
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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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
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Plant These 5 Trees as Bare Roots Before Winter's End – and Get Better Results for Less Money
Planting bare root trees and shrubs is a cost-effective way to get gorgeous specimen plants, but you need to act now. Bare roots need to be planted in dormancy.
By Teo Spengler
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Are Your Houseplants Looking Leggy After Winter? Here’s the Secret to Making Them Bushier than Ever
Winter can do a real number on houseplants, with low light and shorter days leading to stretched and spindly growth. If your plants are looking leggy, here’s how to revive them to their lush and bushy glories
By Tyler Schuster
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Worried about Your Soil Health? Before You Buy a Test Kit, Try This Simple Fizz Trick
Confused about your yard's soil pH and not sure where to start? This simple fizz test uses household staples to reveal if your soil is acidic or alkaline, helping you to plant smarter this spring
By Tyler Schuster
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This "Dark Chocolate" Mulch Could Be the Winter Secret to Fewer Weeds and Better Spring Borders
Imagine stepping into your yard and being greeted by the rich aroma of a chocolate shop? Find out why cocoa mulch is the nutrient-dense secret weapon you need to boost soil health before spring begins
By Teo Spengler
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How to Grow a New Hedge From Twigs – Yes, This Winter Method Really Works
You may not think a stick in the mud can be magic – but you’d be surprised. Here’s how to plant twigs in your yard to create a whole new living boundary
By Tyler Schuster
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How to Grow Peonies in Pots for Years of Easy Color Even in Small Spaces
They are amongst the most exquisite ornamentals, yet peonies have a rep for being the domain of sprawling beds and borders. The truth is you don’t need loads of space to grow dazzling peonies in pots, as this expert guide reveals
By Bonnie L. Grant
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Pruning Fig Trees – The Simple Healthy Cuts that Bring Years of Bountiful Harvests
The secret to the perfect fig is in your shears. A few strategic cuts turn a tangled thicket into a high-yielding masterpiece. Here’s how to master pruning fig trees
By Teo Spengler
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Is Your Rosemary Turning Brown? Here’s How to Identify and Tackle 7 Common Issues
Rosemary is the crown jewel of the herb garden, but when its vibrant green needles start to turn brown, it’s a sign of distress. Here is how to diagnose the problem quickly and bring your plant back to life
By Amy Grant
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Rooting Hormone for Easy Plant Propagation: Your Guide to Commercial and Natural Options
Rooting hormone can improve the odds of successful plant propagation if used correctly. Learn about the various options and best practices.
By Tyler Schuster
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African Violet Care Made Easy: Your Complete Guide for Sweet Year-Round Blooms
African violets are beautiful plants that can bloom year-round and live for decades with proper care and attention. Get healthy plants with vibrant blooms.
By Kathleen Walters
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Complete Spider Plant Care Guide: Everything Beginners (and Pros) Need to Know for Thriving Houseplants
Spider plant care is pretty simple, but there's still a lot plant parents need to know to help these low-maintenance beauties thrive. Here's where to start.
By Teo Spengler
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9 Best Hanging Planters for Vertical Displays – Super Stylish Picks That Make Your Plants Pop
If you want containers for dazzling hanging baskets, you don't have to settle for boring plastic tubs. These high-performing hanging planter ideas show that vertical gardening is getting a stylish upgrade
By Janey Goulding

