Two Minutes in the Garden: Gardening Tips, Science, Myths

Can Weeds Reveal Soil Secrets? Dec 09, 2024

Are the weeds in our garden trying to tell us something about our soil? Is it reliable? And should we be taking action based on what they're saying?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Control Weeds Without Herbicides

Should You Water Plants with Ice Cubes? Nov 11, 2024

It's been a controversial suggestion for orchids for many years. It also gets recommended for houseplants in general. But is watering plants with ice cubes a good idea?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Propagate Orchids at Home

Are High Brix Levels the Key to Pest-Free Plants? Oct 17, 2024

Is it true that pests won't attack healthy plants? Can you really determine the health of your plant through one simple measurement? And where did these ideas come from?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: DIY Bee House Using Scrap Lumber

Ants in the Garden: Harmful or Beneficial? Aug 07, 2024

We don't want them in the house, but can we trust ants around our plants? Do we need to step in and do something, or might they be beneficial in the garden?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 2024 Fall Hummingbird Migration (Canada & United States)

Vermicomposting -- It's Different From Regular Composting Jun 17, 2024

An overview of vermicomposting -- worm composting. It provides very similar benefits to the garden as composting, but can be done indoors and stay active year-round, even in colder areas.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Save Seeds: Collecting Seeds From Your Garden Plants

How Gardeners Came to Love Earthworms -- Soil's Tiny Engineers May 29, 2024

Over the last 200 years, earthworms have gone from being despised by gardeners to being loved as signs of healthy soil. Many gardeners now even raise worms in their houses to create vermicompost. But it's not all rosy.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Simple Trick to Save the Best Seeds from Your Garden

Are Today's Fruits and Vegetables Less Nutritious? May 09, 2024

Are today's fruits and vegetables -- the ones you buy at the store -- less nutritious than they used to be? You hear that a lot, but you'll also hear that it's a myth.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Outdoor Plant Tags & Markers that Last a Lifetime (Really)

The Purple Tomato: The First GMO Garden Seed Mar 03, 2024

We always used to be able to say that there were no GMO garden seeds. That's still true in most of the world but, in the U.S., gardeners can now buy seeds for the genetically engineered, high-antioxidant Purple Tomato.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: What to Know Before Reusing Old Potting Mix

Does Garden-Grown Produce Have A High Carbon Footprint? Feb 11, 2024

A recent study claimed that urban-grown fruits and vegetables had a carbon footprint six times that of those from conventional farms. Rants ensued.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Monarch Butterflies: How Gardeners Can Truly Help

Does Touching Soil Make Us Happier? Jan 22, 2024

For the last 15 years, gardeners have been told that soil acts like an antidepressant, thanks to a particular bacterium. Is there anything to it?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Winter Sowing: Two Reliable Methods for Outdoor Seed Starting

Do Gardeners Need Crop Rotation? Nov 24, 2023

It can do great things on farms, but does crop rotation make sense in a garden? What are the benefits claimed for crop rotation, and can we get those same benefits in easier ways?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How To Compost In The Winter (Easy Method)

Plant Nutrients (Part 4): "Up, Down, All Around" and the Phosphorus Myth Oct 28, 2023

Do nutrients really specialize in one aspect of plant growth, like roots or shoots? Why adding more of one nutrient to your soil, like a phosphorus-heavy bloom booster, often doesn't provide any benefit.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Growing Poinsettias: Year-Round Care & Reblooming Guide

Plant Nutrients (Part 3): The Trouble with Balanced Fertilizers Oct 13, 2023

Are you using a balanced fertilizer in your garden? It may seem like a simple and effective way to provide nutrients to your plants, but it could also cause problems for your soil and for the environment.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Indoor Seed Starting: Best DIY Setup on a Budget

Plant Nutrients (Part 2): What Do NPK Labels Mean? Sep 28, 2023

Most countries use a confusing and outdated NPK labelling system for fertilizer packages. What do the numbers mean? Depending on where you live, it's probably not what you think. And why is a "balanced fertilizer" not so balanced after all?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: When to Take Down Hummingbird Feeders in Fall

Plant Nutrients (Part 1): What You Need to Know Sep 18, 2023

Our plants can't live without them, but how do we know that they're getting them? Do we need to feed them to our plants? And what are these essential nutrients?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Make African Violets Bloom & Rebloom

Mushrooms: Friends or Foes in the Garden? Aug 16, 2023

Not everyone wants them in their garden, but others grow them deliberately. They aren't even plants. So what are mushrooms and are they okay around our plants?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 2023 Fall Hummingbird Migration (Canada & United States)

Is Soap Safe to Use in the Garden? Aug 01, 2023

What kinds of soap should we be using -- or avoiding -- in the garden? What about liquid dish soap? And we're all familiar with soap, but what is it, exactly?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 25 Vegetables You Can Grow in Shade

Composting (Part 4): How Much Compost is Too Much? Jul 06, 2023

Compost is great for your garden, but can you have too much of a good thing? What problems could there be if you use too much? Will it harm your plants ... or something else?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Bring Plants Inside: Timing & Debugging Tips

Composting (Part 3): What to Add and What to Avoid Jun 24, 2023

What can you add to your compost pile? Is it any organic material, or are there some things you may want to avoid? What about dryer lint or hair?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Hostas for Sun: Sun-Tolerant Options For Your Garden

Composting (Part 2): Simpler Than it Sounds Jun 10, 2023

Calculating C:N ratios? Regular turning? For anyone who's been put off from composting because it sounds too involved -- it really isn't as hard as it's sometimes made out to be.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Breaking the Eggshell Myth in Gardening

Compost: The Most Valuable Organic Matter for Your Soil Jun 02, 2023

When it comes to building healthy soil, there may be no more important tool in the garden than compost. So what is compost, and how does it help our plants?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Propagate Sweet Potatoes to Grow New Slips

Humus: What Is It and Why It Matters May 16, 2023

We've heard that humus is good for our garden, but do we know what it actually is? And, for that matter, does ANYONE know what it actually is? And why has humus become a controversial topic?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Why Frogs & Toads Are Good For Our Gardens

Plants in Water: A Balancing Act May 06, 2023

We're told not to overwater our plants, but some popular houseplants grow fine with their roots fully immersed in water and nearly all outdoor plants experience overwatering at times. How does that work?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Tips for Choosing the Right Clematis Trellis

No Mow May: Does It Really Help Pollinators? Apr 15, 2023

No Mow May is a popular initiative that encourages people to stop mowing their lawns for a month to help bees and other pollinators. But does it really work? And what are the drawbacks? In this episode, we explore the pros and cons of No Mow May from a gardener's perspective.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: The Surprising Benefits of Moths in Your Garden

How Frogs Benefit Your Garden -- And How to Attract Them Apr 01, 2023

Frogs enrich your garden in many ways: they control pests, provide food for other wildlife, and indicate a healthy environment. In this episode, we explore the fascinating world of frogs and their role in the garden ecosystem.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Get Rid of Weeds: Easy Tips For Organic Gardeners

Fast-Growing Cool-Weather Crops for Spring Mar 21, 2023

At the beginning of a new gardening season, temperatures are still low, but some vegetables thrive in cool weather and can be ready to eat in just a few weeks. Choose these vegetables and before you know it, you'll eating your first batch of produce fresh from your garden.

MORE FROM Empress of Dirt: 20 Fast-Growing Vegetables in 4-6 Weeks (Spring or Fall)

Helping Ground-Nesting Bees: The Unsung Garden Heroes Mar 15, 2023

Most bees don't live in hives and most don't live in hollow stems. They live in the ground and emerge from the soil in the spring and summer to join us in the garden. What can we do to make their winters easier?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Tea Time: How to Harvest & Dry Homegrown Herbs

Protect Your Garden From Deer Damage Mar 03, 2023

Deer can cause a lot of damage to your garden, but there are ways to prevent or reduce it. Learn about different types of fences, repellents, deterrents and deer-resistant plants that can help you protect your plants from these hungry animals.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: The Complete Guide to Growing Delphiniums in Your Garden

Baking Soda in the Garden: Is it Really Harmless? Feb 23, 2023

Also known in many parts of the world as bicarbonate of soda or bicarb soda -- you see it recommended for dozens of uses in the garden. It sounds pretty harmless, but should we be using it around our plants?

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: Baking Soda in the Garden: Is it Really Harmless?

Starting Seeds: An Overview Feb 09, 2023

What's the advantage of starting seeds -- especially indoors? What do you need? What do seeds need to germinate? And how can you improve your odds against diseases?

READ THE FULL GUIDE at Empress of Dirt: Seed Starting for Beginners: Sow Inside Grow Outside

Growing Carrots in Your Garden Jan 24, 2023

Carrots are one of the most popular vegetables to grow in the garden, and you can get them in a range of sizes and a rainbow of colors.

ALSO FROM Empress of Dirt: How To Grow Carrots Indoors At Home In Flower Pots

AND: How To Grow Fairy Carrots In Jars

Whacking Tree Trunks and Other Strange Garden Tips Jan 02, 2023

Does hitting the trunk of a tree with a baseball bat or or a stick make it produce more leaves -- or maybe more flowers or fruit? It sounds crazy, but is there anything to it?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Houseplants & Humidity: Tips That Help (& Those That Do Not)

Do Comfrey and Other Plants Grab Nutrients Deep in Our Soil? Dec 17, 2022

In permaculture circles, they're called dynamic accumulators -- plants that accumulate above average levels of particular nutrients in their leaves, which we can then add to compost piles, use as mulch or in other ways make the nutrients available to our plants. Do they work?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Grow Leafy Greens Indoors at Home (Simple & Fast Method)

Humidity and Houseplants - Increasing Humidity Indoors Nov 30, 2022

Humidity doesn't get as much attention as temperature, light and soil moisture, but it can have a big effect on our plants. Many houseplants prefer more humidity than we give them, especially over the winter. What can we do about that?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Homemade Peanut Butter Suet for Birds (Easy Recipe)

Growing and Propagating Aloe vera Nov 11, 2022

It's one of the world's most popular houseplants. Easy to grow and easy to propagate -- and maybe even a handy source of some skincare gel.

