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...]
Learn two smart ways to sow seeds outdoors over winter for spring seedlings. These methods improve germination rates and work nicely for a variety of seed types. ... [Read More...]
This indoor seed starting plan is designed for cold climate gardeners in Canada and the United States. Use this streamlined schedule to sow seeds right on time in the months and weeks leading up to la ... [Read More...]
Wondering which fertilizer to use in your garden? This guide explains the differences between organic and synthetic fertilizers and how to choose the best option for your garden's long-term … [Read more...]
Turn old bed frames into real garden beds. See creative ways gardeners repurpose metal bed frames to enclose garden beds, build benches, and add charm to their outdoor spaces. If you love the idea … [Read more...]
Use this spring gardening checklist to get your garden in shape as the days become warmer and longer. While some tasks should wait until after last frost, there are plenty of things to do now. For … [Read more...]
Learn what "days to maturity" means in gardening, how it's calculated, and why it matters—especially for cold-climate gardeners planning their growing season. If you are new to gardening, learning … [Read more...]
These simple yet often overlooked gardening tips make gardening easier, safer, and more efficient. From pulling weeds at the right time to outsmarting invasives, these practical tips can save you time … [Read more...]
Well-meaning garden trends aren’t always harmless. See how, despite our best intentions, hand-rearing monarchs, bug hotels, and guerrilla seed sowing can cause bigger issues. To avoid unnecessary … [Read more...]
For cold-climate gardeners, March signals that we’re almost there—spring is just around the corner! Now’s the time to gear up for indoor and outdoor seed sowing and start some garden art … [Read more...]
