Katie Francis
School
Rowan University, Neumann University
Expertise
DIY Home Projects, Home Gardening, Pet Care
- Katie uses her creativity to paint and repurpose old pieces of furniture throughout her home.
- Growing up in a house full of animals, Katie loves inviting different species of birds into her backyard by creating unique, DIY bird feeders with recycled household materials.
- She has a knack for gardening and loves growing different vegetables in her garden every spring and summer.
Experience
Since graduating in 2021, Katie has found herself working for three different publications ranging from print magazines to online sports writing. Now, she offers her talents as a freelance writer. While Katie specializes in pieces regarding gardening tips and tricks, she also loves informing House Digest readers on the latest in do-it-yourself home hacks!
Education
Katie graduated Summa Cum Laude from Rowan University with a bachelor's degree in journalism and a minor in sports communication and media. During her time there, she was the head of the news department at Rowan University's FCC-licensed radio station.
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 Katie Francis
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Elevate your landscaping with Mother Nature's dynamic duo: irises and forsythia. These companion plants are sure to transform your garden with color and charm.
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The larvae of squash vine borers can burrow into squash plants and kill them. To keep these pests away from your garden, use this simple aluminum foil hack.
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If armadillos are frequently ransacking the fresh produce in your garden, this hack, which relies on their sense of smell, might help keep them away.
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If you have a well-loved but smelly pair of shoes, take a look in your kitchen cabinet for this simple deodorizer that will leave them smelling fresh.
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Broccoli is a popular and low-maintenance edible plant to grow in the garden. Once you harvest your broccoli, you won't want to discount the plant.
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Command strips are useful for hanging items, but it can be hard to apply them correctly. Use this aluminum foil hack to ensure the strips are firmly pressed.
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A sprinkle of a popular spice will help keep roaches out of your house, and luckily, it's easy to find in your pantry. Here's how to make it work for you.
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If roly polys, aka pill bugs, have taken over your garden, here's a simple way to trap and relocate them so they don't destroy your plants and vegetables.
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If you're looking for a foolproof way to create a professional-looking flower arrangement, look no further than these simple tips to elevate your display.
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The last thing laundry needs is an extra step. But trust us – there's a very good reason to take the time to make sure your pockets are empty before you wash.
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Grass in the shade tends to look leggier or yellower than grass in full blown sun. So does that mean you have to water it less? Here is what to know.
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Weigela plants make a beautiful statement in any front yard, but not if the leaves are turning brown. If you're noticing crispy leaves, here's what to do.
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Are you under attack by fruit flies? Keep the buzzing in your kitchen to a minimum by utilizing this all-natural bug repellent hack. Here's how.
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If you use your basil plant for cooking, purple or white flowers are never a good sign. Find out why you don't want your basil to bloom and how to avoid it.
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When the couple behind the HummViewer went on "Shark Tank," we all wanted to know if the wearable hummingbird feeder mask actually works. Here's what we know.
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Have you spotted a few wasps patrolling your garden? Luckily, this tropical and low-maintenance herb can help you keep them away. Here's how.
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Pruning your weigela plant will help it grow the best and boldest blooms. Here's the best time of year to do it so that you can reap all of the benefits.
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Planting grass seed in the summer can be challenging, but it is possible with the right information. Here's what you need to consider before getting to work.
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Enjoying your backyard on a nice day is difficult when wasps are circling your head. Luckily, you can keep them away with a dash of this spice.
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If aphids are feeding on your plants, we can only imagine how devastating your garden looks. Luckily, you can easily eliminate these bugs with Epsom salt.
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Swiss cheese plants are typically easy to care for and are beloved by beginner gardeners. However, their leaves are susceptible to yellowing. Here's why.
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Sometimes, a trap is the only way to eliminate pests from your garden, but resorting to this too early can cause unnecessary stress for you and the wildlife.
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Live in an area with extreme heat? Set your lawn up for success by choosing a grass variety that will thrive in – and not just survive – a sweltering summer.
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Dealing with weak wifi signals is frustrating, especially for those who work from home. Luckily, you can strengthen its reach with aluminum foil. Here's how.
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Disinfecting a child's toys is crucial to limiting the spread of bacteria. Luckily, you likely already have the cleaning solution at home to get the job done.
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Peonies are a lovely addition to any garden. However, they can attract ants, and some may wonder if the ants are harmful to the beautiful pink flowers.
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Tired of groundhogs eating your leafy greens before you can? Keep groundhogs and other garden pests away with the common condiment you likely already have.