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Garden Fundamentals

The Problem With Companion Plant Lists

Published on April 10, 2025 ♛ 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 ♛ 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 Every Gardener Should Know About Their Growing Space

Published on February 27, 2025 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Bee flying over Echinacea flower

Knowing your garden’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...]

How to Save Seeds: Collecting Seeds From Your Garden Plants

Published on June 3, 2024 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Collage with bird eating seeds from flower head and collected seeds

Follow these tips to harvest and store seeds from your flowers, fruits, and veggies. With the right timing and storage, you'll have free seeds ready for next season. To make seeds last as long as … [Read more...]

How to Grow Peonies & Get Blooms

Published on April 5, 2024 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Dark and light pink peony flowers.

Use these tips to grow peonies for a yearly show of gorgeous blooms. We’ve answered common questions for the care of these favorite, long-living perennials. We also have 6 Tips for Growing … [Read more...]

Bolting: Why Vegetable Plants Bolt & How to Deal With It

Published on March 17, 2024 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Lettuce plants bolting in the garden.

Wondering if your plants are bolting? Learn how to recognize bolting, find out if bolted vegetable plants are edible, and use our tips to prevent it in the future. The plants affected by bolting … [Read more...]

5 Most Common Seed Starting Problems & How to Fix Them

Published on March 11, 2024 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Seedlings growing indoors under grow lights.

If you started seeds indoors and they are not germinating or sprout but then struggle, this will help troubleshoot the problem. If you're just getting started, this shows my indoor seed starting … [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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