Seasonal Garden Tips — Empress of Dirt

2026 Spring Gardening Checklist (Free Printable)

Melissa J. Will — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 21:35:28 +0000

Use this spring gardening checklist to get your garden in shape as the days become warmer and longer. While some tasks should wait until after last frost, there are plenty of things to do now.

Year-At-a-Glance Garden Checklist (What To Get Done Each Season)

Melissa J. Will — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 22:11:13 +0000

Follow along with this helpful garden job list to know what to get done month by month through each season. Includes tasks, tips, and tutorials for cold climate gardeners in the United States and Canada (hardiness zones 4 to 8).

What to Prune in Winter (Trees, Shrubs, & Vines)

Melissa J. Will — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 21:51:49 +0000

There are many trees and shrubs to prune in late winter while the plants are still dormant and before the warmer weather returns. I’ve included a plant checklist to save for future reference.

The Complete Guide to Winter Sowing Seeds: Tips & Timing

Melissa J. Will — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 18:17:24 +0000

Winter sowing is a popular new way to start seeds outdoors in jugs or containers for spring sprouting—perfect for a variety of plants.

How To Compost In The Winter (Easy Method)

Melissa J. Will — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 21:25:18 +0000

You can compost year-round in a cold climate with the right setup. I keep my kitchen scraps all winter here in Ontario (zone 6-ish), and even though everything freezes solid for months, it still pays off in spring. This guide covers exactly how I keep it simple, animal-proof, and low-effort.

Fall Tasks For Your Best Ever Spring Garden

Melissa J. Will — Sat, 09 Aug 2025 18:39:21 +0000

Spring beauty starts in fall. See what you can do now to give your garden a jump-start for the season ahead.

Why No Mow May Doesn’t Cut It—And What You Can Do Instead

Melissa J. Will — Sat, 05 Apr 2025 18:13:44 +0000

It's a catchy name that's attracted a lot of gardeners, but No Mow May isn't the best way to help pollinators. Find out what gardeners can do instead to support bees and the ecosystem all year-round.

How to Cut & Display Pussy Willow Branches Indoors

Melissa J. Will — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 21:48:18 +0000

Unlike other spring branches we force to bloom indoors, pussy willows should be kept dry after cutting to preserve their soft, fuzzy catkins.

How & When to Bring Plants Inside: Timing & Debugging Tips

Melissa J. Will — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 08:26:00 +0000

Want to bring plants indoors without the bugs? Find out the best way to debug your plants along with the recommended timing and temperatures for a smooth transition.

Midsummer Garden Tasks: What To Do Before Fall

Melissa J. Will — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 09:38:00 +0000

With early summer behind us, midsummer is ideal for garden upkeep and fall prep. Priorities include watering, seed sowing, taking cuttings, composting, and pest control.