Latest articles by Mary Ellen Ellis
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Growing Bell Peppers in Containers for Months of Colorful, Easy Flavor in Small SpacesGrowing bell peppers in containers is easier than you think, and oh so rewarding. Here is how to get rainbow results and crunchy bell harvests even in tiny spaces
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8 Unlikely Places to Find Free Lumber to Build Raised Beds on a BudgetWith lumber prices on the rise, the cost of building raised beds has skyrocketed. Here's where to find free lumber to build your own garden beds on a budget.
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Zone 8 Plants – The Best Zone 8 Perennials, Shrubs, Trees, Annuals, and Edible PlantsHere are the best Zone 8 plants for your garden whether you need trees, perennials, or edible garden additions.
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How to Grow Cilantro – An Expert Guide to a Longer, More Flavorful HarvestCilantro is a staple herb in many kitchens, loved for its fresh, citrusy flavor. It can be a little tricky to grow, but once you understand its needs, you can enjoy a continuous harvest right from your garden.
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When to Prune Forsythia and How to Do It Right – So You Don't Lose Any BloomsLearning how and when to prune forsythia bushes is key to their care. Do it wrong and you may lose all your blooms. Here's how and when to make the right cut.
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Perennial Flowers: Zone 6 Picks for Vibrant Blooms and Gorgeous Greenery Year After YearZone 6 perennials are ready for hot summers and cold winters. Explore 9 favorites that will bring bold beauty to zone 6 gardens.
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Is Your Soil Ready for Planting? Try the 5-Second Squeeze Test To Find OutThe secret to successful gardening is literally in your hands. This easy-squeezy test helps to determine soil moisture so you can keep this year’s plants happy and healthy
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Why Petting Your Seedlings for 30 Seconds Each Day Can Make Them Stronger – It’s The Tickle Every Pro Gardener Swears By!Want to avoid leggy seedlings? Your plant babies are craving a little Vitamin T – by which we mean, your touch. Here’s why you need to try a little tenderness and pet your seedlings
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6 Plant-and-Forget Shade Plants that Thrive with Neglect – For Flourishing Perennial BeautyLooking for the ultimate “set it and forget it” perennial shade garden? These lovely shade garden plants don’t just survive in the gloom, they flourish with minimal care
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If Your Peonies Had Fungus Last Year, Spray Them With This Natural Remedy Now for Healthy Blooms This SpringFungal diseases on peonies can cause distorted blooms or no flowers at all. If your plants had problems last year, spray them now to ensure big blooms later.
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Scale Insect Identification and Control: Don't Let Your Precious Plants Get Destroyed By Creepy CrawlersScale insects are a threat for many plants in the home and garden, sucking sap and robbing them of essential nutrients. Identify and treat scale on plants.
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This Cheery Yellow Flower That Emerges in Early Spring May Look Cute, But It’s Highly Invasive – How to Identify & Remove Lesser CelandineDon't be fooled by the bright and happy blooms on this invasive plant. Lesser celandine has no place in your garden.
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March Is Your Last Chance to Prune These 8 Plants – Miss the Window and You’ll Get Fewer FlowersMarch is the last time you will get to prune these plants before they break dormancy. Prune now to enjoy better growth this spring and summer.
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How to Make a Cheap In-Ground Worm Composter in Time for Spring – Just Add Worms!A lush spring garden starts with this easy (and budget-friendly) weekend project. Here’s how to make a worm composting tower using unwanted scraps and a handful of worms
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Trout Lily Care Guide: How to Grow This Native Woodland EphemeralThe trout lily only blooms 1-2 weeks per year, but it's worth it! Plant these gorgeous woodland wildflowers for a blanket of yellow every spring.
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How to Pick the Best Plants in the Clearance Section – and Which Ones You Should Always Leave BehindYou can find some great deals on plants in the clearance section, if you know what to look for. Don't waste money on a dud, follow these top shopping tips.
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Tackle Infestations of Aphids on Houseplants: 5 Effective Methods to Get Indoor Pests Under ControlThey aren't just an outdoor pest. Aphids on houseplants can spell disaster if not treated quickly. Learn how to best manage an indoor infestation.
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Orchid Flower Spikes: How to Train New Spikes for Beautiful BloomsAn orchid flower spike is where all the drama and beauty is. Learn to train new flower spikes without breaking them to keep your orchid looking gorgeous.
