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Garden Fundamentals

Powdery Mildew: How to Identify & Deal With It in Your Garden

Published on March 14, 2022 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Powdery mildew growing on squash leaves.

Powdery mildew is a common garden problem appearing as a gray-white powder on flowering plants including fruits and vegetables. While there is no cure, applied early, a milk solution may discourage … [Read more...]

How To Deal With Fungus Gnats On Houseplants (What Works)

Published on March 7, 2022 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Fungus gnats jumping around houseplant soil.

Fungus gnats are tiny flying insects that resemble mosquitoes and lay eggs in potting soil. If you find them around your houseplants there are several things you can do both to stop them and prevent … [Read more...]

Vivipary: When Seeds Sprout Inside Fruits Like Tomatoes

Published on February 26, 2022 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Seedlings sprouting in a tomato.

Sometimes fruits like tomatoes or apples surprise us with seeds sprouting inside. This is called vivipary and it occurs when the natural protections within the fruit are no longer sufficient to … [Read more...]

5 Good For The Earth (& You) Garden Resolutions

Published on January 1, 2022 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

A nuthatch bird, sunflower, and homegrown garden vegetables.

Ready to make this your best gardening year yet? These resolutions are both good for the earth and good for you. And, most importantly, it's all about balance, taking on what's do-able, and letting go … [Read more...]

Understanding Frosts & Freezing: What Gardeners Need to Know

Published on December 18, 2021 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Garden plants covered in frost.

If you are gardening in a cold climate, it's helpful to know the distinction between frosts and freezing and why it's not just the number on the thermometer that matters. There's a lot going on within … [Read more...]

The Problem With Buying Beneficial Nematodes For Grub Control

Published on December 16, 2021 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

A grub below soil level vulnerable to nematodes.

Beneficial nematodes are often suggested for grub control in lawns. Learn the pros and cons and whether they fit an eco-beneficial approach to gardening. Curious about Bacillus thuringiensis … [Read more...]

Pros and Cons of Using Bt for Caterpillars (In Home Gardens)

Published on December 4, 2021 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Birds eating a caterpillar in the garden.

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is recommended as a safe, organic, and harmless insecticide to kill caterpillars but it's not that simple. If you have an eco-beneficial garden, there are plenty of things … [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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