Arricca Elin SanSone
Contributing Writer
Arricca Elin SanSone is a writer, editor, and content creator who specializes in lifestyle and gardening. With a background in health reporting, she applies these same research skills when writing about the science of growing things. She trials new plants in her expansive garden, and her houseplant collection consists of 60+ varieties. Arricca has written thousands of articles for publications such as Country Living, House Beautiful, Good Housekeeping, Prevention, VERANDA, Southern Living, and more. She’s happiest when digging in the dirt, baking, or spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
7 Beautiful Old-Fashioned Herbs to Grow in Your Garden
Plant these forgotten herbs for old-fashioned charm and fresh flavor.
9 Beautiful Sunflowers You Still Have Time to Plant
There’s still time for one more round of cheerful blooms in most of the country. Here are some of the most beautiful sunflowers to plant.
Plant Coleus for Brilliant Color Until Frost—No Deadheading Required
Here’s the best plant for gardeners who don’t want to fuss.
When Is It Too Hot to Mow Your Lawn? Look for These 4 Warning Signs
Sometimes the best thing you can do for your lawn is pour a lemonade and leave the mower in the shed.
Poison Ivy Is Thriving Right Now—Here’s the Safest Way to Remove It
One wrong move can spread poison ivy’s irritating oil. Here’s how experts recommend removing it safely.
Why Every Gardener Should Grow a “Passalong” Plant
These easy-to-divide plants have been shared among families, friends, and neighbors for generations—and often carry memories along with them.
This Is the Right Depth for a Birdbath So Birds Actually Use It
Here’s how to make your birdbath welcoming to all your feathered neighbors.
Hold Off on Pruning Most Plants Right Now—Except These 5
Most plants are better left alone in midsummer—but these exceptions are still safe to prune.
I’m a Garden Writer, and These Are the Toughest Plants I’ve Ever Grown
I’ve tested hundreds of plants over the years, and these are the ones that consistently survive heat, cold, drought, and real-life gardening.
9 Best Red, White, and Blue Flowers for a Showstopping Patriotic Container
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with these combinations.
The Number One Reason Dahlias Don’t Bloom—and How to Fix It
Most gardeners make the same watering mistake. Here's how to keep dahlias blooming from summer until frost.
7 Heat-Tolerant Hanging Basket Plants That Thrive All Summer
These tough flowers and foliage plants can handle scorching temperatures and still look great in hanging baskets and window boxes.
Do Hummingbirds Remember Where Feeders Are?
Research shows hummingbirds can return to the same feeders year after year. Here’s how they find their way back—and how to keep them coming.
The 8 Summer Gardening Tasks Experts Never Skip
Here’s how to keep your garden thriving in the heat.
The Privacy Trees Landscape Designers Recommend Most
Don't want to (or can't) build a fence? These trees will quickly create the privacy you crave.
These 8 Garden Bugs Help Fight Pests Naturally
Get to know the beneficial insects that pollinate plants, keep destructive pests in check, and help your garden thrive—and learn how to attract them.
8 Easy-Care Flowers for a Cutting Garden Full of Gorgeous Bouquets
Fill your cutting garden with these low-maintenance flowers that produce armfuls of blooms for beautiful, long-lasting bouquets.
8 Plants to Prune in June for Better Blooms
Here’s what to prune now to keep plants tidy, blooming, and thriving as summer sets in.
How to Identify Poison Hemlock—and Get Rid of It Safely
Poison hemlock is blooming across much of the U.S. Learn how to identify the toxic plant, where it grows, and how to remove it.
15 Self-Seeding Flowers That Practically Plant Themselves
These easy flowers drop seeds, creating new plants year after year with little effort from you.
Why Gardeners Love Buttonbush for Pollinators and Privacy
With quirky blooms and a honey-like scent, this pollinator magnet is perfect for a rain garden or privacy hedge in a low-lying area.
25 Fast-Growing Flowering Vines That Add Privacy and Cottage-Garden Charm Fast
Add a touch of maximalist beauty to your garden with these lush vining plants!
12 Tough Perennials That Practically Live Forever
Plant these long-lived perennials once, and they’ll reward you for decades.
Should I Take My Bird Feeder Down in the Summer?
Here’s what you should know about how to keep your backyard birds healthy.
I Used to Put My Houseplants Outside in Summer—Here’s Why I Stopped
After years of growing more than 60 houseplants, I’ve found that moving them outdoors for summer often creates more problems than benefits.
How Deep Should You Really Plant Tomatoes? Experts Explain the Best Method
Popular wisdom tells you to plant tomatoes deep, but that can slow growth. Here’s the best way to give tomato plants a strong start.
16 Mini Greenhouses on Amazon to Protect Your Plants and Extend Growing Season
Our favorite picks start at just $9.
This Common Bird Feeder Mistake Could Harm the Birds in Your Yard
Here’s why you need to clean all types of bird feeders regularly—and how to do it correctly.
16 Fast-Growing Flowering Shrubs That Fill Bare Yards Fast
Fast-growing flowering shrubs can quickly add privacy, lush landscaping, colorful blooms, and major curb appeal—often in just a season or two.
10 Old-Fashioned Flowers That Bring Grandma’s Garden Back to Life
These nostalgic blooms will transport you to gardens of the past.
Hummingbird Swings Are All Over the Internet—But Do Birds Really Use Them?
Do your hummingbirds need a swing in your backyard—or is it a waste of money? Experts weigh in.
Is Epsom Salt Good for Your Garden? What to Know Before You Use It
Experts break down whether Epsom salt actually helps plants—and when it can do more harm than good.