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.
This homemade peanut butter suet recipe feeds wild birds in the winter when food is scarce. It's a simple way to make suet without lard and well-loved by various birds including woodpeckers and nuthat ... [Read More...]
Yes, you can grow vegetables indoors. I have grown a variety of vegetables and herbs including lettuces, arugula, spinach, kale, carrots, radishes, beet greens, tomatoes and more. Best of all, I grow ... [Read More...]
Find out whether your plant is a Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter cactus (Schlumbergera or Rhipsalidopsis) with these identification tips. The shape of the leaves, which are really modified branches ... [Read More...]
This comfortable garden apron is an easy sewing project, perfect for beginners. It requires minimal fabric, can be sewn in an afternoon, and includes a free pattern. If you enjoy simple sewing … [Read more...]
Empress of Dirt is launching a new, free, weekly email series called Midweek Blooms. Each week we'll explore a new topic from organic gardening practices to seasonal DIY projects. If you are new … [Read more...]
These garden gifts offer fresh ideas for the practical gardener in your life. From plant propagation supplies to favorite books and unexpected gear that makes gardening easier, everything is thrifty … [Read more...]
Use this tutorial to make a simple bee house for wood-nesting bees in your garden. It uses leftover scraps of untreated 2x4s for an eco-friendly way to help native bees. We also have free nesting … [Read more...]
While it’s easiest to grow strawberry plants from runners or transplants, you can also grow new plants from seed using these tips. This tutorial provides tips for success no matter which strawberry … [Read more...]
This plant list shares native plant species from the Southern Great Lakes Region in Canada and the United States that can be propagated by stem cuttings. For a detailed tutorial, see how to take … [Read more...]
Root stem cuttings from favorite annuals like zinnias, begonias, and marigolds in water or potting mix to grow new plants. Once established, you can add to your garden or try coaxing blooms … [Read more...]
