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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

7 Best Tips for Growing Dahlias (Year After Year)

Growing Dahlias: 7 Must-Know Tips Before You Start

Published on July 19, 2020Last updated November 18, 2021 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Large pink dahlias blooming in the garden.

These top tips for growing dahlias provide an excellent overview for beginners to understand how to grow these beautiful flowering tubers and provide the care they need. When you're ready to plant … [Read more...]

Will Pine Needles Make My Soil pH Too Acidic? (No, It’s a Myth)

Published on July 13, 2020Last updated November 18, 2021 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Pine needles in the garden.

Popular belief suggests pine needles will acidify soil, but, off the tree, the pH level normalizes. Just like leaves, pine needles are an excellent organic mulch option. This is part of a series … [Read more...]

Want Lots of Pollinators? Grow a Diverse Selection of Plants

Published on July 13, 2020Last updated October 5, 2021 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Wildflowers blooming in the garden.

How can we attract a variety of pollinators to our gardens? Plant diversely. Each type of pollinator has unique needs that certain plants provide. Kim Eierman, author of The Pollinator Victory Garden, … [Read more...]

When to Plant Dahlias in Spring

Published on June 30, 2020Last updated November 18, 2021 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Red dahlia flower and dahlia tubers.

Use these tips to know when and how to plant dahlias. You can start tubers indoors or outdoors and also grow them in pots or the ground. With the right timing, you will have beautiful flowers during … [Read more...]

How to Grow Bee Balm (Monarda) & Attract Pollinators

Published on June 21, 2020Last updated October 5, 2021 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Purple bee balm in the garden.

Bee balm is a mint-family favorite that draws hummingbirds and butterflies. These tips show how to plant it, keep it healthy, and prevent it from taking over. For more, see all my plant suggestions … [Read more...]

How to Identify Types of Hydrangeas (& Know When To Prune)

Published on June 15, 2020Last updated November 18, 2021 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Large blue hydrangea flowers.

Use these tips to identify your hydrangea and know when or if it should be pruned. With six main varieties available, these photos will help determine what you are growing. If you want to … [Read more...]

Types of Clematis & How to Identify Yours

Published on June 14, 2020Last updated August 24, 2021 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Three groups of clematis based on their pruning needs.

With all the types of clematis, proper identification can be difficult. But there are ways to figure out what type of clematis you are growing so you know when or if to prune and how to properly … [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).
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