Advice Archive | August 2025 | Homes and Gardens

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August 29th
- I love these 3 decluttering shows on Netflix – they’re perfect for body doubling your next tidying session
- How to grow hummingbird mint in pots – expert advice for a fuss-free patio plant that bees, birds and butterflies adore
- Are your roof windows 20 years old? If so, a VELUX roof window replacement could be the answer to cooler summers and warmer winters at home
- You can get both winter harvests and spring treats from planting vegetables in September – here is our expert selection of crops to sow this month
- I'm a professional cleaner, and this is the most vital and overlooked housekeeping task you should do daily if you have kids at home
- I tried the clever Joseph Joseph under-shelf organizer, and it solved my tiny kitchen problems instantly
- What does a spoon in a persimmon seed mean? This fun folklore is said to predict winter weather – discover the 3 possibilities these fruit seeds reveal
August 28th
- 7 kitchen features designers say are always eyesores – and their suggested alternatives that look more elevated
- Are you finding that your tomatoes won't turn red no matter what you try? Here's what you're doing wrong and exactly how to fix it
- Get free vegetables for years, by only buying seeds once – 5 of the best crops for collecting homegrown seeds
- Snakes in your yard? Here's what it says about your garden (plus experts reveal how to reduce serpent numbers)
- Experts say this unusual hack is 'surprisingly effective' for cooling your home by up to 7 degrees – it's completely free and easy to try
- Is the outside of your home covered in dusty summer cobwebs? Remove them easily at arm's length with this free DIY tool tip
- 'Moonlighting' is the most dramatic garden trend I've seen this year – lighting design experts share 3 easy ways to get the look
August 27th
- I've switched on my brain's cleaning autopilot with this fun musical hack that mental health pros say will beat procrastination and chore dread
- These are the 5 best colors to pair with a wooden kitchen countertop, according to interior designers
- It is vital to fertilize mandevilla for the best display – here’s the perfect regime for stunning vines covered in dazzling blooms to attract hummingbirds
- Save up to $530 on a Sans air and water purifier bundle – for a healthier, cleaner home
- This slim and stylish $26 shelving unit is 'perfect' for tidying up messy bathrooms without damaging walls
- How to grow creeping phlox – for a resilient and pretty flowering ground cover that will illuminate backyard borders
- 5 easy gardening jobs to get done before September arrives – don't leave it too late to tick off these quick but important tasks
- Experts reveal the dream frequency households should empty food waste bins to avoid fruit fly nightmares
- 'Bold enough for contemporary spaces, yet timeless enough to honor the past' – why Sherwin-Williams' Tricorn Black is a designer favorite loved for its enduring sophistication
- My agapanthus didn't bloom this year, and there is one reason why – here's what I am doing to stop agapanthus gall midge ruining next year's flowers
August 26th
- Painting your fence one of these colors will instantly bring more pollinators to your yard, according to a gardening expert
- Are you 'setting yourself up' for failure? 8 Gorilla Glue mistakes you should never make at home, experts warn
- 'It gives you a clear boundary before you even start sorting' – why the 'Start with Enough' method easily clears stubborn mess
- Chervil is a staple of French cuisine, and you'll be amazed by how easy and quick it is to grow in herb gardens or pots
- How and when to fertilize fig trees – for lush growth and a bounty of fruit every summer
- ‘I like it so much, I bought two more as Christmas gifts!’ – this Joseph Joseph caddy is the key to calm morning routines
- This is the vintage, non-toxic hack cleaning pros love for eliminating bathtub stains with ease
- Growing these 5 plants in your yard is one of the worst things you can do for pollinators, according to a professional ecologist – why they cause more harm than good, and what to plant instead
August 25th
