<description>&lt;p&gt;We always used to be able to say that there were no GMO garden seeds. That's still true in most of the world but, in the U.S., gardeners can now buy seeds for the genetically engineered, high-antioxidant Purple Tomato.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEW FROM Empress of Dirt:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href="https://empressofdirt.net/reuse-potting-soil/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;What to Know Before Reusing Old Potting Mix&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

We always used to be able to say that there were no GMO garden seeds. That's still true in most of the world but, in the U.S., gardeners can now buy seeds for the genetically engineered, high-antioxidant Purple Tomato.

The Purple Tomato: The First GMO Garden Seed

<description>&lt;p&gt;A recent study claimed that urban-grown fruits and vegetables had a carbon footprint six times that of those from conventional farms. Rants ensued.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEW FROM Empress of Dirt:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href="https://empressofdirt.net/help-monarchs/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;Monarch Butterflies: How Gardeners Can Truly Help&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

A recent study claimed that urban-grown fruits and vegetables had a carbon footprint six times that of those from conventional farms. Rants ensued.

Does Garden-Grown Produce Have A High Carbon Footprint?

<description>&lt;p&gt;For the last 15 years, gardeners have been told that soil acts like an antidepressant, thanks to a particular bacterium. Is there anything to it?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEW FROM Empress of Dirt:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href="https://empressofdirt.net/winter-sowing-methods/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;Winter Sowing: Two Reliable Methods for Outdoor Seed Starting&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

For the last 15 years, gardeners have been told that soil acts like an antidepressant, thanks to a particular bacterium. Is there anything to it?

Does Touching Soil Make Us Happier?

<description>&lt;p&gt;It can do great things on farms, but does crop rotation make sense in a garden? What are the benefits claimed for crop rotation, and can we get those same benefits in easier ways?&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEW FROM Empress of Dirt:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href="https://empressofdirt.net/easy-winter-composting/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;How To Compost In The Winter (Easy Method)&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

It can do great things on farms, but does crop rotation make sense in a garden? What are the benefits claimed for crop rotation, and can we get those same benefits in easier ways?

Do Gardeners Need Crop Rotation?

<description>&lt;p&gt;Do nutrients really specialize in one aspect of plant growth, like roots or shoots? Why adding more of one nutrient to your soil, like a phosphorus-heavy bloom booster, often doesn't provide any benefit.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;NEW FROM Empress of Dirt:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;a href="https://empressofdirt.net/poinsettia-care-reblooming/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"&gt;Growing Poinsettias: Year-Round Care &amp; Reblooming Guide&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Do nutrients really specialize in one aspect of plant growth, like roots or shoots? Why adding more of one nutrient to your soil, like phosphorus-heavy bloom boosters, often don't provide any benefit.

Plant Nutrients (Part 4): "Up, Down, All Around" and the Phosphorus Myth

Bite-sized informative updates on gardening basics, solutions, myths, news and other subjects of interest to gardeners both new and experienced. From the popular Empress of Dirt website (empressofdirt.net), home of creative and frugal ideas for your backyard garden.

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

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