Melissa Lewis

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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 Melissa Lewis

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    Produce
    Produce By Melissa Lewis November 4th, 2022

    How To Grow Peonies Indoors

    How to Grow Peonies Indoors. Peonies are typically grown outdoors, but can make good container plants and placed indoors. Peonies are best planted as tubers or small plants in the fall so they can become established during the winter months. However, they can also be planted in the spring, if necessary. When buying peonies, consider that some grow so large they need support and in general, tree peonies have smaller root systems so they might be easier to grow in containers.

    By Melissa Lewis November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Melissa Lewis November 4th, 2022

    How To Plant Coneflower Bulbs

    How to Plant Coneflower Bulbs. Coneflowers are tall flowers that resemble daisies. They can be grown from seeds or transplanted as growing plants from your local nursery. Coneflower seeds grow into a bulb-like structures called rhizomes. While rhizomes are commonly referred to as bulbs and even sold as bulbs, they are not true bulbs, scientifically. However, no matter what you choose to call them, coneflower bulbs should be planted in the spring.

    By Melissa Lewis November 4th, 2022 Read More
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    Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Melissa Lewis November 4th, 2022

    Chemicals That Kill Grass

    Chemicals That Kill Grass. Grass that grows in undesirable locations, such as between the cracks of a sidewalk, can be killed with chemicals called non-selective herbicides. Every herbicide, even ones with the same active ingredient, can have different strengths. Therefore, purchase herbicides in a ready-to-use container for easy use. If this is not practical or economical, dilute and apply with an herbicide pump sprayer for faster application. Always read the label for the correct dilution, dosing and application directions. Also, wear protective clothing, including goggles, and keep children and animals away during application.

    By Melissa Lewis November 4th, 2022 Read More
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    Flowers
    Flowers By Melissa Lewis November 4th, 2022

    How To Trim Hedges In The Heat

    How to Trim Hedges in the Heat. Hedges are trimmed to shape, produce more blooms and to encourage fuller growth. The ideal time to trim hedges varies among bushes. In general, spring-blooming hedges are pruned after they flower in the late spring or early summer. Summer blooming hedges and hedges that do not bloom are pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. If you missed these windows or if some branches just need to go, the hedges can be trimmed in the heat. Next year, however, try do the trimming during the ideal time for your particular hedge.

    By Melissa Lewis November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Trees
    Trees By Melissa Lewis November 4th, 2022

    How To Kill Hostas

    How to Kill Hostas. Grown for their attractive foliage and ability to thrive in the shade, hostas (Hosta spp.) are garden favorites in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9. Hostas are tough plants that easily thrive and spread. Because they are so resilient, they can sometimes persevere despite your attempts to eradicate them from the garden. To win the battle against hostas, you must be relentless in your efforts until they no longer resprout. Otherwise, in time, they may return with full vigor.

    By Melissa Lewis November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Melissa Lewis November 4th, 2022

    How To Plant Dahlia Tubers In Zone 5

    How to Plant Dahlia Tubers in Zone 5. Dahlias grow from tubers, which are the same kind of root structures as potatoes. The tubers have eyes (also called buds) from where the plant stems grow. Dahlias are not hardy in USDA Hardiness Zone 5, which means they will not survive your winter months. Therefore, you must wait to plant your dahlia tubers until after the last frost of the season, which may not occur until May in your climate. Then, in the fall after the dahlia foliage dies, dig up the tubers and store them for the winter months to plant them again the following spring.

    By Melissa Lewis November 4th, 2022 Read More
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    Trees
    Trees By Melissa Lewis November 4th, 2022

    How To Get Rid Of Caterpillars In Fruit Tree

    How to Get Rid of Caterpillars in Fruit Tree. The most common caterpillars that affect the leaves of your fruit trees are forest tent caterpillars, eastern tent caterpillars, webworm or gypsy moths. The tent and webworm caterpillars form tent-like homes which the larvae (caterpillars) crawl into in the evening and lay their eggs. Gypsy moths lay eggs in white egg masses, which are visible to the naked eye. Typically, trees are not greatly affected by the caterpillars since they are a natural part of the ecosystem, but over time or in great quantities, it is possible for them to cause irreversible damage or affect the quality and quantity of the harvest.

    By Melissa Lewis November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By Melissa Lewis November 4th, 2022

    How To Save A Hoya Plant

    How to Save a Hoya Plant. Hoyas, also called wax plants or wax flowers, are tropical plants that are actually flowering vines. While they can grow outdoors in USDA plant hardiness zones 10B to 11, they can be grown indoors in all other climates. Hoya plants are slow growing and can thrive for more than 20 years when properly cared for. However, sometimes even the most thriving hoyas can become unhealthy. Before you throw out what you may think is a dying hoya, take steps to try to rejuvenate it.

    By Melissa Lewis November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By Melissa Lewis November 4th, 2022

    How To Prune Pole Bean Plants

    How to Prune Pole Bean Plants. Pole beans include several varieties such as Kentucky Wonder, Goldmarie, Marvel of Venice, Romano, Blue Lake Pole and Cascade Giant. They are called pole bean plants because they grow vertically and need support, like a trellis or wooden stakes, to grow properly. Pole beans are usually cultivated by seeds in the spring and to enjoy a plentiful harvest you may need to prune your pole bean plants during the growing season.

