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.

dandelion weed

Gardening Tips

Are Dandelions Cute Perennials or Nuisance Weeds?

People usually feel one of two ways about dandelions. They’re an annoying weed that needs eradication, or cute pop of color to keep around for the bees. Where do you stand on the issue? In this article, gardening expert Danielle Sherwood examines the debate about dandelions and gives you the facts so you can decide for yourself.

Flowers Blooming in Garden in May

Gardening Tips

15 May Gardening Tips For Beautiful Flower Blooms

Do you want beautiful flower blooms in your garden this summer? Taking the proper steps in the month of May will help your summer garden flourish. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago shares her favorite May gardening tips for beautiful flowers this summer,

full sun plants may

Gardening Inspiration

17 Full Sun Plants to Grow in May

Looking for some full-sun plants to add to your garden this May? There are plenty of options, depending on your location. In this article, gardening expert Jill Drago shares her favorite plants that will thrive in full sun when planted in May!

rose not blooming

Gardening Inspiration

11 Reasons Your Roses Aren’t Blooming This Season

Do you have a rose that isn’t blooming as you hoped? While roses are generally workhorses in the garden, several factors impact bloom production. In this article, gardening expert and rose enthusiast Danielle Sherwood outlines 11 reasons your roses might not be blooming, and what you can do about it!

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.

A close-up shot of several ripe and unripe fruits on slender stems, showcasing blackberry companion plants

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.