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.

Starting dill seeds indoors; three wet peat pots on the table hold young dill seedlings with tall, slender green stems and delicate, feathery leaves spreading in a soft, airy pattern.

Seeds

When and How to Start Dill Seeds Indoors

Do you love fresh dill from your garden? Start dill seeds indoors to get these aromatic herbs a head start before spring. In this article, plant expert Matt Dursum shows you when and how to get dill seeds started early.

Deer-proof DIY garden with wooden raised beds enclosed by a tall mesh fence for protection.

Gardening Tips

9 Deer-Proofing Garden Solutions to DIY in February

Do you have problems with deer eating your crops? In many parts of the country, these adorable animals wreak havoc on vegetable gardens. In this article, horticulture expert Matt Dursum shows you the best solutions to creating a DIY deer-proof guard around your garden this February.

Small Solanum lycopersicum plants with thin green stems and bright leaves growing in dark soil.

Seeds

How to “Brush” Your Seedlings For Stronger Stems

Brushing seedlings may seem like extra work, but it’s a valuable practice for growing strong, resilient plants. Though they have protection indoors, they lack exposure to natural conditions like wind, rain, and temperature shifts. Join seasoned gardener Jerad Bryant and learn how to use this practice for healthy, robust specimens.

A woman replants a soggy seedling into fresh soil in a seed starting tray to save it.

Seeds

5 Ways to Save Soggy, Overwatered Seedlings

Soggy seedlings are no joke! They may suffer from root rot and wither before they recover. Seasoned grower Jerad Bryant shares these five simple solutions for fixing overwatered seedlings, as well as how to identify them. Let’s dig in!

Small Allium cepa sprouts with thin green shoots growing in loose, moist soil.

Seeds

How to Start Onion Seeds Indoors in 7 Steps

If you dream of using homegrown onions in soups, pizzas, and mirepoix, starting with seeds is a simple and cost-effective way to grow these alliums. Join farmer Briana Yablonski to learn how to get a head start on your onion patch by starting onion seeds indoors.

Thick, white Allium ampeloprasum stalks with overlapping green leaves tightly bundled together.

Seeds

How to Start Leeks from Seed Indoors

Start leeks from seed indoors to get a head start on the growing season. If you’re a foodie, you’ll love adding these tasty members of the onion family to your garden. In this article, plant expert Matt Dursum shows you the steps to starting healthy leeks in your home before spring.

Starting seeds in egg cartons, with egg trays on a wooden table filled with soil and young sprouted seedlings.

Seeds

7 Pros and Cons of Starting Seeds in Egg Cartons

Rather than pay exorbitant fees for seed-starting supplies, you can reuse empty egg cartons! Biodegradable, cheap, and effective, egg cartons are ideal for growing shallow-rooted fruits and vegetables, though they’re not the best for every plant! Seasoned grower Jerad Bryant shares seven pros and cons of using them for seed-starting.

Vibrant green Asparagus officinalis shoots sprouting from dark brown soil, with some bending slightly.

Gardening Inspiration

How To Grow Asparagus From Seed

Asparagus brings the bright, crisp, tender spears characteristic of early spring dishes. The hardy vegetables with ferny fronds perennialize well for years of recurrent harvests. Garden expert Katherine Rowe explores how to grow asparagus from seed for productive shoots in future seasons.

A watering can pours water onto a young cabbage plant forming a rosette of green, rounded, serrated leaves on thin, pale stems in loose soil in a February garden.

Gardening Tips

When and How Much to Water Your Plants in February

February is a unique time for plants. Most areas of North America have snow or ice, while others have mild temperatures and occasional rainfall. When and how much you should water depends on the plants you’re growing, their location, and your climate. Let’s dive in!

A cluster of Ipomoea alba flowers with trumpet-shaped white petals and a yellow-green center.

Seeds

How to Grow Moonflowers from Seed in 7 Easy Steps

If you're looking for a low-maintenance climbing vine that will look great in your moon garden, look no further than moonflower. The name says a lot, but gardening expert Melissa Strauss has more details about this great plant, along with instructions on how to plant and grow your very own moonflower from seed!