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.

gloved gardener placing frost protection over rose bush

Gardening Tips

How to Protect Your Garden From Early Frosts

First frosts are never welcome! If you’re like me, you’re trying to hang onto summer weather before freezing winter arrives. Frost threatens tender crops and wildflowers while they grow. With some protection, your garden can continue performing through autumn. See how to protect your plants when they need it most with Pacific Northwest gardener Jerad Bryant.

Close-up of a large, ruffled bloom in deep magenta, showcasing layered petals and a prominent central stamen against a soft-focus background in a goth-themed garden.

Gardening Inspiration

41 Plants Perfect for a Dramatic Goth Garden

Goth lovers unite! The garden is the perfect place to throw a spooky get-together for you and your goth friends. Plant any of these 41 species to add eerie colors and haunting shapes to your landscape. With trees, shrubs, vegetables, and perennials on this list, there’s sure to be a perfect plant for you. Discover these dramatic, gothic species alongside seasoned grower Jerad Bryant.

A wooden planter box filled with various leafy green plants, their broad leaves extending outwards. The wood has a rich, dark brown hue, weathered by outdoor conditions, and contrasts against the lush green vegetation. In the background, more plants and bright sunlight highlight the freshness of the setting.

Raised Bed Gardening

The Fastest Way to Set Up New Raised Garden Beds

Raised beds don’t need to be complicated or expensive. If you are lacking tools or construction skills, this simple 3-Minute Raised Bed could revolutionize your garden with minimal effort. Garden expert Logan Hailey explains the fastest steps to set up this all-in-one kit without any tools or previous experience!

A bed of coneflower seed heads surrounded by dry, drooping petals on tall vertical stems in a fall garden.

Gardening Tips

21 Perennials You Shouldn’t Cut Back in Fall

While many plants benefit from a good fall cutback as they prepare for winter, some perennials are better left standing. They bring winter insulation, forage for birds and wildlife, shelter for pollinators, and unique attributes for lasting seasonal interest. Explore which perennials should not be cut back this fall with gardening expert Katherine Rowe.

A close up shot of an orange vegetable crop cut in half that is one process of how to save squash seeds

Seeds

Saving Squash Seeds for Next Year’s Garden: 7 Pro Tips

Did you grow the biggest pumpkin of your gardening career this year? Were your delicata squash particularly beautiful? Are you just looking to spend less money on seeds next year? There are many reasons why you may want to save squash seeds for next year’s garden. The process is simple and rewarding. Plant biologist Emily Estep will walk you through the steps and provide 7 pro tips.

Close-up of a gardener's gloved hands cradling vibrant orange autumn maple leaves, radiating warm hues of fall in a sunny garden adorned with gold foliage.

Gardening Tips

9 Ways to Turn Your Fall Leaves Into Garden Gold

Shortening days and chilly nights ensure thousands of leaves fall throughout North America. This natural process is a lovely spectacle, as trees turn red, brown, orange, and yellow before they drop their leaves. With all those leaves in your yard, you may be wondering how to deal with them. Wonder no more! Join backyard gardener Jerad Bryant in turning fall leaves into garden gold.

The plant features bold, crimson bracts with cream variegated patterns that resemble petals, contrasted with deep green, oval leaves, all blooming from a neatly arranged pot.

Gardening Tips

9 Plants that Need Darkness in Fall for Winter Blooms

Winter blooming plants create unique, fragrant flowers that open up when most other species are dormant. Most winter bloomers need short days and long nights to produce the most flowers, meaning you’ll have to emulate these conditions if they don’t exist. Join seasoned grower Jerad Bryant and learn the special care techniques these 9 species need to flower.

A focused shot of a composition of scarlet red flowers or the Scarlet Flax that is one of the seeds grow less than 50 days

Seeds

23 Plants You Can Grow From Seed In 50 Days or Less

Whether we’re making haste to beat cold weather or looking to infill a bare patch in the garden bed, plants that grow quickly from seed accomplish wonders. Superfast growers yield blooms and harvests in a delightfully quick turnaround. Enjoy the rewards of fast-growing flowers and vegetables with gardening expert Katherine Rowe.