Health package header

Aha! Guide to Gardening

Dreaming of updating your backyard or making over an outdoor space? Even the most novice gardener can create something beautiful. Get started with these surprising gardening tips.

Gardening Tips

Create a Cabbage Centerpiece
Tuck sweet peas in hollowed-out vegetables for a stunning arrangement.

Gardening Pointers
A glossary of gardening lingo.


Red and orange patterned terrace

22 Outdoor Decor Ideas

From porches to patios, transform your outdoor space with smart decorating tricks.
Photo: Polly Wreford/Homes & Gardens/IPC+ Syndication

Shortcuts to a Backyard Makeover

Gardening and decorating tips to transform your space.
Photo: Minh & Wass

How to Buy Outdoor Patio Furniture

The ultimate guide to choosing long-lasting, easy-care backyard pieces that will make outdoor living even sweeter.
Photo: Alec Hemer/myhomeideas.com

Decorating With House Plants

Seven ideas for gorgeous displays and the secrets for keeping your indoor greenery growing strong.
Photo: Christopher Baker
Red and orange patterned terrace
Outdoor plants
Blue flagstone terrace with wrought iron table and chairs
Mini cacti and succulents on a table

Gardening Advice

Banana peel with soil and yellow roses

Gardening New Uses for Old Things
Can a flower pot come in handy to hold garden tools? Find the answer—and many more innovative ways to use everyday items for gardening.

Self-watering pail planters

The Best Pots and Planters
Find the ideal vessel to show off your flowers and plants.

Health poll header
Red tomatoes

Vegetable and Herb Container Garden Checklist

A container garden is easy to grow if you follow these how-tos.

  • Pick your pot. Make sure the container is at least 24 inches in diameter. There should be room for the plants to develop strong roots and grow. Terra-cotta containers are good options, or consider repurposing a plastic trash can or bin and poking drainage holes in the bottom.

    Related: Planters for Any Garden

  • Plan your arrangement. A 24-inch container can fit five to seven seedlings of varying sizes. Choose an anchor—a large plant like a tomato, a pepper, a blueberry, or an eggplant. Add a plant with height—a tall graceful fennel, an okra, or a dill. Then fill in around the edges with lettuces, spinach, or smaller herbs like parsley, basil, or rosemary. Try to include a plant that will dangle over the edge like nasturtium, strawberries, or even a small squash.

    Related: Easy Gardens for Small Spaces

  • Buy the best varieties. Pick up the seedlings at a nursery or farmers’ market. Select varieties of vegetables that are bred to be compact. Pay attention to leaf colors and textures when choosing vegetables and herbs, and look for edible flowers, too. Check the care tags to make sure the seedlings are compatible and can grow in the same pot.

    Related: Shop Smart at the Garden Center

View The Entire Checklist

Advertisement
Computer desk
I have a major thing for blue mason jars. I use them for everything – drinking g...
from The Nest Blog - Home Décor, Cooking, Money, Health & Sex News & Advice » house & home
Screening for lung cancer using low-dose computed tomography (CT scans) rather ...
from FOXNews.com
It seems fitting that Drew Barrymore, the girl next door who's also Hollywo...
from POPSUGAR Home
Ottolenghi is a lucky man. Read more: Tastemakers , Ottolenghi ...
from Tastepartner on The Huffington Post
You hunt and search and tour and tour. Then you make a move and live happily eve...
from Home on Huffingtonpost
From SIP s to straw bales, there are several alternative approaches to traditi...
from Houzz