Lauren Krystaf
Location
Buffalo Niagara Region
School
SUNY Buffalo, Drexel University
Expertise
Sustainable Gardening, Edimentals, Urban Permaculture
- Lauren loves gardening's mix of beauty and utility, and she believes everyone can have a green thumb.
- She grows flowers, vegetables, and fruit trees, all on a 1/8 acre city lot.
- Lauren currently gardens in USDA zone 6, but has previously lived and gardened in zones 8, 10, and 13.
Experience
As a news writer for House Digest, Lauren has written on a range of topics, including seed-starting strategies, gardening techniques, and houseplant care. She had so much fun researching and writing about companion plants for the article "Deter Insects Naturally With This Fast-Growing Garden Classic" that she decided to grow nasturtiums herself this year. Lauren has been writing professionally for over five years and has written for sites including Collider Media, Backyard Boss, and Haddee Education. She is fascinated by the symbiotic relationship between humans and plants and has never met a succulent she doesn't love.
Education
Lauren has a bachelor's degree in anthropology from SUNY Buffalo and a master's in library and information science from Drexel University.
House Digest uses a knowledgeable team of editors, writers, and experts to create all our content. We dive deep into the always-evolving conversations surrounding design and home trends, striving to deliver the most current and helpful tips, strengthened by expert takes and tutorials from our talented team.
As we cover many fields of expertise, we make it a priority to ensure every beat remains fresh and comprehensive. Additional information on our editorial process available here.
Stories By Lauren Krystaf
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The poached egg plant, with its yolk-like colors, is not only adorable but brings lots of benefits to your garden. Learn more about this amazing, little flower.
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Peonies may typically prefer colder weather, but we've got a few tricks and tips for getting these beauties to bloom in warmer climates and weather.
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If you're looking for strong succulents that make for some fantastic ground cover, these plants native to South Africa could be just the ticket.
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If you're noticing small yellow flowers in your broccoli, it's starting to bolt. Here's what that means, and what will happen if you let your broccoli flower.
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Do you love the look of ornamental cherry trees, but fear your yard doesn't have enough space to sustain one? This specific variety is one of the smallest.
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Buttonbush is beloved by gardeners and pollinators, but its size can make it a challenge to add to landscaping. Luckily, there's a smaller variety available.
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If you suspect that a pest is living in your attic, find out some of the dead giveaway signs that there are bats in your space and not another intruder.
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Rainbow-colored roses aren't a natural occurrence, but they can easily be achieved with just a little water and dye. Here's how to get the multi-colored look.
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The honeysuckle genus is full of flowers, but invasive species are terrible for your garden. Learn to differentiate between native and invasive honeysuckles.
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Tulips and other popular bulbs can be removed and saved for relocation once they have finished blooming for the season. Here's how to do it.
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Goldfinches are one of the most stunning songbirds you can attract to your garden. Add these flowers to your garden design to keep them coming back.
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Knowing how to best prune your raspberry plant for the best harvest can be a bit of a challenge. Here is our best advice to make the most of the growing season.
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If you love American history and native trees, plant an American elm. Best of all, it will attract many beloved pollinators, especially butterflies.
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Given their shared love of shade, Japanese painted ferns and hydrangeas make a perfect pair. Here we explore the reasons why you should grow them together.
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Falcons are birds of prey. But, there are plenty of good reasons you may want these helpful raptors in your yard. Here's how to draw them in.
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If you're looking for unique florals, there is one rose variety you shouldn't overlook. Learn about this delectable rose and why it belongs in your garden.
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There are two main types of chamomile: Roman and German. But when deciding which one you want to use for your own garden, consider these factors first.
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Everyone loves the scent of flowers in bloom, but these particular blossoms smell like they're straight out of Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory.
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With the summer season around the corner, you may want to grow watermelon at home. Here are tips for successfully growing some in colder areas.
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Want more blooms in your garden? Consider planting diascia, also known as twinspur. These flowers can blossom from spring to fall for even more seasonal beauty.
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If you're worried about deer munching on your grass, consider this alternative ground cover that does pretty well in colder temperatures.
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Here's the ingredient that can trigger the growth of pesky crabgrass. Learn how this can affect your lawn and ways to prevent the spread of crabgrass.
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Plant this colorful tree to effortlessly attract beautiful hummingbirds while enhancing your yard's appeal. Here's everything you need to know.
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Beans benefit plants growing nearby, as they are nitrogen fixers. Zucchini's leaves help to shade out weed seedlings, providing less competition for the beans.
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Cicadas are about to take over certain areas of the country, so it's understandable if you are concerned about potential harms. Here's what you can expect.
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As a homeowner, keeping your grass healthy is tough. If you struggle with traditional lawns, consider the value of mixed lawns to determine if they suit you.
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Do you like to spend time outside in your garden, perhaps reading or entertaining guests? Learn how to create a cozy outdoor nook in just a few steps.