Kelly Shetsky

Garden Guides Editorial Policies

Garden Guides uses a knowledgeable team of editors, writers, and experts to create all our content. We dive deep into the ever-evolving conversations surrounding gardening and landscaping, striving to deliver the most current and helpful tips, strengthened by expert insight and tutorials from our talented team.

As we cover many fields of expertise, we make it a priority to ensure every beat remains fresh and comprehensive. Additional information on our editorial process available here.

Stories By Kelly Shetsky

  • Produce
    Produce By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022

    How To Grow Porcini Mushrooms

    How to Grow Porcini Mushrooms. Porcini mushrooms are a favorite in Italy, so much so that they are strictly regulated. They are considered a very fine variety of mushroom and are used in many delicious recipes. They are large in size and have a delicate, earthy flavor similar to hazelnut. Porcini mushrooms are hard to come by in the wild but can be grown at home with the help of porcini spores. As long as they are in a moist, humid environment, they will grow into mushrooms you can harvest and enjoy.

    By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022

    How To Grow Lily Pads In An Aquarium

    How to Grow Lily Pads in an Aquarium. Dwarf lilies are the best bet when trying to grow lily pads in an aquarium. The leaves grow no more than 4.7 inches long, so you can fit more than one in each tank. They are reddish-pink in color, adding visual appeal. Lily bulbs are hardy and thrive in a cold water or freshwater tank with goldfish and other similar species. Fish make waste that the lily pad uses as food. They also help eliminate toxins in the water, keeping your tank cleaner.

    By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Trees
    Trees By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022

    How To Prune Weeping Birch Trees

    How to Prune Weeping Birch Trees. Weeping birch (Betula pendula 'Youngii') has white bark that peels off over time. There is no central leader or main trunk to the tree, and its stems hang down, which causes the weeping appearance. The branches and limbs grow up from the center of the tree, then bend over and grow toward the ground. A healthy weeping birch should live 40 to 50 years, but some die before they are 20 years old. Weeping birch is also susceptible to birch leafminer and bronze birch borer, serious insect pests that can cause widespread damage. Pruning a weeping birch will keep it healthy by removing diseased limbs and resulting in a better shape.

    By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022

    How To Use Halogen Lights To Grow Plants

    How to Use Halogen Lights to Grow Plants. Halogen lamps are not the best form of lighting for growing plants, but they will produce results. Halogens are 25 to 30 percent brighter than regular incandescent bulbs. They stay brighter longer, and have a life of 2,000 hours. The reason they are not ideal for plants is because they are a good source of light from the red end of the spectrum, but do not provide much light from the blue end of the spectrum. The light intensity is reduced. However, with supplementation of natural light or other artificial lights, plants will thrive under halogen lights.

    By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022

    How To Grow A Plant Without Roots

    How to Grow a Plant Without Roots. Growing plants without roots is a way to develop more houseplants using the ones you already have. It's a simple process with many plants, including ivies and coleus. By taking a plant stem cutting, you can propagate a new plant without using or disturbing the roots of the mother plant. The new plant can then be put into its own container. In no time, you will have several plants that resemble the parent plant.

    By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • ...
    Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022

    The Best Time To Grow Grass In New Jersey

    The Best Time to Grow Grass in New Jersey. Sow grass seeds in New Jersey outside of times of temperature extremes. The roots need time to strengthen before they are exposed to a cold, snowy winter. If the planting is pushed too close to summer or winter, the chance of success diminishes.

    By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022

    How To Care For Otto Luyken Laurel Plants

    How to Care for Otto Luyken Laurel Plants. Otto Luyken English Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is a compact evergreen shrub plant that grows to a height of 4 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide. It has dark green leaves that are 4 inches long, Otto Luyken flowers freely with white fragrant blooms, even when planted in the shade. The blooming period is early spring, in May or June. Otto Luyken makes a great hedge. Once the flowers die off, there are small purple to black-colored fruit, but they are usually hidden in the foliage of the plant. Care for Otto Luyken laurel plants to make them healthier and promote blooms.

    By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022

    How & When To Prune Cape Honeysuckle Plant

    How & When to Prune Cape Honeysuckle Plant. Cape honeysuckle (Tecomaria capensis) is an ornamental perennial shrub. It originated in South Africa, grows fast and has vine-like qualities. Cape honeysuckle thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11. The foliage stays green year-round in the warmer climates, but is semi-deciduous in cooler areas. The large flowers bloom most of the year and range in color from yellow to orange, scarlet and salmon, depending on the variety. Cape honeysuckle can be grown as a vine, shrub or ground cover. Pruning it will keep it healthy and looking good.

