Are Synthetic Fertilizers From Fossil Fuels? Do We Need Them?
Two Minutes in the Garden
Half the world now depends on synthetic fertilizers for food. But do we need them in the garden? And are they really derived from fossil fuels? NEW FROM Empress of Dirt:
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Peat in Gardening: What's the Problem?
Two Minutes in the Garden
Peat has been a gardening staple for decades -- but at what cost? With growing concerns over climate and ecosystems, is it time we rethink our use of peat? NEW FROM Empress of Dirt:
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Overpotting: Should You Pot Up or Go Big?
Two Minutes in the Garden
Is overpotting just an old gardening myth we're still clinging to? Is potting up no longer needed? Some research suggests bigger pots might be better -- but it may not be that simple. NEW FROM Empress of Dirt:
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Noticing Nature: From Gardener to Naturalist
Two Minutes in the Garden
You may already be a wildlife gardener, but might you be interested in taking the next step in developing your curiosity about garden wildlife and becoming a naturalist? Inspired by Menno Schilthuizen's new book, The Urban Naturalist. NEW FROM Empress of Dirt:
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Do Gravel Layers in Pots Improve Drainage?
Two Minutes in the Garden
It's been a hotly debated issue for years: does it improve drainage in your containers if you first add a layer of gravel or some other course material to the bottom? Some new research puts it to the test. NEW FROM Empress of Dirt:
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Can Weeds Reveal Soil Secrets?
Two Minutes in the Garden
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:
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Should You Water Plants with Ice Cubes?
Two Minutes in the Garden
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:
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Are High Brix Levels the Key to Pest-Free Plants?
Two Minutes in the Garden
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:
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Ants in the Garden: Harmful or Beneficial?
Two Minutes in the Garden
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:
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Vermicomposting -- It's Different From Regular Composting
Two Minutes in the Garden
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:
info_outlineYou 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