    By Melissa Lewis November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Melissa Lewis November 4th, 2022

    How To Prune Mexican Petunias

    How to Prune Mexican Petunias. Mexican petunias (Ruellia brittoniana) are considered invasive plants in some areas since they easily spread seed and grow. Because pruning encourages more blooms, some experts, such as those at the University of Florida Nassau County Extension, do not recommend pruning Mexican petunias. However, if you want to encourage fuller plants that bloom more and you have them under control (e.g., they're not near your neighbor's yard), you can certainly prune them, if desired. Otherwise, just allow Mexican petunias to die back in the fall and then regrow in the spring.

    By Melissa Lewis November 4th, 2022 Read More
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    Flowers
    Flowers By Melissa Lewis November 4th, 2022

    How To Kill Rose Bushes

    How to Kill Rose Bushes. Rose bushes often are a gardener's pride and joy; however, when it's time for a change or your roses are not thriving, the task of removing and killing them for good may seem daunting. Even though roses are hearty plants, if you combine pruning, excavation and the use of an herbicide, you can get rid of your unwanted rose bushes.

    By Melissa Lewis November 4th, 2022 Read More
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    Produce
    Produce By Melissa Lewis November 3rd, 2022

    How To Clean Spanish Moss

    How to Clean Spanish Moss. Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoide) is a bromeliad that grows on trees and is particularly common in the southeast United States. It is often used in homemade crafts, such as wreaths, floral displays and woven fabrics. Because Spanish moss comes from the outdoors, it must be cleaned prior to using. If you have harvested fresh moss, you must get rid of any bugs or other critters first. While you can shake many of these pests away, you will still need to kill any unseen ones to prevent an infestation, especially if the moss is going to be used indoors.

    By Melissa Lewis November 3rd, 2022 Read More
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    Flowers
    Flowers By Melissa Lewis November 3rd, 2022

    When To Plant Spring Bulbs In Virginia

    When to Plant Spring Bulbs in Virginia. In Virginia, usually in early March, green shoots begin to appear on the ground, even on ground that is covered lightly in snow. These shoots are the sign that many people are looking for to indicate that spring is on its way. They are the product of bulb plants that have been underground all winter. They will take several weeks to bloom, at which time spring is well underway.

    By Melissa Lewis November 3rd, 2022 Read More
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    Flowers
    Flowers By Melissa Lewis November 3rd, 2022

    How To Kill Vinca Vine

    How to Kill Vinca Vine. Some vinca vines, such as Vinca minor, are considered invasive plants in many parts of the United States. While vinca vines typically grow beautiful periwinkle flowers, if you fail to control it with a yearly pruning it can soon become invasive in your yard or garden. If your vinca vine is out of control, or if you just want to start over, there are several ways to kill it.

    By Melissa Lewis November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Melissa Lewis November 3rd, 2022

    How To Plant Bulbs In Massachusetts

    How to Plant Bulbs in Massachusetts. Most plant bulbs grow well in Massachusetts, which is in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 7. Plants with bulb-like root structures often are called bulbs, even though technically they may not be bulbs.They could be rhizomes, tubers or corms instead. No matter which type of plant bulbs you have, all have different planting requirements, and there are some planting guidelines that apply to most.

    By Melissa Lewis November 3rd, 2022 Read More
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    Produce
    Produce By Melissa Lewis November 3rd, 2022

    Growing Azaleas In Arizona

    Growing Azaleas in Arizona. Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) typically bloom flowers every spring in a variety of colors, such as pink, white, purple or red. Arizona consists of United States Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 to 10, which have average winter low temperatures from minus 20 degrees to plus 35 degrees Fahrenheit. This vast difference in climates makes choosing the right azalea essential if you want it to thrive. Fortunately, there are many azalea varieties and they differ in plant hardiness, usually ranging from zone 4 to 9, making most of Arizona a suitable climate to grow azaleas. Once a variety is chosen, most azaleas are planted in a similar manner.

    By Melissa Lewis November 3rd, 2022 Read More
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    Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Melissa Lewis November 3rd, 2022

    How To Kill Grasshoppers In Grass

    How to Kill Grasshoppers in Grass. Grasshoppers are known to feed on crops and plants, but they also feed on grasses. If you have a high population of grasshoppers, they may be damaging your lawn. Because grasshoppers migrate and move about, they are one of the hardest insects to control. Fortunately, it is not impossible, especially if you begin treatment as the eggs are hatching or while the grasshoppers are still nymphs, which molt several times before becoming adult grasshoppers.

