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.

Flower seeds February. Close-up of flowering Snapdragons plants against a blurred background of a green blooming garden. Snapdragons, also known as Antirrhinum, are characterized by their orange-pink, tubular flowers that resemble dragon jaws. These flowers grow on tall spikes, and their petals are fused to form a wide, open mouth. Their foliage is bright green and lance-shaped, providing a striking contrast to the colorful blooms.

Seeds

17 Flowers to Start From Seed This February

Want to get a head start on your spring garden? February is an ideal time to plant from seed, depending on the last frost date in your region. In this article, gardening expert Madison Moulton shares her favorites for early sowing!

A billowing nasturtium plant with coral red flowers tumbles over a brick wall.

Seeds

15 Fast-Growing Annuals to Start From Seed

If you’re anxious to get your garden growing and blooming again as early as possible, go all out with these fast-growing annuals. Join gardening expert Melissa Strauss as she shares the plants that will get you kicking off the growing season in Epic fashion.

An elevated garden bed filled with flowers and lush shrubs. Colorful blooms create a stunning contrast against the greenery, forming a lively and picturesque display. A serene oasis of nature flourishing in a carefully tended home garden.

Gardening Tips

The Eight Basics of Landscape Design for a Beautiful Garden

Garden design brings a world of creative discovery where art meets nature and human connection. Designing your next garden is achievable, especially when you know the design basics to guide you in creating a space that’s inviting, practical, thriving, and reflective of your design style. Explore landscape design basics with garden designer Katherine Rowe to gather inspiration for your next beautiful garden.

A gardener holds a sweet alyssum seedling just removed from its cell tray pot.

Seeds

When to Start Seeds in Zone 5

Not sure when to start seeds in zone five? No worries! Organic farmer Briana Yablonski is here to explain important factors and dates related to seed starting.

In a vibrant backyard, tall plants and blooming flowers stretch toward the sun, painting a lush and colorful scene. Amidst this tapestry of greenery, the purple coneflowers steal the spotlight with their striking, vivid hue.

Seeds

25 Easy-to-Grow Wildflowers for Your Garden

Building a wildflower garden is a wonderful way to attract pollinators and create a stunning space to enjoy for many years. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares 25 easy-to-grow wildflowers that look beautiful in the home garden.

A close-up captures a hand placing small tomato seeds into a germination box filled with rich brown soil. The dark, fertile earth provides a nurturing environment for the seeds to thrive.

Seeds

When to Start Seeds in Zone 8

Starting seeds at the right time allows you to get your plants in the ground so they can thrive. Join former vegetable farmer Briana Yablonski as she shares when to plant seeds in zone eight.

A gardener with flower-patterned gloves starts seeds in a plastic clamshell container.

Gardening Tips

5 Ways to Start Gardening a Month Earlier

Instead of counting down the days until your last frost date, you can get a headstart on your garden with these innovative strategies. Even if the weather is still frigid and rainy, you’ll be surprised how much you can grow in the month before spring officially begins.

Close-up of a flowering Hylotelephium telephium plant covered with a layer of snow in the garden. The plant receives snow benefits. Hylotelephium telephium, commonly known as stonecrop or sedum, is a perennial succulent that features fleshy, succulent leaves arranged in rosettes. It produces flat-topped clusters of star-shaped flowers that are pink in color.

Gardening Tips

7 Benefits of Snow in the Garden

As the winter solstice approaches, you might be surprised to learn that there are some benefits to a layer of snow for your garden. Garden expert Kelli Klein walks you through some reasons why you might want to wish for a snowy winter.

A sunflower's crown, forged in fire and spun from gold, bursts open to the sun's warm embrace. Velvety petals radiate outwards, their tips ablaze with the kiss of light. Golden fire dances on their edges, setting alight the pollen's secret dust, a million tiny stars glittering within.

Gardening Tips

What is the Difference Between Full Sun and Direct Sun?

If you’re confused about the sunlight requirements for your plants, rest assured that you aren’t the only one. While full sun and direct sun are sometimes used interchangeably, they have a few nuances. Former organic farmer Logan Hailey explains how you can optimize plants’ light exposure to ensure happy, healthy leaves.