- Feeling stressed out after decluttering? The STOP method will help you restore emotional calm in 4 simple steps
- This hosting hack will take the stress out of entertaining – I tried it and it's totally transformed my fall party planning
- How to kit out a greenhouse – experts share clever tips and tricks for making the most of your growing space
- This slim $70 storage gem doubled my book storage instantly – it's ideal for rentals, compact rooms, and avid readers
- Done with high-maintenance hydrangeas? We've found 7 alternatives that are so much easier to grow – you'll be thanking yourself next summer
- Moles ripping up your lawn? Amazon shoppers say this $35 ultrasonic repellent is saving the day – it's solar powered and doesn't cause any harm to wildlife
August 24th
- 6 genius alternative ways to use an iron at home that have nothing to do with clothes – experts say it’s surprisingly versatile
- Horsetail is hard to eradicate, but garden experts recommend 5 methods for getting rid of this problematic weed
- This is the only natural kitchen ingredient you need to remove annoying sticky label residue with zero scrubbing
- How to grow the Canary creeper – for a yellow-flowering climber that will prove irresistible to migrating hummingbirds
- These coffee creamer recipes are simple, tasty and perfect for fall – I'll be making them on repeat
- How to create a hydrangea centerpiece using only three seasonal ingredients – it looks so expensive you won’t believe how easy this is to do
- I've designed and managed therapeutic gardens throughout my career, and know the 7 essential elements of creating a restorative wellness garden
- 5 beneficial insects that are working hard to look after your garden plants without you realizing – how to protect and encourage them in your yard
- 3 simple chores to inspire calm, rest your mind, and give you that 'ahhh feeling' instead of an internal to-do list
August 23rd
- 5 things professional cleaners always notice in dirty bedrooms that are a ‘breeding ground’ for dirt
- I work from home and have a short attention span – these 3 tricks to reduce visual clutter on my messy desk boost productivity instantly
- All the gardening pros we spoke to agree, using cream of tartar to control pests and clean tools is not as crazy as it sounds
- Joanna Gaines is right, this is the fall 2025 color trend that will transform your dinner table
- How to grow thalictrum – to enjoy colorful floral clouds, and take your cottage garden borders to the next level
- How to create a hummingbird border – expert advice to transform your plot into a wildlife-friendly sanctuary
- Are retro appliances finally going out of style? Designers weigh in on whether the retro look is truly timeless
- Can I grow a mini rose plant outside? How to add this adorable flowering shrub to your garden in 3 easy steps
- Your garden doesn't have to fade at the end of summer – fall-flowering bulbs for are the secret to extending the season
- 'A story of resilience and renewal' – this sprawling Sarasota estate suffered $2 million worth of damage after back-to-back hurricanes hit it in just 10 days
August 22nd
- How to clean and care for a mattress topper – our ultimate expert guide
- Planning a potluck dinner? Experts swear by these 6 tips – you'll never run into menu troubles or decor woes again
- Why do hummingbirds fight? Wildlife experts answer this age-old question – plus we reveal how you can keep the peace in your yard
- Sick of the heat? Here's how to keep your home cool, heatwave or not, if you don't have AC
- 'Every design decision supports that smooth transition to the busy rhythm of the day' – how designer Marie Flanigan gets her home ready for back-to-school season
- It may be very tempting, but is it ever ok to pick flowers from someone else's yard? Experts discuss the reasons to refrain
August 21st
- My new hosting secret? This simmer pot hack – a simple, non-toxic, and wow-worthy way to make your home smell incredible
- Itched-out homeowners say these slippery bed bug monitoring traps are perfect for successful DIY 'diagnostics'
- Evergreen shade plants can instantly illuminate dark corners of a yard – 5 expert recommendations for hard-working shrubs
