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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How Often To Water Poinsettias For Lush, Lovely Plants The Whole Holiday Season
Poinsettias are made to last, and yours can too if you know the secret. Here's how to keep your thirsty plant drinking well after Christmas.
By Teo Spengler
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Christmas Tree Not Drinking Water? How To Keep Your Tannenbaum Hydrated This Holiday
If your Christmas tree isn't drinking water, there could be a few reasons why. Uncover the most common causes and how to keep your tree hydrated for the holidays.
By Teo Spengler
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Try These 5 Types Of Spruce Trees – Easy Ways To Add Evergreen Beauty To Every Garden
You might not have the largest yard or plot, but that doesn’t mean you can’t grow the mighty spruce. These 5 types of spruce trees are very adaptable to different spaces
By Teo Spengler
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6 Benefits Of Urban Trees: How Trees Make Cities Healthier, More Sustainable, And Actually Reduce Car Accidents
Did you know there are actually fewer car accidents on city streets where trees are planted? Check out this plus five more little known benefits of urban trees.
By Teo Spengler
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What Are Neonicotinoids? And Why You Should Keep Them Out Of Your Garden
Neonics are effective systemic pesticides, but they harm pollinators as much as pests. Learn more about neonicotinoids and how to keep bees safe while maintaining your garden.
By Teo Spengler
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How To Grow And Care For A Devil’s Hand Tree
The devil's hand tree can only be grown in locations with hot sun. A little creepy, its flowers resemble a hand, but the tree has many uses in its native range.
By Teo Spengler
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What Is A Seed? These Basic Seed Facts Will Help You Grow Better Plants
They are the basis of a lot of our spring planting, but what are seeds? We take for granted these amazing little powerhouses, but no longer! Read on to learn more about seeds.
By Teo Spengler
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How To Grow And Care For Amur Maackia: Everything You Need To Know
Amur Maackia is a delightful tree that’s not fussy or difficult to grow. It stays small and adds a beautiful bit of color to the landscape in the fall.
By Teo Spengler
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Unique Native Shrubs: 7 Natural Winners Every Gardener Should Add To The Landscape
While we know shrubs to be amongst the most reliable plants in our yards, some are naturally more resilient. These gorgeous native shrubs are sure to thrive in your plot
By Teo Spengler
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Amaryllis Bulb Propagation: How To Grow Amaryllis Bulbs
Learn how to grow amaryllis bulbs into new plants with the three main methods of amaryllis bulb propagation.
By Teo Spengler
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Complete Guide To Repotting Amaryllis – For Better Blooms & A Healthier Plant
Amaryllis plants don't need a lot of elbow room, but they do have to be repotted every 3-5 years. Wait until they're dormant and pick a slightly bigger pot.
By Teo Spengler
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Act Now For Garden Pest Prevention Next Year: Tips For A Problem-Free Garden Next Spring
It’s never too soon to be thinking about ways to tackle next year’s pests! Here are the golden rules for garden pest prevention that you can follow right now
By Teo Spengler
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How To Eat Pumpkin Seeds From Your Own Homegrown Gourds
Pumpkin seeds are tasty, easy to roast, and full of nutrients. Learn how to eat pumpkin seeds for delicious and nutritious snacking all autumn long.
By Teo Spengler
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5 Low-Maintenance Plants & Shrubs That Don’t Need Pruning To Look Their Best
Looking for low-maintenance plants and shrubs that don't need pruning? Here are the best varieties to add to your landscape. Now put those pruners away!
By Teo Spengler
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7 Types Of Monstera Every Plant Lover Should Have In Their Collection
With their deep leaf splits and wild variegation, monsteras are real show-stopping houseplants. Here are seven of our favorites.
By Teo Spengler
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9 Fun Things To Do With Pumpkins That Are Past Their Prime
Wondering what to do with your pumpkin after the Halloween fun is over? Learn what to do with your pumpkins when you are done decorating with them.
By Teo Spengler
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How To Grow Magnolia Seeds – For Even More Of These Beautiful & Beloved Trees
Magnolia seed pods, which resemble exotic-looking cones, spread open to reveal bright red berries. Inside the berries, you'll find the magnolia seeds. Get tips for growing magnolia seeds in this article.
By Teo Spengler
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8 Low-Maintenance Evergreen Shrubs That Look Fantastic All Year
Reliable year-round shrubs are an essential part of an easy-care plot. Here we round up eight low maintenance evergreen shrubs for every garden
By Teo Spengler