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.

close up of a plant that features large, ovate to lance-shaped leaves that are often smooth and green, with prominent veins. There are elongated, drooping clusters of purple berries growing on bright pink stems.

Gardening Tips

28 Invasive Plants to Avoid in the Pacific Northwest

Do you live in the Pacific Northwest and want to grow a healthy landscape without any invasive species? Invasive plants can take over your garden, invade nearby natural areas, and compete with native species. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen shares 28 invasive plants you should not introduce into your yard or garden.

Close-up of a garden with long rows of cold frames with various plants growing. The cold frame appears as a low-profile, box-like structure constructed with materials such as wood and metal. The frames are white and open.

Gardening Tips

What Can I Grow in a Cold Frame in the Winter?

You probably know that a cold frame can help you extend the growing season into the winter, but do you know what plants will thrive in this environment? In this article, vegetable farmer Briana Yablonski covers what plants you can successfully grow in a winter cold frame.

A mother and son kneel by a raised garden bed, tending to abundant veggies and flowers.

Gardening Inspiration

11 Themed Gardens Kids Will Love

Gardening with kids is so rewarding and can be a lot of fun. If you are looking to get your budding gardener more involved, it might be time to give them their own garden! In this article, gardening expert and mom Jill Drago suggests 11 themed gardens that your kids will love to grow and care for.

A fuzzy orange and brown fruit bat hangs from a leafy branch.

Gardening Tips

9 Ways To Attract Bats To Your Garden

Cut down on mosquitoes, naturally control garden pests, and support local ecology by attracting beneficial bats to your garden! Former organic farmer Logan Hailey explores 9 simple ways you can support endangered bat populations and enjoy a diverse garden ecosystem.

A person in a lush garden holds a bright red plastic bucket brimming with kitchen scraps. With care and determination, the individual tips the bucket, releasing a cascade of food scraps into the dark, fertile soil below.

Gardening Tips

Does Burying Food Scraps Produce Results in the Garden?

If you’ve heard burying food scraps in your garden boosts plant growth, you’ve probably questioned if this actually works. Luckily, Epic Gardening founder Kevin Espiritu designed an experiment to get to the bottom of the food scrap mystery. Join vegetable farmer Briana Yablonski as she dives into what Kevin learned about food scraps.

Close-up of female hands in green gardening gloves planting young radish seedlings on a raised bed.

Gardening Inspiration

26 Best Gifts For Beginner Gardeners

If you don’t have the time, skills, or desire to get your hands dirty, gifting quality tools and supplies is the best thing you can do to support the beginner gardener in your life. In this article, gardening expert Logan Hailey shares 26 super thoughtful holiday gift ideas for any budget!

Homemade Gift box wrapped in kraft paper and pink Sedum flowers on wooden table.

Gardening Inspiration

27 Best Gifts for Advanced Gardeners

The gardener in your life will deeply appreciate a thoughtful gift to help them grow more food or flowers, but it may be overwhelming to figure out what to buy them if you don’t know much about gardening. Former organic farmer Logan Hailey has you covered with the best holiday gardening presents for any budget!

Three small gift boxes, tied in red bows, adorn a Christmas tree next to bundles of cinnamon sticks and candy canes.

Seeds

15 Giftable Seed Collections to Shop This Black Friday

When shopping for gifts this Black Friday, a specially curated seed collection should be at the top of every garden lover's list. In this article, gardening expert Madison Moulton gives her picks for gifting yourself, friends, or family to spread the joy of gardening this holiday season.