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Rebecca Wolken

Rebecca Wolken

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Rebecca's has written for Bob Villa and a Cincinnati based remodeling company. When she's not writing about home remodeling, gardening, or pets she is busy being a mother and wife, reading endless amounts of books, and tending to her garden and backyard ducks.

Staghorn fern leaves in the sun

Plant of the week: Staghorn fern, a plant featuring antler-like foliage

This week's featured plant is the staghorn fern, named for its antler-like leaves. Here's how to grow and care for your own.
plant of the week pilea on sunny shelf

Plant of the week: Pilea peperomioides, aka the “UFO plant” – how to care for it and ensure it blooms

Our plant of the week is the Chinese money plant, also known as the UFO plant. Here's how to grow it.
Compost bin

A beginner’s guide to composting

Want to compost but not sure how to begin? Let us take you through the steps to get started with your own home composting system!
A zen garden with large rocks in it

How to install a zen garden in your backyard

Zen gardens are beautiful additions to any yard. Here's how to install one yourself.
Pink princess philodendron leaf up close (resized)

Plant of the week: Pink princess philodendron, a royally rare plant

This week's featured plant is the pink princess philodendron, a rare philodendron with pink variegation in its leaves.
A bouquet of stargazer lilies

Add color and interest to your zone 8 garden with these gorgeous perennials

Looking for some interesting and colorful zone 8 perennials to add to your garden? Here are a few of our favorites to help you get started.
Monstera adansonii

Your guide to growing the Monstera adansonii, aka the Swiss cheese plant

Here's how to care for the monstera adansonii, aka the Swiss cheese plant.
A black walnut tree in the afternoon sun

18 incredible morning shade plants that will thrive in your shady garden

Not all plants do great in full sun in the morning. Here are the best morning shade plants to add to your garden.
Gardener amends soil with compost product.

Enrich your soil: The 5 best composts for gardens

Try these amazing composting ideas for your garden to enjoy prolific plant growth.
Snake plant

A foolproof guide to propagating snake plants

Propagate your snake plant by using these tips we've laid out for you.
Girl in cactus shop

A complete care guide for keeping your rare spiral cactus happy

Keep your spiral cactus happy by following this guide.
Plant in a window

The 4 best window shelves for displaying happy houseplants

If you want to display your plants while also giving them all the light they need, buy one of these window shelves
Christmas tree by the fireplace

How long do Christmas trees last? Here are our tips on keeping them fresh for a long time

Here are tips for keeping your Christmas tree fresh so it doesn't die before you unwrap your presents for the holidays.
Decorating a Christmas tree

The 7 best types of Christmas trees to fill your home with holiday cheer

Here are 7 Christmas tree varieties to look out for when Christmas tree shopping this holiday season.
Vibrant green ferns

How do you care for a Christmas fern? Here’s what you need to know

Here's everything you need to know about caring for a Christmas fern this holiday season.
Mason jar uses

How to grow hydroponic herbs in Mason jars for the most adorable garden

Design your own beautiful hydroponic garden in only 6 simple steps
Areca palm

Which plants absorb the most carbon dioxide? Here are 5 air-cleaning plants to add to your home

If you want to clean up the air in your home, here are four carbon dioxide-absorbing plants to consider buying.
Thanksgiving cactus in bloom

The Thanksgiving cactus is a beautiful, low-maintenance holiday staple – Here’s your guide to caring for it

Add a festive houseplant to your collection this holiday season with the Thanksgiving cactus. And learn how to keep it healthy and happy.
Fresh vegetables with a knife on a wooden surface

These food waste apps will help you save money – and the planet

Want to save money, avoid food waste, help protect the environment, and help get food to people in need? You can do all that with these food waste apps.
Red and yellow kalanchoe flowers

Kalanchoe care indoors: How to keep your kalanchoe plant blooms full and colorful

Follow these easy-care tips to keep your kalanchoe flowers at their biggest and brightest.
Family sitting on a couch watching tv.

These are the 18 best gardening shows to stream right now

Get inspired and get outdoors during this gardening season with these great gardening shows ready for you to binge.
Thanksgiving cactus in bloom

Thanksgiving vs. Christmas cactus: How they’re different

Everything you've ever wanted to know about the difference between the Thanksgiving cactus and the Christmas cactus.
A piece of cut up ginger

Here’s how to grow ginger from a store-bought root in 6 easy steps

These simple steps will have you growing ginger at home in no time.
golden pothos plant

Are pothos plants toxic? What you need to know

Here's everything you know about the toxicity level of pothos plants
farmers market produce

What’s in season at the farmers market this fall

Shop smart at the farmers market by knowing what produce is in season this fall Here's a list of some of the beauties you'll find.
Japanese maple tree

How to prune a Japanese maple, and when to do it for the best results

Whether it's major pruning or more fine tuning, here are some tips on how to get your Japanese maple to look just right.
A shady hydrangea garden

If you live in zone 6, here are 6 shade perennials you should absolutely grow

It can be challenging to fill shady spots in your garden. Here are the best shade perennials to grow in your zone 6 garden.
A patio with colorful potted plants surrounding a bench.

9 low-maintenance outdoor potted plants your patio needs to be its brightest, most inviting self this summer

Want a beautiful garden without the fuss? These low-maintenance potted plants will thrive on your patio and add some great color to your space.
Tomatoes on a tomato plant

Are you asking, ‘Why is my tomato plant wilting?’ Here’s how to be the hero in your garden

Don't lose your tomatoes to overwatering, diseases, or pests. Here's how to save your wilting tomato plants.
Two hands side by side, one holding seeds the other holding a seedling

Gardening 101: 7 easy seeds to grow in cups for a tiny, adorable, and low-maintenance indoor garden

Whether you want some indoor greenery or you're just short on space, try growing these seeds in cups. Not only will they thrive, but they'll look adorable, too.
Pink peony bush

What you need to know about finding the perfect peony fertilizer and how to choose one for lush blooms

If you're looking for the best peony fertilizers, we've got your covered. Here are the products that will ensure healthy blooms.
PIcking an apple from an apple tree

The 6 best zone 6 fruit trees you can grow for a delicious harvest

Zone 6 has a unique climate suitable for many plants, including fruit trees. Now's the time to plant these amazing fruit trees in zone 6.
Hanging pothos plant

Turn your pothos plant into a hydroponic oasis

Propagating a pothos plant couldn't be easier. Here's how to get started.
Fuzzy kiwi fruits

These are the best climate zones to grow delicious kiwis

If you want to grow delicious kiwis, these are the best climate zones to do so in.
Fiddle-leaf fig on a windowsill

Fiddle-leaf figs are finicky – here are tips on how to troubleshoot common issues

Here's everything you need to know about caring for the dramatic fiddle-leaf fig, including how to troubleshoot issues.