- Trust me, this hack to protect your figs from squirrels and birds might sound crazy, but it works – all you need is tinfoil
- ‘I felt outraged I had to do this so soon’ – decluttering after bereavement is never easy, but an organizing pro reveals the crucial mantra to relieve decision-making doubt
August 20th
- You can harvest milkweed seeds in late summer to grow your butterfly-friendly plant collection for free – when and how to collect this bounty
- This super cute, on trend veg crop is going to be on everyone's growing list for 2026 – here’s how to grow cucamelons
- What is a Tuscan-style house? Everything you need to know about this Mediterranean-inspired architectural design
- How to grow flossflower – for a tough but pretty flowering plant that will ward off mosquitoes during summer
- These 5 colors may have been popular in 2025, but designers say they would never actually use them in their own homes
- What are these vine lawn weeds in my yard? 3 common culprits and how to get rid of them
- What is the Overly Inconvenient Decluttering Method? Home organizing pros reveal this confronting visual-cue system 'prompts quick decision-making'
August 19th
- I've planted nearly every type of agapanthus, and can safely say these are the 6 very best varieties to grow for extraordinary sculptural displays
- How to grow olive trees in pots – for an unfussy, evergreen container plant that will practically grow itself
- Get wrinkle-free clothes in seconds without a bulky ironing board – thrilled shoppers love this $49 steamer, rating it a 'must have for effortless wrinkle removal' in small spaces
- How to control humidity in your home – experts reveal the early warning signs you need to know about, plus how to regain control if it spirals
- How to grow Japanese anemone for striking yet low-maintenance floral displays when other plants start to wane
- 7 plants to deadhead in August – for a second flush of blooms in early fall
August 18th
- Professional gardeners reveal how they store gardening tools properly in the fall without damage – you'll need to consider humidity, rain, and cooler temperatures
- 7 things not to do in the garden in August – to save you money and regret
- Feeding hostas will give you strong, stunning plants, but how you do it differs season-to-season – we reveal the perfect regime
- Considering AC? Here's what you need to know before you invest, from HVAC and industry pros
- I swapped big tidying sessions of my awkward living room for mini resets for a week – now I’m hooked
- How to fertilize coneflowers – what I do as a professional gardener for long-lasting showstopping flowers
- Plants to grow next to sunflowers – 5 crops and flowers that will be very happy alongside these cheerful blooms
- If you feel guilty squashing spiders, this cruelty-free, hands-off tool will be a 'lifesaver' this spider season
August 17th
- How to make a hydrangea table arrangement – it's so chic and simple
- You've heard about it, but do you actually know what topsoil is? Everything you need to know about this vital material, and how to buy the right type
- ‘Keep it simple, keep it handy’ – top chefs urge you to do these 3 things to your kitchen to declutter like a line cook
- How to care for a lemon button fern – 3 tips houseplant experts guarantee will bring you more charming fronds
- Tired of big machines for small messes? This compact, light 'beast of a machine' banishes decades-old stains in seconds – it's great for pet messes, too
- I'm a horticultural therapist, and these are the 5 most incredible ways I've seen gardening transform people's health
- How to take evergreen magnolia cuttings – late summer is the best time to take semi-ripe cuttings and grow more magnolia trees for free
August 16th
- Explore a narrow London rose garden with all the softness and whimsy of the English countryside
- How to design a bud vase arrangement using wild flowers from your garden
- If your Japanese maple tree leaves are turning green, this is the likely cause – and it takes very little effort to fix
- It might need a tad more effort, but growing lungwort in pots is well worth it – we reveal 5 crucial factors to get right for thriving plants
- How to propagate perennial sunflowers – experts share tips for dividing plants and sowing seeds
