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.

Close-up of a woman's hands sowing seeds in a peat seed starter tray to start seeds early for an early harvest.

Seeds

11 Benefits of Starting Seeds Early

Do you want to reap the benefits of your growing season and get a head start on your garden? In this article, gardening expert Matt Dursum shows you the benefits of starting seeds early.

Small green seedlings sprouting from dark material inside a clear plastic container with an open lid.

Gardening Tips

A Complete Beginner’s Guide to Winter Sowing

Winter sowing is a fun, fruitful way to start seeds now for strong seedlings come spring. Using simple containers for homemade mini “greenhouses,” the seeds sprout when the conditions are right. The easy method doesn’t require costly supplies or intensive management. Explore all you need to start winter sowing with gardening expert Katherine Rowe.

Dense clusters of Thymus leaves, small and green, growing in a wooden container.

Gardening Inspiration

13 Herbs to Grow From Seed in January for Spring Harvests

In moderate climates, late January is prime for starting select herbs from seed indoors, and cold climate growers benefit from winter sowing. Seed starting gives seedlings a headstart on healthy roots and leafy growth for a harvest that begins in spring. Garden expert Katherine Rowe explores herbs to start this month relative to your climate’s frost date and garden plans.

Close-up, top view of white reusable plastic milk jugs used as pots for winter seed sowing.

Seeds

7 Benefits of Winter Sowing in January

Winter sowing is all the rage! But what is it? It’s a low-cost seed-starting process that you can do in the thick of winter. Seasoned gardener Jerad Bryant shares these seven benefits of winter sowing in January.

A close-up shot of fragrant flowers blooms of an evergreen tree or shrub that showcases seed starting setups

Seeds

15 Evergreen Shrubs With Fragrant Flowers

Do you want to enjoy a long-lasting aromatic garden? In this article, plant expert Matt Dursum shows you the best evergreen shrubs with fragrant flowers to make your garden smell great year-round.

A shot of a developing sprout during the cold season that showcases lazy winter sow

Seeds

How to Winter Sow The Lazy Way

Winter sowing typically involves mini-greenhouses made of milk jugs, but did you know you can sow seeds directly in the ground during winter? Winter sow the lazy way and you’ll avoid having to source pots, potting soil, and grow lights. Learn how to plant seeds during the cool months alongside seasoned grower Jerad Bryant.

A woman holding a potted rosemary plant with green needle-like leaves, alongside a wicker basket containing another plant.

Gardening Inspiration

Are Local Nurseries Dying? What it Means For Gardeners

Local garden centers are a community hub of knowledge, resources, and healthy plants suited to our growing areas. With a resurgence in gardening and more of us growing, now is the time for access to sound information and good supplies. Explore the merits of local nurseries and how to create well-rounded garden systems with gardening expert Katherine Rowe.

Carrots, zucchini, and beets placed on a wooden table.

Seeds

Best Beginner Vegetables: 11 Easy Crops to Grow from Seed

If you’re used to buying seedlings from a nursery, sowing vegetables from seed can be intimidating! However, watching veggies transform from tiny seeds to harvestable crops is rewarding. Join vegetable farmer Briana Yablonski to learn easy crops perfect for beginners.

Small lettuce seedlings growing in soil-filled compartments of a clear plastic container, with plant markers labeled for identification.

Seeds

9 Pros and Cons of Winter Sowing

Considering winter sowing to simplify seed-starting this season? Now is the time to get going. The easy and rewarding method is full of advantages and yields sturdy seedlings. Garden expert Katherine Rowe explores the merits and potential variables of winter sowing.