Why Leaves Change Color (and Why Some Don't Fall) Oct 31, 2022

What makes the leaves of some trees change color? Is there a benefit to the trees? And what about deciduous trees that keep leaves over the winter?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Propagate African Violets (Step-By-Step Tutorial)

Is it Safe to Use Paper in the Garden? Oct 17, 2022

Many gardeners put paper overtop of a lawn to create a new garden bed. Or add paper to their compost pile. Is it safe?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How To Bring Plants Indoors For The Winter (Best Timing & Bug-Free Tips)

Horticultural Oil: How Does it Work? Is it Safe? Oct 05, 2022

You hear it suggested a lot in gardening circles as a pesticide and maybe even to prevent diseases, but what is horticultural oil and how does it work?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Creative No-Carve Pumpkin Ideas (Quick & Fun)

Why You Can't Have True Blue Roses (and Many Other Popular Flowers) Sep 26, 2022

Blue flowers do exist in nature, but not in many of our most popular flowers. And it's even been a struggle for scientists to create them.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Great Fall Weather? Get These Garden Jobs Done

Using Human Urine in the Garden -- Benefits and Risks Sep 17, 2022

It's not for everyone, but human urine in the garden has lots of enthusiasts. Urine contains lots of nitrogen and several other essential nutrients, but it also has some things that aren't so good for plants.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How To Welcome Dragonflies To Your Garden

Monarch Butterflies and the Garden (Part 2): Milkweed Sep 05, 2022

We've all heard that we should be planting more milkweed to help a declining number of monarchs, but some reports say they're actually doing fine without our help.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How To Keep Houseplants Watered While On Vacation

Monarch Butterflies and the Garden (Part 1): Migration Aug 30, 2022

They've become poster children for the global decline in insect numbers and they face significant threats. How might we be able to help monarchs in our garden?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Easy Houseplant Tagging System To Simplify Plant Care

Attracting Dragonflies to Your Garden Aug 21, 2022

They're big and colorful -- powerful fliers that stand out in a crowd. And they eat mosquitoes. What can we do to attract dragonflies to our garden?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How To Grow Rosemary From Cuttings (Indoors or Outdoors)

Can We Sequester More Carbon in Our Garden -- and Should We? Aug 13, 2022

Keeping carbon out of the air and in our garden can help the environment, but can we keep carbon sequestered and have healthy soil at the same time?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Grow an Oak Tree From an Acorn (Step By Step)

How Plants Capture Carbon and Help the Environment Aug 03, 2022

Carbon sequestration is one way our plants help the environment -- by taking carbon out of the air and holding on to it or putting it in the soil.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Soil Calculator (Mulch, Compost, & Potting Mix Too)

Growing Oak Trees from Acorns Jul 25, 2022

They aren't the world's fastest-growing trees, but you can start with an acorn and -- with some patience -- end up with a tree that supports a diverse range of wildlife in your garden.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Mid-Summer Garden Tasks: What To Do Now

How Oaks Benefit the Garden Ecosystem Jul 16, 2022

Oak trees not only look great, they support a diverse range of birds, insects and other wildlife, as well as microorganisms in the soil.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How To Grow Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine (& Creative Display Ideas)

Preventing Downy Mildew Jul 01, 2022

Downy mildew can spoil the appearance of many plants, reduce yields of fruits and vegetables, and sometimes even kill plants. What can we do to avoid it?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Simple Seed Guide: From Hybrids to Heirlooms

Long-Day vs Short-Day vs Day-Neutral Plants Jun 22, 2022

Plants can detect changes in the length of the day as seasons change. Some will only flower -- or can't flower -- when daylight reaches a certain length.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Annuals & Perennials: What's The Difference?

What is Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Full Shade? Jun 09, 2022

There are lots of plants to choose from for almost any amount of sunlight outdoors, but you have to match the right plant with the right area in your garden.

MORE FROM Empress of Dirt: 25 Vegetables You Can Grow in Shade

Are Slugs Repelled by Beer? Copper? Eggshells? May 24, 2022

For decades, baits have been a popular way to deal with slugs, but there are concerns about their impact on wildlife and the environment. Do any of the suggested home remedy alternatives work?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 10 Beginner Garden Tips That Avoid Bloopers (Great & Small)

Getting Rid of Slugs in the Garden May 17, 2022

Slugs can cause a lot of damage to plants like hostas and lettuce and many others. Is there anything we can do to stop them?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How To Scarify Seeds Before Sowing For Better Germination Rates

Will Bird Feeders Spread Avian Flu? May 08, 2022

There's been an outbreak in avian flu this year in much of North America. Do our bird feeders increase the risk of spreading the disease?

MORE FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Choose the Best Birdseed

Getting Rid of Mealybugs on Houseplants Apr 30, 2022

They're a common pest and one that's not easy to get rid of ... but there are things you can do to lower their numbers to a level plants can deal with.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: When Tomatoes Crack On The Vine (Now What?)

Hydrogen Peroxide in the Garden: Is it Safe? Apr 20, 2022

You'll find exuberant lists online with 10 or more uses for hydrogen peroxide in the garden -- is it something we should be using?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Spring Gardening: Is It Safe To Plant Outdoors Yet?

How Gardening Helps Our Well-Being Apr 12, 2022

Physically and mentally, gardening has been shown to promote our health and well-being -- as exercise, an outlet for creativity and learning, relaxation, and more.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 45 Ridiculously Simple & Helpful Eco-Beneficial Garden Tips

Perlite or Vermiculite: What's the Difference? Apr 01, 2022

They're two popular options as components of potting mix. What are they, what do they do, and what advantages do each provide?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Birdhouses Versus Nesting Boxes: What's Best For Birds

Spider Mites: How to Avoid or Get Rid of Them Mar 26, 2022

They're tiny but can cause big problems for your plants -- indoors and outdoors. How can you improve your odds of avoiding them, and what can you do once you have them?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Best (Cheap & Easy) DIY Tags For Indoor Seedlings & Plants

Using Cinnamon in the Garden: Does it Really Work? Mar 18, 2022

It has lots of fans for all sorts of uses in the garden. But do they have a scientific basis or are they just "it worked for me" stories?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How To Check If Seeds Are Viable (Home Germination Test)

Tomato Cracking: Can You Prevent It? Mar 13, 2022

Your tomatoes are coming along nicely and then -- out of nowhere -- they've got big cracks down the side. Now what do you do? And is there something you should have done to avoid it?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How To Deal With Fungus Gnats On Houseplants (What Works)

Avoiding -- or Fixing -- Compacted Soil Mar 06, 2022

In compacted soil it can be harder for roots to grow properly -- and that can reduce our plants' ability to access nutrients and water and create other problems. How can we prevent it from happening, or fix it if it does?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Why Vegetables Bolt & How To Prevent It

Getting Rid of Fungus Gnats on Houseplants Feb 27, 2022

They're definitely annoying and possibly harmful to plants, although often not. What can you do to avoid fungus gnats? Or -- if that fails -- get rid of them?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 10 Delicious Foods Hiding In Your Garden (Forage at Home)

Lichens and Their Role in a Garden Feb 20, 2022

You see lichens growing on trees, rocks, walls and lots of other places. Do they harm trees? And what do they contribute to the garden?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 50 Flowers For Hummingbirds & How To Keep Them Coming Back

Can You Test Seeds By Floating Them in Water? Feb 13, 2022

You've got a bunch of seeds that should still be viable to some degree -- is there a quick way to find out? What's the best test?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How To Grow Carrots Indoors At Home In Flower Pots

Radishes: The Easiest Vegetable to Grow in Your Garden Feb 06, 2022

Not only are they easy to grow, but radishes are also one of the fastest growing vegetables and one of the first to plant in the spring.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 10 Tips For Choosing a Garden Shed (To Avoid Regrets)

Why Are Sprouts Growing in Your Tomato? Jan 31, 2022

You pick up a tomato and see that something's not right. Cut it open and there are some creepy looking sprouts growing inside. What's that about and what do you do with the tomato?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 30 Flower Seeds To Start Indoors (Late Winter & Spring))

Growing Peas in Your Garden Jan 21, 2022

They're one of the most popular garden vegetables -- and easy to grow -- but there are some things to know about peas before choosing ones for your garden.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Two Neat Ways To Store Garden Seeds (& Keep Organized)

Is Tap Water Safe for Plants? (Part 2) Jan 10, 2022

Can you remove disinfectants from tap water before using it on your plants -- and do you know which disinfectant your water has? And can fluoride be toxic for plants?

FROM Empress of Dirt: Why Your Garden Needs Mulch & How To Do It Right

Is Tap Water Safe for Plants? (Part 1) Jan 04, 2022

Is it safe to use unfiltered tap water on our plants? Lots of people do, but are there risks -- especially from substances like chlorine and fluoride added at water treatment plants?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 5 Good For The Earth (& You) Garden Resolutions (2022)

Do Houseplants Really Clean the Air? (Part 2) Dec 22, 2021

It's been more than 30 years since research at NASA showed that it's possible for plants to remove pollutants from the air. But is the air in our home fresher because we have houseplants?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Pros and Cons of Using Bt for Caterpillars (In Home Gardens)

Do Houseplants Really Clean the Air? (Part 1) Dec 18, 2021

We wouldn't have air as we know it without plants, but do our houseplants act as an air filter? And was that really proven by NASA?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: The Problem With Buying Beneficial Nematodes For Grub Control

The Enduring Myth of Poisonous Poinsettias Dec 10, 2021

It's the season for poinsettias -- and for warnings on social media about how you're putting your pets at risk by having poinsettias in the house.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Grow an Avocado from Seed (Easy Method)

Beneficial Nematodes (Part 2): Do They Actually Work? Dec 03, 2021

They're sold as an alternative to pesticides to kill a wide range of insects. But will they make a difference to your garden or lawn? And are they safe to use?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Why Your Garden Needs Mulch & How To Do It Right

Beneficial Nematodes (Part 1): How Do They Work? Nov 29, 2021

You can buy nematodes to apply to your lawn or garden to control a wide range of insects. How do beneficial nematodes control pests?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Clever Ways to Fill Tall Raised Beds & Save On Soil

Why Plants Wilt -- And How Watering Can Make it Worse Nov 24, 2021

We know the unhappy limp look plants give us, especially on hot, dry days. Should we reach for the watering can or is there something else at work here?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 2022 Handy Garden Checklist (What To Get Done Each Month)

The Best Soil for Raised Beds (Part 2) Nov 17, 2021

We know the properties we'd like the soil in our raised beds to have -- what should we put in the mix to get them?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 7 Unfortunate Garlic Growing Mistakes You Can Avoid

The Best Soil for Raised Beds (Part 1) Nov 13, 2021

Is there such a thing as ideal soil for raised beds? If there is, how do you know you're actually getting it when you place an order or go to the garden center?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Best Small Pond Ideas for Patios & Gardens

Grow Lights and What You Need to Know About Light Nov 05, 2021

There are lots of lighting options -- especially with LEDs -- and we may feel uneasy about whether we're providing our plants the right kind of light.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Clone Orchids With Keiki Paste

Why Photosynthesis is Essential to Plants Nov 01, 2021

The oxygen we breathe, the food we eat, and most of the dry weight of the plants in our garden -- they all come from photosynthesis, which depends on plants getting the light they need.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Using Heat Mats For Seed Starting

Turning Autumn Leaves Into Leaf Mold Oct 25, 2021

Leaf mold is a favorite organic addition to garden soil, and one that you can have at almost no cost just by keeping your fall leaves and letting them rot.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Properly Store Herbs & Spices (Are They Still Good?)

Introduction to Hydroponics (For Soil Gardeners) Oct 19, 2021

Even if you plan on sticking with soil, hydroponics tells us a lot about plants -- and soil. And if it appeals to you, then it's a way to grow plants year-round.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How To Grow Swiss Chard Indoors (Seed to Harvest)

Planting Garlic in the Fall Oct 12, 2021

Fall is peak garlic planting time. What do we need to know to grow garlic in our garden ... and whatever happened to garlic seeds?

An Introduction to Seed Saving Oct 06, 2021

Saving seeds can be simple ... or complicated depending on how ambitious you get. What are some of the challenges you may face saving seeds?

