
Nikki Tilley
Nikki Tilley is named after a shoe… but that’s another story. She’s often called the crazy plant lady because she enjoys talking to all her plants and garden critters (bugs too). After working and raising a blended family of five kids, she’s now happily semi-retired and blessed with nearly ten grandchildren that call her Nana Kiki. With more time for gardening and writing, she’s excited to see where the next chapter takes her.
As a bona fide plant hoarder and garden addict, Nikki has over a hundred houseplants and there’s no telling how many more are out in the garden – currently residing within eleven different beds. Her backyard garden is a certified wildlife habitat, so there’s plenty of critters hanging around too.
While much of Nikki’s life revolves around gardening and writing, she has plenty of other interests. One of these is history, and she once dreamed of being an archeologist. She loves being creative through drawing, crafting or upcycling.
Her motto is “dare to be different” and, as such, anything weird or unusual fascinates her. This can often be seen in many of her artistic creations, including the garden.
Latest articles by Nikki Tilley
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Epsom Salt for Plants: What Epsom Salt Can (and Can't) Do for Your GardenEpsom salt is usually known for its use in the bathtub, but is Epsom salt good for plants? Find out more about what it can and can't do for your garden.
By Nikki Tilley
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Cow Manure Can Give Your Garden a Huge Boost, But It May Also Contain Harmful Pathogens – Here's How to Use It SafelyCow manure is a wonderful, organic way to give your garden a boost of nutrients. But there are a few important steps to follow to ensure you use it safely.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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How to Grow Coral Bells for a Gorgeous Pop of Color in the Shade GardenCoral bells are beloved for their beautiful foliage and tall, whimsical flowers that thrive in shade. Here's everything you need to know to grow them.
By Amy Grant
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7 Herbs That Grow in Shade – These Easy-Going Edibles Thrive in Even the Darkest Parts of Your YardThough most edible plants prefer full sun, there are a few tasty herbs that grow in shade that can spice up dim spots in your garden. These are the best ones.
By Tyler Schuster
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How To Grow A Pineapple Top From Store-Bought Fruit – Unlock Tropical Vibes and Grow a Tasty TreatLearn how to grow a pineapple top from a store-bought fruit. You can grow a pineapple plant in your very own home—no tropical travel required!
By Teo Spengler
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Tomato Leaves Curling? These 4 Common Causes Could Spell Serious Trouble for Your PlantsTomato leaves curling signal stressors that could impact your harvest – and kill plants. Find out which cause is behind your curling leaves and how to fix it.
By Susan Albert
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Worm Castings Are the Secret to Healthier Soil and Stronger Plants – Here's How to Make Them at HomeWorm castings are basically just worm poop. But this unlikely material is like magic for your plants. Find out why and how to use them in your garden.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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How to Grow Rosemary for a Flavorful and Ornamental Addition to Your GardenGrowing rosemary plants can bring fresh, aromatic flavor to your favorite dish or visual appeal as a gorgeous groundcover in a Mediterranean-inspired garden.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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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.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Ultimate Guide to Companion Planting in the Vegetable Garden: Everything You Need to KnowCompanion planting is a fun and easy way to reap extra benefits in your garden. Learn everything you need to know to get started and the best pairings to try.
By Nikki Tilley
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How to Prune Hibiscus for an Explosion of Exotic Blooms All Summer LongKeep this tropical beauty healthy by pruning hibiscus the right way. Learn how and when to prune hibiscus plants to keep them vibrant.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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The Complete Poinsettia Care Guide: Planting, Pruning & Keeping It AliveDid 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
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Make Sure Your Poinsettia Flowers Next Year: Follow This Easy Reblooming ScheduleThe secret to yearly poinsettia blooms isn't magic – it's timing. Follow this simple schedule for bright red flowers next Christmas... and the one after that.
By Tyler Schuster
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How to Grow Shallots: A Complete Guide for a Bumper HarvestOne of the easiest members of the onion family to grow, shallots mature faster and require less space than their counterparts. Growing shallots in your garden is very easy. Look at how to grow shallots in this article.
By Ellen Wells
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NPK Demystified – Here's What the Numbers on Your Fertilizer Really MeanNPK refers to the three macronutrients all plants need: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Learn all about NPK in fertilizer here.
By Tyler Schuster
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Black Magic: Try These 8 Dark Flowering Plants For A Black Flower Garden Filled With DramaDark flowers add impact, drama, intensity and sophistication to yards and patios. Create your own black flower garden with some of these floral black beauties
By Tonya Barnett
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How To Pollinate Tomatoes: Give Plants A Hand For Bigger HarvestsWith the right techniques, hand-pollinating tomatoes can make all the difference between a lackluster season and a productive one. Learn how to get it right.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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Grow The Sweetest Strawberry Fruits: Try These 6 Top Tips For Luscious Berry Goodness!Why are some strawberry fruit sweet and what makes strawberries taste sour? Most causes of sour strawberries can be attributed to less than ideal growing conditions. Learn more about that here.
By Mary Ellen Ellis

