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Spring

May Garden Checklist: Tasks & DIY Projects

Published on May 1, 2025 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Bees hovering over purple allium flowers in May garden

For some cold-climate gardeners, May marks the month of the last frosts for the winter and the warming of the garden soil. It’s the time to start growing and getting creative. If you're just … [Read more...]

Where Native Bees Spend the Winter (& How Gardeners Can Help)

Published on April 11, 2025 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Spring garden plants with a native sweat bee.

Ever wonder where bees disappear to in winter—and how they reappear like magic in spring? This gardener’s guide to native bees reveals where they really nest (hint: not in hives) and how you can help … [Read more...]

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 to Force Branches to Bloom Indoors Before Spring

Published on April 3, 2025 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Spring flowering shrub branch

This guide shows how to take budding branches from flowering trees and shrubs and coax them into blooming indoors—weeks ahead of schedule. You'll learn when to cut, how to care for the branches, and … [Read more...]

How to Cut & Display Pussy Willow Branches Indoors

Published on April 2, 2025 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Pussy willow tree catkins on branches

Unlike other spring branches we force to bloom indoors, pussy willows should be kept dry after cutting to preserve their soft, fuzzy catkins. To force flowering trees and shrubs to bloom indoors in … [Read more...]

April Garden Checklist: Tasks & DIY Projects

Published on April 1, 2025 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Apple tree in bloom in April garden

As spring arrives in the April cold-climate garden, winter may have a few surprises left . Indoor seed starting is underway and, as the soil warms, outdoor sowing begins. Eager for the growing season … [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...]

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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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