
Teo Spengler
Raised in Alaska, where the sun never rises in the winter and the trees are stunted by permafrost, Teo Spengler fell in love with plants when she moved to California for college. Gardening became more of a passion than a passtime, as she studied horticulture and took master gardening courses. Spengler completed an intensive sixteen-week program to qualify as a docent at the San Francisco Botanical Garden and has given public tours there for some years. (She has also earned a BA in politics, an MA in English, an MFA in creative writing, and a JD from Berkeley Law School). She has written about nature, trees, plants, and gardening for 20 years for a variety of websites including Gardening Know How, Hunker, Home Guides, San Francisco Chronicle and Gardening Guides as well as publishing two novels. Spengler currently splits her life between San Francisco and the French Basque Country where she has practiced her skills in both personal and public gardens for the past two decades. Her extended family includes some 30 houseplants and hundreds of outdoor plants, including 250 trees - mostly oaks, birches and beeches - that she planted on her land in France.
Latest articles by Teo Spengler
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Want To Know How To Make A Spider Plant Bushier? 4 Secrets For Lush & Bushy Spiders
Are you looking for ways to make your spider plant look bigger or more dramatic? Follow these quick and easy tips on how to make a spider plant bushier
By Teo Spengler
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5 Tough Urban Trees That Thrive In Cities – Top Picks For Urban & Suburban Landscapes
Explore the best urban trees that will add value to even the most challenging of landscapes. Get growing with these ideas and enjoy all the benefits of trees.
By Teo Spengler
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Pussy Willow Growing Guide: Add A Touch Of Softness With These Fuzzy Garden Favorites
Growing a pussy willow tree is about as easy as it gets. This beautiful North American native shrub will add great texture and interest to your garden.
By Teo Spengler
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Do You Love Tulips? These 6 Tulip Festival Events Will Inspire You For The Growing Season
Are you passionate about tulips and looking for truly inspirational bulb planting tips – or just longing to see open spaces filled with color? Check out these tulip festival events
By Teo Spengler
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The Dangers Of AI For Gardening – How To Know What’s Real When It Comes To Your Garden
Things aren’t always what they seem when it comes to using AI for gardening. Be discerning when relying on AI for accuracy, and take the time to do research.
By Teo Spengler
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How To Direct Sow Seeds In The Garden: Grow No-Fuss Flowers And Vegetables
Direct seeding into garden soil is a rewarding way to start plants and satisfy the urge to grow. Learn how to give flowers, vegetables, and herbs the best start.
By Teo Spengler
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7 Common Tree Care Mistakes That Kill Trees & How To Avoid Them For Long-Lasting Plants
Are you accidentally killing your tree? It's easier than you think, if you're committing one of these common mistakes. Click here for more.
By Teo Spengler
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Best Trees For Containers: Create A Potted Grove On Your Porch With These 8 Compact Varieties
We may not always think of trees as being obvious candidates for pots, but there are a few that not only thrive but flourish. Here are some of the best trees for containers
By Teo Spengler
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Why Are My Seedlings Wilting? 6 Common Causes – And How To Save Them
Wilted seedlings are a definite sign that something is not right. Learn how to diagnose the problem and bring baby plants back from the brink.
By Teo Spengler
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Growing Strawberries In Raised Beds – Here’s Why And How To Do It
Growing strawberries in containers and hanging baskets has its perks, but have you tried growing strawberries in raised beds? Here's how to raise your berry-growing game
By Teo Spengler
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Raised Bed Garden Layout Ideas To Maximize Your Vegetable Harvest
Curious how to maximize your vegetable garden this year? Try these raised bed layout ideas and tips to get the most out of your space.
By Teo Spengler
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Spectacular Early Blooming Shrubs: 6 Sparkling Spring Flowering Bushes
Want to kickstart your gardening year with dazzling spring flowering bushes for beds and borders? These unique early bloomers are sure to help you rise and shine!
By Teo Spengler
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How Often To Water Seedlings? The Best Schedule For Healthy Growth
Learn how much to water seedlings at every stage of the growing process – from germination to transplanting in the garden – plus the best methods for success.
By Teo Spengler
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How Much Light Do Seedlings Really Need? And When To Use Grow Lights
Young plants need lots of light to grow, but when started indoors, natural isn't always best. Learn seedling light requirements – and when to give them a boost.
By Teo Spengler
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How To Thin Seedlings The Right Way For Stronger, Healthier Plants
It may seem brutal, but thinning seedlings is essential for the health and production of flowers and vegetables. Learn how and when to do it with our guide.
By Teo Spengler
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How To Grow A Hanging Spider Plant – For An Elegant Indoor Or Outdoor Display
Of all the beautiful baskets we see, the hanging spider plant is probably the easiest to grow. Let your hanging basket spill over with little spider plantlets!
By Teo Spengler
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How To Care For A Variegated Spider Plant – Plus, Unique Varieties To Try
Variegated spider plants and their streaks of green and cream tones bring interest and light to an indoor room, and will elevate your houseplant collection.
By Teo Spengler
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How To Scarify Seeds: Use Pro Techniques To Speed Up Seed Germination
Boost your growing success with expert seed scarification methods. Try nicking, sanding, boiling, and chemical solutions for faster, better germination rates.
By Teo Spengler