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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Senecio Crushed Velvet Info: How To Grow Crushed Velvet Plants
Plants with silver foliage are all the rage, including the new variety Senecio ?Crushed Velvet?. If you?ve never heard of it, you?re in for a treat. Click here for more information about the Crushed Velvet plant including tips on how to grow Crushed Velvet.
By Teo Spengler
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Reverend Morrow’s Tomato Plant: Caring For Reverend Morrow’s Heirloom Tomatoes
If you are looking for a tomato plant with fruit that lasts a long time in storage, Reverend Morrow?s Long Keeper tomatoes might be the very thing. These thick-skinned tomatoes can hold their own in storage for a long time. Learn more in this article.
By Teo Spengler
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Peachleaf Willow Facts – Peachleaf Willow Identification And More
Few trees are easier to grow than native willows. Peachleaf willow trees are no exception. It’s not hard to identify peachleaf willows since they have leaves that look similar to the foliage of peach trees. Click here for peachleaf willow facts that describe this native tree.
By Teo Spengler
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What Is Begonia Pythium Rot – Managing Begonia Stem And Root Rot
Begonia stem and root rot, also called begonia pythium rot, is a very serious fungal disease. If your begonias are infected, the stems become waterlogged and collapse. Click here for information about this disease and tips for treating begonia pythium rot.
By Teo Spengler
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Pink Rust Mite Damage – Learn How To Kill Pink Citrus Rust Mites
Although pink citrus rust mite pests may be a pretty color, there is nothing cute about these destructive insects. Anyone growing citrus in a home orchard should be able to recognize pink citrus mite damage. If you need more information, this article will help.
By Teo Spengler
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Establishing Kura Clover: Learn How To Grow Kura Clover Plants
You no doubt have heard about the four-leaf clover, but few gardeners are familiar with kura clover plants. Kura is a forage legume and if you are interested in growing kura as a groundcover or establishing kura clover for some other use, this article will help.
By Teo Spengler
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Acoma Crepe Myrtle Care: Learn How To Grow An Acoma Crepe Myrtle Tree
The pure-white ruffled flowers of Acoma crape myrtle trees contrast dramatically with the shiny green foliage. For more information about Acoma crape myrtle trees, click here. We'll give you instructions on how to grow an Acoma crape myrtle and its care.
By Teo Spengler
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Fruit Tree Grease Bands – Applying Fruit Tree Grease Or Gel Bands For Insects
Did you know you can use fruit tree grease bands for insect control? If you want to know how to apply fruit tree grease bands or the ins and outs of using gel bands, simply click on the following article for additional information.
By Teo Spengler
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Random Planting Brings Many Surprises
I don’t keep meticulous track of my plantings, so I’m often happily surprised to see what comes up in the spring.
By Teo Spengler
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Common Pindo Palm Pests – How To Control Pests Of Pindo Palm Trees
Pindo palms are generally very healthy trees if planted appropriately. However, there are a few insect pests of pindo palm trees, including the palm leaf skeletonizer and scale insect. For more information on pindo palm pest problems, click here.
By Teo Spengler
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Ali Baba Watermelon Care: Tips On Growing Ali Baba Melons
Not all watermelons are created equal, and taste and texture can vary among cultivars. With so many gardeners listing these as their favorites, it only makes sense to try growing Ali Baba melons. Click here for more information on Ali Baba watermelon care.
By Teo Spengler
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Acacia Cutting Propagation – Learn How To Root Acacia Cuttings
Acacia cutting propagation isn't very difficult. But if you want to start growing acacia plants from cuttings, there are a few important points to keep in mind. For information on how to root acacia cuttings and tips on how to plant acacia cuttings, this article will help.
By Teo Spengler
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Is My Black Walnut Dead: How To Tell If A Black Walnut Is Dead
Black walnuts are subject to diseases and pests that can kill them at any age. Click here and learn how to tell if a black walnut tree is dead or dying.
By Teo Spengler
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Southern Pea Cotton Root Rot – Treating Texas Root Rot Of Cowpeas
Are you growing cowpeas or southern peas? If so, you'll want to know about Phymatotrichum root rot, also known as cotton root rot. For information about cowpea cotton root rot and its control, this article will help.
By Teo Spengler
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Apple Crown Gall Treatment – How To Manage Apple Crown Gall
Crown gall enters trees through wounds, often wounds inflicted accidentally by the gardener. If you have noticed crown gall on an apple tree, you'll want to know about apple crown gall treatment. Click here for information on how to manage apple crown gall.
By Teo Spengler
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Twisted White Pine Trees: Growing Contorted White Pines In The Landscape
Contorted white pine is a type of Eastern white pine that has a number of attractive features. Its biggest claim to fame is the unique, twisted quality of the branches and needles. For more contorted white pine information, click this article.
By Teo Spengler
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What Are Yellow Wax Bells – Tips For Growing Yellow Wax Bells
What are yellow wax bells? They’re great plants for dark shady areas. For more information on these interesting ornamental plants, click here.
By Teo Spengler
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Stunt Nematode Control: How To Prevent Stunt Nematodes
You may never have heard of stunt nematodes, but that doesn’t mean that these microscopic worms aren’t affecting you. If you’re looking for a description of stunt nematode symptoms, plus a few tips on stunt nematode control, then this article can help.
By Teo Spengler
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African Violet Nematode Control: Treating Root Knot Nematodes In African Violet
Nematodes of African violet are tiny worms that infest the roots. They are extremely destructive. For information about African violet root knot nematodes, click this article. We’ll also give you tips on African violet nematode control.
By Teo Spengler
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Pear Texas Rot: How To Treat Pears With Cotton Root Rot
The fungal disease called pear cotton root rot attacks more than 2,000 species of plants including pears. If you have pear trees in your orchard, you’ll want to read up on the symptoms of this disease. Click this article for additional information.
By Teo Spengler
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Alternaria Blotch On Orange Trees: Signs Of Alternaria Rot In Oranges
If you have citrus trees in your home orchard, you should learn the basic facts about orange tree alternaria rot. Click the following article for information about alternaria rot in oranges, including tips on how to prevent alternaria blotch.
By Teo Spengler
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Vandalay Cherry Tree Info – Learn How To Grow Vandalay Cherries
The Vandalay cherry variety is a beautiful and delicious type of sweet cherry. The fruit is dark red and very sweet. If you are interested in this cherry variety, click here for tips on how to grow Vandalay cherries and information on Vandalay cherry care.
By Teo Spengler