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Pollinators

Why No Mow May Doesn’t Cut It—And What You Can Do Instead

Published on April 5, 2025 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Backyard garden in May with bee and dandelions.

It's a catchy idea that's attracted a lot of gardeners, but No Mow May isn't the best way to help pollinators. Find out what gardeners can do instead to support bees and the ecosystem all … [Read more...]

How Light Pollution Affects Life in the Garden

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

Moth attracted to lights in the garden.

Artificial light at night disrupts natural cycles, harming plants and animals. Use these tips to learn how you can reduce light pollution to help birds, bats, fireflies, and more. Moths are also … [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...]

How to Know Which Vegetable & Fruit Crops Need Pollinators

Published on June 29, 2023 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Crops that do and do not require pollinators to produce fruit.

How can you tell which garden vegetables or fruits require pollination to produce crops? Use these tips to know which crops require exposure to pollinators like bees or birds and those that can … [Read more...]

How To Grow a Hummingbird-Friendly Garden

Published on February 7, 2023 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Hummingbird taking nectar from a flower.

Transform your garden into a hummingbird haven with an abundance of nectar-rich flowers, nutritious bugs, and plenty of trees and shrubs in a pesticide-free environment. If you also want to provide … [Read more...]

How To Welcome Dragonflies To Your Garden

Published on September 16, 2022 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Dragonfly in the garden.

Want to attract dragonflies to your garden? It's all about water, plants, and animals. You'll need a pond with aquatic plants and diverse natural habitat to support native wildlife including … [Read more...]

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

Published on December 4, 2021 ♛ 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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