
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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Can Snake Plants Live Outside? Everything You Need To Know For Snake Plants Al Fresco
Snake plants can live outside given the right conditions, but be careful that they don't take over! Learn the best way to use snake plants in your landscape.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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My Homemade Orchid Fertilizer Always Brings More Blooms – Here's The Easy Recipe That Transforms Plants
Scientist-turned-gardener Mary Ellen Ellis shares her tried-and-tested DIY orchid fertilizer recipe, plus more ingredients to try for healthy, happy plants.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Grow Geraniums For Bright, Beautiful Blooms All Summer Long
Geraniums have been one of the most popular garden plants for decades. Discover how to keep yours happy and blooming all summer with our complete care guide.
By Nikki Tilley
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Growing Herbs In Containers: Ultimate Guide To Potted Herb Gardens For Year-Round Edibles
For anyone with a curiosity for kitchen gardens, growing herbs in containers is deeply rewarding and flavorsome, whether you’re a keen beginner or a seasoned amateur
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Best Care For Dogwood Trees For Charming Blooms And Bright Stems
Caring for dogwoods is easy and they require only a little maintenance to thrive. Learn how to care for this classic ornamental tree.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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4 Superfast Composting Methods: Turn Waste Into Garden Gold In 30 Days Or Less
Try the fastest composting methods to turbocharge your pile and transform kitchen scraps and garden waste into finished compost in just a few weeks.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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8 Self-Sowing Flowers That Will Grace Your Garden With Colorful Blooms Year After Year
Let nature take over and plant self-sowing flowers that will provide beautiful blooms for years to come – the perfect plants for a cottage garden design.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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What Is The Size Of An Azalea? Explore Different Varieties That Will Suit Every Garden
The size of azaleas can vary widely because they have been selectively bred for different landscape needs. Check out our picks for each size category.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Ultimate Guide To Fertilizing Hydrangeas – For Incredible Blooms Every Year
Fertilizing hydrangeas doesn't have to be hard. Our garden experts demystify the topic and teach you everything you need to know about feeding your fave shrubs.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Essential Pansy Guide: How To Best Care For Pansies For Bounteous Blooms
Pansies are cheerful flowers and often the first pops of color in the spring. Explore how to care for pansies for the best blooms yet.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Looking For Host Plants To Attract Butterflies? Try These 6 Plants For Butterfly Eggs
While it’s important to create a rich source of nectar for pollinators, it’s also critical to provide safe places to breed and grow. Try these plants for butterfly eggs to bring more pollinators to your yard
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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7 Vegetables To Plant In April: Start Indoors Or Outside For A Bumper Summer Harvest
Achieve your growing ambitions with these best vegetables to plant in April – including cold-hardy crops to sow direct and tender varieties to start indoors
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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How To Grow Strawberries From A Strawberry: All You Need To Cultivate Yummy Fruits
You may know how to grow strawberries from small plants or runners – but what about growing from the fruit? Here we show you how to grow strawberries from a strawberry
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Starting Seeds In Egg Cartons: How To DIY Seedling Trays For Free
Reusing egg cartons as seed-starting pots is cost-effective and offers a wealth of benefits for your plants. Get the best out of them with our expert guide.
By Amy Grant
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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