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.

Plant Problems

5 Prayer Plant Diseases to Watch for This Season

Do you want to grow stunning, multicolored prayer plants this season? As beautiful as they are, some diseases can take them out if you’re not careful. In this article, horticulture expert Matt Dursum covers common prayer plant diseases to watch for this season.

Starting dill seeds indoors; three wet peat pots on the table hold young dill seedlings with tall, slender green stems and delicate, feathery leaves spreading in a soft, airy pattern.

Seeds

When and How to Start Dill Seeds Indoors

Do you love fresh dill from your garden? Start dill seeds indoors to get these aromatic herbs a head start before spring. In this article, plant expert Matt Dursum shows you when and how to get dill seeds started early.

Deer-proof DIY garden with wooden raised beds enclosed by a tall mesh fence for protection.

Gardening Tips

9 Deer-Proofing Garden Solutions to DIY in February

Do you have problems with deer eating your crops? In many parts of the country, these adorable animals wreak havoc on vegetable gardens. In this article, horticulture expert Matt Dursum shows you the best solutions to creating a DIY deer-proof guard around your garden this February.

In a black glass vase with water, a bouquet of forced forsythia blooms with clusters of bright yellow, four-petaled flowers with slightly curled tips sits on the table next to a small round mirror reflecting the arrangement.

Flowers

How to Force Forsythia Blooms Indoors

Did you know you can force forsythia blooms indoors this spring? These striking yellow flowers can transform landscapes and your home. In this article, plant expert Matt Dursum covers the steps to forcing these majestic flowers to bloom in your home.

Potted African Violet houseplant with soft, velvety, dark green leaves and delicate violet flowers with ruffled edges growing from short, sturdy stems, which may cause allergies.

Houseplants

9 Houseplants That May Cause Allergy Flare-Ups

Are you thinking of growing houseplants this year? As satisfying and healthy as they are, some species can be burdens for people with allergies. In this article, plant expert Matt Dursum covers the houseplants that may cause allergy flare-ups.

Thick, white Allium ampeloprasum stalks with overlapping green leaves tightly bundled together.

Seeds

How to Start Leeks from Seed Indoors

Start leeks from seed indoors to get a head start on the growing season. If you’re a foodie, you’ll love adding these tasty members of the onion family to your garden. In this article, plant expert Matt Dursum shows you the steps to starting healthy leeks in your home before spring.

A gardener in a red plaid shirt and straw hat grows a survival garden by planting young seedlings on a wooden raised bed among various flowers and crops.

Edible

How to Grow the Ultimate Survival Garden

Do you want to grow the ultimate survival garden to prepare for tough times? Having a flourishing edible garden in your home is one of the best ways to stay prepared for turmoil. In this article, horticulture expert Matt Dursum shows you the steps to creating a sustainable food system built for hard times.

A shot of sevral developing foliage that showcases plant disease-resistant shrubs February

Shrubs

13 Disease-Resistant Shrubs to Plant in February

If you want to plant disease-resistant shrubs, February is a great time to start. Once they’re in the ground, you’ll have easy-to-maintain greenery to frame your home and garden. In this article, plant expert Matt Dursum shows you the best shrubs that stand up to diseases.

Round and yellow fruits on a plant that appear infected with a type of lemon tree diseases

Plant Diseases

7 Lemon Tree Diseases: Causes and Cures

Lemon tree diseases such as citrus black spot and citrus canker can wipe out your favorite lemon tree in a season. But with a little preparation and insight, you’ll prevent these harmful diseases and save your fruit. In this article, horticulture expert Matt Dursum covers the causes and cures of common lemon tree diseases.

Compact green thyme herb with woody, branching stems covered in tiny, oval, aromatic leaves growing in a rustic terracotta pot indoors.

Herbs

How to Grow Thyme Indoors: 9 Expert Tips

Are you looking to grow thyme indoors? Enjoy this culinary herb in your home for instant access to flavor. In this article, plant expert Matt Dursum shows you expert tips to get thyme to thrive inside.