Welcome! I'm Melissa J. Will a.k.a. the Empress of Dirt (Ontario, Canada). I've got creative and frugal ideas for your home and garden. New to this site? Start here.
Turn everyday items into something useful or decorative with these secondhand DIY ideas. Repurpose what you own for a one-of-a-kind home and garden. If you’re not sure where to start, check your ... [Read More...]
The fall hummingbird migration south from parts of Canada and the United States begins as temperatures start to cool. When it starts depends on their summer location and how far they have to travel. F ... [Read More...]
If you live in a cold climate, there are plenty of annual and perennial flower seeds you can sow in the fall garden. Later, as winter turns to spring, the seeds germinate, giving a jump start on sprin ... [Read More...]
Ants may look like pests, but they play a valuable role in garden soil health and pest control. Here's why you can stop worrying and let them be. If ants are taking over your hummingbird feeders in … [Read more...]
Fall marks the time in the garden for endings and new beginnings. September garden tasks include harvesting the summer crops, growing fall veggies, and, preparing the garden for winter. I also have … [Read more...]
Discover how seasonal changes guide plant and wildlife behavior—and why gardeners rely on phenology, often without realizing it, to plan and grow their gardens. An example of how we garden … [Read more...]
Invite fireflies to your garden with basics like providing healthy soil, keeping leaf litter, limiting light pollution, and avoiding pesticides. When we choose to support healthy ecosystems, the … [Read more...]
Garden myths cause needless stress. Discover 10 common garden worries you can ignore and where to focus instead for a healthier, more productive garden. From supposed calcium problems to the … [Read more...]
Make the most of fall and winter with these outdoor garden projects for cold climates. Some have time crunches, while others add winter beauty or prep for a successful spring. If you need more fall … [Read more...]
Spring beauty starts in fall. See what you can do now to give your garden a jump-start for the season ahead. Also be sure to get the free, printable Fall Gardening Checklist for more ways … [Read more...]