    By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022

    How To Overseed With Centipede Grass

    How to Overseed With Centipede Grass. Centipede grass is a very low-maintenance warm season grass. Homeowners like it because it can grow in poor soils, even those that are sandy or clay-based. Over time, all grass thins out and should be overseeded to create a thick, healthy lawn. This is done by spreading grass seed over the existing lawn to fill in gaps. Overseed centipede grass in the spring or early summer, when it's early enough in the season to germinate before winter sets in.

    By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022

    How To Get Rid Of Mites On Chilli Plants

    How to Get Rid of Mites on Chilli Plants. It's relatively common for chilli plants to be tormented by spider mites. Warm weather and dry conditions, in particular, create an ideal environment for the pests' rapid reproductive cycle. The mites weave webs and chew holes in leaves, eventually killing the plant. The infestation doesn't stop at a single plant. It can spread to neighboring plants, destroying them too. To save your garden, it's essential to get rid of mites on chilli plants.

    By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • ...
    Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022

    How To Grow Grass In Acidic Soil

    How to Grow Grass in Acidic Soil. Nothing makes a landscape look more finished than a lush, green lawn. Typically, growing grass is a simple process -- as long as the site is well-prepared in advance. However, when you try to grow grass in acidic soil, you can have less than desirable results. That is why it is essential to modify the soil before spreading the grass seed.

    By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Trees
    Trees By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022

    How To Grow Pink Lady Apples

    How to Grow Pink Lady Apples. The pink lady apple tree is ideal for growing in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9. The dwarf tree produces a tasty, crisp apple all on its own---it doesn't need a pollinator to produce fruit. This variety (also called Cripps pink apple) comes from Western Australia, and can handle heat. The fruit has a color that is a mixture of blue, red and pink, with some yellow undertones. The taste resembles that of a Granny Smith, except it is not as tart. It is perfect for baking but can also be enjoyed right off the tree.

    By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022

    Instructions For Roundup Professional Sprayer

    Instructions for Roundup Professional Sprayer. The Roundup Professional sprayer is a good tool to use when targeting and killing troublesome weeds. It contains glyphosate, which is absorbed into the leaves on weeds. The chemical travels through the weed, to the roots, stopping an enzyme and killing the plant. The weeds do not grow back. Roundup professional will only kill anything you spray directly so be careful to only spray what you intend to get rid of. The product also keeps new weeds from growing for up to four months.

    By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022

    How To Grow A Lawn From Poor Soil

    How to Grow a Lawn From Poor Soil. When growing grass, it is important to have fertile, loose soil. Poor soil can make it difficult for grass to sprout because it does not contain the nutrients that seed needs to grow successfully. Plan to amend poor soil and plant grass the same day or in a two-day period. It is best to tackle the project when it's dry outside or you risk washing away the grass seed. Windy weather is also problematic because the seed can blow away. Plant grass seed in the spring or summer so it has time to root before winter sets in.

    By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • ...
    Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022

    How To Drag Seed A Lawn

    How to Drag Seed a Lawn. Drag seeding a lawn enhances the germination rate. When you drag the seed, you're covering it up with soil and pushing it into holes in the ground. Seed needs direct contact with soil to sprout quickly. That, moisture and light are the three most important factors in seeding a lawn. No matter what type of grass seed you are planting and what climate you live in, dragging the seed will result in a lush, green lawn.

    By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • ...
    Trees
    Trees By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022

    How To Grow Rainier Cherry Trees

    How to Grow Rainier Cherry Trees. Rainier cherries are the standard variety in the blush category. They are yellow and red, 7/8 inch wide with firm fruit. They are extremely winter hardy and, according to Cornell University, very productive. While Bing cherries harvest mid season, Rainier varieties are ready for picking six to eight days later. Rainiers command a premium price over the dark red types.

    By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022

    How To Overseed St. Augustine Grass

    How to Overseed St. Augustine Grass. St. Augustine grass makes a beautiful lawn, but over time it can become sparse and thin in appearance. The growth of grass slows down over five or six years, so you'll need to overseed to thicken it up and make it look lush again. In addition, St. Augustine grass is affected by freezing temperatures, pests and turf buildup. Overseeding it every three to four years will keep the grass looking thick and help it resist disease.

