
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 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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Easy Plant Choices To Boost Your Curb Appeal: Go Big With These 6 Small Front Garden Ideas
Even the smallest front yard can be a curbside showstopper with the right plant choices. We reveal six small front garden ideas that dynamically improve a home’s allure and value!
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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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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Preparing Your Garden For Winter: 9 Vital Tasks For Stronger Plants And An Easy Start In Spring
These essential fall tasks will help your garden endure winter’s challenges, and enable you to get a headstart on the next growing season.
By Melanie Griffiths
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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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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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Unique Ornamental Native Grasses: 7 Decorative Natives For Structure And Style
Textured grass is an easy way to amplify garden dynamics, but not all grasses are suited to every region. Try one of these ornamental native grasses for the perfect feathery fit
By Tonya Barnett
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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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Best Perennials To Plant In Fall: 8 Gorgeous Varieties For Next Year’s Garden
Add these perennials in the fall to get a head start on spring and summer with stronger, more established plants.
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