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.
Spring is migration time for hummingbirds travelling from their winter homes to breeding habitats in the United States and Canada. Use this map to know when to expect them in your area. ... [Read More...]
There are lots of annual and perennial flowers to start from seed indoors ahead of the outdoor growing season. By sowing instead of buying plants, we have more options (so many varieties to choose fro ... [Read More...]
Want a creative or funny name for your garden? This garden name generator is for you. Enter a few details about your garden and see what the Empress suggests. Or, hit the I’m feeling lucky button an ... [Read More...]
Wildlife gardening can transform even a modest urban space into a thriving habitat. In these videos, UK ecological gardener Chris Baines shares how he created his own wildlife garden and pond decades … [Read more...]
Wondering if crop rotation is really necessary in your home vegetable garden? This article explains why the practice may not offer much benefit in small, diverse gardens, and what to focus on instead … [Read more...]
Ever wonder where bees disappear to in winter—and how they reappear like magic in spring? This gardener’s guide to native bees reveals where they really nest (hint: not in hives) and how you can help … [Read more...]
Most companion planting advice found in "friend or foe" lists is based on guesswork, not science. Instead of trying to accommodate these made-up lists, learn what to prioritize instead. If you're … [Read more...]
Turn a garden photo and keepsakes into a delightful 3-D display with this shadow box tutorial. It's a fun way to preserve garden memories and create something beautiful to display indoors. If you … [Read more...]
It's a catchy idea that's attracted a lot of gardeners, but No Mow May isn't the best way to help pollinators. Find out what gardeners can do instead to support bees and the ecosystem all … [Read more...]
It sounds like a gimmick—dropping ice cubes into your houseplant pots instead of using a watering can. But this quirky method has been around for over 50 years, and for some people, it’s a go-to … [Read more...]
