Posts By

Melissa Strauss

Melissa is a writer, hobby gardener, beekeeper and homemaker. She can be found working in her extensive pollinator garden, trolling the local nurseries for unique plant specimens, and tending to the many fruit-bearing plants on her property. Melissa hopes to inspire other gardeners to delve into the rich and fulfilling world of pollinator gardening.

A potted banana tree in a stylish wicker planter stands in a bright room for overwintering.

Trees

How to Overwinter Potted Banana Trees

Banana trees make striking potted plants, but they aren't cold-hardy. There are steps you can take to protect your lovely tropical fruit trees to keep them healthy for when spring rolls around. Florida gardener Melissa Strauss discusses how to treat your potted banana tree to take it through the frosty months.

A vibrant bed filled with multicolored Dahlias, featuring large, layered blooms in shades of pink, red, yellow, orange, and white, surrounded by lush green foliage under sunlight, ideal to plan spring flower garden layouts.

Flowers

Planning Your Spring Flower Garden: 7 Pro Tips

The time for spring planting is fast approaching, and it's time to start planning! You can finally take out that seed catalog and pour over the beautiful possibilities. Join gardening expert Melissa Strauss for some tips on getting off on the right foot!

Close-up of winter sow vegetables in a plastic bottle filled with moist soil, showcasing kale seedlings with rounded, slightly wavy green leaves.

Vegetables

13 Vegetables You Can Winter Sow

If you haven't done your winter sowing, there is still time. January and February are great months for getting those cold-weather crops started. Here are some of the veggies you can start while you're waiting for the spring planting season.

Close-up of a man's hand with electric pruning shears trimming branches of trees and bushes in a January garden.

Trees

17 Trees and Shrubs You Should Prune in January

January is a great month to get started pruning some of your dormant trees and shrubs. If you're itching to get out in the garden, this is a good place to start. Join gardening expert Melissa Strauss to discuss which trees are perfect for winter pruning.

A woman sprays a houseplant with large, perforated leaves, bold cuts, and splits cascading from long, sturdy stems that require high humidity to thrive.

Houseplants

15 Houseplants That Love High Humidity

Are you hoping to create a tropical paradise in your bathroom? Humidity-loving plants thrive in this environment! Florida gardener Melissa Strauss discusses some wonderful houseplant options that love to have moisture in the air.