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.

Small dark brown Brassica grains spread on a damp white paper towel inside a clear plastic container.

Gardening Inspiration

5 Seed Germination Methods To Try This Season

It’s seed-starting season! Or nearly so, depending on your climate, selections, and sowing preference. Some species benefit from specific elements to spur germination, and we can replicate these to accelerate conditions in our setups. Garden expert Katherine Rowe looks at seed germination methods to explore now for a jumpstart on spring growing.

A gardener holds a freshly harvested Bok Choy plant with white, crisp stems, shiny dark green leaves, and wet, tangled roots, standing against a backdrop of a lush hydroponic vegetable garden.

Hydroponics

25 Vegetables to Grow in Your Hydroponic Garden

Are you ready for a new gardening challenge this year? Why not ditch the soil and try growing your favorite vegetables hydroponically? In this article, gardening expert Matt Dursum shows you the best vegetables to grow in your hydroponic garden this year.

Growing eggplants from seeds in a large seed starting tray with thin stems and rounded green leaves that are slightly wavy at the edges.

Seeds

When and How to Grow Eggplants From Seed

Much like their tomato and pepper relatives, eggplants are quick and easy to grow from seed. Former organic farmer Logan Hailey has everything you need to know about sowing and cultivating these tasty nightshade crops.

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.