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.

basil containers

Herbs

15 Tips For Growing Amazing Basil in Pots or Containers

Are you growing basil in pots or containers this season? These popular plants can be wonderful container-grown additions to your garden. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her top tips for growing beautiful basil plants in your container garden this season.

Tropical hibiscus shrub being pruned by a gardener with shears. The shrub has bright green foliage with serrated edges and lavender blooms, each with a red center

Shrubs

How and When to Prune Hibiscus Plants

Do your hibiscus plants need a good pruning? Maybe you aren't sure when to prune them, or how it's done without causing damage to the plant? In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares how to prune hibiscus properly, and the best times of year to get it done.

peas containers

Herbs

How to Grow Peas in Pots or Containers

Are you thinking of growing peas in pots or containers this season? These popular plants can be grown quite easily as container veggies. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her top tips for growing high producing pea plants in your container garden this season!

Honey Bee on Pink Ice plant

Cacti & Succulents

15 Succulents That Attract Bees and Other Pollinators

Looking for some succulent plants that will attract bees and other pollinators? There are plenty o f different options depending on your growing climate. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her favorite succulents that will welcome bees and other pollinators to your garden.

lettuce containers

Vegetables

10 Tips For Growing a Bountiful Lettuce Harvest in Containers

Many gardeners are surprised to find out that lettuce is a fantastic container plant. There are many different lettuce varieties that will grow extremely well in pots or containers. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares the best methods of growing lettuce in containers and having a bountiful harvest this season.

ginger containers

Herbs

15 Tips For Growing Amazing Ginger Plants in Pots or Containers

Are you thinking of growing ginger plants in pots or containers this season? This lovely herb can be grown succesfully in many different types of container gardens. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her top tips for growing beautiful container grown ginger plants!

Compact Hibiscus Blooming in Garden with Pink Flowers

Shrubs

17 Compact Hardy Hibiscus Plants For Small Garden Spaces

Do you need a compact hibiscus plant for small growing spaces? There are many different hardy hibiscus plants that can grow in small spaces. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss looks at the best types of hibiscus with more compact growth profiles.

Elephant Bush in Pots on Tile Counter

Cacti & Succulents

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Elephant Bush

Thinking of adding a succulent to your garden and can't decide which one to pick? Elephant Bush might be the perfect fit for your next succulent plant. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares everything you need to know about Elephant Bush, including its maintenance and care needs.

Strawberries and Blackberries in garden growing on leaves

Companion Planting

Can You Grow Strawberries with Blackberries?

Are you thinking of growing strawberries with blackberries in your garden this season, but aren't sure if these two plants pair well together? Both blackberries and strawberries can make good companions with other plants, but are they a sweet match made in the fruit garden? In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss compares the two and if there are better garden companions for both plants.

Gardener using homemade Fertilizer on Garden Plants

Fertilizer

How and When to Fertilize Your Vegetable Garden

Not sure how or when to start fertilizing your vegetable garden this season? Depending on what hardiness zones you grow in, this answer can vary. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her strategy for fertilizing vegetable gardens, including when and how to do it based on your hardiness zones and the type of vegetables you are growing.

Blackberries after Planting in Garden

Fruits

When Should You Plant Blackberries This Season?

Are you unsure when you should plant your blackberries in the ground? These popular shrubs are a fruiting favorite for a reason, but planting too early or too late in the season can cause problems. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her advice for when to put blackberries in the ground this season.