Gardening for Beginners: Bob Vila's Best Tips

Young couple (heads not seen) use trowels to dig into a small raised garden bed on Astroturf, surrounded by gardening accessories.

New to gardening? You’re in the right place!

BobVila.com is your hub for all things seeds, soil, and plants. We’ll help you set up your first garden— whether it’s a few pots on your patio, a raised bed, or a in-ground plot out back, and select the right plants for your soil and region. You’ll also get all the info you need about fertilizers, garden tools, and controlling weeds and garden pests.

Get ready to dig in!

Lawn & Garden

10 Things Every New Gardener Needs to Know

Is starting a garden on your to-do list this year? Here’s what you need to know before lifting a shovel or planting a seed.

By Mark Wolfe

An organized vegetable garden layout in a suburban backyard.

Gardening

Seed Starting

Handheld shower head spraying thick streams of water

Tubs & Showers

We Tested 10 Shower Heads, But Only 7 Made the Cut for Coverage and Pressure

See which shower heads are worth installing based on water pressure, spray patterns, and design.

By Tony Carrick, Tiffany Lewis, Amy Lynch

The Best Handheld Steam Cleaners Dupray Neat Steam Cleaner Upholstery 2

Cleaning & Organizing

7 Best Handheld Steam Cleaners of 2026, Tested and Vetted

A handheld steam cleaner will remove stains, ground-in dirt, and grime. Here are some top steamers we tested for giving your home a deep clean.

By Katie Barton, Paul Rankin, Shannon Lee, Bob Beacham, Debbie Wolfe

Paint Needs

After 5 Head-to-Head Tests, We Found the 8 Best Paint Brushes of 2026

We evaluated eight brushes for coverage, control, and comfort to help you pick the perfect tool for any surface.

By Debbie Wolfe

Raised Bed Gardening

Ryobi 40V 22 Two-Stage Cordless Snow Blower presented outside next to a truck

Lawn, Garden & Pool

Our Favorite Snow Blowers That You Can Get the Fastest

Snow in the forecast? These tested tools are our favorites for clearing paths and driveways—and they’ll deliver or be ready for pickup within the week.

By Glenda Taylor, Tom Scalisi, Zach Lazzari

Appliances

The Best Microwave Convection Ovens Actually Deliver—See Our Top Picks

The best microwave convection ovens pull double duty, offering standard microwave features while allowing home chefs to bake cookies, roast meats, and cook a variety of other foods.

By Paul Rankin

A person wearing one of the best winter hats while outdoors

Clothing & Gear

The Best Winter Hats of 2026

Stay warm and toasty—and look good doing it—with the perfect winter hat.

By Glenda Taylor

Gardening on a Budget

One of the Best Hand Crank Flashlights lit up atop a tree stump

Safety & Security

The Best Hand-Crank Flashlights of 2026

Keep your family safe in an emergency situation with a hand-crank flashlight that provides light without requiring batteries, solar panels, or electricity.

By Timothy Dale