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.

Epic Seed bundles

Seeds

10 Cost-Saving Seed Bundles to Kickstart Your Spring Garden

Seeds are the starting point for beautiful, productive gardens. Though you can source potted seedlings in spring, starting crops from seeds is rewarding and budget-friendly. You’ll have ready crops before most other gardeners! Save money this year by bundling your seeds—these 10 bundles are perfect for beginner, intermediate, and expert gardeners.

Close-up of native grass with fine, narrow blue-green leaves growing from slender, upright stems, topped with small, airy flowerheads that form soft, bushy clusters, ideal for sowing seeds in March.

Seeds

11 Native Grasses to Grow from Seed in March

There are many reasons to grow native grasses, from prairie and meadow projects to lawn alternatives to specimens in the perennial border. Their adaptability, easy care, and ecosystem services support garden diversity, soil health, and resource conservation. And many are ready to grow from seed as we turn toward spring this month. Garden expert Katherine Rowe explores top native grasses to grow from seed in March.

A compact, bushy plant, that is not worth the hype, with stiff, sword-like green leaves radiating outward, crowned by a golden, textured fruit with diamond-shaped patterns and a spiky green top.

Gardening Tips

9 Popular Plants That Aren’t Worth the Hype

Have you been let down by some of the most popular plants? Whether they barely bloom, they smell bad, or they have no use, some plants are not worth your time. In this article, plant expert Matt Dursum covers popular plants that aren’t worth the hype.

A shot of several developing tall plants that showcases how get rid of pampas grass

Gardening Tips

How To Get Rid of Pampas Grass: 7 Eradication Tips

Pampas grass is a durable grower that thrives in tough situations while producing standout, feathery plumes. But, in warm climates, it spreads readily, causing potential problems. Garden expert Katherine Rowe explores how to get rid of established clumps of the tufted perennial to renew the landscape.