
Liz Baessler
The only child of a horticulturist and an English teacher, Liz Baessler was destined to become a gardening editor. In 2007 she graduated cum laude from Brandeis University with a BA in English. In 2014 she earned an MA in English from l'Université de Genève in Geneva, Switzerland.
She began writing for Gardening Know How in 2015 and never left. Over the years she has been promoted through the ranks of the editorial staff, most recently to Senior Editor in 2020.
For years Liz lived in one apartment or another, doing all of her gardening in containers, community gardens, and holes in the sidewalk. She served for several years on the board of her community garden, where she also worked as a beekeeper. In 2017 she completed her Master Gardener certification at the University of Rhode Island, and attended every class offered by the Rhode Island Beekeepers Association.
Liz has since moved to a tiny patch of land she can call her own outside Boston, where she is systematically digging up the lawn and replacing it with vegetables and native pollinators.
Latest articles by Liz Baessler
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Propagating Basil from Cuttings and Seeds: A Complete GuideWant an endless supply of fresh herbs? Learn how to propagate basil from stem cuttings in water or soil, plus seed-starting tips for year-round harvests.
By Amy Grant
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Why Are My Rose Leaves Turning Yellow? Simple Solutions for Healthy BloomsYellowing foliage doesn't always mean your roses are dying. Let's cover the most likely causes, and how to fix them.
By Stan V. Griep
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How to Revive Dying Lavender Plants: Causes, Fixes, and CareIs your lavender drooping, yellowing, or turning brown? Learn how to diagnose common problems and revive your plant before it's too late!r
By Amy Grant
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What Sam Neill Said about His Garden before His Death Should Have Us All Thinking (and Planting) Differently.In the inaugural Quote of the Week, we reflect the late Jurassic Park actor's moving words about planting trees, growing old, and leaving a garden legacy.
By Liz Baessler
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The Best Diatomaceous Earth Products for Chemical-Free Pest DefenseProtect your vegetables and houseplants without the chemicals. Shop the top-rated diatomaceous earth kits that kill ants, aphids, and slugs naturally.
By Liz Baessler
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Do Coffee Grounds Keep Mosquitoes Away? The Science ExplainedDoes smoldering spent coffee keep mosquitoes away? We break down the viral DIY hack, what the science says, and other ways to clear your yard.
By Liz Baessler
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How to Control Ants in Lawns: Natural and Effective SolutionsAnt hills ruining your turf? Here's how to recognize common lawn ants, get rid of them, and keep your grass healthy to stop the next infestation before it starts.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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Cinder Blocks Get a Bad Rap, but They're Actually an Amazing Container Garden Alternative – And They Cost Less Than $3!Want affordable, durable planters for your patio? Cinder blocks are actually the ideal size and shape, and they're dirt cheap.
By Liz Baessler
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How to Grow Bleeding Hearts: Essential Tips for Truly Unique Spring BloomsWant a stunning shade garden? Learn how to plant, water, and care for a bleeding heart so it returns with vibrant blooms year after year.
By Liz Baessler
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The Bird Feeders Squirrels Can’t Outsmart – and the Deterrents That Help Keep Them AwaySick of squirrels eating all your birdseed? Here are the best squirrel-proof bird feeders and extra supplies that'll keep your seeds safe.
By Liz Baessler
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How to Prune a Lilac Bush for a Massive Amount of Fragrant Spring BloomsWant to keep your lilac blooming its best? Follow these essential pruning guidelines for a full shrub and tons of flowers.
By Nikki Tilley
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How and When to Prune Rhododendrons for a Shapely Shrub and a Riot of Spring ColorIs your rhody getting as tall as your house? Crowding out its neighbors? Maybe it just needs a gentle trim. However you want to prune your rhododendron, we've got you covered.
By Liz Baessler
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Why Isn't My Lilac Blooming? 6 Common Reasons and Easy FixesIs your lilac all leaves and no flowers? Here are the likely reasons it's not blooming, and how to fix it.
By Caroline Bloomfield
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Holes in Basil Leaves: How to Identify and Stop Common Garden PestsDon't let pests ruin your pesto! These are the most common culprits behind holes in basil leaves.
By Amy Grant
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Durable, Breathable, or Stylish? How to Pick the Right Garden Gloves for YouAre you a heavy-duty weeder, or more of a fashion-first sower? Why not both? No matter what kind of gardener you are, we've got the gloves for you in this buying guide.
By Liz Baessler
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Want a Huge Crop of Tomatoes in August? Do This in May.May is make-it-or-break-it time for tomatoes. Treat your plants right now and you'll be overrun with fresh tomatoes this summer.
By Liz Baessler
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This Flower Glows in the Dark. No, Really! Here's How You Can Grow the World's First Bioluminescent Plant.The world's first bioluminescent plant is finally affordable! Snatch yours up before they sell out.
By Liz Baessler
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Ditch the Red Feeder – This Totally Unique Flower Evolved Just to Attract Hummingbirds, and It's Incredibly Easy to Grow!This vine's snail-shaped flowers are specially designed to fit a hummingbird's tongue. There's still time to plant it this spring and get hoards of hummers!
By Liz Baessler

