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.

Thick, white Allium ampeloprasum stalks with overlapping green leaves tightly bundled together.

Seeds

How to Start Leeks from Seed Indoors

Start leeks from seed indoors to get a head start on the growing season. If you’re a foodie, you’ll love adding these tasty members of the onion family to your garden. In this article, plant expert Matt Dursum shows you the steps to starting healthy leeks in your home before spring.

Starting seeds in egg cartons, with egg trays on a wooden table filled with soil and young sprouted seedlings.

Seeds

7 Pros and Cons of Starting Seeds in Egg Cartons

Rather than pay exorbitant fees for seed-starting supplies, you can reuse empty egg cartons! Biodegradable, cheap, and effective, egg cartons are ideal for growing shallow-rooted fruits and vegetables, though they’re not the best for every plant! Seasoned grower Jerad Bryant shares seven pros and cons of using them for seed-starting.

Vibrant green Asparagus officinalis shoots sprouting from dark brown soil, with some bending slightly.

Gardening Inspiration

How To Grow Asparagus From Seed

Asparagus brings the bright, crisp, tender spears characteristic of early spring dishes. The hardy vegetables with ferny fronds perennialize well for years of recurrent harvests. Garden expert Katherine Rowe explores how to grow asparagus from seed for productive shoots in future seasons.

A watering can pours water onto a young cabbage plant forming a rosette of green, rounded, serrated leaves on thin, pale stems in loose soil in a February garden.

Gardening Tips

When and How Much to Water Your Plants in February

February is a unique time for plants. Most areas of North America have snow or ice, while others have mild temperatures and occasional rainfall. When and how much you should water depends on the plants you’re growing, their location, and your climate. Let’s dive in!

Ipomoea alba moonflower

Seeds

How to Grow Moonflowers from Seed in 7 Easy Steps

If you're looking for a low-maintenance climbing vine that will look great in your moon garden, look no further than moonflower. The name says a lot, but gardening expert Melissa Strauss has more details about this great plant, along with instructions on how to plant and grow your very own moonflower from seed!

A dense carpet of feathery green foliage dotted with small white daisy-like flowers with bright yellow centers spreads across the ground, making it one of the easy plants to replace a lawn.

Gardening Tips

17 Easy-to-Grow Plants to Replace Your Lawn

If you’re considering reducing your lawn or refreshing bare areas where turf isn’t thriving, vigorous, low-growing perennials are ready to stand in. From matting groundcovers to mounding forms, easy-to-grow plants replace the lawn with seasonal appeal and ecological services. Explore top performers to meet your growing conditions with garden expert Katherine Rowe.