MORE from Empress of Dirt: Getting Started With Seed Saving (Flowers, Fruit, & Vegetables)

Growing Asters for Vibrant Fall Colors Sep 29, 2021

They're a popular source of blues, purples, pinks and other colors in the fall garden ... and, as far as botanists are concerned, most of them aren't actually asters.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Planting Potted Mums Outdoors as Year-Round Perennials

Using Keiki Paste to Clone Orchids and Grow Other Plants Sep 23, 2021

Keiki paste is used to propagate certain kinds of orchids -- but what's in it, does it really work, and can we use it on other plants?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Grow Pineapple As a Houseplant

Hollyhock Rust - And How to Deal With It Sep 18, 2021

There are more species of rust fungi than any other plant pathogen. Once you have it, there's not much you can do about it, but you can make things more challenging for the rust.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 10 Spectacular Fast-Growing Flowers

Rooting Hormone Alternatives -- Do They Work? Sep 12, 2021

Willow water, honey and many others are touted as natural alternatives to rooting hormone. But do they work as well as rooting hormones -- or at all?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Harvest Sweet Pea Seeds

Rooting Hormones for Successful Cuttings Sep 09, 2021

Rooting hormones an easy way to improve the odds that our cuttings will take root -- and also to speed up the process a little bit.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 20 Easy Plant Propagation Tutorials for Gardeners

Do You Need Soil Amendments? Sep 04, 2021

There's a whole slew of amendments to buy or make -- and many do some good for our plants. But there's also a lot to be said for keeping things simple.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Make a Robin Nesting Shelf (Free Plans)

Improving Your Garden Drainage Aug 28, 2021

You hear all the time that some plants need well-drained soil, but what does that mean, exactly? How do we know if we have it and what can we do about it?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Harvest Zinnia Seeds

Nematodes: Good or Bad for the Garden? Aug 23, 2021

They're the world's most abundant animal. Almost all of us have nematodes in our gardens. They do a lot of good for the soil but some of them can badly damage your plants.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Cure Winter Squash for Storage

Compost Tea: Does it Help the Garden? Aug 16, 2021

It has lots of enthusiastic supporters among gardeners -- and it also gets called snake oil. Can we come to any conclusions about compost tea?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Ripen Tomatoes After Picking

The Debate About Epsom Salt (Part 2) Aug 08, 2021

What does scientific research tell us about the effectiveness of Epsom salt in the garden?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Grow Mums From Cuttings

The Debate About Epsom Salt (Part 1) Aug 05, 2021

It's a divisive issue in gardening circles. Will Epsom salt do wonderful things for your plants, or it is a load of unscientific hooey?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 7 Unique Garden Art Easel Ideas

Variegated Leaves: Causes and How to Keep Them Jul 30, 2021

Variegation is very highly sought after, both in houseplants and for the garden. What is variegation and what challenges can it create for gardeners?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 17 Flower Seeds to Sow Mid-Summer

Do Sunflowers Move to Follow the Sun? Jul 24, 2021

Maybe the best-known attribute of sunflowers is that they follow the sun as it moves across the sky during the day. But do they? Or is it just a popular misconception?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Make a Birdcage Flower Planter

Sunflowers: Not Always What They Seem to Be Jul 19, 2021

Their flowers aren't exactly flowers and their seeds aren't actually seeds, but sunflowers are one of the world's most recognizable and loved garden plants.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Free Raised Bed Building Plans

How to Grow Sunflowers in Your Garden Jul 19, 2021

Sunflowers are very easy to grow and pretty low-maintenance. You just need to get a few things right -- and make sure you buy the right seeds.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 10 Surprisingly Good Dollar Store Finds for Gardeners

Double Flowers ... and Their Value to Pollinators Jul 09, 2021

All those extra petals provide a dense bundle of color, so gardeners love them. But pollinators and other garden wildlife may take a different view.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 24 Clever Garden Problem-Solvers Using Household Items

Preventing Heat Damage to Your Plants Jul 05, 2021

Extended periods of hot temperatures can create stress for your plants and cause damage -- some that you can see and some you can't. What can you can do about it?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: DIY Raised Garden Bed with Built-in Privacy Wall

Bolting Vegetables: Can You Prevent It? Jun 30, 2021

Bolting can ruin your vegetables in a blink of an eye. You can sometimes avoid it, but it's really just part of the natural lifecycle of plants.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: When to Take Plant Cuttings (Season By Season)

The Science Behind Pruning and Deadheading Jun 26, 2021

Why would we ever want to wound our plants? Can we really get more growth by cutting parts off? And what about more blooms?

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: How to Deadhead Flowers for More Blooms

Powdery Mildew: How to Treat or Avoid It Jun 21, 2021

It's one of the most common garden diseases and one that gardeners quickly learn to identify. What is it and can we do anything about it?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Create a Dream Garden on a Low Budget

Using Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to Control Pests Jun 14, 2021

It's a popular organic insecticide touted for being effective on caterpillars and harmless to people. How does it work? And does it live up to its billing?

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How Flowers Communicate with Pollinators Jun 09, 2021

Some plants have developed flowers that send a message to pollinators -- hey come check this out, you won't be disappointed.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 14 Birdbath Planter Ideas for Your Garden

Does Planting By Moon Phases Work? (Part 3) Jun 02, 2021

Concluding our look at moon gardening. Is there reason to believe we'd get better results in the garden if we planted by moon phases and the zodiac?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Forget the Epsom Salts -- It's a Garden Myth

Does Planting By Moon Phases Work? (Part 2) May 30, 2021

Lots of people love to do it, others have a hard time taking it seriously. Much of the growth in popularity in moon gardening over the last century is due to the influence of Rudolf Steiner.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Plant Patents and Home Gardens: What You Need to Know

Does Planting By Moon Phases Work? (Part 1) May 26, 2021

Lots of people love to do it ... many others think it's wacky. Is there any basis for gardening by the phase of the moon?

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Straw Bale Gardening: An Introduction May 21, 2021

It's been riding a wave of popularity since Joel Karsten's book came out in 2013. What is straw bale gardening, and why might you want to try it?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Clematis 101 Easy Care Guide

What is Square Foot Gardening? May 18, 2021

Millions of people have bought the book over the last 40 years. Is square foot gardening something you might want to try in your garden?

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Using Milk in the Garden May 13, 2021

You name it, and milk is suggested as a solution in the garden -- a fungicide, insecticide, bactericide, fertilizer, biostimulant, disinfectant, hand sanitizer and more. Is there actually something to it?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 25 Vegetable Garden Ideas for Any Size Space

Should We Leave the Dandelions? May 08, 2021

They're not always the most welcome plant in the garden, although many people like to have dandelions -- for themselves and ... maybe for bees too?

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What Does it Mean to Garden Organically? May 04, 2021

Most of us would probably call ourselves organic gardeners to some degree -- and maybe entirely. But what is organic gardening, exactly?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: The History of Seed & Nursery Catalogs for Gardeners

Can You Propagate a Patented Plant? Apr 29, 2021

You buy a plant from the garden center, bring it home, love it, and decide to divide it or take some cuttings so you can have even more. But in some cases you're actually breaking the law.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 50 Creative Garden Shed Ideas

Using Neem Oil as an Organic Insecticide Apr 25, 2021

It's widely touted as a safe, organic alternative to synthetic pesticides, and it will kill a long list of pests. But neem oil isn't for everyone.

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Aphids and How to Control Them (Part 2) Apr 21, 2021

They drain the energy out of your plants and inject them with viruses. What can we do to stop aphids? What about ladybugs? Diatomaceous earth? Sticky traps?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: What is Soil pH and How to Work With It

Aphids and How to Control Them (Part 1) Apr 17, 2021

They're tiny insects that can sap plants of their energy, give them viruses, and coat them with black mold. They're also born pregnant and can quickly multiply on your plants.

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Mulch: What It Is and Why You Should Use It Apr 10, 2021

It's not just some pretty decoration for your garden! Mulch delivers benefits to your plants, your soil ... and will even save you some work.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Do You Know Hummingbirds? Take the Quiz and Find Out!

Protecting Seedlings from Damping-Off Apr 05, 2021

One of the biggest threats our new seedlings face is damping-off. What can we do to improve our odds of avoiding it?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Best Living Plants for Miniature Gardens (Resource Guide)

The Strengths of No-Dig ... and Objections Mar 30, 2021

What is it about the no-dig approach that is so appealing? What are some of the objections? And what does the research say?

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The Growth of No-Dig Gardening Mar 27, 2021

No-dig methods lower the apprehension of many new gardeners and have attracted lots of adherents over the years. Others question if a garden can really go without a good digging.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Grow Sunflowers and What to Avoid

Does Brushing Seedlings Make Them Stronger? Mar 23, 2021

You can help strengthen your seedlings by giving them a quick, gentle brushing -- maybe with your hand or something lighter.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 12 Smart Tips for Starting a Budget-Friendly Organic Garden

Should We Be Shaking Our Houseplants? Mar 19, 2021

It's a plant hack that has taken off on social media. Is shaking your plants just silliness, or is there actually something to it?

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Welcome Back Hummingbirds! Mar 15, 2021

In much of the U.S. and Canada, we will soon be welcoming hummingbirds back to our gardens. When will they arrive and how can we prepare?

READ MORE AT Empress of Dirt: 2021 Hummingbird Migration Map (Find Out When to Expect Them)

How Salt Can Injure Your Plants Mar 10, 2021

Salts are the source of essential nutrients for your plants, but they can also interfere with plant growth and even kill plants.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 20 Perennials with Long-Lasting Blooms

How Important is a Soil Test? Mar 05, 2021

It's often recommended but seldom done. Do we really need to get our soil tested?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 4 Essential Tips for Indoor Seed Starting Success

Self-Seeding Plants Can Save Money and Effort Mar 02, 2021

Free plants that you weren't expecting to find in your garden can be a nice surprise -- but may not always be what you want.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Is Wood Ash a Good Soil Amendment?

Types of Seeds for Your Garden Feb 24, 2021

Seeds all have different labels on the packets -- open-pollinated, hybrid, heirloom, organic -- so what do those labels mean?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 12 Tips for Growing Giant Sunflowers

Can You Clone Plants Through Seeds? Feb 20, 2021

When we propagate plants from seeds we usually get a genetic combination of two parent plants. But some plants can actually produce clones of themselves through seeds.

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What's the Problem With Starting Seeds Early? Feb 16, 2021

Many of us are getting to the time of year when we can start seeds indoors -- but we may need to hold off just a little bit longer. Why is that?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Using Biochar as a Soil Amendment (Pros and Cons)

Is it Safe to Use Wood Ash in the Garden? Feb 12, 2021

Many people generate a lot of ashes over the winter from fireplaces and wood stoves. There's some good stuff in there for plants, so can we use wood ash in the garden?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 10 Flower Growing Secrets & Common Mistakes

Why Plants Need Scientific Names Feb 09, 2021

Some gardeners come to love scientific names and take pride in learning them ... for others they can seem a bit pompous. But there are good reasons that our plants need scientific names.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Perennial Flower Bloom Times From Spring to Fall

When is a Fruit Not a Fruit? Feb 04, 2021

Juniper berries, ginkgo fruit and others may look like fruit, but botanists say otherwise. So, if they aren't fruit, what are those fruit-like structures produced by non-flowering seed plants?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Grow a Peach (or Plum) Tree From the Pit

Get Ready to Start Seeds Indoors Jan 30, 2021

We're heading into peak seed-starting season in this part of the world. If you haven't started seeds indoors before, this is a great year to start -- and now is the time to get ready.

