SEARCH
MENU
  • About
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
Creative & Frugal Home & Garden Ideas

Empress of Dirt

  • Grow
  • Make
  • Ideas

New here?

Dig in!

Start here

Containers

What to Know Before Reusing Old Potting Mix

Published on February 23, 2024 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Garden trowel, potting mix, and potted flowers.

While reusing potting mix is common, it can harbor disease and impact plant health. Use our tips to determine when it's time for a refresh. We also have this handy soil calculator to figure out … [Read more...]

How to Create a Pollinator-Friendly Container Garden

Published on November 15, 2023Last updated September 3, 2024 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Creating a pollinator garden in a repurposed trashcan.

Create a pollinator garden in a container using a repurposed trashcan and native flowering plants. No matter the size or location, there are ways to beautify your space and support the local … [Read more...]

DIY Hanging Flower Planter Using Shoe Bags

Published on June 5, 2023 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Shoebag planter over top of mini greenhouse.

Want a mini flower garden in an unusual location? This DIY planter is made from a hanging shoe organizer. It's a smart way to add a splash of living color to patio walls, a doghouse, or the top of a … [Read more...]

12 Creative Wheelbarrow Planter Ideas

Published on May 11, 2022 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Vintage wheelbarrow with vines and purple flowers.

Use these tips and ideas to turn a wheelbarrow into a creative garden planter. Whether it's wood or metal, old wheelbarrows are perfect for displaying colorful annuals, trailing vines, creating mini … [Read more...]

DIY Tall Raised Bed for Plant Containers & Bins

Published on August 2, 2021Last updated October 3, 2021 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Tall raised garden bed with building plans.

Use these free building plans to created a tall, raised bed perfect for plant containers. The height makes it easy to reach flower pots and the design accommodates plastic bins for winter sowing. Add … [Read more...]

How to Make a Birdcage Flower Planter

Published on July 19, 2021Last updated October 3, 2021 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Antique bird cage used as an outdoor succulent planter.

Birdcage planters are a favorite with creative gardeners. These tips share ideas for setting up a new or upcycled birdcage as a planter for succulents or annuals. For more, see 8 Bold and … [Read more...]

DIY Outdoor Plant Shelf (Easy Build)

Published on July 12, 2021Last updated October 3, 2021 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Outdoor plants shelves with burlap liners and an assortment of potted tropical plants.

This DIY outdoor plant shelf is a simple building project. Made from 2×4 lumber, you can build it in hour. Dress it up with burlap fabric and display your houseplants or flowering annuals outdoors on … [Read more...]

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • Next Page »

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.
More: Contact/About
New here? Dig in!  |  Our Podcast

Handy Resources

  • Soil Calculator
  • Garden Name Generator
  • Printable Garden Planner
  • Favorite Garden Quotes
  • Botanical Plant Names 101
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

Some articles on this site contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Affiliate and Ad Disclosure | Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2025 · Empress of Dirt Creative + Frugal Home & Garden Ideas