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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 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.

native lawn alternatives

Gardening Tips

13 Best Native Lawn Alternatives for Your Landscape

Lawns do have their benefits, but there are also downsides to consider, from environmental impact to water usage and – of course – mowing. Gardening expert Madison Moulton lists 13 native groundcovers you can use to replace patches of lawn, saving you time and helping the environment in one go.

Dispelling seedling myths. Close-up of a gardener's hand adding potting mix to a young seedling in a starter tray. The young seedling has a short green stem with two small oval smooth cotyledons of a delicate green color.

Seeds

7 Seedling Myths to Stop Believing

Like anything in gardening, seed starting is surrounded by myths and ‘rules’ that aren’t quite true. These seven seed-starting myths, from watering to soil, are ones you can stop believing.

California growing zones. Close-up of a farmer's hand harvesting fresh organic green bell pepper in the garden. The pepper plant exhibits a bushy and compact growth habit with dark green, glossy leaves. The bell pepper itself is characterized by a vibrant green color, and its shape is blocky with three or four lobes. The skin is smooth and glossy. Ripe red peppers grow in a blurred background.

Gardening Tips

What Growing Zones Are in California?

California is the third largest state and top agricultural producer in America, but it includes a huge diversity of landscapes. Former organic Farmer Logan Hailey explains the diversity of growing zones in California and what plants you can grow in the Golden State.