MORE FROM Empress of Dirt: Seed Starting for Beginners: Sow Inside Grow Outside

Using Manure in the Garden Jan 27, 2021

Manure from different animals is a popular addition to garden soil but you'll also hear a lot of warnings about its use. And what about using waste from your pets?

Do Plants Have Sexes? Jan 21, 2021

Have you heard the one about how you can tell a female bell pepper from a male? Well, that one's just a myth -- fruit isn't male or female. But plants can be.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Grow An Apple Tree From Seed

Feeding Houseplants: Fertilizer Basics Jan 16, 2021

It's very different from what we do with plants growing outdoors in the soil. With houseplants, it's all on us to make sure that the essential nutrients are available.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Grow Asparagus (and Plant Crowns)

Mimicking Changing Seasons to Break Seed Dormancy Jan 11, 2021

Stratification is a technique used to give dormant seeds the experience of changing seasons even when they've only gone from a drawer into our fridge.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Winter Sowing: Starting Seeds Outdoors in Milk Jugs

Breaking Seed Dormancy with Scarification Jan 07, 2021

There are things we can do with dormant seeds to prod them along and get them to germinate. One of the most important for gardeners is scarification.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: What to Prune in Winter

How Seed Dormancy Helps Plants Survive Jan 02, 2021

Seed dormancy can be frustrating for gardeners -- having seeds that won't germinate -- but it's an important part of the survival of many plant species.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Science-based Companion Planting Tips for Growing Vegetables

Creative Ways to Reuse a Christmas Tree Dec 28, 2020

Most places now have recycling programs for Christmas trees -- or you can try one of the 25 creative projects from our list to put your tree to good use.

MORE FROM Empress of Dirt: 25 Creative Ways to Reuse Christmas Trees

The Benefits of Snow in the Garden Dec 23, 2020

It's no fun to shovel, and it can look lovely ... but is that blanket of snow good or bad for your plants?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Easy Winter Composting in a Cold Climate

Caring for Your Christmas Tree Dec 17, 2020

Lots of reports this year that Christmas trees have been harder to find. Also lots of questionable advice out there about the best ways to care for your tree.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 6 Craft Recipes to Make Fake Snow

Growing Holly Bushes Dec 14, 2020

Holly is another of the popular plants of the Christmas season -- although they are considered to be invasive in many areas. And maybe just a little toxic too.

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Poinsettia: The Christmas Plant You Can Keep Year-Round Dec 11, 2020

Native to Mexico, poinsettias have been a symbol of Christmas for over 100 years. They can be kept as perennials ... and, no, they aren't actually poisonous.

MORE FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Make Poinsettias Rebloom as Houseplants

Mistletoe: Toxic Parasite and Popular Decoration Dec 06, 2020

One of our favorite Christmas decorations is a parasitic plant that feeds off of others and is sometimes thought to be toxic, although that part is often overstated.

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Grafting: What You Need to Get Right Dec 01, 2020

What needs to happen for a graft to be successful -- and what can we do to improve our odds that it actually does happen?

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A First Look at Grafting Nov 28, 2020

Grafting is one of the fundamental techniques of plant propagation where you create a new plant by connecting pieces of different plants.

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2020: A Great Year for Gardening Nov 24, 2020

Lots of year-in-review articles and surveys have started to appear -- and, by all accounts, it was a fantastic year for garden centers and for gardening.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 39 Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs to Regrow from Scraps

Are Plastics Safe for Gardening? Nov 19, 2020

We know a lot about plastic in the ocean, but we're only beginning to understand its effect in soil. Are plastics safe for gardening and what can we do to make them safer?

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Is Foliar Feeding Effective? Nov 14, 2020

Can you really give your plants the water and nutrients they need through their leaves from sprays instead of through their roots from the soil?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Easy Way to Grow Ginger Root Indoors

Why Cuticles are Essential to Plant Health Nov 11, 2020

The cuticle is where your plants interact with the world. Among many roles, they largely control how effective plant sprays are.

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Grow Avocado Plants from Seed Nov 06, 2020

You may never get fruit from it, but it's actually pretty easy to grow an avocado plant from seed. If you're fairly new to plant propagation, it's a great way to start.

MORE FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Grow an Avocado from Seed (Easy Method)

Freezing vs Frost Nov 01, 2020

We hear a lot about frost and freezing and the difference between them, but nothing suddenly happens with the first frost on the ground or with the first freezing temperatures.

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First Frost: How the Cold Damages Plants Oct 29, 2020

In the fall, we may scramble to bring some plants indoors or cover them -- while others will make it through the winter fine. What do frost and cold temperatures do to plants?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Preserve Fall Leaves and Wildflowers with Beeswax

What You May Not Know About Pumpkins Oct 24, 2020

They're one of the easiest plants to grow -- even if they are garden hogs -- and were one of the first vegetables ever cultivated.

ALSO FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Root Pothos Cuttings

Do Leaves Rob the Soil? Oct 19, 2020

Some people are still reluctant to "leave the leaves" -- and one objection is that leaves will "rob the soil" of an essential nutrient.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 4 Easy Ways to Overwinter Geraniums

What Should We Do With Fall Leaves? Oct 16, 2020

There's lots of good nutrients in fall leaves -- and we know not to send them to landfill -- but can we really just "leave the leaves"?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Grow Cover Crops to Improve Your Garden Soil

How Deep Should You Plant Bulbs? Oct 11, 2020

You'll find all sorts of conflicting advice online about planting depth, but does it really make much of a difference how deep you put your bulbs?

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Planting Bulbs and Keeping them Safe from Wildlife Oct 08, 2020

When it comes to planting bulbs, you'll hear a lot of old school advice -- but how much of it should you follow? And how can you protect bulbs from squirrels and other wildlife?

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When is the Best Time to Plant Bulbs? Oct 05, 2020

You'll hear a lot of conflicting advice about when to plant bulbs in the fall. You have a range of options, and each has strengths and weaknesses.

MORE FROM Empress of Dirt: 20 Flowering Bulbs to Plant in Fall

Are Green Tomatoes Safe to Eat? Oct 01, 2020

Will green tomatoes make you sick? As with green potatoes, they do contain higher concentrations of a toxin, but is it anything to be concerned about?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: When is it Too Late to Plant Trees in Fall?

Should Tomatoes Go in the Refrigerator? Sep 26, 2020

We found the usual advice not to put potatoes in the fridge was iffy, but what about their close relatives -- tomatoes?

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Do Potatoes Belong in the Refrigerator? Sep 23, 2020

The usual advice given to gardeners is not to store potatoes in the fridge. But is this good advice and what is it based on?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Get a Better Spring Garden With These Fall Tasks

Storing Potatoes Safely Sep 20, 2020

How should you store potatoes and how long will they keep? And is it safe to eat green potatoes?

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When to Harvest Potatoes Sep 17, 2020

They're the world's most popular vegetable. End of the season is the time to harvest mature potatoes, but you have to be careful when you do.

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Growing Chard in Your Garden Sep 12, 2020

It may not the world's best known vegetable, but Swiss chard is a favorite for many gardeners all through the fall.

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Choosing Plants for Alternative Lawns Sep 07, 2020

If not chosen carefully, plants for alternative lawns can end up being mushy or patchy and needing frequent reseeding. And you'll probably want a mix of several different kinds.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Replace Lawn With Wildflower Seed Mix

Lawn Alternatives: What Will the Neighbors Think? Sep 04, 2020

Some lawn alternatives can be pretty wild -- maybe too wild for your neighbours or your neighbourhood, but there are way to help manage that.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Replace Lawn With Wildflower Seed Mix

The Search For Alternative Lawns Sep 01, 2020

When we talk about alternative lawns, we could mean an alternative TO a lawn -- such as a meadow -- or an alternative FORM of something we'd still recognize as a lawn. You can take either path.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Replace Lawn With Wildflower Seed Mix

BOOKS mentioned in this episode:

Tapestry Lawns by Lionel Smith
Lawns Into Meadows by Owen Wormser

Lawns: Both Loved and Loathed Aug 29, 2020

We're less obsessed today with the traditional "perfect lawn" -- and the water and chemicals needed to achieve it. But lawns aren't going away -- and there's increased interest in alternative kinds of lawns.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Replace Lawn With Wildflower Seed Mix

Roots We Use to Make New Plants Aug 25, 2020

We rely on adventitious roots for plant propagation -- as does the horticultural industry. Sometimes we force them and with some plants they happen naturally.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Complete Fall Gardening Checklist (Free Printable)

Healthy Shoots Need Healthy Roots Aug 22, 2020

Flowers, leaves and stems need healthy roots to thrive. And how far from the trunk do a tree's roots extend?

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Understanding Plant Roots Aug 19, 2020

How do plant roots work? What are the different kinds of roots -- and why are they important to plants?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Take Cuttings from Geraniums (Pelargoniums)

The Best Way to Store Seeds Aug 15, 2020

What's the best way to store your leftover seeds? Or is there a best way? Is the fridge better than a drawer? And what about a freezer?

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The Weed that Became One of the World's Most Important Plants Aug 12, 2020

If you found thale cress in your garden, you'd probably pull it out. Even insects don't find it interesting. But much of what we know about flowering plants comes from this weed.

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Get Free Plants You'll Love with Cuttings Aug 08, 2020

There are different ways to make cuttings and different times of the year to make them, but they're all pretty easy to learn.

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How to Grow Softwood Cuttings (7 Easy Steps)

40 Shrubs & Vines to Grow from Hardwood Cuttings

How to Root Pothos Cuttings

How to Grow Hydrangea from Cuttings

How to Grow Clematis from Cuttings

How to Grow African Violets from Leaf Cuttings

Prevent Pests Organically with Diatomaceous Earth Aug 04, 2020

It's used in all sorts of things from pool filters to kitty litter -- and in gardening diatomaceous earth is touted as an effective organic pesticide.

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How to Grow Bee Balm and Attract Pollinators Aug 01, 2020

It's a very popular garden flower from the mint family that not only adds vibrant colour to your garden, but also attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: How to Grow Bee Balm (Monarda) and Attract Pollinators

Tomatoes: The Most Popular Garden Veggie Jul 29, 2020

It's one of the most popular plants grown in gardens around the world -- and one of the biggest vegetable crops worldwide. But it wasn't always that way.

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Preventing Blossom-End Rot Jul 25, 2020

We'd all prefer a simple solution, but preventing blossom-end rot isn't as easy as adding calcium to your soil -- or even consistent watering.

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How to Get Rid of Japanese Beetles Jul 21, 2020

What can you do to avoid getting Japanese beetles in your garden -- or at least reduce the damage they do? And do traps do more harm than good?

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Japanese Beetles: The Basics Jul 18, 2020

They only live about 10-15% of their lives above ground, but as both larvae and adults, Japanese beetles can do a lot of damage to your garden.

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Is That a Bee? Or a Wasp? Jul 15, 2020

As much as we love them, most of us would have a hard time reliably picking bees out of a lineup.

