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 mother and son kneel by a raised garden bed, tending to abundant veggies and flowers.

Gardening Inspiration

11 Themed Gardens Kids Will Love

Gardening with kids is so rewarding and can be a lot of fun. If you are looking to get your budding gardener more involved, it might be time to give them their own garden! In this article, gardening expert and mom Jill Drago suggests 11 themed gardens that your kids will love to grow and care for.

A fuzzy orange and brown fruit bat hangs from a leafy branch.

Gardening Tips

9 Ways To Attract Bats To Your Garden

Cut down on mosquitoes, naturally control garden pests, and support local ecology by attracting beneficial bats to your garden! Former organic farmer Logan Hailey explores 9 simple ways you can support endangered bat populations and enjoy a diverse garden ecosystem.

A person in a lush garden holds a bright red plastic bucket brimming with kitchen scraps. With care and determination, the individual tips the bucket, releasing a cascade of food scraps into the dark, fertile soil below.

Gardening Tips

Does Burying Food Scraps Produce Results in the Garden?

If you’ve heard burying food scraps in your garden boosts plant growth, you’ve probably questioned if this actually works. Luckily, Epic Gardening founder Kevin Espiritu designed an experiment to get to the bottom of the food scrap mystery. Join vegetable farmer Briana Yablonski as she dives into what Kevin learned about food scraps.

Three small gift boxes, tied in red bows, adorn a Christmas tree next to bundles of cinnamon sticks and candy canes.

Seeds

15 Giftable Seed Collections to Shop This Black Friday

When shopping for gifts this Black Friday, a specially curated seed collection should be at the top of every garden lover's list. In this article, gardening expert Madison Moulton gives her picks for gifting yourself, friends, or family to spread the joy of gardening this holiday season.

A beautiful potted heather shrub with pink blooms juts out of a light snow cover.

Gardening Tips

How to Overwinter Perennial Plants in Pots & Containers

Readying the garden for winter but don’t want to sacrifice your perennial container gardens? Try overwintering perennials in pots and containers for reemergence in the spring. Preserve those perennial beauties with steps for successful container overwintering. Garden professional Katherine Rowe reviews measures for the best chances of winter survival for container perennials.

The shiny berries of a porcelain vine look iridescent blue next to green foliage.

Gardening Tips

28 Invasive Plants to Avoid in the Northeast

Do you live in the northeastern United States and want to avoid invasive plants in your landscape? It doesn’t take long for invasive plants to take over your garden and spread into nearby natural areas. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen introduces 28 invasive plants you should avoid with suggestions for better alternatives.

A close-up of Bush Honeysuckle reveals enchanting pink flowers that dangle in clusters. The green leaves are opposite, elliptical, and possess a glossy sheen, enhancing their visual appeal. Branches extend gracefully, forming an intricate network within the shrub.

Gardening Tips

28 Invasive Plants to Avoid in The Midwest

Are you a Midwest gardener with concerns about invasive species? There are plenty of invasive plants that can not only take over your garden but spread into the neighboring landscape. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen introduces 28 invasive species that Midwestern gardeners should watch out for, plus 28 alternative plants you can grow instead.

A close-up of Water Hyacinth highlights its enchanting light lavender flowers. The green leaves, some marred with charming holes, add character and a sense of the plant's journey in nature's intricate tapestry.

Gardening Tips

28 Invasive Plants to Avoid in The Southeast

If you live in the Southeastern United States, you are probably already familiar with some of the most common invasive plant species. Learn to recognize your region's invasive plants so you can keep them out of your landscape. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen will introduce 28 common invasive species of the Southeast and better alternatives for each.