Two Minutes in the Garden: Gardening Tips, Science, Myths - Test

Once you've tested your soil texture, you'll probably find out that it's less than ideal. What do you do next?

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: What's Your Soil Type? Try This Easy Test

Tiny bits of minerals in your soil are going to make a big difference in your garden -- and it's easy to find out your soil texture.

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: What's Your Soil Type? Try This Easy Test

The size of tiny bits of minerals in your soil can make a big difference in your gardening.

READ THE LATEST from Empress of Dirt: 6 Tips for Growing Hollyhocks and Dealing With Rust

So much of the success of our garden depends on our soil -- a very thin layer where rocks, the atmosphere, living things and water all come together.

READ THE LATEST from Empress of Dirt: 10 Reasons Hardy Bulbs Like Tulips Will Not Bloom

We know that we plant bulbs in the ground to get new plants, but what are they, exactly?

READ THE LATEST from Empress of Dirt: The Beauty of the Fibonacci Sequence in the Garden

There have been seeds that remained viable after more than 1,000 years, but we're usually happy with 5 or 6. How can we extend the life of seeds?

READ THE LATEST from Empress of Dirt: Germination Trick for Stubborn Delphinium Seeds

The best ways to improve your chances of avoiding damping-off -- and how basic plant care and seed starting mix help.

READ THE LATEST from Empress of Dirt: 40 Funny, Cute, Sarcastic and Sentimental Garden Signs

It's the biggest threat your seedlings may face -- diseases caused by fungi and other pathogens in the soil.

READ THE LATEST from Empress of Dirt: How To Read Seed Packets (Tips for Beginners)

Seedlings need water, but you can give them too much of a good thing.

READ MORE at Empress of Dirt: Seed Starting for Beginners: Sow Inside Grow Outside

Even experienced gardeners can feel anxiety about all the choices for lighting, but it doesn't have to be that complicated.