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Spring

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...]

What is “Days to Maturity” on Seed Packets?

Published on March 14, 2025 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Vintage seed packets

Learn what "days to maturity" means in gardening, how it's calculated, and why it mattersโ€”especially for cold-climate gardeners planning their growing season. If you are new to gardening, learning … [Read more...]

March Garden Checklist: Tasks & DIY Projects

Published on March 1, 2025 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Purple and white crocus flowers in bloom in March garden

For cold-climate gardeners, March signals that weโ€™re almost thereโ€”spring is just around the corner! Nowโ€™s the time to gear up for indoor and outdoor seed sowing and start some garden art … [Read more...]

How to Make Your Birdbath Safe for Birds

Published on May 14, 2024 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Collage of backyard birdbath and bird

The best birdbath is not only attractive in the garden but keeps birds safe. Use these tips to ensure your backyard birdbath is the right style and depth to provide a safe place for wild birds to … [Read more...]

Seed Viability Chart: How Long Seeds Last in Storage

Published on April 27, 2024 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Collage showing various plants and their seed viability years.

This seed viability chart shows how long garden seeds stay viable. Each type has a different shelf life, so labeling packets with โ€œsow byโ€ dates helps. Seed Storage: Top Tips For Storing Seeds at … [Read more...]

20 Creative Ways to Repurpose Kitchen Junk into Garden Decor

Published on April 16, 2024 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Garden art created from old kitchen items.

Give kitchen castoffs a second life with these fun garden art projects. Learn how to turn ordinary items into creative outdoor dรฉcor. If you enjoy unique garden projects, also see these creative … [Read more...]

Bolting: Why Vegetable Plants Bolt & How to Deal With It

Published on March 17, 2024 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Lettuce plants bolting in the garden.

Wondering if your plants are bolting? Learn how to recognize bolting, find out if bolted vegetable plants are edible, and use our tips to prevent it in the future. The plants affected by bolting … [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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