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Which Bees Should We Worry About? Jul 12, 2020

Gardeners love bees and what they do for our gardens. But some bees get a lot more attention than others. And that may not be good for bees in general.

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Identifying and Treating Plant Disease Jul 09, 2020

Fungicides and other sprays. And can you really identify diseases from symptoms?

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Controlling Disease in Your Garden Jul 06, 2020

We're never going to stop them entirely, but what can we do to reduce our risk of losing plants to disease?

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Disease in Your Garden: The Challenges Jul 03, 2020

One of the big challenges with plant diseases is that the symptoms plants display can be the same for a variety of diseases. And there are thousands and thousands of plant diseases.

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Plant Diseases: A First Look Jun 30, 2020

Plant diseases take away from our enjoyment of gardening and undo our hard work. Before we can figure out how to avoid them, we need to understand what diseases are.

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Growing Lavender in Your Garden Jun 25, 2020

It's been a garden favorite for hundreds of years. And with about 40 species and hundreds of varieties, you can likely find one perfect for your garden.

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: Lavender Growing Tips and Easy Mistakes to Avoid

Stay Safe From the Sun While Gardening Jun 22, 2020

Gardeners spend a lot of time under the hot sun -- and UV rays are the main cause of skin cancer, sunburn and aging skin. What's the best way to stay safe?

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Companion Planting: Why the Skepticism? Jun 18, 2020

Science supports many of the principles of companion planting, but the specific companion plant recommendations you see everywhere are a different story.

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How Companion Planting Might Work Jun 15, 2020

Current evidence may be skimpy, but there's reason to think that there could be something to companion planting.

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Companion Planting: A First Look Jun 12, 2020

It's a gardening practice that has won a lot of supporters over the years -- and plenty of skeptics too. What is companion planting and how might it help in the garden?

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Removing Weeds From Your Garden Jun 09, 2020

When your prevention efforts fail -- and they will -- then what? It helps to know a few things about the weeds you're trying to remove.

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Don't Accidentally Add Weeds to Your Garden Jun 06, 2020

Weed seeds can sneak into your garden with anything you put in or on your soil. Also: one easy way to get rid of many weeds.

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How to Get Fewer Weeds Jun 02, 2020

You'll never prevent weeds from getting to your garden, but there are things you can do to reduce the number you get.

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Weeds in Your Garden May 30, 2020

Botanically, there's no such thing as weeds, but even the most upbeat gardener can get a little down in the dumps thinking about weeds they've done battle with.

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Is Biochar Right for Your Garden? May 27, 2020

It gets very impassioned recommendations as a way to help your garden and the earth. So what is biochar and should we be using it in our garden?

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Do You Need to Use Fertilizer? May 23, 2020

The two most important points for gardeners to know about plant nutrition and fertilizer.

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Fertilizers: Organic vs Synthetic May 20, 2020

When we want to add nutrients to our soil we can choose between organic fertilizer and synthetic fertilizer. So, what's the difference?

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Questionable Fertilizer Formulas May 17, 2020

For growing plants in soil, you cannot know what nutrients to add -- if any -- without knowing what's already there.

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Most Important Lesson on Nutrients May 14, 2020

If a particular nutrient is essential to plants and delivers great benefits, it may seem like you should be adding it to your soil. But there's a flaw in that thinking.

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Nutrients Your Plants Need to Thrive May 11, 2020

There are about 20 nutrients plants need, but only a handful that gardeners have to spend much time thinking about.

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Soil pH: Change It or Adapt to It? May 08, 2020

You want to know what your garden soil pH is, but -- as with soil texture -- it's not because you're going to change it.

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Why Ions are Critical to Plants May 05, 2020

You can't get far in understanding what's happening to your plants without a rudimentary understanding of ions ... which brings back some high school science.

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The Difference Between Annual and Perennial May 02, 2020

Annual awards come back every year. Annual plants don't. Gardeners soon learn the difference between annual and perennial, but it can be confusing.

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Growing Strawberries in Your Garden Apr 29, 2020

Reports say the sales of strawberry seeds are way up this year -- even though it takes some patience to start strawberries from seed.

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Get Your Seedlings Ready for Life Outdoors Apr 26, 2020

The move outdoors can be rough on seedlings. You need to help ease them into the harsher conditions of their new life outside.

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Mulch Volcanoes: A Gardener's Peeve Apr 23, 2020

Somebody must like those mulch piles at the base of trees -- you see them everywhere -- but gardening experts have a different opinion.

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How Mulch Benefits Your Garden Apr 20, 2020

From reducing weeds to keeping moisture in your soil, mulching provides a lot of advantages to your garden.

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Mulch in Your Garden: A First Look Apr 17, 2020

Mulch can seem like the parsley of gardening -- a nice garnish to add to the top. But it delivers some significant benefits.

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A Quick Look at Victory Gardens Apr 14, 2020

Lots of mentions of "victory gardens" in the news lately -- created in turbulent times when people in large numbers turned to vegetable gardening.

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How To Read Seed Packets Apr 11, 2020

They're a source of information you don't want to overlook. Many of the questions you'll have about growing from seeds are answered right on the packets.

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The Best Time to Sow Seeds Outdoors Apr 08, 2020

As daytime temperatures starting getting pretty nice, we start thinking about sowing seeds outdoors. But when is the time right?

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Avoid Overwatering Your Plants Apr 05, 2020

Many plants die every year from overwatering. It's one of the easiest ways to harm your plants -- as you're trying to help them.

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Should We Worry About Walnut Trees in the Garden? Apr 02, 2020

Something seems to be going on around walnut trees, but is it poison in the soil or something else?

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Do Walnut Trees Kill Other Plants? Mar 30, 2020

It's a question that's been asked for millennia. So you might reasonably think that we'd have a conclusive answer by now.

READ THE LATEST at Empress of Dirt: Make a Bluebird Nesting Box (Free Plans)

Getting to Know Hummingbirds Mar 27, 2020

Some fun facts about our little garden friends. For one, they're the only bird that can really hover ... but they can't walk.

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: 2020 Hummingbird Migration Map (Find Out When to Expect Them)

Hummingbirds Are On Their Way! Mar 24, 2020

In much of the U.S. and Canada, we will soon be welcoming hummingbirds back to our gardens. When will they arrive and how can we prepare?

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: 2020 Hummingbird Migration Map (Find Out When to Expect Them)

Plenty to Do in the Garden Mar 21, 2020

Spring is going to be different this year, but plants and birds will carry on as if nothing has happened and there's lots to keep you busy.

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: Fling Into Spring With The Spring Gardening Checklist

Fling Into Spring Mar 18, 2020

It may be the only good news we're getting this week, but it's the beginning of spring and gardens will soon be blooming.

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: Fling Into Spring With The Spring Gardening Checklist

What Can You Do About Soil Texture? Mar 15, 2020

Once you've tested your soil texture, you'll probably find out that it's less than ideal. What do you do next?

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: What's Your Soil Type? Try This Easy Test

How to Know Your Soil Texture Mar 12, 2020

Tiny bits of minerals in your soil are going to make a big difference in your garden -- and it's easy to find out your soil texture.

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: What's Your Soil Type? Try This Easy Test

What Determines Soil Texture? Mar 09, 2020

The size of tiny bits of minerals in your soil can make a big difference in your gardening.

READ THE LATEST from Empress of Dirt: 6 Tips for Growing Hollyhocks and Dealing With Rust

Soil: The Foundation of a Garden Mar 04, 2020

So much of the success of our garden depends on our soil -- a very thin layer where rocks, the atmosphere, living things and water all come together.

READ THE LATEST from Empress of Dirt: 10 Reasons Hardy Bulbs Like Tulips Will Not Bloom

Garden Bulb Basics Mar 01, 2020

We know that we plant bulbs in the ground to get new plants, but what are they, exactly?

READ THE LATEST from Empress of Dirt: The Beauty of the Fibonacci Sequence in the Garden

Extending the Longevity of Seeds Feb 27, 2020

There have been seeds that remained viable after more than 1,000 years, but we're usually happy with 5 or 6. How can we extend the life of seeds?

READ THE LATEST from Empress of Dirt: Germination Trick for Stubborn Delphinium Seeds

How to Avoid Damping-Off Feb 24, 2020

The best ways to improve your chances of avoiding damping-off -- and how basic plant care and seed starting mix help.

READ THE LATEST from Empress of Dirt: 40 Funny, Cute, Sarcastic and Sentimental Garden Signs

Damping-Off: Causes and Appearance Feb 21, 2020

It's the biggest threat your seedlings may face -- diseases caused by fungi and other pathogens in the soil.

READ THE LATEST from Empress of Dirt: How To Read Seed Packets (Tips for Beginners)

Watering Options for Seedlings Feb 18, 2020

Seedlings need water, but you can give them too much of a good thing.

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: Seed Starting for Beginners: Sow Inside Grow Outside

The Right Lights for Starting Seeds Feb 15, 2020

Even experienced gardeners can feel anxiety about all the choices for lighting, but it doesn't have to be that complicated.

Starting Seeds: Temperature and Planting Depth Feb 12, 2020

Continuing our look at what you need to provide your seeds in the stages leading up to germination.

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: Seed Starting for Beginners: Sow Inside Grow Outside

Starting Seeds Indoors: What Seeds Need Feb 09, 2020

Part one of a series on starting seeds indoors. We start off start off with a look at when to start seeds and what they need to germinate.

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: Seed Starting for Beginners: Sow Inside Grow Outside

Germination: Where Seeds Become Seedlings Feb 06, 2020

When we start plants from seeds, our first goal is germination. And it usually happens ... even though plants have developed a range of ways to block it.

READ MORE from Empress of Dirt: Seed Starting for Beginners: Sow Inside Grow Outside

Seeds: The Embryo of the Plant Feb 03, 2020

We know seeds are important for gardeners, but much of the world's nutrition also comes from seeds.

READ THE LATEST from Empress of Dirt: Seed Starting for Beginners: Sow Inside Grow Outside

How a Tomato is a Fruit and a Vegetable Jan 30, 2020

Some of our vegetables are fruits, most of the nuts we eat aren't nuts and our berries aren't berries -- but a tomato is.

READ THE LATEST from Empress of Dirt: Starting a Garden From Scratch (Yearly Photos)

How Flowering Plants Create Seeds Jan 28, 2020

Starting off a look at seeds: why they're important and how they form in most of the plants in your garden.

READ THE LATEST from Empress of Dirt: 40 Unique Container Gardening Ideas

Supporting Mycorrhizal Fungi in Your Soil Jan 27, 2020

What can you do in your garden to protect and encourage the mycorrhizal fungi in your soil?

READ THE LATEST from Empress of Dirt: How to Grow Citrus Trees from Seed (Easy Method)

Should You Buy Mycorrhizal Inoculants? Jan 24, 2020

They help most of the plants in your garden, but does that mean you should buy more mycorrhizal fungi to add to your soil?

READ THE LATEST from Empress of Dirt: The Beauty of the Fibonacci Sequence in the Garden

How Your Garden Benefits from Mycorrhiza Jan 21, 2020

Improving your plants' access to phosphorus and other nutrients is just one of many ways mycorrhizal fungi help your garden.

