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.

potato companions

Companion Planting

32 Companion Plants To Grow With Potatoes

Are you looking for the perfect companion plant for your potatoes this year? There are plenty of different plants you can grow with potatoes, and a few that you should avoid. In this article, organic gardening expert Logan Hailey examines her favorite potato companions, and the plants you should also avoid!

dahlias blooming in garden

Gardening Inspiration

9 Reasons Your Dahlias Aren’t Blooming and How to Fix it

Are you missing beautiful blooms from your dahlias this season and aren't quite sure why? There are a few different reasons this may happen, and your approach to correct it will depend on the reason behind it. In this article, certified master gardener Liz Jaros examines why your dahlias aren't blooming this season, and how to address it.

plants heat drought

Gardening Tips

15 Tips For Keeping Plants Alive in Hot & Dry Conditions

Looking for some tips to help your garden beat the heat this season? With many places around the world setting records in both heat and with lack of moisture this summer, your plants may start to struggle. In this article, certified master gardener Laura Elsner walks through her top tips for keeping your plants alive in hot and dry conditions.

tomatoes and cucumbers

Companion Planting

Can You Plant Tomatoes With Cucumbers in Your Garden?

Thinking of growing tomatoes and cucumbers together this season but aren't quite sure if it's a good idea or not? Companion planting can have many benefits, but can also cause problems if done incorrectly. In this article, gardening expert and homesteader Merideth Cohrs examines if it's safe to plant tomatoes with your cucumbers in your garden.

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.

A lush plant surrounded with zucchini companion plants, appearing to have blooms and other greens in the background

Companion Planting

27 Best Zucchini Companion Plants (and What to Avoid)

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.