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.

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.

Blanket Flower with Honeybee Feeding Pollinating

Ornamental Gardens

37 Flowering Plants That Will Attract Honeybees

Looking for some plants that will attract honeybees to your garden this season? There are many different flowering plants to choose from, depending on your hardiness zone. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her favorite flowers that will bring bees and other pollinators to your garden.

Lagerstroemia indica with pink flowers

Trees

How to Plant, Grow and Care for Crape Myrtles

Thinking about adding crape myrtles to your yard or garden this season? These lovely trees have beautiful blooms, but can be sensitive to certain growing conditions. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares all you need to know about growing crape myrtles, including maintenance and care needs.

Blackberries in garden growing with green foliage and fresh berries

Companion Planting

19 Companion Plants to Grow With Blackberries

Not sure what you should grow with your garden blackberries this season? Picking the right companion plants for your blackberries can have many benefits, including better fruit yield. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her favorite plants to grow with Blackberries this season.

Reddish orange and pink hibiscus blooms in garden

Shrubs

When Does Hibiscus Bloom and How Long Do They Last?

Are you unsure how long you can expect your hibiscus blooms to last this season, or when you can expect to see their first beautiful flowers? In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss examines the bloom times of hibiscus plants, and how long you can expect their blooms to actually last.