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.
Ready to plant sunflower seeds? Find out the best time to sow the seeds, how much sun they need, the best soil conditions, good and bad companion plants, plus care and harvest tips for growing these ... [Read More...]
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...]
Want to grow avocado from seed? Forget the toothpicks! This simple method is much easier. Save the seeds from your avocados and grow free houseplants. ... [Read More...]
Did you know if you sow seeds at certain soil temperatures you will get the best germination rates? Every plant species has its own sweet spot, and the more we accommodate this, the better the … [Read more...]
This chart lists the optimum soil temperatures for starting flower and herb seeds. We're often told seeds need warmth to sprout but you can overdo it. Find out what your seeds need to achieve the best … [Read more...]
This method shows how to sow native plant seeds outdoors in winter in a cold climate. The seeds are sown in pots, covered with screen to keep animals out, and exposed to winter conditions to provide … [Read more...]
Deer can cause a lot of destruction in a home garden. Can we really keep them out or stop them from eating our plants? Let's look at popular recommendations for deterring deer and find out which tips … [Read more...]
Ready to plant sunflower seeds? Find out the best time to sow the seeds, how much sun they need, the best soil conditions, the deal on companion plants, plus care and harvest tips for growing these … [Read more...]
Come along as we look at examples of backyard garden ponds with bridges. These pictures come from home gardens and include both DIY and store-bought styles. If you're ready to install a pond, this … [Read more...]
It is so satisfying when a garden tip is simple yet solves a problem or makes things easier. Have a look at these ideas and see what could help with your gardening. For more helpful solutions also … [Read more...]
