If you’re passionate about plants, soil, and storytelling, here’s a blooming opportunity for you.
The American Gardener magazine pays up to $700 per article — and they’re actively looking for skilled freelance writers who know their way around a garden bed.
From hands-on tips to big-picture ideas, there’s room for all kinds of garden-focused stories here.
Whether you’re a hobbyist with a green thumb or a horticulture professional, this guide will walk you through what the American Gardener is all about, what kind of articles they want, and how you can get published.
Let’s get started.
What is American Gardener?
American Gardener is the official publication of the American Horticultural Society (AHS), a nonprofit that’s been promoting sustainable gardening practices across the U.S. since 1922.
The magazine is published bimonthly and reaches over 20,000 members, including gardeners, educators, landscape professionals, and plant lovers nationwide.
Every 60-page issue is packed with vibrant stories, practical techniques, and expert advice tailored to eco-conscious gardeners.
It’s a trusted resource for readers who care about plant conservation, biodiversity, and cultivating gardens that work in harmony with nature — not against it.
Most of the magazine’s content is written by freelancers.
Their readership is made up of experienced amateur gardeners, while about 1 in 5 are professional horticulturists.
Articles range from in-depth technical features and plant profiles to reflections on gardening history, culture, and community.
If you’ve got something meaningful to share — a method, a memory, or a movement — American Gardener is where it can take root and grow.
What kind of content do they accept?
They’re looking for stories that inspire, educate, and connect gardeners across the country.
Topics include:
- Innovative garden design
- Profiles of plant groups or gardening pioneers
- Environmentally conscious gardening practices
- Plant hunting and conservation
- Gardening history, folklore, and literature
- Horticultural therapy and community gardening
- Native and region-appropriate plants
- DIY features (e.g., creating a garden path or building a pond)
- Gardening techniques like propagation or tree planting
They care deeply about sustainability, and prefer articles that:
- Minimize synthetic pesticides/fertilizers
- Promote biodiversity
- Avoid invasive or ecologically harmful plants
What are their writing guidelines?
All writers must pitch a proposal first — don’t send a full article without approval. No simultaneous submissions allowed.
Your pitch should include:
- A summary of your proposed article
- Why it matters to a national audience of experienced gardeners
- A breakdown of the main points or structure
If it’s your first time writing for them, also include:
- Relevant writing samples
- A short paragraph on your gardening experience or training
They value an authoritative yet engaging style — ideally supported with quotes from interviews or cited sources.
It helps to suggest possible sources for photos or illustrations too.
Accepted article types include:
- Feature articles: 1,500 to 2,500 words
- Column stories: 900 to 1,000 words
Who can write for them?
They welcome freelancers with:
- Gardening experience (professional or serious hobbyist)
- Solid writing skills and storytelling instincts
- A journalistic approach — including quotes and narrative flow
You don’t need to be a master gardener.
But you do need to know your topic and write clearly and engagingly for knowledgeable readers.
How much do they pay?
Your earnings depend on the article type, length, and your experience level:
- Feature articles: $300 to $700 upon publication
- Columns: $150 to $200 per piece
- Travel/expenses: May be reimbursed (negotiated at time of acceptance)
- Kill fee: 25% if the editor rejects your article after revisions
Note:
You do not get paid just for submitting.
You get paid if your piece is accepted and published.
Why should I write for them?
Writing for American Gardener isn’t just about the paycheck.
It’s a chance to contribute to one of the most respected gardening publications in the U.S. — a platform trusted by thousands of serious gardeners and plant enthusiasts.
You’ll be joining a network of passionate growers, educators, and storytellers who care about nature, sustainability, and the future of gardening.
It’s a unique opportunity to share your expertise with a national audience — and get paid for it.
Whether you’re showcasing your favorite native plant, documenting a rare gardening method, or spotlighting a horticultural hero — your voice matters here.
This is a professional platform with an engaged readership and a longstanding reputation for excellence.
Your work won’t just sit on a shelf —
it’ll be read, appreciated, and remembered by people who genuinely care.
How do I get started?
Before you pitch, it helps to read a few issues of American Gardener to get a feel for their tone, audience, and the kind of stories they publish.
You’ll gain a better understanding of what stands out and how your idea might fit in.
Once you’re familiar with the magazine, here’s how to pitch your story idea:
- Email your proposal to:
editor@ahsgardening.org - Include a clear summary, your reasoning for national interest, and your story structure
- First-time writers should also include writing samples and a brief note about their gardening experience
- Bonus: mention if you can help source photos or illustrations
Remember — do not send full drafts or multiple submissions.
Wait for editorial feedback before developing your piece.
Ready to pitch your article?
Head over to their website to get started.
Final thoughts
American Gardener isn’t just a magazine — it’s a national gathering place for thoughtful, practical, and passionate voices in the gardening world.
If you’ve got stories rooted in the soil — whether it’s about a rare plant you’re preserving, a personal gardening breakthrough, or an eco-conscious technique worth sharing — this is a space where your work can flourish.
Writing for this publication means connecting with thousands of like-minded readers who care deeply about nature, sustainability, and smart, responsible gardening.
It’s your chance to turn everyday lessons in the garden into lasting insight for others — while building your portfolio and earning fair compensation for your work.
Take the leap.
Pitch your idea.
Share your story.
And help shape the future of gardening one article at a time.
Start a blog & earn a fulltime income
Freelance writing is a good way to monetize your writing skills — but blogging is even better.
With your own blog, you can write what you want, build a loyal readership, and earn from your writing in more ways than per-article gigs.
My beginner-friendly guide shows you exactly how to start your blog from scratch, step by step, and grow it into a fulltime income — on your terms, from home or wherever life takes you.
START A BLOG ➤Looking for more sites that pay you to write?
Here’s a curated list of sites that pay writers.
You’ll find magazines, websites, and platforms in all kinds of niches, from poetry, fiction, and greeting cards to travel, lifestyle, parenting, and more.
Each site includes everything you need to know — from the type of content they’re looking for, to how much they pay, to how to submit your work — so you can confidently land your next paid writing gig.
SEE THE FULL LIST ➤
