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

READ THE LATEST from Empress of Dirt: 1-2-3 Seed Starting Plan for Vegetable Gardens

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

READ THE LATEST at Empress of Dirt: How to Grow Vegetables in Containers (Start Here)

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.

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: How To Read Seed Packets (Tips for Beginners)

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

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: Best Soil Temperatures for Sowing Seeds

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.

READ THE LATEST at Empress of Dirt: Gardening With Kids: 35 Playful & Practical Ideas

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

READ THE LATEST at Empress of Dirt: Gardening With Kids: 35 Playful & Practical Ideas

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)

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)

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)

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