READ THE LATEST from Empress of Dirt: 25 Planter Ideas for Porches and Front Gardens

How Mycorrhizal Fungi Help Plants Grow Jan 18, 2020

Most of the plants in your garden benefit from a partnership with fungi in the soil -- something we want to protect as gardeners.

READ THE LATEST from Empress of Dirt: Starting a Garden From Scratch (Yearly Photos)

The Flower That Grows Entirely Underground Jan 15, 2020

A look at the very rare and endangered Rhizanthella -- the world's only underground flowers.

GET OUR FREE WINTER EMAIL SERIES from Empress of Dirt: Sign Up for Weekly Winter Whimsies

How to Push the Winter Blues Aside Jan 12, 2020

With the holiday season behind us, it's the time of year when gardeners can go a little stir crazy waiting for spring.

GET OUR FREE WINTER EMAIL SERIES from Empress of Dirt: Sign Up for Weekly Winter Whimsies

Does Wood Chip Mulch Steal Nitrogen from Your Soil? Jan 09, 2020

You'll hear it said a lot -- and also called a myth. We're skeptical, but trying to find good evidence proved disappointing.

READ THE LATEST at Empress of Dirt: 6 Creative Containers for Growing Strawberries

Nitrogen: The Most Important Nutrient for Your Plants Jan 06, 2020

Plants can't grow without it. And yet, despite the fact that nitrogen is everywhere, plants can still struggle to get enough of it.

READ THE LATEST at Empress of Dirt: Easy Winter Composting in a Cold Climate

Are Gardeners Happier than Non-Gardeners? Jan 03, 2020

Researchers in Texas found that gardeners score higher in some aspects of life satisfaction -- and stay more physically active.

READ THE LATEST at Empress of Dirt: How To Paint Shoes

Eating Healthier with a Keto Diet Dec 31, 2019

It's the time of year when many people think of ways to eat healthier in the new year. And that may include a low-carb keto diet.

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: How to Give Up Sugar with the Keto Lifestyle

Creative Ways to Reuse a Christmas Tree Dec 28, 2019

You could put your tree out for recycling -- or try one of the 25 creative projects from our list.

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: 25 Creative Ways to Reuse Christmas Trees

The Annual Christmas Bird Count Dec 25, 2019

It's a tradition that goes back over a century and now has 80,000 people participating across the western hemisphere.

READ THE LATEST from Empress of Dirt: Create a Garden Art Birdbath Planter

What Makes a Tree a Tree? Dec 22, 2019

We have them in our yards but may not know that much about trees and their history. And what is a tree, exactly?

READ THE LATEST from Empress of Dirt: 40 Unique Container Gardening Ideas

Grow Vegetables Indoors This Winter Dec 19, 2019

Winter is the time when gardeners can start to feel the blahs. But cheer up! You can still grow vegetables indoors.

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: Grow Vegetables Indoors (Easy Beginner's Guide)

Does Hairspray Help Christmas Trees Keep Needles? Dec 16, 2019

Does hairspray or antitranspirant spray really help Christmas trees keep their needles?

READ THE LATEST from Empress of Dirt: Homemade Peanut Butter Suet (Easy Recipe)

Keeping Your Christmas Tree Fresh Dec 11, 2019

There are all sorts of secret recipes out there, but caring for your tree is really pretty simple.

READ THE LATEST from Empress of Dirt: Easy Winter Composting in a Cold Climate

Some Tree Basics: Rings and Trunks Dec 08, 2019

We all know about tree rings, but there's a lot to know about trees and how they grow.

READ THE LATEST from Empress of Dirt: Wood Burning For Beginners (Easy Guide)

Can Poinsettias Rebloom Next Year? Dec 05, 2019

What can you do with your poinsettias after Christmas? Many end up in the garbage, but there are much better alternatives.

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: How to Make Poinsettia Bloom

Are Poinsettias Poisonous to Pets? Dec 02, 2019

This month, hundreds of people will post very considerate reminders that poinsettias are poisonous to pets. But how dangerous are they?

READ THE LATEST at Empress of Dirt: Easy Winter Composting in a Cold Climate

Gifts That Gardeners Will Use Nov 29, 2019

For gardeners on your Christmas gift list -- some ideas for practical gifts they'll enjoy.

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: 20 Essential Gifts for Garden Nerds

Thanksgiving: Celebrating the Fall Harvest Nov 26, 2019

Thursday is Thanksgiving in the U.S. -- the only holiday we have that's based, in part, on growing vegetables.

READ THE LATEST from Empress of Dirt: Homemade Peanut Butter Suet (Easy Recipe)

The State of the Garden Center Industry Nov 23, 2019

Most of us love our garden centers. An annual survey says most of them in the U.S. and Canada had a pretty good 2019.

READ THE LATEST from Empress of Dirt: Make Snowman Hot Chocolate Kits in Jars

Why Are There Many More Acorns Some Years? Nov 20, 2019

Lots of stories about how it's been a great year for acorns in many areas. Why is there so much variation from year to year?

READ THE LATEST from Empress of Dirt: How to Make Crispy Baked Veggie Snack Chips

Propagating Plants With Cuttings: A First Look Nov 17, 2019

Propagation from cuttings has become a hot topic in recent years. The best way to learn is to dive in. And a pothos is a great place to start.

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: How to Root Pothos Cuttings

Poppies: From Weed to Remembrance Icon Nov 14, 2019

Monday was the 100th anniversary of the first Remembrance Day. For almost that entire century, its main symbol hass been the poppy.

READ THE LATEST at Empress of Dirt: How to Make Crispy Baked Veggie Snack Chips

Keeping the World's Seeds Safe Nov 11, 2019

The Global Seed Vault is about 800 miles from the North Pole and keeps a million of the world's most important seeds safe.

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: The Global Seed Vault -- Safeguarding Food Seeds for the Future

Have Fresh Flowers Through Winter Nov 06, 2019

It's the end of the growing season, but by forcing bulbs indoors, you can still have fresh flowers in just a few weeks.

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: How to Force Flowering Bulbs Indoors and Get the Timing Just Right

Pumpkins: From Bitter Fruit to Fall Icon Nov 03, 2019

Pumpkins may have been the first cultivated plant in North and Central America -- nearly 10,000 years ago.

READ THE LATEST from Empress of Dirt: How to Grow Flower Bulbs for Beginner Gardeners

Keep Your Halloween Pumpkins Out of Landfill Oct 31, 2019

Every year at this time millions of pumpkins get thrown in the garbage. For gardeners, there's a simple alternative.

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: Are Halloween Pumpkins Edible?

Keep Pond Fish Safe in Freezing Weather Oct 28, 2019

Freezing temperatures are on the way -- what can you do to keep your pond fish alive and well through the winter?

READ THE LATEST at Empress of Dirt: Beginner Watercolor Painting with Painterly Days

Why Do Blue Jays Eat House Paint? Oct 23, 2019

In some areas, it's not rare to see blue jays appearing to eating paint. There's a good explanation.

SIGN UP for our fall email series at Empress of Dirt: Get Your Fall Garden Ideas and Turn Over a New Leaf

Why Are Some Falls More Colorful Than Others? Oct 20, 2019

Some years, the colors are more vibrant than others. Same trees, same place and time. Why so much variation?

SIGN UP for our fall email series at Empress of Dirt: Get Your Fall Garden Ideas and Turn Over a New Leaf

Why Do Leaves Change Color in the Fall? Oct 17, 2019

For a long time we had a good explanation for why leaves change colour. Now we're a little less certain.

SIGN UP for our fall email series at Empress of Dirt: Get Your Fall Garden Ideas and Turn Over a New Leaf

Extend the Life of Your Fruit with Dehydration Oct 14, 2019

Dehydration is a great way to have the fruit your harvested available to eat all through the winter.

SIGN UP for our fall email series at Empress of Dirt: Get Your Fall Garden Ideas and Turn Over a New Leaf

Where Do Hummingbirds Go For the Winter? Oct 09, 2019

For most of us in the U.S. and Canada, they've left our gardens and are heading toward Mexico and Central America.

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: 2019 Fall Hummingbird Migration

How to Hand-Feed Wild Birds Oct 06, 2019

Fall and winter provide the best opportunities to handfeed birds. How can you improve your chances of success?

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: How to Hand-Feed Wild Birds

Should You Plant Cover Crops in Your Garden? Oct 03, 2019

What are the benefits of cover crops -- and are they right for you?

Cover Crops in Your Home Garden Sep 30, 2019

What are cover crops -- and how can you use them in your garden?

When to Harvest Winter Squash Sep 25, 2019

What is winter squash and how can you tell when it's ready to be harvested?

Sign up for our free series of fall gardening ideas at Empress of Dirt: Get Your Fall Garden Ideas and Turn Over a New Leaf

How to Tell if a Watermelon is Ripe Sep 21, 2019

There's lots of advice out there about when to harvest your watermelons. What's practical for a home gardener?

Sign up for our free series of fall gardening ideas at Empress of Dirt: Get Your Fall Garden Ideas and Turn Over a New Leaf

Do Balanced Fertilizers Makes Sense For You? Sep 19, 2019

You hear lots of experts recommending balanced fertilizer -- but how do they know what your soil needs?

Rubber Mulch: Benefits and Toxicity Sep 16, 2019

A mulch that might last for decades! But it has drawbacks and there's still a lot we don't know.

Ripening Green Tomatoes Sep 11, 2019

Cooler temperatures are coming. Can you pick your tomatoes from the vine and have them ripen indoors?

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: 25 Fruits That Ripen After Picking (and Those That Don't)

The Controversy Around Peat in Gardening Sep 08, 2019

The use of peat in gardening has become a hot button issue. What damage does it do to the environment?

Is it Safe to Use Rainwater from the Roof in Your Garden? Sep 05, 2019

Contaminants get into water as it runs down your roof. Is it still okay to use in the garden?

Plastic Waste and Gardening Sep 02, 2019

Gardeners bring a lot of plastic home from the store and much of it doesn't get used for very long.

Plant Propagation: The Basics Aug 30, 2019

Part one of an occasional series of episodes on the basics of plant propagation. What is propagation?

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: Kitchen Propagation Handbook | 7 Fruits & Veggies to Regrow

Get Started on Plant Propagation Aug 27, 2019

The underlying science is complex, but you can quickly and easily get started creating your own houseplants.

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: Kitchen Propagation Handbook | 7 Fruits & Veggies to Regrow

Vermicomposting: Avoid Common Problems Aug 24, 2019

Vermicomposting isn't difficult -- lots of people are doing it. But there are things to watch out for.

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: How to Make a Worm Tower | In-Ground Composter

Best Worms for Vermicomposting Aug 21, 2019

Some worms are much better than others for vermicomposting. But there are tradeoffs.

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: How to Make a Worm Tower | In-Ground Composter

Why Use Vermicompost? Aug 19, 2019

A first look at worm composting. What it is and why it's good for your garden and the environment.

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: How to Make a Worm Tower | In-Ground Composter

Do Cold-Weather Carrots Taste Sweeter? Aug 16, 2019

Frost is a threat to plants. One of their responses is to free sugar stored as starch.

How to Stay Safe in the Sun Aug 14, 2019

Gardeners spend a lot of time under the hot sun. What's the best way to stay safe?

