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Plant Growing Tips

Tips and tutorials for growing a variety of plants including annuals and perennials including flowers, vegetables, trees, shrubs, and vines.

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How to Care for Christmas Cactus Year-Round

Top Strawberry Growing Tips

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Plant Sexes & Reproduction: Are There Male & Female Plants?

Published on May 8, 2021Last updated October 4, 2021 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Plants with different types of sexual reproduction.

Curious if your fruit tree is male or female? Or, if other garden plants need mates for reproduction? Letโ€™s explore the three basic groups at work in our gardens. Want lots of pollinators including … [Read more...]

What is Neem Oil? Insecticide Pros and (Mostly) Cons

Published on May 3, 2021Last updated October 4, 2021 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Bottle of neem oil and a plant with bite marks from insects.

Neem oil, often suggested for pest control, has big drawbacks: it is not selective and can harm beneficial insects and Lepidoptera including butterflies and moths. For these reasons (and more), it is … [Read more...]

The Trouble With Anecdotal Garden Tips (but it worked for me!)

Published on May 1, 2021Last updated October 4, 2021 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Eggshells and tomatoes growing on the vine.

Many garden tips are anecdotal, not science-based. Stay curious but lean on tested knowledge when you're aiming for reliable results. If this topic interests you, you will also enjoy Popular Garden … [Read more...]

Got Acidic Soil (Low pH)? These Plants Won’t Mind

Published on April 19, 2021Last updated October 4, 2021 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Magnolia bloom, blueberries, and mushroom.

Most plants prefer neutral soil, but many thrive in acidic conditions too. Explore this list of trees, shrubs, perennials, fruits, and more for low-pH gardens. For a beginnerโ€™s guide, also see What … [Read more...]

What is Soil pH and How to Work With It

Published on April 19, 2021Last updated October 4, 2021 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Pink and purple foxgloves growing in the garden.

We hear a lot about ways to alter our soil pH to suit certain plants, but what is soil pH and we should be messing with it? Dive in to learn the basics about how your soil pH level affects your … [Read more...]

No-Dig Gardening: A Practical Look at the Pros and Cons

Published on April 4, 2021Last updated November 18, 2021 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Watering a no-dig garden bed.

Lots of gardeners are trying no-dig gardening but what exactly is it and what are the benefits? Let's have a look at this approach and why it might be a good option. Growing without tilling or … [Read more...]

10 Garden Mistakes That Waste Money

Published on March 30, 2021Last updated October 4, 2021 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Purple pansies, seed starting containers, and summer squashes growing in the garden.

These money-saving tips come from experienced gardeners. Learn how to grow the garden of your dreams by focusing on the big pictures and using your budget wisely. You can also save money with these … [Read more...]

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Melissa J. Will - Empress of DirtWelcome!
I’m Melissa J. Will a.k.a. the Empress of Dirt (Ontario, Canada).
Join me as I share creative + frugal home & garden ideas with a dash of humor.
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