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.

metal raised beds heat

Raised Bed Gardening

Do Metal Raised Garden Beds Get Too Hot?

Thinking about getting metal raised garden beds, but aren't sure if they are too hot or not? Depending on the type of bed you use, metal can be a great option for raised beds. In this article, gardening expert and cut flower farm owner Taylor Sievers looks at the science behind using metal when creating raised garden beds.

Strawberries and Blackberries in garden growing on leaves

Companion Planting

Can You Grow Strawberries with Blackberries?

Are you thinking of growing strawberries with blackberries in your garden this season, but aren't sure if these two plants pair well together? Both blackberries and strawberries can make good companions with other plants, but are they a sweet match made in the fruit garden? In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss compares the two and if there are better garden companions for both plants.

Blackberries in garden growing with green foliage and fresh berries

Companion Planting

19 Companion Plants to Grow With Blackberries

Not sure what you should grow with your garden blackberries this season? Picking the right companion plants for your blackberries can have many benefits, including better fruit yield. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares her favorite plants to grow with Blackberries this season.

sowing seeds outdoors

Seeds

How to Direct Sow Seeds Outdoors at the Proper Depth

Are you direct sowing seeds into your garden this season? Planting your seeds at the proper depth is critical for strong and healthy plants. In this article, gardening expert and former organic farmer Logan Hailey shares exactly how deep you need to plant your seeds when direct sowing into the ground.

vertical garden

Gardening Tips

4 Ways to Grow Vertical Gardens in Small Spaces

If you are struggling with a lack of space, growing a vertical garden can be a great way to solve that problem. While it can seem intimidating, it's actually not too complex if you follow the right steps. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss walks through each step you'll need to take for a successful vertical garden in a tight space.

plants to avoid planting with tomatoes

Companion Planting

13 Plants to Avoid Planting With Tomatoes This Season

Are you planning on companion planting your tomatoes this season, but aren't sure which plants to avoid? There are several plants that can compete with tomatoes for nutrients or attract unwelcome diseases into your garden. In this article, gardening expert Melissa Strauss shares the plants you should avoid growing near your tomatoes this season.