Practical ideas for every season

Gardening Tips and Plant Care Guides

Find straightforward help for growing vegetables and herbs, caring for plants, solving common garden problems and preparing your outdoor space for the next season. Start with the task you have today, then follow a detailed guide when you need the steps.

Choose a place to start

Need a specific answer?

For a small space, try growing herbs indoors or tomatoes in pots. If plants are struggling, see how to diagnose a declining plant before changing several things at once. You can also explore our garden tool comparisons when equipment is the next decision.

Frequently asked questions

Where should a beginner start?

Begin with the amount of light and space you have. Choose a few plants suited to those conditions, prepare the soil or container, and establish a watering routine before expanding.

How often should I water my garden?

There is no single schedule for every garden. Check soil moisture near the roots, recent rain, temperature and the needs of the plant. Our watering guide explains the signs in more detail.

Do I need many tools to begin gardening?

A hand trowel, gloves and a way to water cover many small jobs. Add specialized tools only when a task calls for them. Compare options in our garden tools guides.

Explore all gardening articles

The articles below include how-tos, seasonal ideas and buying guides. Use the page numbers to browse older posts.

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Gardening Tips & Reviews

7 Winter Patio Ideas to Enjoy Your Patio During Winter

Exclusive Gardening / Outdoor Living Guide 7 Winter Patio Ideas to Enjoy Your Patio During Winter Seven practical ways to keep using your patio when it gets cold: heat, shelter, light and comfort...

How to Water Cacti and Succulents: The Soak and Dry Method Explained

Exclusive Gardening / Garden Guide How to Water Cacti and Succulents: The Soak and Dry Method Explained How to water cacti and succulents indoors and on the patio: the soak and dry method, how often...

How to Grow Parsley: From Seed to Harvest in the Garden and in Pots

Exclusive Gardening / Herb Guide How to Grow Parsley: From Seed to Harvest in the Garden and in Pots How to grow parsley outdoors: curly versus flat-leaf parsley, how to get the slow seeds to sprout...

How to Grow Ivy: Cuttings, Ground Cover, Walls and Containers (Responsibly)

Exclusive Gardening / Garden Guide How to Grow Ivy: Cuttings, Ground Cover, Walls and Containers (Responsibly) How to grow ivy the smart way: how to propagate ivy cuttings in water or soil, using ivy...

How to Grow Kiwi: Hardy Kiwi, Fuzzy Kiwi and the Right Kiwi Trellis

Exclusive Gardening / Garden Guide How to Grow Kiwi: Hardy Kiwi, Fuzzy Kiwi and the Right Kiwi Trellis How to grow kiwi at home: choosing between hardy kiwi and fuzzy kiwifruit, why you need male and...

Full Sun Plants: 40 Heat Tolerant Picks for Hot Gardens and Patios

Exclusive Gardening / Garden Guide Full Sun Plants: 40 Heat Tolerant Picks for Hot Gardens and Patios The best full sun plants for hot, sunny beds and patios: heat tolerant plants and drought tolerant...
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