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Summer

August Garden Checklist: Tasks & DIY Projects

Published on August 1, 2026 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Backyard garden in full bloom in August

August is our time to savor summerโ€”harvesting, crafting, and soaking it inโ€”while also preparing the garden for fall vegetables and planting for the year ahead. If you'd like an overview by season, … [Read more...]

Midsummer Garden Tasks: What To Do Before Fall

Published on July 24, 2026 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Collage of gardens during mid-summer

With early summer behind us, midsummer is ideal for garden upkeep and fall prep. Priorities include watering, seed sowing, taking cuttings, composting, and pest control. We also have this … [Read more...]

Growing Softwood Cuttings: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Published on July 20, 2026 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Diagram showing how to take softwood cuttings and plant them in potting mix.

Use softwood cuttings to propagate new plants from favorite annuals and perennials. Includes recommended plants and detailed step-by-step instructions. In late fall and winter, you can root older … [Read more...]

17 Flower Seeds to Sow Midsummer in June & July

Published on July 8, 2026 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Flowers to sow from seed mid-summer including poppies and cosmos.

There's still time to grow flowers this season. Sow fast-growing annuals like marigolds, calendula, and zinnias for blooms before frost. There are also lots of edible crops to start now. See 20 … [Read more...]

July Garden Checklist: Tasks & DIY Projects

Published on July 4, 2026 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Daisies in bloom in July garden

In cold climates, July is peak garden season with flowers blooming, food crops thriving, and pollinators busy. Here are some garden tasks to do this month. For more, see garden task lists for … [Read more...]

20 Vegetables to Sow Midsummer for Fall (Seed Sowing Plan)

Published on July 3, 2026 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Swiss chard, broccoli, and cauliflower growing in the garden.

Sow vegetable seeds in midsummer for fall and winter harvests. Fast crops ripen in 4โ€“8 weeks, while hardy varieties thrive all winter with basic protection. New gardeners are surprised to learn … [Read more...]

How to Clean Gross Murky Pond Water Fastโ€”without Adding Chemicals

Published on July 2, 2026 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Before and after of pond water using the empress of dirt batting method to clear the water.

Clean your pond water naturally and fast without chemicals or draining. This proven method works for fish ponds, clearing murky water in just hours. For more also see Advice for Starting a Backyard … [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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