Christopher Michel
Christopher Michel is the former Senior Food and Gardens Editor at Country Living Magazine. Chris has well over a decade of experience writing and editing for national magazines and websites, mostly in the food space, such as Cooking Light, The Kitchn, Rodale’s Organic Life, and Bon Appetit. Prior to that, Chris worked in a variety of food spaces in New York City. In 2022, Chris completed the Alabama Master Gardener’s Program hosted by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Chris lives in Birmingham, AL, where he enjoys running, reading, and cooking for his wife and two girls.
How to Tell When Your Orchid Needs Repotting—and the Right Way to Do It
From crowded roots to broken-down potting mix, learn the signs that your orchid is ready for a refresh. Plus, follow these simple steps to give it a healthier new home without damaging its roots.
Should You Aerate Your Lawn This Summer? Here’s What Experts Say
A turf expert breaks down the ins and outs of this pro-level yardkeeping trick.
The Tomato Watering Mistake That Can Ruin Your Plants
Here’s how often tomatoes really need water—and the best way to do it.
6 Chicken Salad Recipes That Make Lunch Anything But Boring
Put your leftover chicken to work.
13 Last-Minute Fourth of July Drink Ideas to Toast America’s 250th Anniversary
Celebrate the height of summer (and America's birthday) with a crowd-pleasing drink.
Should I Take Down My Hummingbird Feeder When I Go on Vacation?
There’s a lot of conflicting info out there, so we spoke to an expert.
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!
17 Cheap & Easy Canned Tuna Recipes for Quick Weeknight Dinners
These quick-and-easy recipes help you save money on groceries without sacrificing flavor.
20 Fancy Mother’s Day Cocktails to Toast Mom This Weekend
Cheers to mom!
Buying an Easter Ham? Here's Exactly How Much You Need
We're helping take the guesswork out of planning your holiday dinner.
The Best Dwarf Trees for Small Yards: 19 Beautiful, Low-Growing Options
Some of these top out at 10 feet tall, making them perfect for little yards!
25 Easy Breakfast Ideas That Won't Slow You Down
Give yourself a healthy start with the most important meal of the day.
How to Open a Can Without a Can Opener
No can opener? You probably have one of these options.
42 Healthy Super Bowl Snacks for a Nutritious Game Day
Enjoy game treats while maintaining your health goals!
These Tasty Chicken Soup Recipes Are Right on Time for Cozy Season
Keep these recipes on hand for colds, chilly days, or any weeknight.
54 Popular Low-Carb Recipes Perfect for Weeknight Cooking
Because bread is overrated.
16 Plants that are Perfect for Hillsides and Steep Slopes
You can prevent soil erosion and won't have to drag a lawnmower up and down those hills!
35 Purple Flowers to Spruce Up Your Garden
Whether you want vines, trees, shrubs, or cut flowers, there's a lovely purple bloomer.
38 Quick and Easy Casserole Recipes You Can Make on Weeknights
Pop it in the oven and relax; dinner is making itself.
35 Slow Cooker Recipes to Make Right Now
Don't wait until it's chilly outside to take advantage of your slow cooker. Slow cooker season is year round!
20 Non-Alcoholic Christmas Drinks and Mocktails Everyone Can Enjoy
Serve a celebratory sipper that you know everyone will feel good about.
How to Properly Carve a Turkey Like a Pro
Grab a knife! Here's your step-by-step guide to carving your bird.
33 Thanksgiving Dinner Menus to Elevate Your Holiday Meal
This year, build a theme-menu that'll get the whole crew excited!
52 Fall Dinner Recipes for All Your Cool-Weather Eating
Don’t let the busy fall season keep you from eating well! These recipes are fast and tasty.
The Lawn-Care Trick to Try Before the First Big Snow
Missed your fall seeding window? This simple winter technique can give your lawn a green head start when spring arrives.
100 Thanksgiving Side Dishes That Everyone Wants to Eat
This impressive assembly of sides will help you fill out the side board!
How Long to Cook a Turkey of Any Size
No matter what size bird your cooking, our food editors have expert advice.
The Best Fall Fruits and Vegetables to Cook, Bake, and Savor All Season
Find out what's in season, and learn how to buy, store, and cook with it!
Should You Cut Your Grass Short Before Winter? An Expert Answers
If so, how short? We spoke to an expert to sort out fact from folklore.
Choose the Right Evergreen Shrubs for Your Yard
The right kind of shrub will offer years of low-effort beauty and charm to your landscape.
Stink Bugs Invade in the Fall and Stay Over Winter—Here’s What to Do About Them
You may just have a couple. Or you may have an infestation.
How to Keep Pumpkins from Rotting Before Their Time
Learn how to make your pumpkins last longer with these easy tips.