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Wood DIY Projects

Make a Robin Nesting Shelf (Free Plans)

Published on January 17, 2024 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

American robin in mud.

Build a robin nesting box with these free plans. Robins are attracted to this unique design with a sheltered shelf to secure the nest and raise their young. The robin (Turdus migratorius) nesting … [Read more...]

DIY Raised Garden Bed with Privacy Fence

Published on November 2, 2023 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Raised garden bed with built-in privacy wall.

Create a secluded space with this combination raised bed and privacy fence. Using standard lumber sizes, it’s an easy-to-assemble DIY project. You can also see privacy fence ideas here with all … [Read more...]

How to Protect Nesting Boxes With a DIY Predator Block

Published on September 11, 2023 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Wren nesting box with predator block at entry hole.

By adding a simple predator guard to bird nesting boxes you can stop animals like racoons, snakes, squirrels, and other bird species from raiding the nest. For free plants see Free Wren Nesting Box … [Read more...]

Free Nesting Box Building Plans for Wild Birds

Published on January 21, 2023 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Nesting boxes for bluebirds, chickadees, and wrens.

Nesting boxes, or birdhouses as they are often called, provide shelter for mated birds to raise their offspring. But it’s not one size fits all: each bird species has different housing needs. Check … [Read more...]

How to Build a Lean-to Greenhouse (Step by Step)

Published on October 28, 2022 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Lean-to greenhouse built on the side of a patio wall.

Lean-to greenhouses offer a budget-friendly alternative to stand-alone greenhouses. Built next to an existing structure, you get space to cultivate plants while saving on building costs. For … [Read more...]

DIY Tall Raised Bed for Plant Containers & Bins

Published on August 2, 2021Last updated October 3, 2021 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Tall raised garden bed with building plans.

Use these free building plans to created a tall, raised bed perfect for plant containers. The height makes it easy to reach flower pots and the design accommodates plastic bins for winter sowing. Add … [Read more...]

DIY Raised Bed Screens to Keep Pests Away From Vegetables

Published on July 20, 2021Last updated October 3, 2021 ♛ By Melissa J. Will

Vegetable bed with a squirrel screen over top to keep critters out.

If you need to keep animals like squirrels out of your raised garden beds or want to slow down pests like cabbage moths, these multi-purpose protective screens are a good addition to the … [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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