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.

Growing marigolds from seed in the garden with yellow blooms.

Gardening Inspiration

How to Grow Marigolds From Seed in 7 Easy Steps

Are you thinking of growing marigolds from seed this season, but aren't sure where to start? Marigolds are a garden favorite, and with good reason! They have beautifully colored blooms, and make great companion plants. In this article, gardening expert Natalie Leiker walks through how to grow marigolds from seed in a few very simple steps!

lavender and marigolds

Gardening Inspiration

Can Marigolds Be Planted Together With Lavender?

Trying to figure out if Marigolds can or should be planted next to your lavender this season? These two popular plants are well known garden companions for other plants. But are they also good together? In this article, gardening expert Natalie Leiker examines if it's a good idea or not to plant Marigolds next to Lavender in your garden.

Beautiful blanket flower growing in the garden.

Gardening Inspiration

How to Plant, Grow and Care For Blanket Flowers

Are you thinking of adding some blanket flowers to your garden this season, but aren't sure where to start? Blanket flowers are beautiful perennials that can be the star of almost any full sun flower garden. In this article, gardening expert Natalie Leiker examines how to plant, grow and care for Blanket Flowers!

marigolds and peppers

Companion Planting

Can Marigolds Be Planted With Peppers in Your Garden?

Thinking of planting some marigolds with your garden grown peppers this season? Curious to know if it's a good idea or not? In this article, gardening expert Natalie Leiker examines if planting marigolds with peppers in your garden is a good idea, or if you should stick to other companion plants.

Companion Planting

Can You Plant Marigolds With Garden Grown Tomatoes?

Considering adding some marigolds to your tomato garden this season? Wondering if it's even a good idea, and what benefits there are? In this article, gardening expert Natalie Leiker walks through if planting marigolds with tomatoes is a good idea, and how to do it properly if you decide to plant them together!

Gardening Tips

What’s the Difference Between Roots and Rhizomes?

Have you ever noticed the words root and rhizome used interchangeably and wondered if there is a difference? I’m here to tell you there is! Join small-scale farming expert Jenna Rich as she discovers the true meaning of root and rhizome and provides insight that should make you feel confident about the meaning of both terms and how they affect plant growth.

Gardening Inspiration

When Should You Plant Basil This Season?

Trying to grow basil in your garden this season, but aren't sure when you should begin planting? Basil is a resilient herb, but planting at the proper time is critical. In this article, gardening expert Jenna Rich shares when you should be planting basil in your garden by hardiness zone and frost dates.

Gardening Inspiration

How to Prune Basil in 6 Easy Steps

Does your basil need a trim? If you want to prune your garden-grown basil but haven't done it before, you might be wondering where to start. In this article, gardening expert and organic farmer Jenna Rich outlines the six simple steps you can follow for pruning healthy basil plants!