Gardening for beginners: Where to start for every step of the way (2024)

Gardening is one of those rewarding, fulfilling and practical activities. Growing one's own flowers, fruit or vegetables, tending to a colourful splattering of bushes and pruning hedges for a verdant, neat outdoor oasis – there's ample to do in the garden. Indeed, getting one's hands dirty is fantastic for brain health, longevity and overall well-being – a few studies have even determined that those who get out in the garden have better sex lives (who needs the birds and the bees when you've seeds and soil?). Of course, those who don't know a hoe from a spade might feel a bit intimidated at first; however, for those wishing to plant the first seeds of getting into gardening, we've collated the best tips, tricks and how-tos across the House & Garden site to help you get started.

The easiest place to start for new gardeners

For those in need of a concrete set of rules or with no idea on where one might begin with gardening, we have a helpful step-by-step guide to designing your first garden by garden designer Angel Collins, as well as a few helpful apps to keep you and your garden on track.

Where to buy seeds, spades and other tools

Before you can begin your gardening journey, it is vital to consider your tools, as well as the seeds and plants you'd like to grow and tend to in your garden.

The essential items ever gardener needs

Whilst there are plenty of bells and whistles a seasoned gardener might have their eye on, there a few essential tools necessary for those just getting into the gardening game.

• Gloves: Though we at House & Garden don't mind getting our hands dirty from time to time, those who will be spending some time out in the garden ripping up weeds or diving deep into the dirt will want a good pair of gardening gloves.
• Secateurs: When it comes to pootling and pruning, a good pair of secateurs (essentially a gardener's answer to scissors) are key.
• Hand trowel: These little shovels are a gardener's best friend. Useful for weeding, planting, potting and seed sowing, good hand trowel will get quite a bit of action in the garden – we'd recommend investing in a stainless steel or other sturdy, long-lasting option.
• Hand fork: For those getting started in the early spring (the best time to start a garden!), a hand fork is essential. Not only will it help you to break up hardened soil or clay, a good hand fork will also bust through stony ground and help to turnover fresh soil ready for new seeds.
• Watering can: Even if you live in a rainy clime (hello, the UK), a watering can is an indispensable gardening tool. Use you watering can to keep thirsty seedlings and young plants well looked-after; when out of commission, they can also transform into fashionable, though rustic, vases.
• Hose: For those with a hook-up, a hose is a fast way to water your garden, not to mention easier on one's back.
• Spade: Digging and planting could not be possible without a spade. Like with a hand trowel, it is wise to invest in a sturdy, long-lasting option.
• Garden digger: For those looking to plant vegetables or zhuzzh up their garden's borders, a garden digger is ideal. Not only will it break up hardened soil or clay, the garden fork can also serve as a rake, making seed planting easy.
• Dutch hoe: Even if you tend to your garden expertly and with a watchful eye, weeds are an inevitable and unwanted visitor. Dutch hoes are perfect for clearing these pesky invaders.
• Rake: Practical for a number of reasons, the humble rake is perhaps one of the most important tools for a gardener. Its wide head and sharp prongs can open up soil; its flattened, dull head will be able to firm it back down. Additionally, for those with fallen foliage, rakes will help you to collect and organise it.
• Potting shed: Maven of housekeeping Martha Stewart is a firm believer in having a good potting or garden shed, which needn't be bigger than a wooden cupboard (but have enough storage for your supplies). “When placed in a location convenient to both the house and the garden, a potting shed will serve as a useful way station,” says Martha, “Fill it with pots, bulbs, seeds, fertiliser and potting soil, a hose and other gardening essentials.”
• Optional Gardening shoes (though wellies or a pair of old trainers will do), a garden kneeler, for those seeking extra comfort whilst planting and weeding and a garden trug, for collecting the bounty of your garden (a wicker basket or bucket, however, can be used in a pinch).

Unsure of which tools to buy? Let our garden editor, Clare Foster, guide you through your selection.