
Madeleine Streets
Despite making her home in urban metropolises, Madeleine Streets has been nurturing a green thumb for decades.
Raised by a garden designer, she is putting that childhood education to use by helping others learn how to make their garden bloom, while filling her own New York home with cat-friendly plants.
When not writing about gardening and the outdoors, Madeleine loves to cook, study wine and borrow books from her local library.
Latest articles by Madeleine Streets

Pantry moths used to plague my kitchen, but this natural remedy keeps them at bay
By Madeleine Streets last updated
Bay leaves are useful for more than just flavoring your food. Here's why this natural repellent is so efficient

7 vegetable seeds to sow in September for bountiful fall harvests
By Madeleine Streets last updated
As the main growing season comes to a close, take advantage of the last few warm weeks to cultivate late fall and early spring harvests this September.

This $20 plastic wrap storage hack is so genius, I can’t believe I didn’t discover it sooner
By Madeleine Streets published
Stop battling with plastic wrap — this gadget will restore your sanity and it’s under $20.

7 flowers to propagate in September to prolong your planting
By Madeleine Streets published
Even with lots of care and attention, not every plant can or will make it through the winter, so propagate these 7 flowers now so you can enjoy them again next year.

Should you squish a cockroach, or could it make things worse? We asked a pest control expert
By Madeleine Streets published
Spotted a roach or two? Pest expert reveals if it's ok to squish cockroaches on sight.

Tired of Clutter? Experts Recommend the 'Packing Party' Hack to Reveal the Items You Can Ditch
By Madeleine Streets published
How professional organizers encourage you to make those tough decluttering decisions, one box at a time.

Pest experts warn you should never squish ladybugs inside your home — here's why
By Madeleine Streets published
Ladybugs can be harmless, but squishing them can cause problems in your home. Here's how.

Keep aphids out of your garden with this surprising ingredient
By Madeleine Streets last updated
Don't let aphids ruin your roses or tomatoes: this simple mixture will repel them without the use of chemicals.

AC on but still too hot? These are the 3 appliances you should never use in a heatwave
By Madeleine Streets published
When the weather turns extreme, even AC can struggle to keep you cool. These appliances are making your home even hotter.

Experts share the surprising reason you should be drying your laundry outside this summer, and it's got nothing to do with your energy bills
By Madeleine Streets last updated
Laundry experts share why sun-drying your clothes will improve stain removal results

7 plants you should propagate this August
By Madeleine Streets published
Propagation is a great way to turn one healthy plant into two (or more) plants. This August, there are several plants that are ready and willing to be used to take cuttings.

Summer isn't over yet — 9 perennials to cut back in August for even more blooms
By Madeleine Streets published
To keep the garden full of vibrant blooms all the way into fall, target certain perennials and cut back tired growth this month to give plants the chance to flower again.

7 vegetables you should plant in August for a bountiful fall harvest
By Madeleine Streets published
As August arrives and we pass the midpoint of summer, it’s time to look ahead to cooler months and start planting vegetable seeds now for a bountiful fall.

9 low-maintenance yard plants that are impossible to kill
By Madeleine Streets published
Every garden needs some reliable plants that will thrive year after year, with minimal attention. These species are so hardy and low-maintenance, they’ll turn anyone into a gardener.

9 colorful plants you can grow quickly for summer flowering
By Madeleine Streets published
Gardening is often a game of patience, but some varieties can mature and flower in quick time. These 9 species are a great way to see colorful results, fast.

7 perennial flowers to plant now for a vibrant summer garden
By Madeleine Streets published
Many flower gardens are already in bloom, but these 7 perennials are a great way to ensure colorful blooms throughout the latter part of summer.

The 7 best fragrant hedge plants to keep your yard fresh this summer and beyond
By Madeleine Streets published
Hedges are a practical way to add natural barriers to the garden, but certain plants can also add color and scent. These 7 choices are a perfumed take on the traditional border.

7 easy to grow flowers to plant in June — for a low-maintenance cutting garden
By Madeleine Streets published
Enjoy fresh blooms both in the garden and indoors in a vase, by building your own cutting garden. These seven flower species are ideal for growing, cutting, and home display.

The 7 best companion plants for tomatoes
By Madeleine Streets published
Tomatoes are a summer staple, but they can be susceptible to all kinds of pests and disease. With companion planting, you boost your chances of a happy harvest.

Ditch the chemicals: 9 pest-repellent flowers that will keep pests away from your garden
By Madeleine Streets published
No gardener wants to spend time and energy on their vegetable patch, only for pests to destroy the crop. Plant these flowers in your garden to deter pests and enjoy pretty blooms.

The 7 best plants for neat yet low-maintenance hedges
By Madeleine Streets published
Hedges are an easy way to create a natural privacy barrier in the garden that doubles as attractive greenery. When the plants are also low-maintenance, it’s a perfect combination.

Take a natural approach to pests: How to use diatomaceous earth to solve 7 garden problems
By Madeleine Streets published
Avoid the use of chemical fertilizers and still prevent garden pests, by applying diatomaceous earth to your garden in these 7 creative ways.

7 best plants for balconies — turn any space into a summer sanctuary
By Madeleine Streets published
Balconies may not have soil beds or lawns, but there are still plenty of plants that will thrive in this environment and bring life to your sky patio.
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