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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...]

Buying Soil For Your Garden? Read This First

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

Garden bed with perennials in garden soil.

Whether marketed as topsoil, black soil, black earth, or some other catchy phrase, itโ€™s not easy to know whatโ€™s in the bag. Use these tips to help guide your soil shopping decisions. If you need … [Read more...]

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

Published on February 7, 2024 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

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

Yes, you can clean your pond water naturally and fast with this Empress of Dirt method without chemicals or draining the water. It works in fish ponds and most murky water starts to clear within … [Read more...]

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

Published on January 23, 2024 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...]

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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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