Basics

Whether you're new to gardening or experienced, everyone needs some gardening basics to get going!

In this category, you'll find a wealth of information that spans a wide number of topics. From seed starting to grow bag gardening, pruning tips to raised bed tricks, you'll find the fundamentals of gardening awaiting you here.

While it's optimized towards new gardeners, even a pro can find useful tips in our Basics category. We all need to get back to basics sometimes, and there are always useful tools and tips that other gardeners have developed along the way to add to your own practices.

Our Basics category can inspire you to new gardening heights, too. Those who have experience with in-ground planting can learn about other techniques such as raised beds or vertical gardening.

Marigold plants in a raised bed have feathery, dark green leaves and produce bright, rounded flower heads in vibrant hues of orange, yellow, and red, with a ruffled texture.

Raised Bed Gardening

19 Best Raised Bed Garden Plants for Hot Climates

Not sure which raised bed plants can beat the heat? Whether you’re in a hot climate zone or just notice that your area is subject to more and more heat waves each year, planning raised beds around high temps is a good idea. Plant biologist Emily Estep will walk you through some solid choices for raised bed garden plants in hot climates.

Three vibrant ladybugs, red and black, clustered together on a green leaf, their tiny, delicate bodies contrasting against the verdant backdrop.

Gardening Inspiration

11 Ways You Can Help Reverse Insect Decline in Your Garden

Insect decline may seem like a good thing (less mosquitoes and pests, right?) but it is actually a major threat to our ecosystems. Over 97% of insects are beneficial, but we are losing them at a rapid rate. In this article, former organic farmer Logan Hailey explains simple ways to welcome “good guy” insects into your garden, increasing biodiversity and ecosystem services.

A woman waters a newly planted conifer tree in a well-maintained garden, with vibrant green grass and surrounding foliage visible in the background.

Gardening Tips

Shallow vs. Deep Watering: Which is Best for Irrigation?

One of the most remarkable aspects of gardening is that each one is different from the next, suited to gardeners’ needs, tastes, aesthetics, climate, and general style. The same goes for how people water their gardens. Some of us prefer the old-school spray guns, others use drip irrigation, while some save rainwater and repurpose it to water their plants. If you’re wondering which style is best for irrigation, join organic farmer Jenna Rich as she discusses the differences between shallow and deep watering.

Gardening Tips

The Right Way to Use Hydrogen Peroxide in the Garden

Have you been hearing about various ways to use hydrogen peroxide in the garden? You may be surprised to learn that, more often than not, it’s not actually that effective or affordable. There are better, cheaper DIY methods. Plant biologist Emily Estep will explain the right way to use hydrogen peroxide in the garden, revealing superior techniques.

Low wooden raised beds using the No Dig gardening method, filled with layers of cardboard, compost, and fresh soil.

Raised Bed Gardening

How to Create No-Dig Raised Beds

If you want to enjoy the benefits of no-till gardening or build raised beds without the help of a rototiller, you’re in luck. Farmer Briana Yablonski will explain how to create healthy garden beds without disturbing the soil

Violas with delicate purple and yellow petals growing vibrantly among green leaves in a garden setting.

Seeds

27 Best Heirloom Plants You Can Grow From Seed

Are you looking for historical plant varieties to stuff into your garden? Look no further than these 27 best heirlooms you can grow from seed. Join native plant gardener Jerad Bryant and leaf through these perennials, herbs, and wildflowers that start easily from seeds.

Two tall wooden raised beds filled with a variety of salad crops, including cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, and radishes, thriving in a sunny garden.

Raised Bed Gardening

How to Grow a Salad Garden in Raised Beds

How would you like to step outside and harvest everything you need for a fresh, nutritious salad? Growing your own salad garden is easy, especially if you set it up in a raised bed. You can grow greens, tomatoes, garnishes, and more. Gardening enthusiast Emily Estep will walk you through each step of the process, from selecting a site to harvesting your bounty.

This plant showcases tall, wiry stems adorned with rich purple, ball-shaped flower heads and finely divided green foliage, with native seeds that don't require stratification.

Seeds

13 Native Plants With Seeds That Don’t Require Cold Stratification

As more gardeners learn about the benefits of native plants, it’s no surprise these plants’ popularity is increasing. However, since many of these plants require a period of cold before they can germinate, they can take extra time to grow. If you’re interested in planting native seeds now, join plant expert Briana Yablonski to learn about seeds that can germinate without cold stratification.

Gardening tools, including a watering hose, terracotta pot, watering can, shovel, trowel, rake, green gloves, and a potted lavender plant, are arranged in a garden surrounded by blooming bright yellow marigolds and pink vinca.

Gardening Inspiration

15 Gardening Supplies and Tools To Stock Up on This Labor Day

Late summer or early fall is a surprisingly good time to restore your now-depleted stock of garden supplies. If your shed is full of empty seed packets, rusty tools, and cracked planters, Labor Day is a convenient time to replace your garden staples and explore new products. Gardening enthusiast Emily Estep recommends you check out these supplies and tools.

Close-up of a little girl in bright yellow overalls and a white hat with colorful hearts digging soil in a raised garden bed with growing strawberry plants.

Gardening Inspiration

17 Easy Garden Projects You Can Do With Your Kids

Are you looking for some fun and easy garden projects to do with your kids? Enjoy quality time outdoors with some hands-on gardening tasks, or try some garden-themed indoor activities on rainy days. Get ready to get a little messy and enjoy some quality time with these 17 creative plant-themed projects that kids will love!

A detailed close-up of fresh, vibrant green spinach leaves with smooth surfaces and slightly curled edges, displaying a lush and healthy appearance against a softly blurred background.

Gardening Inspiration

17 Kid-Favorite Plants To Grow This Fall

There are wonderful skills for kids to learn in the garden. It engages the senses and can help them to unwind after a long day of sitting in the classroom. Florida gardener and mom of three Melissa Strauss has some great plants to share that kids will enjoy growing in the fall!