Posts By

Dr. Liessa Bowen

Liessa started learning everything she could about plants, animals, and ecosystems at a young age. Since then, she's earned a Master’s degree in wildlife biology (Iowa State University) and a PhD in forestry (North Carolina State University), both with an emphasis on conservation biology and birds. She has worked as a greenhouse technician, wildlife biologist, educational consultant, and writer.

native plants for hummingbirds

Flowers

27 Native Plants That Attract Hummingbirds

Do you love watching hummingbirds flitting from flower to flower, or have you always wondered how you can attract these beautiful birds to your landscape? If you live in a location with hummingbirds, you can easily create an environment to entice these little birds to visit your yard. In this article, gardening enthusiast and wildlife biologist Liessa Bowen will share 27 favorite native plants to attract hummingbirds.

prevent pests naturally

Gardening Tips

15 Tips For Naturally Preventing Common Garden Pests

Looking for natural ways to prevent pests in your garden this season? There are many natural ways to control pests in your garden without resorting to harmful chemicals. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen shares her top tips for treating common garden pests naturally without harsh chemicals this season.

tomatoes and sweet potatoes

Vegetables

Can You Grow Tomatoes With Sweet Potatoes?

Thinking of planting sweet potatoes near your tomatoes this season? In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen looks at if this is a good idea, or if there are more beneficial companion plants for both of these vegetables.

potato growth stages

Vegetables

Potato Growth Stages: How Fast Do Potato Plants Grow?

Potatoes have many growth stages, leaving many gardeners curious at what point in the growth cycle their tomatoes currently sit. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen examines the life cycle of garden grown potatoes, as well as how fast they grow and how soon you'll be able to harvest.

cucumber growth stages

Vegetables

Cucumber Growth Stages: How Fast Do Cucumbers Grow?

Are you unsure how fast your cucumbers should be growing in your garden? These popular garden plants can have a variety of diffferent environmental conditions impact their growth rate. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen examines the normal growth rate of cucumber plants and how fast you can expect them to grow.

Vegetables

Can You Grow Tomatoes with Carrots?

Carrots and tomatoes are garden grown staples. But do they make good garden companions when planted near one another? In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen looks at if these two veggies should be planted next to one another, or if there are better companion plants to pair with each this season.