Is Sunscreen Safe to Use? Aug 12, 2019

U.S. regulators want more information about the safety of sunscreen ingredients. Is is still safe to use sunscreen?

Watering Tips for Your Garden Aug 07, 2019

Watering our gardens to do what's best for our plants while reducing our use of water.

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: 7 Smart Watering Tips for Home Gardeners

Why Plants Need Water Aug 04, 2019

Why is water so important to plants and what do they do with all this water?

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: 7 Smart Watering Tips for Home Gardeners

Water: Gardening's Essential Ingredient Aug 01, 2019

It covers the Earth but many people don't have enough. Part 1 of a look at water and watering.

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: 7 Smart Watering Tips for Home Gardeners

Does Watering in the Sun Burn Plants? Jul 29, 2019

Can you really burn the leaves of your plants by watering them in the midday sun?

Latin Names for Plants -- Pretentious or Useful? Jul 24, 2019

Scientific plant names can change, but they provide a precision you can't get with common names.

Growing Citrus Trees in Cooler Climates Jul 21, 2019

It takes some work, but you can grow citrus trees outside of tropical areas.

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: How to Grow Citrus Trees from Seed | Easy Method

How to Grow Citrus Trees From Seed Jul 18, 2019

Yes, you can save seeds from fruit you buy at the store and grow citrus trees from them.

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: How to Grow Citrus Trees from Seed | Easy Method

Poison Ivy on Skin -- What to Do Jul 15, 2019

Part two of our look at poison ivy -- how to avoid a rash if you touch it.

Poison Ivy and Why You Want to Avoid It Jul 10, 2019

Part one of our look at poison ivy -- what it is and what it can do to you if you touch it.

Do Plants Have Thoughts and Feelings? Jul 07, 2019

In a new opinion piece, biologists say plants have never had a need for consciousness.

Do Garden Center Plants Attract Pollinators? Jul 04, 2019

A UK study found most plants sold in local stores weren't particularly appealing to pollinators.

Get More Flowers This Year by Deadheading Jul 01, 2019

It can be daunting to take snips to your plants, but in no time it will be second-nature.

Best Plants to Attract Pollinators? Jun 28, 2019

You'll find lots of lists with plenty of different answers. But how good are these lists?

Can Blossom-End Rot be Avoided? Jun 25, 2019

It ruins lots of tomatoes every year. No shortage of suggestions, but is it so simple?

Ladybugs: Great in the Garden, But Not to Buy Jun 21, 2019

They do a fine job of killing pests like aphids, but there are good reasons not to buy them.

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: Myths and Facts About Ladybugs in Your Garden

Skunks in the Garden Jun 19, 2019

Skunks do some good in your garden, but can be a problem. And there is an effective treatment for skunk spray.

Best Ingredients for Potting Soil Mix Jun 16, 2019

What are some of the key ingredients that make potting soil so good for container gardening?

Related story at Empress of Dirt: 5 Recipes for Blending Your Own Soil Mixes

Is it Safe to Reuse Potting Mix? Jun 13, 2019

You don't want to throw it out and replacing it every year can be pricey. Can you reuse your potting mix?

Related story at Empress of Dirt: 5 Recipes for Blending Your Own Soil Mixes

Keep Ants Off Your Hummingbird Feeder Jun 10, 2019

An easy and inexpensive way to keep ants away from your hummingbird feeder. With a DIY option!

Read more at Empress of Dirt: Ants on Your Hummingbird Feeder? This DIY Moat Will Stop Them

Are Coffee Grounds a Danger to Your Garden? Jun 07, 2019

A popular new article says they're the last thing you should put in your garden. Are coffee grounds that bad?

Get Inspired by Garden Tours Jun 05, 2019

It's garden tour season! A great way to see all the creative things people in your area are doing with their gardens.

How to Attract Moths to Your Garden Jun 03, 2019

We talked about the benefits of moths in part 1. So how do you attract them to your garden?

Moths: Pollinators with a Bad Reputation May 30, 2019

Moths are lepidoptera, just like butterflies, but one gets much more love from gardeners than the other.

Why are Birds Pecking at Your Window? May 27, 2019

It can be annoying to have birds tapping on your window. Why are they doing it and can you get them to stop?

Soil Testing -- Lab vs Home Test Kit May 24, 2019

A lab test of your soil is more expensive and takes longer than a home test kit. Is it worth it?

Read more at Empress of Dirt: Soil Testing: Home Kits versus Lab

Soil Testing Options for Your Garden May 22, 2019

You decide to get your soil tested. Should you use a lab or a DIY home test kit?

Read more at Empress of Dirt: Soil Testing: Home Kits versus Lab

Should You Get Your Garden Soil Tested? May 20, 2019

It's often suggested that we get our garden soil tested. Most of us don't, but should we?

Read more at Empress of Dirt: Soil Testing: Home Kits versus Lab

What is pH and Why is it Important? May 17, 2019

pH is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions -- why is this important for gardeners?

Are Tastier Tomatoes on the Way? May 15, 2019

No more bland store-bought tomatoes! Or so says a new story out this week.

Do Oils, Candles, Plants Keep Mosquitoes Away? May 13, 2019

Final part of a series on mosquitoes: If you're looking to avoid repellents, you're rolling the dice with alternatives.

Four Proven Mosquito Repellents May 10, 2019

Part 3 of a series on mosquitoes: The repellents that research shows are effective.

Alternatives to DEET in the Garden May 08, 2019

Part 2 of a series on mosquitoes: DEET is effective and safe, but some people prefer alternatives.

Gardening Without Mosquito Bites May 06, 2019

Starting a series on mosquitoes and what we can do so they're less of a problem for us in the garden.

Dubious Method for Weed Control May 02, 2019

Scientists gave a thumbs up to hot water with an extract from coconut and corn oils. We're skeptical.

Backyard Farming ... in 1889! Apr 29, 2019

Charles Barnard's "My Handkerchief Garden" is a pioneering and fun look at backyard farming.

What to Do if You Find Bones in Your Garden Apr 26, 2019

You're digging in your garden and you come across some bones. Are they human? What do you do?

Were Vegetables More Nutritious in the Past? Apr 23, 2019

Did fruits and vegetables have more minerals and vitamins in our great-grandparents' days?

Is Gardening as Good as Going to the Gym? Apr 19, 2019

It's a story that's been all over the Internet this week. But is it true?

Do Feeders Increase Bird-Window Collisions? Apr 17, 2019

Some say our feeders kill birds by luring them toward windows. What's the evidence?

Reducing Bird-Window Collisions Apr 14, 2019

Millions of birds die every year after crashing into windows. Can we lower those numbers?

Are People Oblivious to Plants? Apr 11, 2019

Is "plant blindness" a serious problem or just botanists getting puffed up? Or both?

Should You be Gardening by the Moon? Apr 07, 2019

Lots of people enjoy moon gardening. Should you be joining them?

Can Gardening Help our Memory as We Get Older? Apr 04, 2019

New research shows the potential for gardening to improve memory in seniors.

Do Pine Needles Make Soil Acidic? Apr 01, 2019

Every now and then, you still see it suggested as a way to reduce soil pH. Does it work?

Do Marigolds Help Tomatoes? Mar 29, 2019

Companion planting sounds like it could work, but demonstrating it has been challenging.

Get Ready for Hummingbirds! Mar 26, 2019

They're on the way in much of the U.S./Canada -- when can you expect to see them and how can you get ready?

See the 2019 migration map at Empress of Dirt: 2019 Hummingbird Migration Map | Find Out When to Expect Them

Spring Checklist - Time to Get Started! Mar 23, 2019

So many things you've been thinking about doing in the garden this year, and now the time has come!

Get the Full Spring Checklist at Empress of Dirt: Spring Gardening Checklist | Free Printable

A Butterfly's Astonishing Migration Mar 20, 2019

Butterflies have putting on quite a show in California this week -- possibly a billion of them.

Our Favorite Gardening TV Show Mar 15, 2019

It's the 30th anniversary of Gardening Australia -- which is easy to find no matter where you live.

Do Hummingbird Feeders Spread Disease? Mar 14, 2019

Recent stories may make you think the answer is no. It isn't.

How to Change the Color of Hydrangea Mar 11, 2019

No, not with coffee grounds or rusty nails or pennies ... but there is a metal involved.

Read our detailed guide to hydrangea at Empress of Dirt: How to Identify and Prune Your Hydrangea

Should You Use Compost Tea in Your Garden? Mar 08, 2019

Wrapping up our three-episode series -- can we come to a conclusion about compost tea's effectiveness?

The Compost Tea Debate - Part 2 Mar 06, 2019

There are challenges in studying compost tea and it's not surprising there's disagreement.

The Compost Tea Debate - Part 1 Mar 04, 2019

Maybe people swear by it, others say it's overhyped at best and even lump it it with garden myths.

Can Plants Solve Air Pollution in the Home? - Part 3 Feb 28, 2019

New research shows plants can remove dangerous chemicals from the air -- after being genetically modified.

Read more at Empress of Dirt: Do Houseplants Really Purify the Air? Spoiler Alert: No

Plants as Air Purifiers - Part 2 Feb 25, 2019

Do you only need 15-20 plants to clean the air in your house ... or is it more like 700?

Read more at Empress of Dirt: Do Houseplants Really Purify the Air? Spoiler Alert: No

Do Plants Remove Chemicals from Our Air? Feb 22, 2019

It's been talked about for decades but are houseplants really natural air fresheners?

Read more at Empress of Dirt: Do Houseplants Really Purify the Air? Spoiler Alert: No

Is it Safe to Eat Sprouting Onions? Feb 19, 2019

Are onions with sprouts okay to eat? The sprouts too? Or should we just throw the whole thing out?

Read more at Empress of Dirt: How to Regrow Sprouted Onion Bulbs | Are They Safe to Eat?

Keeping Birds Safer from Cats in the Garden Feb 16, 2019

CatBibs, bells, and other ways to reduce the number of birds killed by pet cats.

Should Cats Roam Free? Feb 13, 2019

Cats kill millions of birds every year. Should we let them in our gardens and yards?

How Frost Harms Gardens Feb 11, 2019

We may not like it, but frost definitely plays an influential role in gardening.

'Days to Harvest' May Not Mean What Beginners Think Feb 08, 2019

It's printed on seed packets and sounds clear, but at best it's only a rough guide.

Read our detailed guide to starting seeds at Empress of Dirt: Seed Starting for Beginners: Sow Inside, Grow Outside

FAQ - Starting Seeds Indoors for Beginners Feb 06, 2019

Some frequently asked questions about starting seeds indoors with grow lights.

Read our detailed guide at Empress of Dirt: Seed Starting for Beginners: Sow Inside, Grow Outside

Starting Seeds Indoors in Winter Feb 04, 2019

Get a jumpstart on spring and start growing the plants you want now, indoors.

Read our detailed guide at Empress of Dirt: Seed Starting for Beginners: Sow Inside, Grow Outside

How Do Birds Survive the Cold? Feb 01, 2019

It's been extremely cold in much of North America this week. How do the birds get by?

Read more at Empress of Dirt: How Wild Birds Survive the Cold

Do Plants Hear Water? Jan 30, 2019

Can plants extend their roots toward the sound of water?

