Mary Ellen Ellis

Writer

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

You're Probably Watering Your Tulips Too Much – Here's How Often to Give Them a Drink for Beautiful Blooms Every Spring

Tulips are easy to grow, but improper watering can jeopardize bulbs. Find out how often to water tulips for gorgeous blooms that return year after year.

What Is a Soilless Potting Mix? Dig In to This Unique Growing Medium and Learn How To Make Your Own

Soilless potting mix sounds confusing, but it is a great option to keep your plants healthy. Learn how to make your own and watch your plants thrive.

By Mary Ellen Ellis
It’s So Important to Prune These 12 Plants in January – Do It Before Winter’s End to Ensure a Healthy Summer Garden

Discover which plants to prune in the dead of winter to help your garden shape up for a glorious spring and summer.

By Teo Spengler
These 7 Quick Winter Garden Jobs Will Save You 40 Hours in Spring – Even If It’s Freezing Outside

Winter might feel like downtime, but it’s the ideal season to tackle a few key garden tasks. Do these now and shave days off your spring to-do list.

By Mary Ellen Ellis

The 7 Most Common Animal Pests Wreaking Havoc in Your Garden – and How to Keep Them Out

Don't let pest animals destroy all your hard work. Learn which of these common animal pests are ruining your garden and how to keep them at bay.

By Mary Ellen Ellis
I Added These 7 Colorful Houseplants to My Home – and Winter Instantly Felt Brighter

Beat the winter blues with one of these colorful houseplants! I share my favorite picks for a bright and cheery indoor garden this winter.

By Mary Ellen Ellis
What Your ZZ Plant’s Leaves Are Trying to Tell You – and How to Fix Common Problems

Don't let disease or care mistakes kill your ZZ plant! Yellow leaves, brown leaves, and leaf spots are signs of underlying problems that can be fixed.

By Mary Ellen Ellis

This Easy Rhubarb Forcing Hack Gives You an Early Crop Every Year – and Costs Almost Nothing to Do

Rhubarb lovers are always craving that next fix, so any way of speeding up the harvesting process needs to be embraced! Here’s how to enjoy easy forced rhubarb for sweeter, scrummier stalks

By Mary Ellen Ellis
These 8 Heaven-Scented Evergreen Plants Add Fresh Fragrance and Beauty to Winter Gardens

Winter can be dull, but your garden doesn't have to be! Here are 8 great evergreens that stay green AND fragrant all the way to spring.

By Mary Ellen Ellis
Winter Is the Most Important Time to Clean Houseplant Leaves – My Homemade Spray Makes Them Shine and Also Repels Pests

Leaf cleaning matters more in winter. Try my simple, homemade leaf shine spray for healthier, more attractive houseplants.

By Mary Ellen Ellis

ornamental tree bark texture on rainbow eucalyptus tree

Want Showstopper Trees? Grow these 7 Unique Beauties for Dramatic Bark Tone and Texture to Add Some Winter Wow

Think bark is boring? These 7 breathtaking trees prove otherwise, offering extraordinary textures, bold color and instant character that turn even winter into a showpiece

How to Grow Fava Beans: Planting, Care, and Harvest Tips for a Successful Crop

Growing fava beans is like four crops in one: flavorful fresh pods, both fresh and dry beans, and – surprise! – delicious greens to eat fresh or add to cooked dishes.

By Ellen Wells
These 7 Popular Houseplants Won’t Survive Without Extra Humidity – Do You Have One? Here’s How to Help Them Thrive

Dry indoor air can be tough on certain tropical plants. Here are 7 high-humidity houseplants you need to protect – and how to help your indoor jungle flourish

By Mary Ellen Ellis
I Was Losing the Battle With Houseplant Pests – Until I Started Growing These Herbs Beside Them

Place these 10 pest repellent herbs next to your houseplants to protect them from beetles, fungus gnats and more.

By Mary Ellen Ellis

Craving Color? There's Still Time to Plant These 10 Shade-Loving Bulbs

It's not too late to add some color! These 10 shade-loving spring-flowering bulbs thrive under trees and in dark spots. Get them in the ground before it freezes.

By Mary Ellen Ellis
11 Trees and Shrubs With Red Berries for a Bright and Cheery Winter Landscape

Add a pop of festive color to the dreary winter landscape with one of these trees and bushes with red berries. They provide instant cheer that lasts all season.

By Mary Ellen Ellis
The Complete Poinsettia Care Guide: Planting, Pruning & Keeping It Alive

Did you get a poinsettia for the holidays? Wondering how to take care of it? Our comprehensive guide will take you through the basics and beyond.

By Liz Baessler

Plants You Can Still Propagate in Winter (For Free Plants in Spring)

Don't wait for spring to expand your plant family. Learn the key differences when propagating in winter and the 6 easiest plants to try rooting from cuttings.

By Mary Ellen Ellis
Complete Guide to Overwintering Container Plants: Expert Tips to Help Plants Survive the Cold Season

Save money and save your favorite pots for next summer by overwintering container plants with this easy guide. An expert walks you through exactly how to do it.

By Mary Ellen Ellis
5 Bird-Magnet Shrubs for Containers – For Bright Native Berries and Happy Wildlife in Winter

When the garden goes quiet, these vibrant winter berry shrubs burst with color and life. Grow these bird friendly shrubs for containers and you'll give your local wildlife a genuine winter treat

By Mary Ellen Ellis

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