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.

fall cut flower garden

Flowers

21 Flowers For The Perfect Fall Cut Flower Garden

Do you love the idea of growing your own flowers for creating unique floral arrangements? If you're thinking of planting a fall cut-flower garden, this article has the perfect flowers for the job. Here, gardening expert Melissa Strauss talks about 21 of her favorite fall-blooming flowers, perfect for a fall cut-flower garden.

tomatoes and squash

Vegetables

Can You Grow Tomatoes With Squash in Your Garden?

Tomatoes and squash are garden staples. But do they perform well as companion plants? In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss looks at if these two popular vegetables should be planted near one another in your garden, or if there are better options.

tomatoes with corn

Vegetables

Can You Grow Tomatoes With Corn?

Are you thinking about planting corn and tomatoes in the garden this season? Have you wondered whether these two plants make good neighbors, or are better off with some space between them? Here, gardening expert Melissa Strauss explores the relationship between corn and tomatoes to determine whether they make good companions or not.

spinace and cucumbers

Vegetables

Should You Plant Spinach With Cucumbers?

Do spinach and cucumbers belong planted together in the garden? Do these two vegetable garden favorites belong next to each other, or is it a bad idea? In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss looks at if cucumbers and spinach make good companion plants, or if there are better options for each plant.

Beautiful flowers of Magnolia stellata in bright sunlight

Trees

Do Magnolias Need Full Sun, Partial Shade, or Full Shade?

Trying to figure out how much sun your magnolia tree needs before putting it in the ground? These popular trees are fairly adaptable, but will thrive in certain growing conditions. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss examines if your magnolia needs full sun, partial shade, or a fully shaded location to grow well.

flowers bloom at night

Flowers

21 Night Blooming Flowers For a Captivating Moon Garden

Are you thinking about planting a Moon garden but are not sure where to start? A night-blooming garden is a stunning addition to an outdoor living space. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her favorite night-blooming plants that are perfect for a Moon garden.

Transplanting Hibiscus from a pot

Shrubs

How and When to Transplant Hibiscus Step-by-Step

Transplanting your hibiscus plant at the right time can be the difference between a successful transplanting and one that failed. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares all you need to know about when to transplant your hibiscus plants, and exactly how to do it.

purple hibiscus

Shrubs

13 Beautiful Types of Purple Hibiscus to Grow This Season

Are you looking for some purple hibiscus to grow in your garden this season? These lovely shrubs make beautiful additions to any garden, but which shade of purple should you pick? In this article, gardening experrt Melissa Strauss shares her favorite purple blooming hibiscus plants to add to your garden this season.