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.

cucumbers and peppers

Companion Planting

Can You Plant Cucumbers With Peppers in Your Garden?

Are you considering planting cucumbers with peppers in your garden this season? Maybe you are wondering if these two veggies make decent garden companions? In this article, gardening expert and homesteader Merideth Corhs examines if it's a good idea to plant peppers next to your cucumbers this growing season.

zucchini companion plants

Companion Planting

Zucchini Companion Plants: 27 Plants to Grow With Zucchini

Thinking of adding some companion plants to your zucchini garden, but aren't sure what to pair them with? There are plenty of plants you can grow with zucchini, even if it tends to take over a garden area. In this article, gardening expert and former organic farmer Logan Hailey walks through her favorite zucchini companions for the garden.

Cucumbers and Strawberries

Companion Planting

Can You Grow Strawberries and Cucumbers Together?

Are you thinking of growing cucumbers with your strawberries this season? Companion planting has many benefits, but some companion plants can also create more problems. In this article, homesteader and gardening expert Meredith Cohrs examines if planting strawberries with your cucumbers is a good idea or not.

companion planting mistakes

Gardening Tips

15 Companion Planting Mistakes to Avoid This Season

Companion planting in your garden can be as much of an art as it is science. There are many considerations to take, especially when trying to plant for pest prevention, or other symbiotic benefits. In this article, organic gardening expert Logan Hailey walks through some of the top companion planting mistakes you'll want to avoid this season!

Blue Hydrangeas After Coffee Grounds in Garden

Gardening Tips

Myth or Fact: Can Coffee Grounds Turn Hydrangeas Blue?

Have you heard that coffee grounds can turn the blooms of your hydrangeas blue? Or perhaps they can make your blue hydrangeas have even brighter blooms this season? In this article, gardening expert and hydrangea enthusiast Jill Drago gets to the bottom of this "garden hack" to help you determine if it's myth, fact, or somewhere in between.

kale companion plants

Companion Planting

Kale Companion Plants: 15 Plants To Grow With Kale

Growing kale with companion plants can improve your crop yield, give you more space, act as a natural pest repellent, and help protect against certain diseases. In this article, organic gardening expert Logan Hailey examines her favorite plants that you can plant with kale this season!

Cucumbers in Garden With Companion Plants

Companion Planting

Cucumber Companion Plants: 17 Plants To Grow With Cucumbers

Growing cucumbers with companion plants can benefit your garden by giving you added planting space, and creating a biodiverse garden. It can help with pest control, and disease as well. In this article, organic gardening expert Logan Hailey takes you through her favorite cucumber companion plants for veggetable gardeners.

lilac companion plants

Companion Planting

Lilac Companion Plants: 13 Plants to Grow With Lilacs

Are you looking for some plants to add next to the lilacs in your garden this season? There are actually a number of different plants that will pair quite well with lilacs! In this article, certified master gardener Liz Jaros looks at her favorite plants to stick next to your lilacs this season!

plant containers

Gardening Tips

What Plant Containers Are Best For Container Gardens?

Not sure what type of containers to use in your container garden this season? There are many choices to choose from, so it can be difficult to pick if you don't know where to start. In this article, Certified Master Gardener Laura Elsner shares everything you need to know about picking the right containers for your container garden this season.