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

How to Grow Thyme: Planting, Care and Harvest for a Fragrant Herb Garden

Exclusive Gardening / Herb Guide How to Grow Thyme: Planting, Care and Harvest for a Fragrant Herb Garden How to grow thyme in beds, rock gardens and patio containers: the best types including...

How to Grow Chili Peppers: From Seed to Spicy Harvest

Exclusive Gardening / Garden Guide How to Grow Chili Peppers: From Seed to Spicy Harvest How to grow chili peppers in the garden and on the patio: growing peppers from seed, hot peppers in pots, sun...

How to Get Rid of Scale Insects: A Complete Guide (Including Cochineal Scale)

Exclusive Gardening / Garden Guide How to Get Rid of Scale Insects: A Complete Guide (Including Cochineal Scale) How to get rid of scale insects on shrubs, fruit trees, cacti and patio plants: how to...

How to Get Rid of Slugs: 9 Natural Ways to Protect Your Plants

Exclusive Gardening / Garden Guide How to Get Rid of Slugs: 9 Natural Ways to Protect Your Plants How to get rid of slugs in the garden and on your plants: recognize slug damage, use natural slug...

Are Earthworms Good for Plants? Benefits, Worm Castings and When to Worry

Exclusive Gardening / Garden Guide Are Earthworms Good for Plants? Benefits, Worm Castings and When to Worry Are earthworms good for plants? Learn the real benefits of earthworms for soil and roots...

How to Apply Insecticide to Plants Safely and Effectively

Exclusive Gardening / Garden Guide How to Apply Insecticide to Plants Safely and Effectively How to apply insecticide in the garden the right way: when to spray insecticide, how to choose between...
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