
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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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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Hot Composting Guide: The Faster Way To Make Rich, Organic Compost At Home
Turn kitchen scraps and garden waste into wonderfully rich compost in just a few weeks by learning the art of hot composting.
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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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
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7 Best Vegetables To Plant In February – And Start Harvesting From Early Spring
Get a head start on your garden with these delicious veggies. Plant now and you can begin enjoying home-grown harvests sooner than you think.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Best Mulch For Roses: An Expert Guide To Choosing & Applying The Right Type
Give your roses the perfect foundation by choosing the best mulch to boost nutrients, retain moisture, and protect plants from weeds and frost.
By Stan V. Griep