Skip to Content

Kelsey McDonough is a freelance writer and scientist, covering topics from gardening and homesteading to hydrology and climate change. Her published work spans popular science articles to peer-reviewed academic journals. Kelsey is a certified Master Gardener in Colorado and holds a Ph.D. in biological and agricultural engineering.

If your garden has been underperforming despite amending with compost, fertilizer, and careful watering, the issue may not be effort — it may be information. Soil testing garden beds gives you clarity about what your plants actually need before you invest another dollar in amendments. By providing a snapshot of your soil’s current nutrient levels, …

Read More about Is Your Garden Soil the Problem? Here’s How to Test and Fix It for Spring

If gardening has taught us anything, it’s that beauty doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. The smartest gardeners know that some of the most charming pieces in a landscape aren’t brand new; they’re thrifted, weathered, and full of story. Planters, patio furniture, and decorative accents can quickly add up at retail prices. …

Read More about 4 Thrifted Garden Items Worth Hunting for This Season

After a long winter, even the brightest home can feel a little tired. Spring invites us to lighten, declutter, and breathe new life into our spaces. Few home updates leave you feeling refreshed as immediately as adding fresh greenery. Interior designers often point to biophilic design as the key to what makes a house a …

Read More about 5 Easiest Houseplants to Give Your Home a Spring Reset

Vanilla is an ingredient found in kitchens that is so familiar we hardly question it. Yet that sweet, warm fragrance comes from a climbing tropical orchid known as Vanilla planifolia. It is one of the only orchids that produces fruit with huge economic value. Why Vanilla Orchids Matter Vanilla is the second most expensive spice …

Read More about Wait—Vanilla Comes from an Orchid? Here’s the Fascinating Story

Across Lunar New Year traditions, plants are used as tools for setting intentions. They play a significant role in the celebrations, symbolizing prosperity, health, and good fortune for the year ahead. This year is the Year of the Horse, known for movement, confidence, and momentum. The plants that you bring into your home can quietly …

Read More about 6 Houseplants to Celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Horse

Valentine’s Day has a way of making love feel like a fleeting moment: tradition states that we gift flowers that bloom brilliantly (aka roses), but then fade just as fast. But in the garden, love doesn’t have to be fleeting. Unlike cut bouquets, perennials root their emotion in place. They mark time, survive winters, and …

Read More about Plant These Flowers for a Lasting Romantic Message

If your Valentine would rather browse a nursery than a jewelry store, it’s time to rethink the usual roses and chocolates. The best Valentine’s Day gifts for a plant-loving partner don’t wilt in a week—they grow, flourish, and become part of everyday life. Upgrade What They Already Love: Elevated Tools & Accessories A set of …

Read More about Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for the Garden Lover in Your Life

Have you ever wondered what the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone is? It’s mentioned in every gardening article or the Farmer’s Almanac, but if you’re still not quite sure what it is or what zone you live in, you’re in the right place. Knowing your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone saves time, money, and heartache, especially when …

Read More about How to Determine Your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone

You glance at the calendar. It’s Valentine’s Day, reservations are gone, and planning feels suddenly urgent. Here’s the quiet truth: some of the most romantic dates don’t require bookings at all—just a few intentional minutes outdoors. Garden-themed Valentine’s dates are ideal when time is short. When plans come together late, pressure can creep in fast. …

Read More about Last Minute Garden-Themed Valentine’s Date Ideas That Are Easy and Actually Romantic