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

Bob Vila video about the best tools for leaf cleanup.

Lawn, Garden & Pool

What’s In My Toolbox: Must-Haves for Leaf Cleanup

Former pro landscaper Mark Wolfe shows us the five tools he always reaches for when it’s time to clean up the leaves.

By Jenny Stanley

Mattresses & Bedding

4 Things Bob Vila Editors Bought for Their Homes This Month

Sometimes the simplest things can make the biggest difference.

By Bob Vila Staff

A diatomaceous earth stone bath mat outside of a shower.

Bath Fixtures & Fittings

Why This Humble Bath Mat Is My #1 Purchase of 2025

Goodbye soggy, stinky bath mats!

By Bob Vila Staff

Raised Bed Gardening

Mark Wolfe, landscaping expert, with go-to planting tools.

Hand Tools

What’s In My Toolbox: Essentials for Planting

Bob Vila’s resident horticulture expert shows us his must-have tools for planting out a home landscape.

By Jenny Stanley

Home Depot Ryobi Free Tools December 2025

Deals

Ryobi Deal at The Home Depot: Buy a Battery Kit, Get a Free Tool

By Glenda Taylor

Power Tools

Amazon Drops DeWalt Tools to Clearance Prices for Holiday Shopping: Save Up to 50% Off Combo Kits, Power Tools, and More

Save on combo kits, power tools, hand tools, and more during Amazon’s holiday shopping deals. Enjoy DeWalt savings up to 50% off.

By Stephanie Cronk

Gardening on a Budget

Person opening door to get food out of LG oven

Deals

Retailers Dropped Massive Discounts on Large Appliances This Week: Up to 56% off

Save big on refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, and more.

By Paul Rankin

Deals

Amazon Holiday Deals Drop Dyson to Clearance Prices: Up to 65% Off Popular Models

Dyson is known for its quality products from stick vacuums to air purifiers. Save up to 65% off during Amazon’s holiday deals.

By Stephanie Cronk

Power Tools

Amazon Is Clearing Out Tools for Holiday Shopping: 100+ Tool Deals to Ridiculously Low Prices—Save 50% Off DeWalt, Craftsman, and More

Amazon continues to roll out deep discounts on top tools just in time for holiday shopping. Save up to 50% off drills, combo kits, hand tools, and more.

By Stephanie Cronk