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Vegetables

How to Propagate Sweet Potatoes to Grow New Slips

Published on May 22, 2023 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Two methods for propagating sweet potato slips.

Use these step-by-step instructions to propagate a sweet potato in water or potting mix. This produces "slips" (stems and leaves) providing new plants for the garden. The vines also make interesting … [Read more...]

What Can I Safely Plant in Spring Before My Last Frost?

Published on February 25, 2023 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Young seedlings in cold, spring rain.

Ready to begin working in your spring garden? Learn which plants and seeds are safe to start now and what should wait until the risk of frost has passed. For a list of tasks to take care of in … [Read more...]

22 Vegetable Seeds to Direct Sow in Spring

Published on February 24, 2023 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Radishes and Brussels sprouts.

Prepare your garden beds and start sowing ahead of the last frost in spring by choosing from a variety of cold-tolerant vegetable seeds. Follow these tips to ensure a successful early start to your … [Read more...]

How to Speed Up Seed Germination

Published on February 8, 2023 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Seed packets, clock, and seedlings.

Use these tips to make seeds started indoors germinate faster. While you canโ€™t change a seed's nature, you can use household hacks to provide optimum conditions for quicker sprouting. Also, see … [Read more...]

10 Vegetables That Grow in Winter (if You Start Early)

Published on November 9, 2022 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Vegetables including carrots, beets, and Swiss chard grown in a winter garden.

Many vegetables can be grown outdoors in winter, even in cold climates. Success comes down to choosing the right crops, starting on time, and using protection like frost cloths or cold … [Read more...]

Full Sun To Shade: How To Assess Light Conditions In Your Garden

Published on June 14, 2022Last updated August 21, 2022 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Flower garden with deep shade, part sun, and sunny areas.

What do full sun, part sun, part shade, and shade really mean on plant tags? These tips help you assess garden light accurately so you can choose the right plants and planting spots. While full sun … [Read more...]

Why Tomatoes Split or Crackโ€”and What to Do

Published on April 3, 2022 โ™› By Melissa J. Will

Red tomato with large crack.

It's common for tomatoes to split or crack on the vine, particularly when the fruit is mature. Use these tips to determine if you can still harvest the fruit and how to prevent future problems. If … [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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