- 'I have tried everything to stop deer destroying my garden' – 10,000+ reviews say this $49 motion-activated sprinkler is the 'only thing that works'
- Forget terrible suction shower shelves, this drill-free organizing hero is the customizable alternative that stays put
August 15th
- These are the best cities in America for antique shopping, according to interior designers
- 'It’s a space to be messy and unapologetic' – designer Bryan Graybill on kitchens as functional theaters
- 6 signs you have an unhealthy lawn – and how to fix the issues like a pro
- Intentional ‘Tidying Festivals’ helped me finally declutter my empty nest before I downsized
- Is it necessary to deadhead red hot pokers? What I always do as a horticulturalist to enjoy maximum flower spikes
- If you struggle to keep your basil plant alive, try these 3 expert-approved methods to extend its life – it'll double in size in a matter of weeks
August 14th
- I love this $1 hack for removing shoe odor overnight – it’s mess-free, non-toxic, and needs little effort
- 5 things in your yard that could be attracting ticks – and what to do to stop them
- Get bigger and better pumpkins by planting them with these 7 companion crops
- Ground covers to attract hummingbirds – switch out boring bare soil for these 5 wildlife magnets
- ‘You’re risking more than just a streaky countertoр’ – 7 signs it’s time to replace your kitchen sponge
- What's your zodiac flower? Discover which bloom you have a star sign connection to, plus tips on how to grow it in your yard
- This cheap household staple is the key to easily eliminating mold and odors in your fridge with zero effort
August 13th
- How to make DIY scented drawer liners in 3 simple steps and instantly banish musty home storage
- Are Japanese knives worth the money? Here's everything you need to know, from the different types to the pros and cons
- You can propagate grape vines from cuttings in 2 ways – here is a simple step-by-step guide to getting new plants for free
- Is it necessary to fertilize Shasta daisies? Expert advice from a pro grower for long-lasting blooms this summer
- I asked interior designers which outdated bathroom vanity colors they are sick of seeing – these are the 5 'predictable' shades they said to avoid
- 7 ways I use my versatile Scrub Daddy sponge – and why I will never so much as look at another sponge again
August 12th
- This common kitchen staple could harbor harmful bacteria and cause food poisoning, experts reveal – a simple switch in habits will 'prevent weeks of illness'
- 6 temptingly cozy slow cooker ideas – bookmark them now for stress-free fall batch cooking
- Best roses for rosehips – 6 varieties to guarantee bumper crops of hips from fall and throughout winter
- This simple trick saved me hundreds of dollars on compost – it's time-consuming but, trust me, the results are worth it
- How to grow veronica – for an easy-going flowering perennial that will erupt with color every summer
- You can grow bumper chili harvests in tiny, sunny spaces – our expert recommendations of the best varieties for pots (whether you like them hot or not)
- 'Once an item lands, it snowballs' – 7 things super organized people never do, as revealed by experts
August 11th
- I'm growing tomatoes for the first time and this beginner-friendly, space-saving method keeps my plants standing upright and growing vigorously
- 5 plants that attract ladybugs and bring them to your garden in droves – for natural, non-toxic pest control
- This is the angry decluttering method to embrace if clutter is getting to you – expert organizers say it’s time to spark rage, not joy, for easy streamlining
- How to take forsythia cuttings – August is the ideal time to take semi-ripe cuttings and grow more spectacular shrubs for free
- I've grown these 5 vegetables all summer, and I've never had such enormous yields – what to grow if you want copious crops
- How to grow currants – these healthy and easy-to-grow fruits thrive in cooler climates and are perfect for jams, jellies, and baking
- I love this discreet and compact Joseph Joseph laundry rack for dorm living and concealed drying
August 10th
