Zoe Merritt

When summer heat turns everything crispy and dull, it’s easy to feel like your garden has hit a wall. I’ve watched so many trees drop …

Finding pests in your planters can be really frustrating—especially when you’ve been putting in the effort to care for your plants. It’s one of those …

Who says you need sparklers to show your patriotic spirit? With just a few thoughtful plant choices, your garden can wave the red, white, and …

The 4th of July is the perfect excuse to gather friends and family for a backyard bash. There’s just something special about celebrating under the …

There’s something magical about seeing a butterfly flutter through the garden on a sunny afternoon. I used to think you just had to get lucky …

Petunias are one of those go-to flowers I plant every summer without even thinking twice. They’re reliable, cheerful, and fill up containers like they were …

I’ve made my share of mistakes with coneflowers—planting them in spots that looked fine at first but ended up being totally wrong. These tough-looking perennials …

Choosing evergreen trees used to feel simple—just pick the prettiest one and plant. But after dealing with cracked pavement and nonstop pruning, I’ve learned that …

I never imagined a kitchen sponge could have a place in my garden, but growing cucumbers this way changed my mind. It’s such a clever …

Gardening always teaches me something new, and recently, I stumbled on a surprisingly simple trick—ice cubes on lettuce seeds. It sounded odd at first, but …

That creeping green menace with the little purple flowers might look harmless at first, but ground ivy can quickly transform your neat lawn into a …

There’s nothing like sipping your morning coffee while listening to birds singing just outside your window. But I quickly learned that if you want birds …

July’s heat really kicks your tomato plants into high gear, and they need the right nutrients to keep up. This is when your tomatoes are …

Want a garden bursting with color next July? I used to think summer blooms started in spring, but the real magic begins way earlier. Fall …

Think it’s too late in the season to plant veggies? I used to think the same—until I discovered how many crops grow fast enough to …

Hanging a hummingbird feeder in your yard feels like an easy way to invite these tiny wonders, but where you put it really matters. The …

Ever wonder what bizarre creatures are hiding out in far-off corners of the world? I’ve always been fascinated by the strange and wonderful animals that …

Birds add so much life and color to our gardens, making every outdoor moment more enjoyable. These feathered visitors aren’t just pretty to watch—they also …

Your yard might feel like your own little kingdom, a personal space where you can create whatever you want. But local laws and regulations often …

Gardening shouldn’t feel like a second job. After years of trial and error in my backyard, I’ve discovered that some perennial bushes practically take care …

Hydrangeas have a way of stealing the show in any garden, and I’ll admit—they were one of the first plants that made me fall in …

Watching birds flit through the garden is one of those quiet joys that never gets old. Their songs, colors, and constant motion bring life to …

Living near coyotes has become pretty common these days as these clever animals move into suburban and even city neighborhoods. Maybe you’ve seen one sneaking …

Creating a backyard that welcomes birds begins with a simple birdbath. Birds don’t just need water to drink—they love to splash around to keep their …

It’s wild how something so beautiful can also be a bit dangerous. When I first started gardening, I had no idea that some of the …

If your garden suddenly looks like a zucchini factory, I totally get it—mine does the same every July. One day there’s nothing, and the next, …

Growing tomatoes brings that special summer joy of watching tiny seedlings transform into fruit-laden plants. But the age-old question stumps even experienced gardeners: should you …

Mulching completely changed the way I garden. Once I started mimicking how nature covers the forest floor, I noticed fewer weeds, healthier plants, and soil …

Want to turn your yard into a buzzing, fluttering, joyful place? Adding pollinator-friendly shrubs has been one of the best decisions I’ve made for my …

Your backyard should feel like a relaxing escape, not a throwback to trends that faded years ago. I’ve seen it happen—those once-popular features that now …

Growing zucchini can be really satisfying, but knowing when to pick them makes all the difference. Harvest too early, and you miss out on full …

When the summer sun turns up the heat, some veggies seem to take it in stride while others struggle to keep up. Knowing which plants …

Remember walking through your grandparents’ garden and seeing those cheerful, familiar flowers that seemed to pop up in every corner? I still remember the scent …

Growing your own fruit always felt like something for the patient gardener—until I discovered how many varieties don’t take years to produce. Some fruits actually …

I never thought I’d be the kind of person who grows plants in water, but once I tried it, I was hooked. There’s something calming …

When the petals start falling off your roses, it’s easy to wonder if you should just leave them be or grab the pruners. I used …

With wildfire seasons becoming more intense where I live, I’ve started rethinking what I plant around the house. It turns out, some plants can actually …

Pinching dahlias was one of those gardening tricks I ignored for years—until I saw the difference it made in a neighbor’s garden. One quick snip, …

Inch plants are some of the easiest houseplants to grow—at least that’s what I thought when I first brought one home. With those shimmering purple …

Growing lavender and salvia together has become one of my favorite garden pairings. Their colors blend beautifully—soft purples and vibrant blues—and the bees seem to …