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: August Garden Checklist: Tasks & DIY Projects

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: July Garden Checklist: Tasks & DIY Projects

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: How to Root Pothos Cuttings

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: Why Hummingbirds Are Avoiding Your Feeders

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: Why Your Compost Pile Stinks & How to Fix It

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: Tips for Creating a Wildlife Pond & 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: 10 Surprisingly Simple Garden Tips You Might Be Overlooking

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: How to Control Weeds Without Herbicides

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: How to Propagate Orchids at Home

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: DIY Bee House Using Scrap Lumber