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.

Clusters of orange and yellow daylilies with elongated petals and narrow green leaves grow densely together under soft sunlight.

Gardening Inspiration

19 Perennials to Plant in September

Are you itching to do some planting now that the weather is cooling off, and it's nice to be outside in the garden again? There are some wonderful perennials that you can plant in September. Gardening expert Melissa Strauss has a list of some favorites that enjoy fall planting

An example of keyhole gardening with multiple raised garden beds with compost, vegetables and other greens

Gardening Inspiration

7 Benefits of Keyhole Gardening

Are you curious about keyhole gardening? This simple gardening technique allows you to combine all the benefits of composting with all the benefits of raised bed gardening, all in one place! Join gardening expert Liessa Bowen as we discuss seven practical benefits of using keyhole gardening to supercharge your garden, all in one compact space.

A black-and-blue butterfly perches on a cluster of tiny white flowers forming an umbrella-shaped bloom in a lush green field.

Gardening Inspiration

31 Native Plants That Attract Wildlife

One major reason to grow native plants is to lure wildlife into your backyard. Local plant species grow flowers that feed pollinators, and they sprout branches that create valuable habitat space for furry creatures. Passively attract wildlife with these 31 species from native plant gardener Jerad Bryant.

Marigold plants in a raised bed have feathery, dark green leaves and produce bright, rounded flower heads in vibrant hues of orange, yellow, and red, with a ruffled texture.

Raised Bed Gardening

19 Best Raised Bed Garden Plants for Hot Climates

Not sure which raised bed plants can beat the heat? Whether you’re in a hot climate zone or just notice that your area is subject to more and more heat waves each year, planning raised beds around high temps is a good idea. Plant biologist Emily Estep will walk you through some solid choices for raised bed garden plants in hot climates.

Three vibrant ladybugs, red and black, clustered together on a green leaf, their tiny, delicate bodies contrasting against the verdant backdrop.

Gardening Inspiration

11 Ways You Can Help Reverse Insect Decline in Your Garden

Insect decline may seem like a good thing (less mosquitoes and pests, right?) but it is actually a major threat to our ecosystems. Over 97% of insects are beneficial, but we are losing them at a rapid rate. In this article, former organic farmer Logan Hailey explains simple ways to welcome “good guy” insects into your garden, increasing biodiversity and ecosystem services.

A woman waters a newly planted conifer tree in a well-maintained garden, with vibrant green grass and surrounding foliage visible in the background.

Gardening Tips

Shallow vs. Deep Watering: Which is Best for Irrigation?

One of the most remarkable aspects of gardening is that each one is different from the next, suited to gardeners’ needs, tastes, aesthetics, climate, and general style. The same goes for how people water their gardens. Some of us prefer the old-school spray guns, others use drip irrigation, while some save rainwater and repurpose it to water their plants. If you’re wondering which style is best for irrigation, join organic farmer Jenna Rich as she discusses the differences between shallow and deep watering.

Gardening Tips

The Right Way to Use Hydrogen Peroxide in the Garden

Have you been hearing about various ways to use hydrogen peroxide in the garden? You may be surprised to learn that, more often than not, it’s not actually that effective or affordable. There are better, cheaper DIY methods. Plant biologist Emily Estep will explain the right way to use hydrogen peroxide in the garden, revealing superior techniques.

Low wooden raised beds using the No Dig gardening method, filled with layers of cardboard, compost, and fresh soil.

Raised Bed Gardening

How to Create No-Dig Raised Beds

If you want to enjoy the benefits of no-till gardening or build raised beds without the help of a rototiller, you’re in luck. Farmer Briana Yablonski will explain how to create healthy garden beds without disturbing the soil

Violas with delicate purple and yellow petals growing vibrantly among green leaves in a garden setting.

Seeds

27 Best Heirloom Plants You Can Grow From Seed

Are you looking for historical plant varieties to stuff into your garden? Look no further than these 27 best heirlooms you can grow from seed. Join native plant gardener Jerad Bryant and leaf through these perennials, herbs, and wildflowers that start easily from seeds.

Two tall wooden raised beds filled with a variety of salad crops, including cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, and radishes, thriving in a sunny garden.

Raised Bed Gardening

How to Grow a Salad Garden in Raised Beds

How would you like to step outside and harvest everything you need for a fresh, nutritious salad? Growing your own salad garden is easy, especially if you set it up in a raised bed. You can grow greens, tomatoes, garnishes, and more. Gardening enthusiast Emily Estep will walk you through each step of the process, from selecting a site to harvesting your bounty.

This plant showcases tall, wiry stems adorned with rich purple, ball-shaped flower heads and finely divided green foliage, with native seeds that don't require stratification.

Seeds

13 Native Plants With Seeds That Don’t Require Cold Stratification

As more gardeners learn about the benefits of native plants, it’s no surprise these plants’ popularity is increasing. However, since many of these plants require a period of cold before they can germinate, they can take extra time to grow. If you’re interested in planting native seeds now, join plant expert Briana Yablonski to learn about seeds that can germinate without cold stratification.

Gardening tools, including a watering hose, terracotta pot, watering can, shovel, trowel, rake, green gloves, and a potted lavender plant, are arranged in a garden surrounded by blooming bright yellow marigolds and pink vinca.

Gardening Inspiration

15 Gardening Supplies and Tools To Stock Up on This Labor Day

Late summer or early fall is a surprisingly good time to restore your now-depleted stock of garden supplies. If your shed is full of empty seed packets, rusty tools, and cracked planters, Labor Day is a convenient time to replace your garden staples and explore new products. Gardening enthusiast Emily Estep recommends you check out these supplies and tools.