- Your house will be less messy, clutter won't spread, and you'll feel less stressed if you tidy 1 vital but tiny area daily – it's why pro organizers prioritize it
- 'They’re not worth storing' – 5 pool items you need to declutter before the end of summer
- 'Friendly, smart and no scare tactics' – 5 cleaning books you need to read for simple, affordable sanitation
- 5 of the trickiest annuals I've ever grown and how to succeed with them – even in late summer
- These 7 plants will dramatically improve your soil health – and August is the perfect time to sow them as green manures
- Is it necessary to fertilize red hot pokers? Here's what I do as a plant pro to enjoy masses of long-lasting fiery flowers
- Why wrapping aluminum foil around hummingbird feeders could save your nectar this summer
- 'This isn't a bird problem, it's a design one' – 3 simple, expert methods to stop birds flying into windows, doors, and outdoor mirrors
- This popular 18th-century garden trend is having a 'quiet comeback' – and Joanna Gaines's Lake Waco retreat features the best modern example I've seen to date
August 9th
- 3 free and functional ways I turned around my frustrating, tiny linen closet storage
- Plants to make a poolside smell nice – 5 expert-approved options to elevate your space
- 'It creates a low-level toxic exposure risk that’s totally avoidable' – 5 things you should never clean with disinfectant wipes
- 7 fruits to pick in August – discover the signs of ripeness you need to know, and how to harvest them properly
- 7 flowers to plant in August to fuel the hummingbird migration – it's not too late to grow a nectar-rich floral buffet
- How to use the traits of your birth month to turbocharge decluttering your home
- Sedum care and growing guide: how to grow stonecrops for resilient ground cover and vibrant color
- I thought my mop was just OK – until a professional cleaner taught me the right way to use it
August 8th
- I ate so unhealthily in college, but now I’m a wellness chef – this is the one appliance I’d take if I were going back to school
- If you aspire for tasty homegrown harvests in winter and spring, I recommend planting these 7 easy-to-grow vegetables in August
- Will bleach kill roaches? Our entomologists reveal whether this 'whack-a-mole' approach really works
- As a plant obsessive, I can tell you these 5 houseplants in the color of ‘Hidden Gem’ will add an air of elegance and sophistication to your interiors
- Keep spiders out of your house this fall with this 1 surprising natural ingredient
- Can I cut the roots of my neighbor's tree in my yard? Attorneys and landscape professionals advise – and reveal when you might be breaking the law
- DIY deer deterrents – 3 simple, budget-friendly, and expert-approved ways to keep these creatures away from your yard
- 'It's great for killing germs on surfaces' – I swapped my toxic disinfectant spray for a DIY vodka cleaner and couldn't believe the sparkling results
August 7th
- Verbascum varieties – 15 enchanting options for bright summer spires
- If you get itchy from detergent residue, you need to try Clean People Laundry Sheets – people with allergies swear by them
- 'It completely defeats the purpose' – experts urge you to ditch this performative organizing task so you can more easily tidy your home
- Why is my crocosmia not blooming? 5 common reasons for a lack of flowers, and how to fix them
- Gardeners swear by using baffles to keep squirrels off bird feeders, and it is not as strange as it sounds
- 4 natural mosquito repellents you can make yourself for easy, non-toxic protection from your pantry in a pinch
- 7 fruit trees to prune in August for a bigger, better harvest – my late-summer essential checklist as a professional gardener
August 6th
- This Clutter Awareness Week, pro organizers reveal 5 clutter categories that had a 'huge impact' on their clients' wellbeing – and how to clear yours easily
- Could your vintage pieces actually be dating your home? Designers warn to avoid these 'familiar culprits that make a space feel stuck in time'
- You can cut back bee balm in fall or spring – here’s how to decide which is best for you, plus expert tips for how to prune
- Did you know creating a free 'DIY Cool Room' saves you money, keeps you comfortable, and makes a 'big difference' in summer?
