow and help you save space. Try out these tasty combos.
By Amy Grant
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Create A Food Forest: Sustainable, Natural & Edible Landscaping For Your Health And the Planet's
A food forest layers different sized trees, shrubs, and all kinds of edibles in a symbiotic natural setting. It is the perfect sustainable foodscape.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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I’ve Been A Professional Gardener For Over 30 Years And These Are The 8 Must-Have Outdoor Annual Plants I Believe Every Garden Needs
Filling a garden with annuals is a pleasure that is constantly evolving and full of surprises – but there are some outdoor annual plants every garden should have, every year
By Amy Grant
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Keep Your Pinks Flowering For Longer: How To Deadhead Dianthus For A Bounty Of Blooms
Certain dianthus varieties are capable of flowering well into high summer with the right care – so find out how to deadhead dianthus to guarantee a longer season of pretty pinks
By Tonya Barnett
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Looking For A Raised Garden Bed Deal? Don’t Miss These 9 Raised Bed Super Bargains At KnockDown Prices For Amazon Prime Day
You can grab a great raised garden bed deal if you act fast with one of these genius money-savers to suit all gardens – part of the Amazon Prime Day Event
By Janey Goulding
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Expert Guide: How To Deadhead Hydrangeas For Better Blooms And Healthier Plants
Learn how to deadhead hydrangeas to create stronger, healthier plants and the most gorgeous blooms you've ever had. Follow along for expert tips.
By Tonya Barnett
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Dahlias Not Blooming? Avoid These 7 Common Dahlia Mistakes To Bring More Flowering Joy With Your Dream Dollies
If you’ve not yet been dazzled by dahlia displays, don’t fret. Dahlias not blooming needn’t be cause for despair – check these dahlia mistakes to put your blooming back on track
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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I'm a Professional Gardening Writer and Have Planted My Own Forest – These 5 Big Trees Are My Absolute Favorites
There is nothing that can put the world in perspective quite like standing under an enormous old tree. Here are my favorite big trees that you can plant too.
By Teo Spengler
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Shade Plant Superstars for Lazy Gardeners – Grow These 5 Shade Plants That Thrive On Neglect For No-Fuss Backyard Beauty
If you’re stretched for time and short on sunny garden spots, make sure you grow some of these shade plants that thrive on neglect. Guaranteed to brighten your day the easy way!
By Janey Goulding
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Do Tomatoes Need Protection From Excessive Heat? Find Out 4 Ways To Protect Tomatoes In A Heatwave & Keep Plants Healthy
Tomatoes may flourish in sunshine, but be careful not to give them too much of a good thing. Do tomatoes need protection from excessive heat? Absolutely – and here’s how
By Amy Grant
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Unexpected Plant Color Combinations – Try These 4 Unusual Color Pairings To Rejuvenate Your Garden Design
Certain combinations of color can transform an everyday planting idea into a visual feast. Here are 4 unexpected plant color combinations to shake up your landscape
By Janey Goulding
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How Often To Water Hydrangeas And Top Hydration Tips From A Gardening Expert
They are water lovers, but how often do you water hydrangeas? Learn the best advice to help keep your hydrangeas well-hydrated and looking lush.
By Amy Grant
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I'm a Professional Chef and Gardening Writer – These Are the 8 Vegetables I Always Grow for Unbeatable Flavor
I've learned a lot in my careers, and I refuse to gatekeep my favorite veggies to grow any longer! Grow the most delicious vegetables yet with my picks.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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Give Your Herbs A Haircut! 6 Aromatic Edibles That Benefit From Snipping In Summer & Why Trimming The Herbs Matters
Some edible plants are happy tumbling over pots and planters – but for others, trimming the herbs can help. Here are 6 aromatic edibles to snip into shape this summer
By Susan Albert