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Garden Fundamentals

How to Turn Food Scraps Into Compost to Feed Your Garden

Published on October 4, 2017Last updated October 9, 2021 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Large composting bins with squashes growing out of them.

Composting food scraps reduces landfill waste and creates organic matter to enrich your soil. Methods vary, but all help build healthier garden soil over time. If you're curious about compost tea, … [Read more...]

How to Choose the Right Seeds for Your Garden

Published on January 26, 2017Last updated November 18, 2021 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Collage with homegrown tomatoes and seedlings growing in pots.

So, youโ€™re ready to start growing plants from seed indoors for your outdoor garden, but how do you know what seeds to get? Which ones are best for your garden? Which seed sellers can you trust? These … [Read more...]

How to Build a Backyard Pond

Published on July 8, 2016Last updated November 18, 2021 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Newly built backyard garden pond.

I built this in-ground garden pond on my own, using a pond kit and some rocks. Iโ€™ll take you through the entire process, from digging the hole to setting the rocks and building the waterfall. For … [Read more...]

Easy Composting Without Pests (Sorry, Rats!)

Published on April 27, 2016Last updated November 18, 2021 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Closed compost system to keep rats out.

Need a rat-proof compost bin that keeps rodents including mice out? This tumbler compost bin keeps your food scraps away from pests and makes good compost for the garden. For more about how to … [Read more...]

10 Smart Reasons to Use Raised Beds in Your Garden

Published on June 12, 2015Last updated November 18, 2021 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Raised garden beds with plants.

If you have struggled with poor soil conditions, switching to raised garden beds may be the solution you have been looking for. Find out all the benefits to growing in raised beds. Also … [Read more...]

What to Sow in Fall Before It Snows

Published on October 1, 2014Last updated October 18, 2021 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Purple lupines in the garden.

Many plants, bulbs, and seeds can be added in fall before the ground freezes, including cool-tolerant vegetables, cover crops, and spring-flowering bulbs. There is a complete printable fall … [Read more...]

When is it Too Late to Sow Seeds Outdoors?

Published on June 1, 2014Last updated November 18, 2021 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Seedling sprouting in garden.

How do you know when it is too late to sow seeds outdoors? Use these tips for starting flowers and vegetables in late summer or fall. For more garden tips, see the Empress of Dirt Grow … [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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