Zoe Merritt

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 …

Looking to add a little drama to your indoor jungle? Climbing plants are a great way to breathe life into bare walls or awkward corners …

Gardeners are always on the hunt for clever new ways to multiply their favorite plants, and I recently came across one that really surprised me—using …

Foxes might look adorable in wildlife photos, but trust me—once they start treating your garden like an all-you-can-eat buffet, the charm wears off fast. I’ve …

Raising backyard chickens has become a favorite for many of us—fresh eggs and those funny little personalities are hard to resist. But trust me, behind …

Maintaining a garden involves more than just planting and watering. I used to assume that trimming flowers was always about appearance, but it turns out …

Plants communicate with us constantly, showing distress through color changes long before they wither away. I’ve learned to pay attention when leaf colors shift unexpectedly—it’s …

June marks a pivotal moment for gardeners planning ahead for autumn meals. While spring planting gets all the attention, smart gardeners know that summer sowing …

Last summer, strange noises kept me up at night until I spotted a family of coyotes roaming through my backyard. My neighborhood had become their …

Hanging baskets of Boston ferns can transform any porch into a lush retreat, but keeping them healthy through summer heat and changing conditions is trickier …

Growing succulents from seed can be a rewarding way to expand your plant collection without breaking the bank. The tiny seeds might not look like …

There’s nothing more frustrating than watching those promising yellow flowers suddenly shrivel up and drop off before they become fruit. I’ve spent years figuring out …

Creating a garden that welcomes wildlife doesn’t require fancy equipment or expensive installations. A simple hedge made of the right plants can transform your yard …

Starting a vegetable garden can be both exciting and frustrating, especially when plants fail to thrive despite your best efforts. Many new gardeners pour their …

Growing strawberries can feel like an exercise in frustration. Between their susceptibility to pests, need for perfect drainage, and tendency to scorch in too much …

Nothing transforms a garden quite like flowers that keep on giving all summer long. I’ve found that choosing the right varieties means enjoying continuous color …

Cherry trees transform ordinary yards into springtime wonderlands, with their cloud-like blossoms giving way to summer’s sweet rewards. Nothing beats plucking sun-warmed cherries straight from …

Starting a garden from seed has always seemed like the ultimate way to connect with your food from the very beginning. I’ve spent countless spring …

Every garden has those tricky bare spots that seem impossible to fill – whether it’s under trees, along pathways, or in shady corners where grass …

Lavender brings beauty and scent to any garden with its purple blooms and calming fragrance. This hardy Mediterranean plant can thrive in many climates if …

Growing tomatoes always starts off with so much promise—those green leaves, tiny blossoms, and dreams of juicy summer harvests. But then one day, you spot …

Growing your own broccoli is one of those garden wins that just feels extra satisfying—especially when you cut into a big, tight, healthy head you …

Geraniums have a way of showing up and shining, no matter where you plant them. They’re one of those flowers that just quietly do their …

Yellow flowers have a special way of brightening up a space—they’re like little bursts of sunshine, even when the sky is gray. I started adding …

Growing broccoli has been a bit of a journey for me—full of surprises, both good and bad. It turns out, not every plant wants to …

Finding flowers that actually like shady spots can feel like a losing game—I’ve definitely had my fair share of bare patches under trees or along …

Want a garden that’s full of color, life, and buzzing bees—without spending a ton? I’ve found that planting for pollinators is one of the most …

Dreaming of a little more peace and privacy in your yard? A living fence can be a beautiful, eco-friendly way to create your own quiet …

Irises bring such a magical mix of color and grace to the garden—I look forward to their blooms every spring. Their elegant, ruffled petals and …

The elegant iris, with its bold colors and one-of-a-kind shape, has always sparked my creative side. Whether I’m cutting a fresh bloom from the garden …

Peonies are undeniably gorgeous—those big, romantic blooms can stop you in your tracks. But let’s be honest: they’re not always the easiest to grow. Between …

You don’t need a grand estate or formal grounds to bring a touch of Victorian charm to your garden. I used to think recreating that …