- How to fertilize daylilies – my essential tips as a professional gardener for lush, long-lasting flowers this summer
- 5 things I ruthlessly decluttered in my 30s as a professional organizer – it’s helped make space for big life changes
- I'll admit it, I adore these 8 plants, but their aggressive habits means I no longer grow them – and I urge you to think twice before planting them too
- This fun yard addition can protect your porch from bothersome bats – it’s simple, eco-friendly, and costs less than $50
- How to grow a damson tree for bountiful harvests of delicious fruits – ideal for jams, jellies, and gins
August 5th
- Never overcook salmon again – these expert tips will help you achieve professional results every time
- Best corn companion plants – 7 crops guaranteed to help you get bigger yields and repel troublesome pests
- This simple monthly task will keep your wall paint pristine and reduce the need for frequent redecorating – you need just 1 cleaning essential
- Why is my agapanthus not flowering? What I've learned after years of growing these blooms as a professional gardener
- This bestselling $9 laundry hero revives dingy whites without bleach – 50,000 people bought it last month
- Clean floors and furniture in seconds with this powerful $80 handheld vacuum – it's ideal for those tiny dorm rooms
- 8 underrated shade plants – overlooked beauties that will thrive in shady spaces
- ‘It is effective because it's simple’ – the Mount Vernon method is the answer to overwhelming clutter, no matter how stressed you feel, experts say
- 7 flowers to plant around a bird bath – for the most beautiful, bird-filled corner of the garden
August 4th
- Experts reveal the biggest summer hosting mistakes to avoid in 2025
- This affordable cordless vacuum is under $140 right now, and it's my favorite for power on a budget – it's perfect for dorms and small spaces
- 'Breathing them in is not a good idea' – 7 things to never put in your humidifier, from tap water to perfume
- 7 must-have bulbs to order in August – my go-to showstopping spring flowers as a professional gardener (get them before it is too late)
- A professional cleaner says these are the 3 tasks you should be doing regularly if you wear shoes in the house
- Do petunias attract hummingbirds? They may hold the secret to encouraging these popular birds to visit
- How to deter sweat bees – 3 methods a pest control expert swears by to keep these stinging insects away from your yard
- Professional cleaners say these are the 3 tasks you should be doing regularly if you use your air fryer daily
August 3rd
- Trust me, houseplants will brighten up your college dorm room instantly – and these 5 won't mind being neglected while you're busy studying
- Ready to go back to school? Here's everything your dorm room needs, according to a former college student-turned style editor who knows how to shop for a small shared space
- I've never quite mastered cooking steak – but these professional tips mean I'll always achieve perfect results
- I thought I'd need an expensive arborist, but this $39 cordless mini chainsaw is the smart way to handle tough tree pruning jobs this fall
- They aren’t just for travel – a professional organizer shares the three smart ways to use packing cubes around the home
- 7 plants I always prune in August as a professional gardener – trim these flowers and shrubs now before it's too late
- Where to place a bird bath in your yard for maximum activity throughout summer
- This affordable hack deters mosquitoes with a citrus summer scent – here's how to try it in your own home
- As a professional gardener, these are the 5 trees I'd never plant in any yard ever again (and what I'd choose instead)
August 2nd
- Best verbena varieties – 5 dazzling choices we adore for a delicate touch to borders and pots
- 7 habits you need to ditch that are making your rugs dirty – stop these now to save your rug
- Take cuttings of these plants in August before it is too late – 7 flowers and shrubs to propagate now before the summer window ends
- How to get a raspberry plant to fruit – 3 things a gardening expert promises will bring you a sweet berry harvest
- I have four dogs and these are the 5 cleaning products I always avoid – here's why, and what to use instead
- Underrated bedding plants – 8 choices experts urge you to make room for in your backyard
- Should you choose your bathroom paint color or tiles first? Interior designers share their preferred approach for a cohesive design
- I'm immediately buying this Shark VACMOP for $56 at Walmart – it’s the quick, easy floor cleaner I’ve been waiting for
- Annuals that thrive on neglect – 5 essential flowers for time-poor gardeners, simply plant and forget
August 1st
- Plant these 7 self-seeding flowers in August and effortlessly triple your garden blooms without spending a dime
- These 5 places are top of my list when organizing in August – here’s why you need to tackle them with me in 2025
- This boiler mistake could be secretly spiking your home’s temperature this summer – This is the 'one change that can make a big difference on your cooling bill'
- How to propagate a desert rose – to get more fabulously floriferous tropical plants for free
- This $9.98 mini countertop vacuum is the stylish, crumb-busting essential every tidy home needs – and you'll want one for your kitchen and desk
- The foundation of a beautiful home starts here – why Karndean flooring is the smartest style choice
- Trust me, window boxes can thrive even in shade – and this is my go-to plant recipe for adding zest and light to a gloomy ledge
- This is the one plant to grow if you want to help endangered monarch butterflies – and it's not too late to add one to your yard this summer
- These are the 7 places I will be cleaning in August for a sanitized space fit for the last stretch of summer