Seeds

Starting seeds is a cost-effective way to get a jump start on the garden, but can be tricky. Learn how to successfully kickstart your garden!

Close-up of a woman's hands sowing seeds in a peat seed starter tray to start seeds early for an early harvest.

Seeds

11 Benefits of Starting Seeds Early

Do you want to reap the benefits of your growing season and get a head start on your garden? In this article, gardening expert Matt Dursum shows you the benefits of starting seeds early.

Close-up, top view of white reusable plastic milk jugs used as pots for winter seed sowing.

Seeds

7 Benefits of Winter Sowing in January

Winter sowing is all the rage! But what is it? It’s a low-cost seed-starting process that you can do in the thick of winter. Seasoned gardener Jerad Bryant shares these seven benefits of winter sowing in January.

A close-up shot of fragrant flowers blooms of an evergreen tree or shrub that showcases seed starting setups

Seeds

15 Evergreen Shrubs With Fragrant Flowers

Do you want to enjoy a long-lasting aromatic garden? In this article, plant expert Matt Dursum shows you the best evergreen shrubs with fragrant flowers to make your garden smell great year-round.

A shot of a developing sprout during the cold season that showcases lazy winter sow

Seeds

How to Winter Sow The Lazy Way

Winter sowing typically involves mini-greenhouses made of milk jugs, but did you know you can sow seeds directly in the ground during winter? Winter sow the lazy way and you’ll avoid having to source pots, potting soil, and grow lights. Learn how to plant seeds during the cool months alongside seasoned grower Jerad Bryant.

Carrots, zucchini, and beets placed on a wooden table.

Seeds

Best Beginner Vegetables: 11 Easy Crops to Grow from Seed

If you’re used to buying seedlings from a nursery, sowing vegetables from seed can be intimidating! However, watching veggies transform from tiny seeds to harvestable crops is rewarding. Join vegetable farmer Briana Yablonski to learn easy crops perfect for beginners.

Small lettuce seedlings growing in soil-filled compartments of a clear plastic container, with plant markers labeled for identification.

Seeds

9 Pros and Cons of Winter Sowing

Considering winter sowing to simplify seed-starting this season? Now is the time to get going. The easy and rewarding method is full of advantages and yields sturdy seedlings. Garden expert Katherine Rowe explores the merits and potential variables of winter sowing.

Close-up of young seedlings with tiny round cotyledons growing in cardboard egg trays filled with fresh soil to reduce seed-starting cost.

Seeds

6 Ways to Reduce Your Seed-Starting Costs This Year

Seed starting doesn’t need to be expensive, but it does require attention to detail and proper timing. If you don’t have the budget to invest in greenhouses, grow lights, and heat mats, former organic farmer Logan Hailey is here to help you start seeds for a reduced cost.

A woman standing, inspecting the crops planted in the garden beds.

Seeds

7 Things to Do Before Ordering Seeds This Year

Seed catalogs inspire us gardeners to plot the landscape of our dreams! Before you buy hundreds of seeds, some preemptive work now will help you avoid excess maintenance later in the process. Seasoned grower Jerad Bryant shares seven things you should do to prepare your garden for new seeds.

Close-up of small plant seedlings with oval, jagged, bright green leaves sprouting from seeds in soil blocks.

Seeds

15 Best Seeds to Start in Soil Blocks This Year

Soil blocking is a productive seed-starting method that suits most ornamental and edible annuals and perennials. As the soil becomes both the growing media and the “pot,” healthy roots move easily to the garden at transplanting. Gardening expert Katherine Rowe explores dynamic varieties for seed blocking this year.

Close-up of winter sowing supplies, featuring a row of white plastic milk jugs repurposed as seed containers, arranged against the wall of a house in a snowy winter garden with patches of green grass.

Seeds

5 Essential Winter Sowing Supplies and Equipment

Now is the time for winter sowing - an easy, resourceful, rewarding way to start seeds working with nature. Using simple containers for homemade “greenhouses,” strong seedlings emerge, ready for transplanting. With a few essentials and repurposed household supplies, we’ll be on our way to (nearly) effortless seed-starting. Join gardening expert Katherine Rowe in all that’s needed for this streamlined approach to seeding.

Close-up of a starting tray with sprouted seeds showing thin upright stems and slightly curled green oval leaves on a windowsill, ideal for starting seeds in Zone 2.

Seeds

When to Start Seeds in Zone 2

If you want to garden in some of the coldest regions in the U.S., you’ll have to do some serious planning. Gardening in zone 2 is one of the biggest challenges a gardener can have. In this article, plant expert Matt Dursum shows you when to start seeds in zone 2.