    By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Trees
    Trees By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022

    How To Prune A Weeping Fig Tree

    How to Prune a Weeping Fig Tree. Weeping fig (ficus benjamina) is grown as a tree or bush, inside or outside. It can grow as tall as 6 feet high and have 2- to 3-inch-long leaves that are medium green in color. Weeping figs are considered tropical to subtropical trees and do the best in sun to partial shade, in mildly acidic to acidic soil. Weeping figs have braided trunks, an interesting characteristic. Pruning them will ensure they develop a strong structure, keep their form and shape looking good, as well as improve the health of the tree.

    By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022

    How To Transplant Russian Sage

    How to Transplant Russian Sage. Russian sage is a member of the mint family. The deciduous subshrub has silvery-gray leaves that give off a pungent smell when they are bruised of crushed, Late in the growing season, the plant grows spires of small, tube-shaped lavender flowers. The flowers bloom for two or three months before falling off. Russian sage can tolerate drought better than it can deal with wet conditions. It grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 to 8 but can also survive in Zones 5 and 9. Russian sage grows in a spreading form, which makes division and transplantation sometimes necessary. Transplant it in the spring, just as growth is about to begin.

    By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Structures
    Structures By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022

    Are Swimming Pool Lights Safe?

    Are Swimming Pool Lights Safe?. Pool lights increase safety in and around a pool as they illuminate the edges of the pool, stairs, ladders, walkways and patio furniture. They can be embedded in or attached to pool walls and floors, or placed on the water surface. But, just how safe is it to put electricity in a pool? If you do it correctly, it's quite safe.

    By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • ...
    Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022

    How To Grow Grass In Alkaline Soil

    How to Grow Grass in Alkaline Soil. A lush, green lawn is the envy of the entire neighborhood. It puts a professional, finishing touch on your landscaping. Grass seed is best planted in the spring or summer because you will not have to water and weed constantly, as you would in the summer. The best pH level for planting grass is between 6.0 and 7.5. If you try to grow grass in alkaline soil, you may not have the same results as you would with balanced soil. However, don't worry -- modify the soil to make it more acidic.

    By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022

    How To Prune A White Bird Of Paradise

    How to Prune a White Bird of Paradise. White bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) is a lesser-known variety of the typical bird of paradise flower. It is much more difficult to find than the standard version, but has been grown popularly as a house plant over the last 20 years. There are also giant white birds of paradise that are planted outdoors in warm climates. Its banana-like leaves are 5 to 8 feet long and give an exotic feel to a landscape. The plant can grow up to 30 feet in height, resembling a Traveler's Tree. As it grows, the lower trunk sheds its older leaves. White bird of paradise needs little pruning but can benefit from some attention to improve its appearance and keep it healthy.

    By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022

    How To Save A Neglected Hoya Plant

    How to Save a Neglected Hoya Plant. The hoya plant is a viney, wax plant that loves to be ignored. It thrives in hanging baskets and is easy to grow. Hoya plant leaves are usually dark green but can vary. Blooms called umbels grow larger and more profound as the plant matures. Hoyas should be kept in bright, indirect sun. Even though they adapt to most environments, it is possible for hoyas to suffer if they are neglected for long periods of time. With a little attention, though, you can save a hoya plant.

    By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Trees
    Trees By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022

    How To Plant White Cedar Trees

    How to Plant White Cedar Trees. White cedar tree or Thuja occidentalis was introduced in Europe in the 16th century. The slow-growing evergreen is popular in landscapes because of its ability to form hedges. The species does very well in different climates and growing conditions. White cedar can achieve heights of 25 to 40 feet. The trees spread about 10 to 12 feet, so they should be spaced accordingly. They prefer moist or wet soil in high humidity.

    By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • ...
    Trees
    Trees By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022

    How To Kill A Locust Tree

    How to Kill a Locust Tree. Black locust trees belong to the legume family and are easily identified by their showy flowers and pungent scent. The cream-colored, pea-like blooms grow in long clusters from May to June. Black locusts grow quickly but can be easily injured by locust borers, pests that weaken the tree until it's easily blown over. If your tree is affected by a disease or simply in a bad spot, you can kill it to remove it.

    By Kelly Shetsky November 4th, 2022 Read More