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.

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.

A beautiful potted heather shrub with pink blooms juts out of a light snow cover.

Gardening Tips

How to Overwinter Perennial Plants in Pots & Containers

Readying the garden for winter but don’t want to sacrifice your perennial container gardens? Try overwintering perennials in pots and containers for reemergence in the spring. Preserve those perennial beauties with steps for successful container overwintering. Garden professional Katherine Rowe reviews measures for the best chances of winter survival for container perennials.

The shiny berries of a porcelain vine look iridescent blue next to green foliage.

Gardening Tips

28 Invasive Plants to Avoid in the Northeast

Do you live in the northeastern United States and want to avoid invasive plants in your landscape? It doesn’t take long for invasive plants to take over your garden and spread into nearby natural areas. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen introduces 28 invasive plants you should avoid with suggestions for better alternatives.

A close-up of Bush Honeysuckle reveals enchanting pink flowers that dangle in clusters. The green leaves are opposite, elliptical, and possess a glossy sheen, enhancing their visual appeal. Branches extend gracefully, forming an intricate network within the shrub.

Gardening Tips

28 Invasive Plants to Avoid in The Midwest

Are you a Midwest gardener with concerns about invasive species? There are plenty of invasive plants that can not only take over your garden but spread into the neighboring landscape. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen introduces 28 invasive species that Midwestern gardeners should watch out for, plus 28 alternative plants you can grow instead.

A close-up of Water Hyacinth highlights its enchanting light lavender flowers. The green leaves, some marred with charming holes, add character and a sense of the plant's journey in nature's intricate tapestry.

Gardening Tips

28 Invasive Plants to Avoid in The Southeast

If you live in the Southeastern United States, you are probably already familiar with some of the most common invasive plant species. Learn to recognize your region's invasive plants so you can keep them out of your landscape. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen will introduce 28 common invasive species of the Southeast and better alternatives for each.

a pile of bright orange pumpkins sit atop a decorative fall straw bale.

Gardening Tips

Can You Use Halloween Straw Bales In Your Garden?

If you want to reuse your Halloween decor but are hesitant about the potential chemicals, weeds, or pathogens in straw bales, former organic farmer Logan Hailey has quick tips for deciphering between hay and straw bales, plus a guide to safely using straw bales without risking herbicide contamination.