Advice Archive | July 2025 | Homes and Gardens

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July 18th
- This 3D-printed gem will keep you cool – as a home tech editor, you need to consider this sustainable, low-cost cooling feature for your reno
- Best plants for living fences – 7 varieties to green up a bare boundary no matter the size or style of your yard
- 7 sentimental items that are just taking up space – clear out ‘maybe’ piles disguised as memories, pros say
- I tried DOOM basket organizing to 'press pause' on mess – it cleared clutter from my surfaces instantly with minimal effort
- July is your last chance to sow these 7 vegetables – do it now for abundant fall harvests
- What is a shotgun house? The history behind this tiny one-of-a-kind architectural style
- Bring the flavors of the ocean to the table with this summery artichoke pasta with clams
- I exhausted every method to get rid of flea beetles with no luck, but this quick hack worked first time – all you need is a piece of card and some Vaseline
- How to keep a trash can from smelling this summer – 5 simple ways to stop bad odors from taking over
July 17th
- The 'Declutter Like a Tourist' method helps you see your mess with fresh eyes – if you no longer notice your clutter, this will transform your tidying process
- Think collecting art is intimidating and expensive? Designer Willow Kemp's 'passion first, investment second' approach is about to change your mind
- This method of cooking bacon has transformed breakfast time – and I'm never going back to using the frying pan
- Nate Berkus' 3-step organizing routine is big on style and low on stress – I was shocked how easily it fixed my closet chaos
- Yes, interior designers shop at Wayfair too – and I've asked them to share the exact products they would recommend
- Tuna pasta salad, but make it elegant – this elevated version is a breeze to make and a delight to serve
- An expert grower reveals the simple trick for knowing when to harvest fennel bulbs, plus how you can get a second crop of tasty greens
- 'New tech doesn’t just respond, it anticipates' – 4 smart ways AI cleans, cuts energy bills, and creates perfect ambiance without you lifting a finger
- Experts urge gardeners to do 3 life-saving things to help garden birds cope with extreme heat this summer
- Professional cleaners never waste time or money on this classic tool for bathroom floors – they always use this hardworking $20 tool instead
July 16th
- I didn't think this summer superfruit could be any more versatile, but this method can actually improve the flavor and nutritional value of blueberries
- This genius damage-free wall addition was my secret to staying organized in college – I still use them all over my home
- Elevate an everyday dinner with this luxurious lobster pasta – it's easier than you might think and looks stunning
- I brought back this retro storage solution as a surprising, chic fix for chaotic cables in my small, messy living room
- This quick test can tell you if your lawn needs watering in hot weather – it is as simple as stepping onto the grass
- How to care for tomatoes while on vacation – 5 key steps for happy, hydrated plants and peace of mind
- Does where you live affect the colors you decorate with? According to designers, yes – massively
- Mosquitoes turning up uninvited to your garden party? A pest control expert says these 5 plants could be the reason they're attracted to your yard
- If you always fail to declutter, tap into the superpower of the moon's phases for a storming streamlining success
July 15th
- How Ina Garten grills the perfect steak – with her pro method you'll never go wrong
- How to grow geums like the professionals do – for a tangerine perennial pop anywhere in your yard
- Pest pros are urging you to spray vinegar on your door this summer – here’s why you should act fast
- Charred on the grill or added to salads for sweetness and crunch – make the most of this summery ingredient with these freezing tips
- Thought you couldn't make fresh pasta? Try this simplest of recipes which celebrates imperfection
- I write about houseplants for a living and would never spend money on these 5 varieties – but I can tell you which ones to buy instead
- 7 disinfecting golden rules you must follow for a healthier home – pro cleaners warn these are non-negotiable
- How to create a wildlife garden on a balcony – garden designers share their top tips for a thriving wildlife-friendly space in a city
- 'I'd buy it again' – this $39 collapsible Joseph Joseph gem stashes away seamlessly in small spaces, makes light work of chores and shoppers rave about it
July 14th
- I am never frying my eggs any other way ever again – Gordon Ramsay's crispy eggs are the best I've ever tried
- Cleaners reveal the 4 habits making your floors dirty – avoid them now and spend less time cleaning, and enjoy spotless floors for longer
