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Garden Fundamentals

Why Epsom Salt is Not Good For Your Garden (or the Environment)

Published on May 5, 2026 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Collage with roses in a garden and a bag of Epsom salt.

Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) is frequently recommended as a plant fertilizer but it's rarely lacking in home gardens and the excess harms waterways. This is part of a series on common garden … [Read more...]

Getting Started With Outdoor Herb Growing

Published on April 25, 2026 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Chives growing outdoors in garden.

Which herbs like full sun? Which herbs are annual? Or perennial? Can I grow them in containers? Get the answers to these beginner questions and more to get started with outdoor herb growing. If you … [Read more...]

Popular Garden Myths We’ve All Fallen For

Published on December 11, 2025 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Examples of popular garden myths.

Garden myths spread fast, yet many are rooted in old folklore, not facts. See why popular fixes like Epsom salt and household remedies may do more harm than good. You can avoid a lot of … [Read more...]

How To Compost In The Winter (Easy Method)

Published on November 30, 2025 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Putting out compost in the winter garden.

Yes, you can compost all winter in a cold climate. Hereโ€™s how I store kitchen scraps in a simple, animal-proof setup so theyโ€™re ready to break down in spring. If youโ€™re new to composting, I have a … [Read more...]

10 Common Garden Worries That Aren’t Worth Your Time

Published on August 21, 2025 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Collage with images of backyard garden including flower beds, birdhouse, compost bin, apples, and tomatoes.

Garden myths cause needless stress. Discover 10 common garden worries you can ignore and where to focus instead for a healthier, more productive garden. From supposed calcium problems to the … [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...]

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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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