Lesson 1 · 10 min
Know your zone & first frost
Find your USDA hardiness zone and frost dates — the two numbers that decide everything you plant and when.
The Beginner's Curriculum
Eight short lessons, one growing season, zero jargon. Start anywhere, but most beginners do best in order. Finish the path and earn your First Harvest seal — proof you took something from seed to plate.
8short lessons
1h 40mtotal, at your pace
Freeforever, no card
your learning path
Pick up where you left off
Lesson 1 is open to everyone. A free account saves your progress across every device — and unlocks the printable seasonal checklists.
2 of 8 lessons complete✓Know your zone & first frost
✓Soil 101: the squeeze test
3Seed starting for complete beginners
4Compost: browns, greens & the 3:1 rule
All eight lessons
Browse guides →
Lesson 2 · 12 min
Soil 101: the squeeze test
Sand, silt or clay? A handful and a squeeze tells you what you're working with and how to improve it.
Lesson 3 · 15 min
Seed starting for complete beginners
When to sow, how deep, and the cheap windowsill setup that beats expensive kits every time.
Lesson 4 · 16 min
Compost: browns, greens & the 3:1 rule
Turn kitchen scraps into black gold with one foolproof ratio. Includes the full written guide.
Lesson 5 · 12 min
Mulching magic for winter protection
Two inches of the right mulch saves water, smothers weeds and tucks your soil in for winter.
Lesson 6 · 9 min
Watering without guesswork
Deep and infrequent beats a daily sprinkle. The finger test that ends overwatering for good.
Lesson 7 · 13 min
Beneficial bugs & natural pest control
Build a garden that defends itself. Meet the insects that work for you and how to invite them.
Lesson 8 · 13 min
Extending the season & saving seeds
Squeeze weeks more harvest from both ends of the year — and save seed for next spring, free.