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 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)

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.

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)

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)

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)

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

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

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

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