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 vibrant display of cascading flowers fills the foreground. Lush, healthy blooms in shades of purple and white tumble from overflowing hanging pots, their delicate petals contrasting against the greenery.

Seeds

How to Grow Your Own Hanging Baskets from Seed

Are hanging baskets a main focal point of your summer gardens? Do you want to customize your own hanging baskets? You can easily grow your baskets from seed right from your own home. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago will walk you through the simple steps of how to grow your own hanging baskets from seed.

Grow light tips. Pilea Peperomioides in pots under phyto lamp indoors. Pilea peperomioides is characterized by its unique, round, coin-shaped leaves attached to long, slender petioles emerging from a central stem.

Gardening Tips

Using Grow Lights: 9 Expert Tips

Whether you’re looking to start seedlings indoors or are hoping to shine some extra light on your indoor cacti, grow lights are a must-have item. But which light do you choose and how do you use it? Plant expert Briana Yablonski will share 9 tips for making the most of your grow lights.

A beautiful garden features a narrow, winding grass pathway bordered by colorful plants of varying heights.

Gardening Tips

15 Garden Design Ideas that Boost Curb Appeal

Looking to boost your front yard’s curb appeal? Curb appeal is attainable through simple enhancements and inspired garden design. Create a landscape bursting with visual appeal for you and your neighbors to enjoy. Follow with garden designer Katherine Rowe for a guide on achieving that inviting front yard charm.

Close-up of a Ruby-throated hummingbird sipping nectar from orange zinnia flower blooming in the garden. Zinnia is one of the favorite bird plants, especially for the hummingbird. The male sports a brilliant emerald-green back, while his throat, as the name suggests, shines with a stunning iridescent ruby-red hue, creating a striking contrast. The wings are translucent and move rapidly in a blur.

Gardening Tips

25 Top Plants to Attract Birds to Your Yard

Do you want to attract birds to your yard? Luckily, there is a plethora of beautiful plants you can grow and attract some feathered friends. In this article, gardening enthusiast and wildlife biologist Liessa Bowen introduces 25 top plants that will provide an abundance of food and shelter for a variety of different birds.

Warm water cascades into a white bowl brimming with vibrant green pea seeds. Some huddle together, others dance solo, anticipating their transformation. A miniature blue shovel leans patiently in the background.

Seeds

13 Seeds You Should Soak Before Planting

Have you always wondered which seeds benefit from a pre-soak and why some gardeners choose to do it? Join organic farmer Jenna Rich as she tells us about 13 seeds you should soak before planting.

A gardener pinches seeds from her open palm while planting them into small white cell trays.

Seeds

When to Start Seeds in Zone 4

If you live in zone four, starting seeds indoors allows you to start your growing season when it’s still cold outside. Join former farmer Briana Yablonski to learn the best time to start seeds.

A close-up captures small square pots with basil seedlings, set in brown soil. The young basil plants sprout vibrant green leaves, promising a bountiful herb garden in the making.

Seeds

When to Start Seeds in Zone 3

If you live in one of the coldest areas in the US, you’re probably itching to resume gardening in the spring. Join former vegetable farmer Briana Yablonski as she explains when to start seeds in zone three to get your growing season off to a great start.

growing zone Florida. Close-up of female hands about to pick ripe fruits from a key lime tree in the garden. The key lime tree is a compact evergreen tree with glossy, elliptical leaves of bright green color. Its branches bear small, round fruits that mature to a vibrant yellow-green color, resembling miniature limes.

Gardening Tips

What Growing Zones Are in Florida?

The Sunshine State is known for its warm weather and lush landscapes, but there is surprising climatic variation between the northern, inland, coastal, and southern zones of Florida. This article covers the four major growing zones in Florida, including the latest changes to the USDA hardiness zone map.