Liz Baessler
The only child of a horticulturist and an English teacher, Liz Baessler was destined to become a gardening editor. In 2007 she graduated cum laude from Brandeis University with a BA in English. In 2014 she earned an MA in English from l'Université de Genève in Geneva, Switzerland.She began writing for Gardening Know How in 2015 and never left. Over the years she has been promoted through the ranks of the editorial staff, most recently to Senior Editor in 2020.For years Liz lived in one apartment or another, doing all of her gardening in containers, community gardens, and holes in the sidewalk. She served for several years on the board of her community garden, where she also worked as a beekeeper. In 2017 she completed her Master Gardener certification at the University of Rhode Island, and attended every class offered by the Rhode Island Beekeepers Association.Liz has since moved to a tiny patch of land she can call her own outside Boston, where she is systematically digging up the lawn and replacing it with vegetables and native pollinators.
Latest articles by Liz Baessler
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How To Make Soil More Acidic – Best Ways To Acidify Soil
There are a few ways you can make your soil more acidic, from adding special fertilizer and elemental amendments, to simply mixing in acid-rich compost.
By Teo Spengler
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How & When To Pick Cantaloupe For Perfectly Ripe Melons
Knowing the right time to pick a cantaloupe can mean the difference between a good crop and a bad one. Follow the tips in this article to harvest the best cantaloupe fruits possible.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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9 Hard-To-Find Houseplants That Will Make You The Coolest Plant Parent On The Block
Want something a little different in your home? Try one of these hard-to-find houseplants and be the talk of the town.
By Teo Spengler
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How To Propagate Geraniums From Cuttings: 3 Of The Best Ways To Grow More Plants
Don’t say goodbye to them just because they’re annuals; instead, learn how to propagate geraniums to enjoy them year after year.
By Liz Baessler
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Metal Raised Garden Beds: Benefits, Types & Top Picks For Your Garden
Metal raised garden beds get fewer weeds, aren’t compacted by foot traffic, and can easily grow both in-bed and vertical crops, effectively doubling your yields.
By Amy Grant
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How To Grow Basil Plants
Basil grows best in warm, sunny areas and benefits from consistent pruning. This just means you can enjoy its leaves all summer long!
By Bonnie L. Grant
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How To Dry Basil From Your Garden - 3 Simple Techniques
Fresh basil can be dried in a food dehydrator, microwaved, or hung to dry. This will make it lose a bit of its fresh bite, but it'll keep for much, much longer.
By Bonnie L. Grant
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Tomato Diseases Every Gardener Should Know – And How To Treat Them
Tomato disease can be traced to one of four causes: fungal, bacterial, viral, and environmental. Learn to identify them and fight back.
By Amy Grant
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Fertilizing In Hot Weather Can Actually Harm Plants
Fertilizing your plants in hot weather might seem like a good idea, but it can actually cause more harm than good. Learn how to keep your garden thriving without the risk of fertilizer burn or nutrient overload.
By Susan Albert
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Dealing With Heat Stress: How To Protect Vegetables In Hot Weather
Heat stress can cause serious problems for vegetables, leading to wilting leaves, shriveled fruit, and even plant death. Extra protection is essential.
By Susan Patterson
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How To Prune A Peace Lily For Better Growth
As houseplant fans, we should all learn how to prune a peace lily. It’s easy to do and an occasional little trim will keep it shapely and healthy.
By Liz Baessler
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Ultimate Guide To Deadheading Peonies – Why It Matters And How To Do It
Deadheading peonies may not encourage new blooms, but it will promote neater, bushier growth and a healthier plant next season.
By Tonya Barnett
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Parlor Palm Houseplants: How To Care For A Parlor Palm Plant
The old-fashioned easy-to-grow parlor palm makes a lovely, dramatic statement in low-light conditions or shady outdoor spots.
By Liz Baessler
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Gardening Makes You Live Longer, According To Research – How To Reap The Benefits
It's obvious that gardening makes you live longer, but it’s nice to know research supports the idea.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Care Instructions For Ponytail Palm - Tips For Growing Ponytail Palms
In recent years the ponytail palm tree has become a popular houseplant, and it is easy to see why. Ponytail palm is forgiving and easy in its care. Learn more caring for the plant in this article.
By Mary Ellen Ellis
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Small Palm Trees For Even The Tiniest Yards And Gardens
Small palm trees add beauty and drama to small space gardens, giving them a tropical ambiance. Learn how to choose the best mini palm trees.
By Liz Baessler
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Ants In Houseplants: How To Get Rid Of Pesky Indoor Pests
Ants in houseplants usually end up there looking for sweet honeydew left by other insects, but they’re also attracted to other yummy treats in the home. They don’t hurt the plants, but it’s good to know what’s attracting them and how to fix the problem.
By Liz Baessler
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Holes In The Leaves Of Your Plants? Common Causes & Fixes
Holes in the leaves of plants can be a bit distressing. From tiny holes to giant ones, “What is eating my plants?” is a gardening question heard around the world in spring and summer. Learning to diagnose and address leaf damage can help.
By Liz Baessler