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.

DECKING AND FENCING 101

Gardening Advice

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.

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

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

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