    By Melissa Lewis November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Melissa Lewis November 3rd, 2022

    How To Transplant Stella d'Oro Daylilies

    How to Transplant Stella d'Oro Daylilies. Stella d'Oro daylilies are daylily hybrids and have more flowers than most other daylily varieties. In fact, each clump of Stella d'Oro daylilies can produce between 200 and 400 flowers in just one season. Stella d'Oro daylilies are also known for their numerous seedpods. While it's possible to propagate this plant from seed (although it will not be exactly the same as the parent plant), it's easiest to propagate it from division. Transplant your Stella d'Oro daylilies in the early spring or in the fall when they are finished blooming.

    By Melissa Lewis November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By Melissa Lewis November 3rd, 2022

    How To Know When Ice Box Watermelons Are Ripe

    How to Know When Ice Box Watermelons Are Ripe. Icebox watermelon is a small variety of watermelon that typically weighs between 8 and 10 pounds. It became readily available to consumers in 2005. Because of its size, it fits well in the refrigerator, hence the name. An icebox watermelon -- like all watermelons --is best harvested when ripe. Expect to harvest an icebox watermelon approximately 78 days after planting, making sure it meets several criteria first to ensure it is ripe enough for picking.

    By Melissa Lewis November 3rd, 2022 Read More
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    Produce
    Produce By Melissa Lewis November 3rd, 2022

    How To Cut Aloe Roots

    How to Cut Aloe Roots. One plant grown for medicinal purposes is the aloe plant, specifically the aloe vera variety, also known as the medicine plant. The juice is extracted from the leaves and is used to help soothe and heal insect bites, minor cuts and burns, as well as other skin conditions, such as acne. No matter which kind of aloe plant you have, it is usually grown indoors in containers, but can live outdoors during warm weather. Aloes are easily propagated through division, at which time cutting the roots is sometimes necessary for success.

    By Melissa Lewis November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Produce
    Produce By Melissa Lewis November 3rd, 2022

    How To Cold Stratify Raspberry Seeds

    How to Cold Stratify Raspberry Seeds. Raspberries (Rubus spp.) make excellent garden fruits in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 2 through 7. Often planted as young plants, they do not produce their fruit until the second year. If you collected your own raspberry seeds, they need a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. This naturally occurs outdoors if you plant the seeds in the garden in fall or winter. If you want to start raspberry seeds indoors, you must simulate the cold stratification process before planting.

    By Melissa Lewis November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Melissa Lewis November 3rd, 2022

    How To Plant Hardy Hibiscus In Wisconsin

    How to Plant Hardy Hibiscus in Wisconsin. Hardy hibiscuses are cold-tolerant and usually grow well in USDA zones 5 to 8. Wisconsin consists of zones 3 to 5, but according to Bachman's Floral Gifts and Gardens, hardy hibiscuses usually grow well in zone 4, and they also grow marginally well in zone 3 if adequate mulch is applied during the winter. When choosing your hardy hibiscuses, consult with the master gardener or nursery personnel on site to discuss what varieties would do best in the area of Wisconsin in which you live.

    By Melissa Lewis November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Melissa Lewis November 3rd, 2022

    How To Store Unplanted Spring Bulbs

    How to Store Unplanted Spring Bulbs. Spring bulbs are classified as those bulbs that bloom in the spring. Examples include daffodils, tulips, crocuses and snowdrops. Spring bulbs are typically planted in the fall and will usually bloom the first spring; however they can be planted at anytime. In fact, spring bulbs should be planted soon after you get them. However, if you cannot plant them right away or if you obtained your spring bulbs after the ground is frozen, you will need to store the unplanted bulbs until you can get them in the ground.

    By Melissa Lewis November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Melissa Lewis November 3rd, 2022

    How To Plant Flower Bulbs In New England

    How to Plant Flower Bulbs in New England. Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont make up the area known as New England. Even though New England is well-known for its cold and often harsh winters, beautiful gardens adorn the area from spring until fall. Bulbs are often a New England gardener's favorite. There are many bulbs that can survive the winter months and will faithfully return year to year with little work. Other, warmer-climate bulbs can still be planted in the spring and enjoyed during the summer and fall months.

    By Melissa Lewis November 3rd, 2022 Read More
  • Flowers
    Flowers By Melissa Lewis November 3rd, 2022

    How To Grow Flame Vine

    How to Grow Flame Vine. Flame vines are subtropical plants that can grow in U.S. Zones 9 to 11. They bloom bright orange flowers during the winter months, typically in January and February. They are hardy vines that can grow in most soils and resist an occasional frost. Flame vines reach heights of 30 feet or more.

    By Melissa Lewis November 3rd, 2022 Read More
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    Lawn Care
    Lawn Care By Melissa Lewis November 3rd, 2022

    Using Hay To Grow Grass

    Using Hay to Grow Grass. Growing grass from seed is often difficult, usually because homeowners don't keep the seeds sufficiently watered during germination and in the early stages of growth. With the use of mulch, you can help the soil maintain moisture because evaporation is reduced. You can apply many types of mulch to newly seeded lawns. Although straw is recommend over hay because hay contains seeds (which grow into weeds), you can still use it. However, use old hay, such as bails that are a year or two old, rather than freshly harvested hay, which is more likely to cause weeds.

    By Melissa Lewis November 3rd, 2022 Read More