Keeping carbon out of the air and in our garden can help the environment, but can we keep carbon sequestered and have healthy soil at the same time?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Grow an Oak Tree From an Acorn (Step By Step)

Carbon sequestration is one way our plants help the environment -- by taking carbon out of the air and holding on to it or putting it in the soil.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Soil Calculator (Mulch, Compost, & Potting Mix Too)

They aren't the world's fastest-growing trees, but you can start with an acorn and -- with some patience -- end up with a tree that supports a diverse range of wildlife in your garden.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Mid-Summer Garden Tasks: What To Do Now

Oak trees not only look great, they support a diverse range of birds, insects and other wildlife, as well as microorganisms in the soil.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How To Grow Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine (& Creative Display Ideas)

Downy mildew can spoil the appearance of many plants, reduce yields of fruits and vegetables, and sometimes even kill plants. What can we do to avoid it?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Simple Seed Guide: From Hybrids to Heirlooms

Plants can detect changes in the length of the day as seasons change. Some will only flower -- or can't flower -- when daylight reaches a certain length.

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: Annuals & Perennials: What’s The Difference?

There are lots of plants to choose from for almost any amount of sunlight outdoors, but you have to match the right plant with the right area in your garden.

MORE FROM Empress of Dirt: 25 Vegetables You Can Grow in Shade

For decades, baits have been a popular way to deal with slugs, but there are concerns about their impact on wildlife and the environment. Do any of the suggested home remedy alternatives work?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: 10 Beginner Garden Tips That Avoid Bloopers (Great & Small)

Slugs can cause a lot of damage to plants like hostas and lettuce and many others. Is there anything we can do to stop them?

NEW FROM Empress of Dirt: How To Scarify Seeds Before Sowing For Better Germination Rates

There's been an outbreak in avian flu this year in much of North America. Do our bird feeders increase the risk of spreading the disease?

MORE FROM Empress of Dirt: How to Choose the Best Birdseed