Outdoor and Garden Products Buying Guide

Let's face it: we love our yards. We plant, mulch, weed, and sculpt  in an attempt to not only beautify our properties, but also to make our neighbors incredibly jealous of our great yard . Whether you've got a killer green thumb or just love taking care of your yard, we have the scoop on all of the essential gardening tools, supplies, and even plants, so your outdoor area  will look its best.

Regional Guides and Resources

The United States is a very big country with a wide variety of climates and habitats. Every plant species has a unique set of needs, such as minimum and maximum temperatures, water , and soil type. Light is a factor as well, of course; areas closer to the tropics have more stable light levels, while light in northern regions changes between the summer and winter. We know that climate is on a gradient, but it is also useful to divide the country into several gardening regions based on average high and low temperatures, number of frost-free days, amount of precipitation, and other factors. It's tempting to think that the tropics are naturally more suited for growing everything, but this isn't true; while there are many beautiful tropical flowers , vegetables, such as peas  and broccoli , prefer cool temperatures. Lilacs  only grow in areas with freezing winters.

Your Neck Of The Woods

To keep your yard looking beautiful, you must work with your environment. Live in a dry area? Try a cactus  and succulent garden  instead of a lawn. Are your winters cold and snowy? You might enjoy a beautiful display of lilacs when the weather finally warms up. There are plants suited for every region, and of course the boundaries of each region are fuzzy. With a little TLC, you'll be able to grow in your climate zone.

If you call the southern coast of Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Georgia or South Carolina your home, the Coastal and Tropical South Gardening Guide is your guide.	Live in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, or Maryland? The Mid Atlantic Gardening Guide is all about this area.	If you live in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, or Northeastern New York, the New England Gardening Guide is just for you.	For any residents along the damp coast of Washington, Oregon or northern California, the Pacific Northwest Gardening Guide will help you make the most of those rare sunny days.	Maybe you're sandwiched between varying climates, like the folks in Kentucky? If so, the Upper South Gardening Guide is for you.

Looking for a way to tie everything together aesthetically in your garden? Not sure where to begin? Start with a focal or beginner piece such as a stepping stone  or statue, both of which will inspire you when planning your outdoor space. And remember, you can never have too many gardening tips. Plants and flowers need special and delicate care, that's why you should read up on do's, don'ts, and how-to's.

Supplies

Scattering seeds in the wind works if you're planning a wildflower garden , but that's about it. Most garden plants will need a little bit more attention: bulbs  need to be planted deeper than seeds , for example. Whether you're pruning your bushes or just giving your vegetable garden a boost of extra fertilizers , you'll need a few basic supplies to keep everything coming up roses  (and daffodils  and tomatoes --and much more).

Fertilizers will make your plants grow big and strong. Make sure you have enough of the good stuff--soil and soil amendments . Mulch will also keep out many weeds, among other things. You might also want to consider getting a composter  to help supplement your garden and dispose of garden and kitchen waste.	Garden tools  and hand tools will make lawn and yard maintenance much easier. And with extra additions, such as water hoses , your plants, flowers, and grass will stay healthy and colorful.	Is there trouble in your little patch of Eden? Try bird and mammal deterrents  to keep woodland critters from causing trouble in paradise. Plant disease control products can take care of many fungal infections while weed control sprays and powders  kill unwelcome and unsightly greenery. As for insects and bugs, a repellent  will do the trick.	Vegetable seeds  make for a delicious harvest all summer long, and even into the fall. Herb seeds  add spice to any garden, while annuals ,perennials  and flowering vines  bloom from spring into fall. Plant flower bulbs  in the fall for a spectacular spring show!	Make sure everyone knows exactly who the top gardener is with personal touches: accents  like gardening signs and markers . Feeling ambitious? You might be ready to install a greenhouse  to jump start your harvest or just to maintain a collection of tropical plants.

Equipment

Sometimes maintaining your outdoor space takes a little extra effort. With gas prices on the rise, you might want to look into the most efficient form of these tools or use a manual machine instead. Besides, wowing your lawn with a manual mower is also good exercise!

Keep your plants under control with chainsaws , hedge trimmers and string trimmers.	Lawn mowers  and lawn tractors  will keep your grass looking great. These cutting devices can be manual , gas-powered, or electric.	Pressure washers ,leaf blowers  and snow blowers  keep everything neat and tidy outdoors.	Tillers  help you prepare your garden for planting. This makes aerating the soil for vegetable gardens easy and painless.

Accessories

You work so hard to maintain your yard; don't forget to take time to enjoy it too! If wildlife watching is a hobby, why not make your yard a place not only to relax in, but also inviting to furry and feathered friends? Or maybe you just want to sit outside with a book and work on your tan? You have your pick of hammocks  and outdoor furniture . Don't forget to check out the buying guide to grills for the ultimate in outdoor entertaining.

Grilling is a great way to entertain during the summer; make sure you have a grill and barbecue tool sets . Show off your culinary talents with a smoker, or if you have a small yard, there are small stoves for indoor and outdoor use .	Nothing is quite as relaxing in a hammock under the shade of your favorite tree. Don't forget a pillow , your favorite magazine or book, and some sunscreen !	Not sure if you're ready for company? Our outdoor entertaining guide will help you make sure you have everything you need. Plus, outdoor furniture  gives everyone a place to chill.	If you love to watch wildlife, make sure your yard has both food and water. Bird baths ,bird feeders , and plenty of wild bird food  are absolute necessities! You might also want a field guide  and binoculars .

Quick Picks

Once the flowers have bloomed, the grass is cut, and grill is set-up, it's time to play! Whether it's a day with the family, a relaxing evening under the stars, or you're entertaining guests, you will need a few essential games, cleaning gadgets, and entertainment for kids. 

• There's relaxing and then there's a peaceful paradise. This can be achieved with the addition of a pond, a running waterfall or garden fountain, and lots of plants.
• What's the best way to ensure everyone has fun? Games, of course. Simple activities, such as ring toss and catch, are great for kids and those who can't move around a lot.
• If you don't have a pool, cool off with a family-size inflatable one. These are convenient and can be inflated and deflated within minutes. They also don't take up a lot of space. For anyone with an above ground or inground pool, vacuums are essential for keeping dirt from collecting on the bottom.

Halex Combination Volleyball And Badminton Set	Portable Firepit	Family Swim Center Pool	Pool Buster Pool Vac	Little Tikes Clubhouse Swing Set

Related Guides

• Home and Garden
• Hedge Trimmers
• Grills
• Lawn Mowers
• Outdoor Furniture 

International Resources

For this resource in your home country, please see:
FR: Jardin