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.
Fall is the perfect time to examine your trees, shrubs, and vines and come up with a pruning plan. While most items should wait until winter, there are a few pruning tasks you can take care of immed ... [Read More...]
There are several ways to overwinter geraniums (Pelargoniums) from your garden. With some newspaper, a cardboard box, paper bag, or a sunny windowsill, you can keep these tender perennials for the win ... [Read More...]
Need help identifying your plant? Find out whether your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter cactus is a Schlumbergera or Rhipsalidopsis with these identification tips. ... [Read More...]
What is the best way to fill a tall raised bed without spending a lot of money? The secret is to put your best soil where you need it and fill the rest of the container with other harmless materials. … [Read more...]
Find out why your garden needs mulch and how it will improve your soil to give plants a better growing environment. There are plenty of organic options right in your own yard including fallen … [Read more...]
Follow along with this helpful garden job list to know what to get done month by month through each season. Includes tasks, tips, and tutorials for cold climate gardeners in the United States and … [Read more...]
The easiest vegetables to grow indoors are the fast-growing ones. Whether it’s spinach, arugula, kale, pea shoots, or delicious microgreens, these crops are low-maintenance and can be harvested any … [Read more...]
Make 2022 your best garden year yet with some inspiration from Cool Springs Press. Whether it's vegetable gardening, creative projects, hydroponics, growing herbs, or a focus on ecological growing … [Read more...]
Ready to grow your own garlic? Whether it's hardneck or softneck, or some of each, these beginner tips will help you avoid common mistakes and ensure an abundant crop at harvest time. Best done in … [Read more...]
Want to add a small pond to your garden? Use these tips and ideas to discover the best option for your outdoor space. And yes, waterfalls and fountains are possible too. For more options also see … [Read more...]
