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 close-up shot of a small green colored vial filled with liquid, placed on a wooden surface alongside leaves of a plant, showcasing neem oil hurt plants

Gardening Tips

5 Neem Oil Mistakes That Hurt Your Plants

Neem oil is one of the most popular organic pest treatments for good reason, but using it incorrectly can cause more harm than the pests you're trying to get rid of. Gardening expert Madison Moulton explains common neem oil mistakes and how to avoid them.

A close-up shot of a small composition of vibrant pink colored flowers, alongside its green foliage, showcasing bouquet filler seed

Seeds

7 Pretty Bouquet Filler Plants You Can Start From Seed

When you’re seed shopping for your cut flower garden, don’t forget bouquet filler seed. Many lovely foliage and flowering plants fill in the arrangement gracefully and easily. Experienced gardener Sarah Jay covers seven pretty plants you can use to fill in your arrangements.

A close-up shot of a small clip-on ventilator, placed beside a potted houseplant indoors, showcasing fan seedlings

Seeds

How to Use a Fan for Stronger Seedlings

Seedlings grown indoors often develop weak, floppy stems that struggle when transplanted outside. Gardening expert Madison Moulton explains how a simple fan creates stronger, more resilient seedlings that handle the transition to the garden.

A close-up shot of a composition of various crops, carrots, beets, radish and lettuce, all on rich soil, showcasing do not start seeds indoors

Seeds

Do Not Start These 9 Seeds Indoors

Some seeds are better sown directly in the garden rather than started indoors in trays. Gardening expert Madison Moulton explains which common vegetables don't transplant well and why direct sowing gives you better results.

A close-up shot of a small composition of potted plants and its fruits, all situated in a well lit area indoors, showcasing bottom heat seeds

Seeds

9 Seeds That Need Bottom Heat to Germinate

Some seeds germinate reliably at room temperature, but others need warmer soil to sprout within a reasonable timeframe. Gardening expert Madison Moulton shares nine common seeds that benefit from bottom heat and explains when it's worth the investment.