Mycorrhizal Fungi in the Garden -- Our own "Wood-Wide Web"?
Two Minutes in the Garden
We can't see them, but mycorrhizal fungi are growing in or on the roots of most of the plants in our garden, helping them get nutrients -- and likely providing connections between our plants. NEW FROM Empress of Dirt:
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What Is Phenology -- and Why It Matters
Two Minutes in the Garden
Phenology is the seasonal timing of events in plants and animals -- when things bloom, leaf out, set seed, fruit, and so on. We can't make plans in the garden without it, and it's steadily changing with warmer temperatures. NEW FROM Empress of Dirt:
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Attracting Fireflies to Your Garden: What They Need
Two Minutes in the Garden
Fireflies are a summertime icon for many people, especially in North America. What are they and what can we do to attract fireflies and support them in our garden? NEW FROM Empress of Dirt:
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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:
info_outlineSpring 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