Can Plants Hear? Jan 28, 2019

New research suggests that plants can not only hear, they can respond to sounds quickly.

How to Make DIY Beeswax Wraps Jan 25, 2019

They've become very popular as an alternative to plastic cling wrap. We've got a step-by-step guide.

Read more at Empress of Dirt: How to Make Beeswax Wraps | Plastic-Free Food Storage

Is it Okay to Feed Birds? Jan 23, 2019

Millions of people feed tons of food to birds each year -- is it helpful or harmful?

Read more at Empress of Dirt: How to Choose the Right Birdseed for Backyard Birds and Avoid Feeder Problems

Which Bird Feeders Attract Birds Jan 21, 2019

As with seeds, different bird species prefer different kinds of feeders.

Read more at Empress of Dirt: How to Choose the Right Birdseed for Backyard Birds and Avoid Feeder Problems

Best Bird Seed Mix Jan 18, 2019

To attract the most birds, you'll want a mix of seeds. Here are six to try and one to avoid.

Read more at Empress of Dirt: How to Choose the Right Birdseed for Backyard Birds and Avoid Feeder Problems

Best and Worst Bird Seed Jan 16, 2019

Different birds prefer different seeds, but some are much more liked than others.

Read more at Empress of Dirt: How to Choose the Right Birdseed for Backyard Birds and Avoid Feeder Problems

Gardeners Love Feeding Birds Jan 13, 2019

It's one of the most popular ways that people interact with wild animals.

Benefits of Gardening - New Research Jan 10, 2019

Whether solitary or social, there's something for you in gardening -- from new university research.

Legionnaires' Disease from Potting Mix? Jan 07, 2019

It's a story that's been making the rounds. Some gardeners are skeptical. Is it legit?

Planning the Year Ahead with Seed Catalogs Jan 01, 2019

Seed catalogs have been part of the gardener's planning process for over a century.

Read more at Empress of Dirt: The History of Seed & Nursery Catalogs for Gardeners

Reusing Your Christmas Tree Dec 26, 2018

You could just put the tree out for recycling -- or try one of the creative projects we've listed.

Read more at Empress of Dirt: 25 Creative Ways to Reuse Christmas Trees

Keeping Your Christmas Tree Fresh Dec 23, 2018

Lots of water? YES! Bleach? NO! Antitranspirant sprays? Probably not.

Do Gardening Anecdotes Make Good Evidence? Dec 20, 2018

Lots of gardeners swear by techniques they say work for them. How convinced should you be?

Poinsettias: Keeping them Year-Round (and No, Not Poisonous) Dec 18, 2018

You can keep poinsettias through the year. And they aren't going to kill you or your pets.

Read more at Empress of Dirt: How to Grow Poinsettias Indoors and Make Them Rebloom

Christmas Cactus: What are They and How to Help Them Bloom Dec 15, 2018

Looking at Christmas and Thanksgiving cacti and how to encourage blooming.

Read more at Empress of Dirt: Holiday Cactus Care and Blooming Tips

Growing More in Less Space with Vertical Gardening Dec 12, 2018

A new book -- Vertical Vegetables by Amy Andrychowicz -- will help you build your garden upward.

Read more at Empress of Dirt: Life as a Gardener in Minneapolis | Get Busy Gardening

Are Native Plants Better for Gardens? Dec 09, 2018

What are native plants and are they always better for our gardens?

Native vs Non-Native: A First Look Dec 06, 2018

Many resources have been devoted to removing nonnatives, but it's not as straightforward as it may seem.

Fixing a Smelly Compost Pile Dec 04, 2018

Why does my compost pile smell so bad? It shouldn't -- and it can be fixed.

Gift Ideas for the Garden Nerd Dec 01, 2018

There'll be a lot of gifts being given over the next few weeks. If you're looking for ideas, we have some!

Read more at Empress of Dirt: 20 Essential Gifts For Garden Nerds

How to Keep Composting in Winter Nov 28, 2018

Yes, you can keep composting over the winter, even if you live somewhere with freezing temperatures.

Read more at Empress of Dirt: Easy Winter Composting in a Cold Climate

Compost for Your Garden: Getting the Right Brown-Green Mix Nov 26, 2018

Three greens for one brown! Or is that three browns for one green? Two? Or is it 30 to 1?

Compost for Your Garden: Browns and Greens Nov 23, 2018

One of the key ways we manage our compost pile is making sure we get a good mix of carbon and nitrogen.

Read more at Empress of Dirt: Composting 101: Slow & Fast Methods

Compost for Your Garden: An Introduction Nov 20, 2018

Nutrients for your plants and better soil structure for your garden, thanks mostly to bacteria.

Read more at Empress of Dirt: Composting 101: Slow & Fast Methods

Growing Vegetables in Your Garden Year-Round Nov 16, 2018

Even in colder climates, you can have fresh veggies from your garden in the winter.

Read more at Empress of Dirt: How To Grow Vegetables Outdoors in The Winter

Do Homemade Rooting Hormones Work? Nov 13, 2018

Honey and willow water are often suggested as rooting hormones. But do they work? And why would you try them?

Are Avocado Seeds Safe to Eat? Nov 10, 2018

Avocados are very popular, but the seeds usually get thrown out. Is eating them a good idea?

Read more at Empress of Dirt: Are Avocado Seeds Safe to Eat?

Are Banana Peels Good for the Garden? Nov 07, 2018

Banana peels are a good addition to compost, like many other kitchen scraps.

Read more at Empress of Dirt: Are Banana Peels Good for the Garden?

Is Baking Soda Safe in the Garden? Nov 04, 2018

There are better, safer alternatives to get any benefits baking soda may provide.

Coffee Grounds in the Garden - Myth and Reality Nov 01, 2018

Coffee grounds can be used in the garden but may provide fewer benefits than you've heard.

Read more at Empress of Dirt: Are Coffee Grounds Good for the Garden?

Dish Soap -- Safe for the Garden? Oct 29, 2018

Dish soap is often recommended for use in the garden, but how safe is it?

Read more at Empress of Dirt: Is Dish Soap Safe for the Garden?

Is Salt Safe for the Garden? Oct 26, 2018

Is salt environmentally safe and harmless in your garden?

Read more at Empress of Dirt: Is Salt a Good Weed Killer? What to Know First

Does Vinegar Kill Weeds? Oct 23, 2018

Is household vinegar really a harmless and effective herbicide?

Read more at Empress of Dirt: Does Vinegar Really Kill Weeds?

Too Late to Plant Trees this Fall? Oct 20, 2018

Fall is a great time for planting trees, but when is it too cold and too late in the season?

Read more at Empress of Dirt: When is it too Late to Plant Trees in Fall?

Too Late to Plant Bulbs this Fall? Oct 18, 2018

The nights are starting to get colder and we're coming to that time of year when gardeners ask: when is it too late to plant my bulbs?

Read more at Empress of Dirt: How Nature Tells Us It's Fall Bulb Planting Time

Are Halloween Pumpkins Edible? Oct 16, 2018

Halloween is nearly here and always brings the question: can I eat my Halloween pumpkin?

Read more at Empress of Dirt: Are Halloween Pumpkins Edible?

Bee Hotels in the Garden Oct 13, 2018

They've become increasingly popular but may take a little more instruction and effort than you expect.

Choosing Garden Seeds: Heirloom Seeds Oct 11, 2018

Everybody loves heirlooms, although there are different ideas about how the term should be applied.

Choosing Garden Seeds: Organic Seeds Oct 09, 2018

What does it mean to be an organic seed? Do organic seeds result in organic plants?

Choosing Garden Seeds: Hybrid Seeds Oct 06, 2018

Hybrids don't have the best PR among seeds, but they can provide traits you're just not going to find in plants grown from open-pollinated seeds.

Planting Fall Mums as Perennials Oct 04, 2018

Chrysanthemums are a fall icon, but if you plant them in your garden now will they survive the winter?

Read more at Empress of Dirt: How to Plant Hardy Mums Outdoors as Year-Round Perennials

Choosing Garden Seeds: Open-Pollinated Seeds Oct 02, 2018

Continuing our look at different types of seeds that you can buy -- or in this case even produce your own, because today we're looking at open-pollinated seeds.

Choosing Garden Seeds: GMO Seeds Sep 29, 2018

Whether you're opposed to them or would love to try them, it doesn't matter--you can't have them.

Do Pot Shards and Gravel Improve Drainage? Sep 27, 2018

It was common practice to place coarse materials at the bottom of pots. An interesting example of how gardening advice can evolve over time.

Using Fall Leaves as Mulch and Compost Sep 24, 2018

Most of us used to rake and bag our leaves in the fall, but there are better alternatives for our garden.

Read more at Empress of Dirt: 5 Excellent Reasons to Stop Bagging Fall Leaves

First Look at Bees Sep 21, 2018

Many of us work to attract bees to our garden, but what do we really know about them?

Fall Pruning Plan Sep 19, 2018

Fall is a perfect time to examine your garden and come up with a pruning plan for the coming months.

Read more at Empress of Dirt: What to Prune in Fall and What Should Wait

Invasive Earthworms: Gardener's Friends, Forests' Foes Sep 16, 2018

Gardeners love earthworms, but scientists looking at their effect on our forests are much less likely to praise them.

Read more at Empress of Dirt: Are Earthworms Truly Good for Our Gardens?

Hummingbird Feeders in the Fall Sep 13, 2018

Hummingbird feeders in the fall -- do you need to take them down or risk disrupting their migration?

Read more at Empress of Dirt: When to Stop Feeding Hummingbirds in Fall

Does Talking to Plants Help Them Grow? Sep 10, 2018

Talking to plants -- lots of people do it and some insist that it helps plants grow. Is there evidence to support this?

Read more at Empress of Dirt: Does Talking to Plants Really Help Them Grow?

Rooftop Farms: Growing Food in Cities Sep 07, 2018

Rooftop farms are becoming increasingly popular in cities around the world as a way to grow food in dense cities without requiring the use of any new land.

Night Lighting Sep 04, 2018

There's a lot more light at night now than ever before. What effect can this have on plants, insects and the entire garden ecosystem?

Digging or No Digging? Aug 31, 2018

Digging, no-digging, double-digging -- it's a contentious issue in gardening circles with many people holding quite emphatic views on all sides.

The Danger of Overwatering Aug 29, 2018

We tend to be so anxious about making sure our garden gets enough water that it's easy to forget you can go too far the other way.

Read more at Empress of Dirt: Wilted Plants? You Could Be Overwatering

Are Epsom Salts Good for Plants? Aug 27, 2018

The internet is filled with articles about how geat Epsom salts are for your garden, but is there any evidence that this is true?

Read more at Empress of Dirt: Are Epsom Salts Good for Plants or a Garden Myth?

Japanese Beetles: How They Got Here, What Can Be Done Aug 24, 2018

They're chewing up plants from coast to coast in the U.S. and Canada. Is there anything you can do about it?

Read more at Empress of Dirt: How to Catch Japanese Beetles

Benefits of Joining a Fruit Sharing Program Aug 21, 2018

Fruit sharing has become increasingly popular, both as a way to reduce food waste and to help city dwellers feel more connected to the food they eat.

Read more at Empress of Dirt: Join a Local Fruit Sharing Program

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