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.
Learn how to grow sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) using these tips. These flowers need rich soil and consistent water and do not tolerate high heat. Perennial sweet peas are invasive in many areas so c ... [Read More...]
Ready to plant sunflowers? Find out the best time to sow the seeds, how much sun they need, right soil type, good and bad companion plants, plus care and harvest tips for growing these annual flowers. ... [Read More...]
If you want to block your neighbor’s view of your backyard there are lots of privacy options even if you do not have a fence. ... [Read More...]
Whether you grow plants from seed or want to save seeds, terms like heirloom, hybrid, and open-pollinated are helpful to understand. This simple guide explains the differences so you know what to … [Read more...]
Plants tags, labels, and markers are used for everything from indoor seed starting to keeping track of plants outdoors in our gardens. Whether you want something quick and easy, fade-proof, and … [Read more...]
This idea gallery features a variety of garden benches including classic, creative, and rustic styles, perfect as a focal point to display flower pots and garden art in your outdoor space. If you … [Read more...]
One of the first things you learn as a new gardener is the difference between annuals and perennials in cold climate gardens—and what to expect from them. In most instances, annual plants last just … [Read more...]
When plant tags recommend full sun, part sun, part shade, or shade—what exactly does this mean? Use these tips to better understand light recommendations and how to assess the various light conditions … [Read more...]
A simple way to give a garden a lovely, unified look is to pick a color theme and repeat it throughout the space. The gardens shown here use blue accents to create focal points with decor, garden art, … [Read more...]
Use these smart, simple tips to save time and money in the garden, and, in some instances, avoid making long-term mistakes. Pinching zinnias, making use of burlap, and avoiding invasive plants are … [Read more...]
