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.

Zucchini growing next to one another spaced in rows

Vegetables

How Far Apart Should You Plant Zucchini?

Are you getting ready to plant zucchini but aren't quite sure how far apart they need to be? Zucchini typically grows best when they have a little space, but how much space is needed? In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen shares the ideal spacing requirements for your garden grown zucchini this season.

Four carrots in the end of the growth cycle being pulled in the garden for harvest.

Vegetables

Carrot Growth Stages: How Fast do Carrots Grow?

Thinking of planting carrots but aren't too sure how long it takes them to grow? Carrots can be planted later in the season, but how long does it take for them to fully mature? In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen takes you through all you need to know about the growth cycle of carrots in your garden.

A close up of a cluster of plump ripe blueberries sitting atop green foliage.

Ornamental Gardens

9 Understory Plants for a Permaculture Garden

Are you wondering what you can grow in the shaded areas of your permaculture garden? There are plenty of shade-loving permaculture-compatible plants you can choose from. In this article, gardening enthusiast Liessa Bowen will introduce nine fantastic understory plants for your permaculture landscape.

Bradford pear alternative redbud tree blooming with pink flowers

Trees

17 Trees You Can Plant Instead of Bradford Pears

Are you looking for some trees to plant instead of growing Bradford Pear trees in your garden or home landscape? There are many different options, depending on your hardiness zone. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen shares her favorite trees you can plant instead of growing the infamously invasive Bradford Pear tree.

Abundant red and purple fuchsia blooms dangle from slender stems.

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Hardy Fuchsia

Are you curious about hardy fuchsia? These beautiful shrubs brighten the landscape with their immensely showy flowers in vibrant colors. In ideal conditions, they can bloom continually from late spring until fall. In this article, gardening enthusiast Liessa Bowen will discuss the proper care and maintenance of these spectacular plants

Vegetables

Cucumber Spacing: How Far Apart Should You Plant Cucumbers?

Not sure how much space your cucumbers need when planted in the garden? These popular vegetables perform best when they aren't crowded. Luckily, there are plenty of options to provide additional space. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen shares exactly how much space your cucumbers need wh en planted in the garden.

A close-up of two vibrant yellow coreopsis flowers in all their glory. In the blurred background, a symphony of additional coreopsis blooms and their slender stems, along with grasses.

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Coreopsis Flowers

Are you curious about coreopsis? There are so many varieties of coreopsis available for home gardeners, it would be difficult not to find one that’s just right for your space. In this article, gardening enthusiast Liessa Bowen will discuss the proper care and maintenance of the colorful and cheerful coreopsis.

Cape leadwort close-up

Ornamental Gardens

31 Perennial Plants for Texas Gardens

Are you thinking of adding some perennial plants to your Texas garden this season? The state of Texas is quite large and has many different microclimates to grow in. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen shares her favorite perennials you can do your garden, no matter where you reside in the Lone Star state.

Chrysanthemums Finished Blooming in Pot

Flowers

What Should I Do With My Potted Mums After They Bloom?

Did you purchase a bunch of annual mums this season, and they are slowly losing their blooms? What should you do with them when they've started to look rugged? In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen provides five different options you can pursue with your chrysanthemums once their blooms expire.

where blueberries grow

Fruits

Where Will Blueberries Grow Best in Your Garden?

Are you thinking of growing blueberries in your garden, but aren't sure where to plant them? Blueberries are a garden favorite, but there are definitely areas of your garden that will allow your shrubs to reach their full potential. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen explains where you should be planting blueberries for the best results.

Pink blooming clematis vine is in full season with a bright pink flower

Vines

When Does Clematis Bloom? Will it Bloom All Summer?

Did you plant flowering Clematis plants last season, but aren't quite sure when to expect them to bloom? There are a few factors that go into Clematis bloom times. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen looks at when you can expect your Clematis to bloom this season, and beyond.