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

Kohler 8-gallon trash can in a modern-looking, minimalist kitchen.

Everyday Essentials

The Best Trash Cans to Tidy Every Space

Find stylish and functional wastebaskets that will help keep each room in your home neat.

By Deirdre Mundorf

Home Safety

The Best Thing You Can Spend Your Expiring FSA Funds On Is a First Aid Kit

Don’t forget to use up these pre-tax funds before they expire on this household essential.

By Kathleen Corlett

Brunette woman packing and stacking clothes items into the boxes in a walk-in closet.

Storage & Organizing

These Essential Products Will Help You Solve Your Biggest Closet Problems

From LED lights to closet organizers, these are the must-have products of 2026 for your best closet ever.

By Catherine Hiles

Raised Bed Gardening

Happy woman and credit card with phone on sofa.

Tech & Electronics

9 Cool Money-Saving Gadgets That Pay for Themselves

These smart home gadgets and nifty kitchen finds will help lower your energy and grocery costs.

By Bob Vila Staff, Updated by Daryna Tobey

Home with stone features and front porch.

Safety & Security

These Essential Household Items Could Save Your Life

Make sure your household is prepared for any accidents or disasters with these essential items.

By Savannah Sher

Curb Appeal

Finally, a Mailbox Kit With Concrete-Free Installation That Works

Architectural Mailboxes offers an all-in-one kit that I assembled with my bare hands and installed with just a shovel. Simple, yes, but will it last?

By Sarah Fulghum

Gardening on a Budget

Box of Ecosmart Universal Select light bulb sitting on a wood table in front of a house at night

Lighting

Always Have the Best Color Light with this Award-Winning LED Bulb

What if you could change the wattage or color temperature without replacing a bulb? The Home Depot’s new EcoSmart Universal light bulb is a game changer.

By Sandi Schwartz