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.

how to prune overgrown fruit trees

Fruits

How to Prune Overgrown Fruit Trees in 7 Easy Steps

Do your overgrown fruit trees need a prune? Depending on the type of tree, all it takes is a few simple steps to get your tree properly pruned. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares the simple steps you can take to trim an overgrown fruit tree in your yard or garden.

tomatoes and basil

Vegetables

Can You Grow Tomatoes With Basil?

Are you thinking of growing basil alongside your tomatoes this season? Not all plants make perfect companions in the garden. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss examines if tomatoes and basil are good or bad companions in the garden.

Pink blooming peggy martin rose in garden.

Flowers

11 Reasons to Grow a ‘Peggy Martin’ Rose This Season

Are you thinking of adding a new rose to your garden this season, but aren't sure which variety to choose? The 'Peggy Martin' Rose has a storied history to match its beautiful blooms. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares some of her favorite reasons for planting a 'Peggy Martin' rose in your garden this season.

A close-up shot of flowers of a small tree called the plumeria

Flowers

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Plumeria

Thinking of planting some plumeria in your garden but aren't sure where to start? This popular plant grows well in a variety of different environments. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her top tips for growing plumeria in your indoor or outdoor garden this season.

orchids hanging baskets

Flowers

9 Tips For Growing Beautiful Orchids in Hanging Baskets

Orchids can be picky plants when it comes to their growth habitat. So you may be concerned if you are trying to grow them in anything other than their natural environment. The good news is, hanging baskets are close to native environments for many orchid types. In this article, gardening expert and orchid enthusiast Melissa Strauss shares her top tips for beautiful blooming orchids in hanging baskets!

Agricultural field where a large number of carrots

Vegetables

How Far Apart Should You Plant Carrot Seeds?

Trying to figure out how far apaart you need to plant your carrot seeds in your garden or in your raised beds? Proper carrot spacing will help ensure that they have enough room to grow. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares exactly how far apart your carrots should be spaced out when planting from seed.

Bright orange hibiscus flower blooming in the garden with beautiful orange flowers

Shrubs

13 Tips for Longer Lasting Hibiscus Blooms

Are you looking to get longer lasting blooms from your Hibiscus this season? Hibiscus blooms can last a while, but there are some tricks to getting their blooms to stick around. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her top tips for ensuring you get the most out of your hibiscus this season.

vertical garden

Gardening Tips

4 Ways to Grow Vertical Gardens in Small Spaces

If you are struggling with a lack of space, growing a vertical garden can be a great way to solve that problem. While it can seem intimidating, it's actually not too complex if you follow the right steps. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss walks through each step you'll need to take for a successful vertical garden in a tight space.

plants to avoid planting with tomatoes

Companion Planting

13 Plants to Avoid Planting With Tomatoes This Season

Are you planning on companion planting your tomatoes this season, but aren't sure which plants to avoid? There are several plants that can compete with tomatoes for nutrients or attract unwelcome diseases into your garden. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares the plants you should avoid growing near your tomatoes this season.

flowers for sandy soil

Flowers

17 Beautiful Flowers That Thrive in Sandy Soils

Do you have sandy soil in your garden? If so, you may have had a hard time picking the perfect flowers to plant. But fear not, as there are actually quite a few flowers that grow quite well in even less than ideal soil conditions. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her favorite flowers that can actually thrive in sandy soil.

orange hibiscus

Shrubs

11 Orange Hibiscus Varieties to Brighten Your Garden

Thinking of adding an orange hibiscus to your garden but aren't sure where to start? There are many different orange hibiscus plants you can grow, depending on your hardiness zone. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her favorite orange hibiscus varieties, with names and pictures of each!

Bright blooming red hibiscus flower in the garden

Shrubs

15 Different Red Hibiscus Varieties for Your Garden

Are you thinking of growing some red hibiscus but aren't sure where to start? These beautiful shrubs can add a bit of tropical flair to just about any garden. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her favorite varieties of red hibiscus that will steal the show in your garden this season.