Yard and Garden How-To’s for Beginners

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Whether you just bought your first home, are looking to renovate an existing landscape, or simply are looking to develop your yard and garden knowledge, we’re here to help. We have articles that cover all aspects of landscape and garden creation and care.

If you are brand new to gardening, check out these helpful topics:

  • Tools for New Gardeners and Selecting Garden Tools
    Before you get started, you need to make sure you have the tools you’ll need. Here’s a handy list of what you’ll need and what to look for when buying yard and garden tools.
  • About Annuals and About Perennials
    What’s the difference between an annual and a perennial? Where is the best place to grow each type of plant? What should you look for when buying annuals or perennials?
  • Easy Steps to a New Garden
    Basic step-by-step instructions on how to go about planning, building and caring for your flower bed or vegetable garden.
  • The Basics of Plant Care
    You don’t want to plant your garden and then forget about it. To have the beautiful results you’ve dreamed about, plants need some basic care—feeding, watering, mulching—and protection from the elements. Get the basics here.

For a more advanced review of a variety of yard and garden topics, check out the Reference section. Here you’ll find articles dedicated to more advanced yard and garden topics like the elements of landscape design: form, perspective and the senses.

FAQ

How can I tell if a plant I am interested in will grow in my area?

When is the best time to begin preparing a medium-sized family vegetable garden?

Is there anything I should do to the soil before planting?

Are there general watering guidelines I can follow for my flower beds?

Do trees need food?

When is the best to prune shrubs?

What’s the difference between continuous-release, water-soluble, and liquid plant foods?