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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)

Will My Flowering Bulbs Come Back Next Year?

Published on May 24, 2025 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Flowering tulips in the spring garden.

Learn which flowering bulbs come back each year, which donโ€™t, and how to care for perennial varieties after blooming to give them the best chance of flowering again. If you're new to this, see How … [Read more...]

Garden Speak: Odd Terms That Confuse & Amuse New Gardeners

Published on May 1, 2025 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Garden image with examples of garden jargon words like bolting and deadheading.

Garden-speak can sound like a secret language, especially when you're just getting started. This guide unpacks the oddest termsโ€”like bolting, deadheading, and hardening offโ€”with friendly, … [Read more...]

Why Your Compost Pile Stinks & How to Fix It

Published on April 26, 2025 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Drawing of a stinky compost pile with compost and chopped vegetables.

A smelly compost pile is a sign something's wrong. Learn why compost can smells like rotten eggs or ammonia and how to fix it with these simple steps. If you would like a refresher on the basics, … [Read more...]

The Problem With Companion Plant Lists

Published on April 10, 2025 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Examples of common companion planting recommendations including tomato and basil.

Most companion planting advice found in "friend or foe" lists is based on guesswork, not science. Instead of trying to accommodate these made-up lists, learn what to prioritize instead. If you're … [Read more...]

Choosing the Right Fertilizer: Organic, Synthetic, or None at All?

Published on March 20, 2025 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Gloved hand holding granulated plant fertilizer.

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...]

What is “Days to Maturity” on Seed Packets?

Published on March 14, 2025 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Vintage seed packets

Learn what "days to maturity" means in gardening, how it's calculated, and why it mattersโ€”especially for cold-climate gardeners planning their growing season. If you are new to gardening, learning … [Read more...]

What Every Gardener Should Know About Their Growing Space

Published on February 27, 2025 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Bee with pollen on its legs hovering over echinacea flower.

Knowing your gardenโ€™s growing conditions helps you select the right plants, plan for seasonal changes, and make sustainable choices. Use these tips to create your own garden profile, covering … [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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