Teo Spengler
Raised in Alaska, where the sun never rises in the winter and the trees are stunted by permafrost, Teo Spengler fell in love with plants when she moved to California for college. Gardening became more of a passion than a passtime, as she studied horticulture and took master gardening courses. Spengler completed an intensive sixteen-week program to qualify as a docent at the San Francisco Botanical Garden and has given public tours there for some years. (She has also earned a BA in politics, an MA in English, an MFA in creative writing, and a JD from Berkeley Law School). She has written about nature, trees, plants, and gardening for 20 years for a variety of websites including Gardening Know How, Hunker, Home Guides, San Francisco Chronicle and Gardening Guides as well as publishing two novels. Spengler currently splits her life between San Francisco and the French Basque Country where she has practiced her skills in both personal and public gardens for the past two decades. Her extended family includes some 30 houseplants and hundreds of outdoor plants, including 250 trees - mostly oaks, birches and beeches - that she planted on her land in France.
Latest articles by Teo Spengler
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How Much Light Do Seedlings Really Need? And When To Use Grow Lights
Young plants need lots of light to grow, but when started indoors, natural isn't always best. Learn seedling light requirements – and when to give them a boost.
By Teo Spengler
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How To Thin Seedlings The Right Way For Stronger, Healthier Plants
It may seem brutal, but thinning seedlings is essential for the health and production of flowers and vegetables. Learn how and when to do it with our guide.
By Teo Spengler
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How To Grow A Hanging Spider Plant – For An Elegant Indoor Or Outdoor Display
Of all the beautiful baskets we see, the hanging spider plant is probably the easiest to grow. Let your hanging basket spill over with little spider plantlets!
By Teo Spengler
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How To Care For A Variegated Spider Plant – Plus, Unique Varieties To Try
Variegated spider plants and their streaks of green and cream tones bring interest and light to an indoor room, and will elevate your houseplant collection.
By Teo Spengler
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How To Scarify Seeds: Use Pro Techniques To Speed Up Seed Germination
Boost your growing success with expert seed scarification methods. Try nicking, sanding, boiling, and chemical solutions for faster, better germination rates.
By Teo Spengler
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Common Azalea Diseases: Diagnose Problems & Keep Shrubs Healthy For Years To Come
Azaleas are one of the most popular spring-flowering shrubs. While generally hardy, azaleas occasionally can be bothered by diseases.
By Teo Spengler
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Best Trees To Plant Next To A Road – 8 Lovely Varieties To Line Streets
Deciding which is the best tree to plant next to a road or street means considering its size, root system, and sun exposure. Here are some that work best.
By Teo Spengler
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How To Reuse Plastic In Your Garden: 9 Clever Ways To Keep Waste Out Of The Landfill
Repurposing is a great way to reuse plastic in the garden. We have gathered some clever ideas about ways to reuse plastic that are helpful for gardeners.
By Teo Spengler
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Anthracnose: How To Identify, Prevent, And Treat The Fungal Disease
Identifying it is the first step toward anthracnose treatment. Treating those nasty spots with fungicide, proper irrigation, and garden cleanup can help.
By Teo Spengler
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Mini Snakes: Try These 6 Small Snake Plant Varieties For A Cute And Compact Indoor Plant
You love the drama and structure of a snake – but what if you don’t have much indoor space? These small snake plant varieties are ideal for mini pot perfection
By Teo Spengler
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Easy Fence Landscaping Ideas: 6 Ways To Perk Up Your Property Line With Lush Landscaping
If you want to brighten up a garden fence, these ideas will provide visual interest and support. Try these easy fence landscaping Ideas for a pretty and private yard
By Teo Spengler
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Regenerative Gardening Techniques – To Turbocharge Your Soil & Give Plants A Boost
A healthier garden crop is just one benefit of using regenerative gardening methods. Building nutrient-rich soil is a great way to help take care of the earth.
By Teo Spengler
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Hebe Shrubs: Growing And Planting Hebes In The Garden
For bright spiky summer blooms and shiny year-round greenery, plant hebe in a sunny spot and watch the influx of pollinators.
By Teo Spengler
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How To Grow A Pineapple Top From Store-Bought Fruit – For A Tasty Tropical Houseplant
Did you know you can grow a pineapple plant in your very own home—no tropical travel required? Here's how to grow a pineapple top from a store-bought fruit.
By Teo Spengler
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Easy Vertical Gardening Hacks For Beginners: Why You Should Grow Up, And 3 Ways To Do It!
If you’re short on space or keen to make the most of every inch, vertical gardening is the way to grow. We explain how to plan & plant up with three easy building methods
By Teo Spengler
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Downsizing Your Garden: How To Simplify Your Landscape Without Sacrificing Beauty
Gracefully downsizing your garden requires some forethought and maybe even some outside help, but it can be made easier with some practical tips.
By Teo Spengler
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How To Protect Plants From A Freeze – Best Ways To Keep Plants Safe & Warm
The best laid plans of any gardener can get overturned by an unexpected cold snap. Here's some practical steps you can take to protect your plants from a freeze.
By Teo Spengler
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Why Is My Christmas Cactus Turning Purple? And How To Make It Green Again
If your Christmas cactus leaves are purple or red instead of green, it's telling you that something isn't quite right. Learn the possible causes and solutions.
By Teo Spengler