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.

seeds in moist paper towel

Seeds

​​9 Seed Cold Stratification Mistakes: What NOT To Do

Several native annuals and perennials need to be sown directly into the soil in fall and winter. This process is called cold stratification, and it requires timing and preparation. In this article, gardening expert Matt Dursum shows you common seed cold stratification mistakes and how to avoid them.

A close-up of a green starter tray with small coral bells (heuchera) seedlings grown from seeds, featuring tiny heart-shaped leaves in pink and peach with wavy edges, on a wooden table.

Seeds

How to Grow Coral Bells (Heuchera) from Seed

Coral bells are shade-tolerant perennials that brighten the garden with colorful foliage and spikes of tiny bell-shaped flowers. Although there are multiple ways to add these plants to your garden, starting with seeds is the most economical option. Join Briana Yablonski to learn how to grow coral bells from seed.

Cabbage, lettuce, and broccoli in an elevated, wooden planter.

Raised Bed Gardening

13 Plants You Can Winter Sow in Raised Beds

Winter sowing is a great way to get a head start on your spring garden. Raised beds can make it even easier to head into the growing season with a thriving garden. Gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares some plants you can start now for blooming beds in a few short months.

Close-up of an upright stem covered with a cluster of small, compact, cabbage-shaped sprouts, dusted with snow in the garden, one of the easy seeds for winter sowing.

Seeds

No-Fail Winter Sowing: 15 Easy Seeds to Try

Save space indoors and winter sow seeds outside! All you need to start are cold-tolerant seeds, old containers, and potting soil. Seasoned grower Jerad Bryant shares the 15 easiest plants to winter sow for the first time.

A woman sitting at a desk with potted plants around her, talking on the phone while using a tablet.

Seeds

11 Factors to Consider: Choosing Where to Buy Quality Seed Supplies

If you’re gearing up for spring, you’re probably wondering where to buy seed supplies. There are several things to keep in mind to get the right seeds and tools you need for planting. In this article, horticulture expert Matt Dursum shows you the factors to consider when shopping for garden seed supplies.