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...]
Do houseplants purify air? Should you water on a schedule? Find out which common care tips miss the mark—and what your plants really need instead. If you need more tips, this is my system for … [Read more...]
A brief look at the creative life and garden of Tasha Tudor, her books and crafts, and how she inspired generations of gardeners, artists, and makers. If you want your own Tudor-inspired cottage … [Read more...]
Fresh, practical gift ideas for gardeners—tools, books, and supplies that are useful, thrifty, and mostly under $100. Easy to order online. For more ideas, also see the Empress of Dirt Shop where … [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...]
