Posts By

Matt Dursum

Matt Dursum is a freelance writer and gardener from Michigan. He has a BA in Geography from the University of California, Santa Barbara. His favorite horticulture endeavors are pushing plant hardiness limits in his garden in Michigan and learning about wild botanicals.

A woman's hand shows wilted, yellow leaves with brown, dry edges, highlighting common zz plant mistakes in its care.

Houseplants

Don’t Make These 13 ZZ Plant Growing Mistakes

ZZ plants are virtually indestructible houseplants and some of the most beginner-friendly. However, a few things can go wrong if you’re not careful. In this article, plant expert Matt Dursum covers the basics so you don’t make these ZZ plant growing mistakes.

A potted houseplant with thick, fleshy green leaves and woody, reddish-brown stems forming a compact, bushy structure in a white pot, placed on a table next to a glass bowl full of coffee grounds.

Houseplants

11 Houseplants That Love Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds are an internet sensation for gardeners. Besides the hype, are they actually good for our plants? And what about houseplants? In this article, gardening expert Matt Dursum shows you the houseplants that love coffee grounds.

A shot of a glasshouse for gardening that shows what to grow greenhouse January

Gardening Tips

What to Grow in the Greenhouse in January

If you’re a lucky gardener with a greenhouse, you can pretty much grow anything you want. In January, there are a ton of excellent options. In this article, gardening expert Matt Dursum shows you what to grow in the greenhouse in January.

A cluster of Viola tricolor flowers with purple, yellow, and white petals and vibrant green leaves.

Flowers

How to Grow Pansies from Seed in 11 Steps

Do you want to enjoy the timeless beauty of pansies this season? These easy-to-grow flowers will make the perfect additions to your flower garden. In this article, gardening expert Matt Dursum shows you how to grow pansies from seed the easy way.

Close-up of a starting tray with sprouted seeds showing thin upright stems and slightly curled green oval leaves on a windowsill, ideal for starting seeds in Zone 2.

Seeds

When to Start Seeds in Zone 2

If you want to garden in some of the coldest regions in the U.S., you’ll have to do some serious planning. Gardening in zone 2 is one of the biggest challenges a gardener can have. In this article, plant expert Matt Dursum shows you when to start seeds in zone 2.

Close-up of a gardener's hand starting seeds in Zone 1 by planting round, pale green pea seeds into loose soil.

Seeds

When to Start Seeds in Zone 1

Did you know that with the right timing and preparation, you can grow a garden in the frigid tundras of zone 1? There are many challenges to consider first, but it is possible to do it successfully. In this article, horticulture expert Matt Dursum shows you when to start seeds in zone 1 climates.

Close-up of a gloved gardener's hand planting a bare-root perennial peony tuber in a sunny January garden.

Ornamental Gardens

11 Bare-Root Perennials to Plant in January

Do you want to get a head start on your garden this year? You can find bare-rooted perennials at your local nursery that are ready for planting now. In this article, gardening expert Matt Dursum shows you the bare-root perennials you can plant in January.

Container trees featuring dense foliage of smooth, pointed leaves and clusters of small, bright orange fruits nestled among its branching stems.

Trees

17 Best Trees You Can Grow in Containers

You don’t need a lot of land to grow your favorite trees. Several species of fruit trees and ornamental species thrive in small spaces. In this article, gardening expert Matt Dursum shows you the best trees you can grow in containers.

A woman in a lavender sweater holds a white flowerpot containing a houseplant, with thick, fleshy green leaves that have pointed tips and a spiky edge, arranged in a rosette pattern, promoting mental health.

Houseplants

13 Houseplants That May Boost Mental Health

Do you feel better coming home to your houseplants after a stressful day at work? Houseplants help us cope with life’s hurdles for many reasons. In this article, plant expert Matt Dursum shows you a few popular houseplants that may boost mental health.