
Mary Ellen Ellis
Mary Ellen Ellis is an amateur gardener and freelance writer who lives in the Detroit area. She has degrees in Chemistry and Biochemistry and is a former high school science teacher. She has been gardening for more than 20 years and writing professionally for 15. Mary Ellen is the proud owner of only a few houseplants because she has cats who cannot stop chewing on them. Because of this she has developed a hobby growing terrarium plants that cats can’t reach.
Latest articles by Mary Ellen Ellis
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Never Use Homemade Compost Until It Passes This Simple Radish Test
The radish test is a foolproof trick for knowing whether your homemade compost is ready for planting – or if it could harm the health of your plants.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Best Herbs To Plant With Tomatoes: 6 Perfect Companions For Better Flavor & Bigger Harvests
Certain herbs make excellent neighbors to tomatoes in the vegetable garden, repelling pests, keeping down weeds, and enhancing flavor. Try these top varieties.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Complete Guide To Pruning Forsythia: Everything You Need To Know
The sight of a forsythia bush will put a smile on any gardener's face. It is one of the first signs that spring has arrived. Learn how to prune this beauty.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Best Plants For Container Gardening: Try These 10 Easy Ornamental And Edible Options For Pots
Gardening with pots is a quick way to make more of smaller spaces – but which edibles and ornamentals are right? Here are some of the best plants for container gardening
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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7 Summer-Blooming Bulbs To Plant In Early Spring: Don't Miss Months Of Glorious Flowers!
Get a head start on stunning summer blooms with these easy-to-plant bulbs – act early and you will enjoy vibrant flowers that last for months on end.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Everything You Ever Needed To Know About How To Mow A Lawn
Mowing lawns properly is a requirement for healthy, vibrant turf and can be perfected with a few easy steps. Learn more about how to mow your lawn correctly.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Companion Planting In A Square Foot Garden For More Yield
Small spaces inspire us to get creative. Companion planting a square-foot garden can maximize space and the compatible plants help each other grow.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Learn About The Incredible Growth Rate Of Wisteria
Wisteria’s growth rate is simply astonishing. Fast-growing wisteria, as beautiful as it is, can cause major damage to surrounding structures. Plan carefully.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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8 Best Vegetables To Plant In March: Sow Outdoors & Inside For A Longer Harvest
Get a headstart on your vegetable garden with these top varieties to grow now, ensuring fresh harvests from early in the season to the end of summer.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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7 Unique Bonsai Trees You Should Grow For A Stunning, One-Of-A-Kind Display
Discover unusual trees you can bonsai, including fruiting and flowering varieties, to create a breathtaking centerpiece in your home or garden.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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7 Stunning Small Privacy Trees To Transform Your Yard Into A Secluded Oasis
Create a lush, private haven with these beautiful, space-saving trees – perfect for adding greenery and seclusion to even the smallest gardens.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Grow Limelight Hydrangea Shrubs For Green Themed Displays And Brilliant Borders
If you're a panicle hydrangea lover in search of flamboyant, long-lasting florals, knowing how to grow Limelight hydrangea shrubs will ensure gorgeous green blooms
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Caring For Your Curly Spider Plant: All You Need To Know To Grow A Cute Curly-Leaved Spider
Spider plants may not seem all that daring or unusual, but there is one variety that definitely comes with a twist! Here’s how to cultivate the cute and curly spider plant
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Ultimate Raised Beds For Small Gardens: Try These 5 Raised Options For Compact Corners
The perfect raised beds for small gardens squeeze every bit of useful space out of the most productive corners. Here are some practical space-saving ideas you can try
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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8 Longest-Flowering Houseplants For Spectacular Blooms All Year
Enjoy vibrant, long-lasting blooms indoors with these stunning houseplants that, grown together, will add color to your space throughout every month.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Are Snake Plants Toxic To Cats? Here’s How To Protect Your Felines And Avoid Trouble
Are snake plants toxic to cats? A good rule of thumb is to simply keep the plant where kitty can’t get to it.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Create Bright Indirect Light For Houseplants
Creating a space with bright indirect light is a way to mimic the native habitat of many houseplants. Make indoor plants comfy with the right kind of light.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How Deep To Plant Seeds? Get It Right Every Time With This Simple Trick
Take the guesswork out of seed planting with this foolproof trick to get the right sowing depth – for strong, healthy starts every time.
By Mary Ellen Ellis