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.

A person planting flowers which is one way of collect plant rose seeds

Seeds

How to Collect and Plant Rose Seeds in 7 Steps

With thousands of hybrid roses available, you may wonder why it’s worth starting rose seeds in the first place. One main reason is they grow flowers of unique shapes, hues, and sizes that differ from existing varieties. Learn how to create your new rose seedling with these seven easy steps from seasoned grower

A gardener waters a vegetable bed containing cabbage, dill, lettuce, and other plants using a hose with a spray nozzle.

Gardening Tips

9 Tips For Watering the Fall Garden

Fall is almost here, and with it, the reduced pressure of watering to beat the summer heat. But autumn is also prime time for adding new plantings, and some climates don't get enough rainfall to ensure proper root development. Gardening expert Katherine Rowe explores what to consider in fall watering sessions to establish thriving plants this season and beyond.

A vibrant blanket of small, bright purple flowers clusters together, forming a dense mat, with a few green leaves peeking through in the background.

Gardening Inspiration

25 Shade-Tolerant Lawn Alternatives To Plant In Fall

If you’re ready to reduce your lawn expanse or need to perk up bare areas where turf isn’t thriving, consider shade-loving alternatives. Robust, low-growing perennials happily infill shaded zones across varying conditions. From ultra-low groundcovers to durable uprights, these top performers enrich the garden with seasonal appeal and ecological services. Explore the breadth of shady lawn alternatives with gardening expert Katherine Rowe.

Brown flower heads slouch against a wooden fence, surrounded by fading green foliage.

Gardening Tips

End of Season Tips: Cut Dead Plants or Pull Them Out?

Summers end invites rain, frost, and cool weather that zaps the life out of tender annuals. Your blooming garden may look brown, dreary, and dead this fall—but should you pull out those dying plants, leave them be, or chop them to the ground? Discover what you can do alongside seasoned grower Jerad Bryant.