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Jill Staake

Jill lives in Tampa, Florida, and writes about gardening, butterflies, outdoor projects and birding. When she's not gardening, you'll find her reading, traveling and happily digging her toes into the sand on the beach.
Red and Green Organic Tomatoes on theVine

14 Top Tomato Growing Tips for the Ultimate Crop

Whether you're new to gardening or an old pro looking for secrets, learn to make the most of your veggie crop with these tomato growing tips.

Make Your Own Color-Changing Fireplace Pinecones

We love the look of color-changing fireplace pinecones. Learn where to buy them or follow...

8 Types of Christmas Trees You Can Grow

Learn about the most common types of Christmas trees in America, and get tips on...

Make a DIY Spiderweb Halloween Planter

Assemble this slightly spooky Halloween planter with a few inexpensive items from the dollar store....

How to Make a Tipsy Pumpkin Planter

This adorable and affordable fall decoration is easy to make with a few plastic pumpkins...

Top 10 Fall Vegetables to Extend the Harvest

Some things are worth waiting for, like these tasty fall vegetables that can be harvested...

Learn the Story Behind the Rescue of a Special Bald Eagle

Good bird photography often tells a story or captures a moment. Learn about a special...

Add Native Plant Blazing Star to Butterfly Gardens

This native American wildflower blooms into early fall, providing nectar for late-season butterfly garden visitors.

7 Summer Nectar Flowers That Attract Butterflies

Looking for summer flowers that attract butterflies? Try these easy-to-grow choices that butterflies will love.

Nature Connects Exhibit Offers LEGO Hummingbird, Butterfly, and More

Sean Kenney's amazing LEGO sculptures have to be seen to be believed. Learn more about...

Cheap Plants: Making the Most of the Bargain Rack

Savvy gardeners know how to scour the bargain rack for cheap plants. Learn the tips...

Baking the Bird Cookies of North America

Would you try baking detailed and accurate bird cookies of every species in the field...

5 Simple Ways to Make DIY Bouquets

Add some embellishments to DIY bouquets to make a few dollars worth of flowers look...

DIY Shadow Box Bank for Seed Money

Whether you're feeding birds or tending a garden, you can always use more seed money!...

Don’t Miss the Latest Snowy Owl Irruption

2018 was another great year for snowy owl sightings. Learn what causes these irruptions and...

Puffin to Porg: How Nature Inspired Star Wars

The porgs seen in Star Wars: The Last Jedi weren't originally in the script. But...

5 Birding Apps to Give Your Skills a Boost

You never leave home without your phone, so install these birding apps and you'll have...
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How to Make a Tomato Cage Christmas Tree for Birds

Surprise your feathered friends with a holiday treat just for them! Make a tomato cage...

Strawberry Walnut Ornament Craft

A little bit of nail polish is the secret to creating this easy strawberry walnut...

Seasonal Changes in Bird Behaviors

This past week was an exciting one here in Tampa. After months of oppressive heat...

Easy Halloween Craft: Bats and Bugs

Use a little spray paint to upgrade dollar store plastic bugs and bats into elegant...

The Pros and Cons of Crown of Thorns

Crown of Thorns is easy to grow indoors and out. But there are few caveats...

Grow Bromeliads for Easy Indoor Color

These tropical stunners are easy to care for with a few simple tricks. Learn how...

Let’s Talk About Painted Succulents

The bright colors will catch your eye, but what are you really getting when you...

Golden Shrimp Plant Indoors and Out

The unusual flower spikes of Golden Shrimp Plant make it an interesting house plant or...