- How to grow the biggest garlic ever – 6 expert steps for larger bulbs come harvest time
- I gardened in the sun-drenched hills of Tuscany – these are the 5 heat-resistant ground covers I swear by for cruel summers
- 'Shaker Beige is a deeply underrated neutral' – but here's how to decorate with this classic Benjamin Moore shade, as told by designers who love it
- 3 habits expert cleaners urge you to ditch that are making your sofas dirty – don't damage your upholstery further
- If you're looking for maximalist drama in your yard, these 9 giant plants will give you instant living sculptures
- Your guests won't believe you made this restaurant-quality lasagne – it's such a simple idea for summer entertaining
- There's a garden lifeline sitting in your kitchen cupboard – you can use it to polish tools, get rid of pests, and even shine leaves
- My rented house was like an oven, so I was thrilled when this 5-minute pantry staple was the secret to cooling it down damage-free
July 13th
- How to clean fake plants without damaging them – you can maintain their beauty for 30 years or more this way
- Underrated hedge plants – 7 lesser-known picks from plant professionals that deserve a spot in your yard
- How to get started with matrix planting – discover how to emulate the ecological and time-saving benefits of this layering gardening technique
- Bees desperately need your help in the heat – here's how to make them a watering station in just 3 quick steps (and you can do it for free)
- These are officially Little Greene's best-selling paint colors – 10 shades that range from delicate whites to rich and deep hues
- 'It's a downright miracle' – my rusty outdoor furniture looks brand new after I used a household hero hiding in plain sight
- Often the simplest pasta dishes are the most delicious and this colorful recipe is no exception
- I'm a professional gardener, and I have a growing trick to triple your cosmos flowers this summer – for bumper blooms without buying any more plants
- Don't give mosquitoes a 'free nursery' – this simple, non-toxic trick is the 'single most effective mosquito prevention strategy', pros say
- Are medicine cabinets out of style? We ask interior designers if they still use them, and how to make them feel chic in 2025
- Fire-smart landscaping ideas – 5 ways to use non-combustible materials and special planting techniques to slow the spread of wildfires
- How do you get furniture dents out of carpet? These 5 small DIY fixes make a big visual difference
July 12th
- Designers are ditching gray walls in kitchens for these 3 on-trend alternatives – here's why you should too
- Wait, don’t toss your old t-shirts! 5 ways to repurpose them to save you time, money, and help you do chores without waste
- Why green drenching is the garden trend of the summer – and exactly how to nail this textured, tonal look
- 3 smart ways to do less laundry – cut this dreaded chore in half with these expert tips
- How to fertilize sweet peas – expert advice from a professional gardener for long-lasting, fragrant flowers this summer
- Plants that flower twice – 5 game-changing picks for long-lasting, colorful blooms that do the hard work for you
- 5 stylish and smart ways to store your toilet paper so it’s accessible but out of sight
- How to fertilize dahlias to get more flowers than ever before this summer – plus the only types to use
- 7 simple tricks to keep your sheets feeling fresh between washes, even in sweltering summer heat
- Too many tomatoes than you know what to do with? Here's the lowdown on how to freeze them and enjoy this seasonal gem for longer
- 8 resilient trees that will thrive in cities – these species will absorb pollution, cool the air and grow in compact spaces with minimal maintenance
- How to declutter your home in just 10 minutes – I was shocked how 1 tiny commitment turned my cluttered house around
July 11th
- I get so many compliments on my Jo Malone cologne, and now the reed diffusers in the same scent are on sale at Nordstrom – race you to the checkout
- Should you buy houseplants from Amazon? Our editors reveal the 'green flags' you need to watch for, and how to choose healthy, thriving plants
- I gave my Dad this mini HexClad for his birthday – he’s never loved a pan more, but I regret it for one reason
- Should you choose your bathroom vanity mirror or lighting first? Designers share their advice for an easy design process
- 'Quiet, efficient, and easy to empty' – we rave about this dehumidifier time and again, now it's half price at Walmart
- 'I was tired of a landslide on my countertop every time I prepped dinner' – this hidden $16 organizer is a must for small kitchens
- My heart says 'Le Creuset', but my accountant says I should check out this $79 American-made Dutch oven first
- If you live in a fire-prone area, experts say these are the 7 potentially devastating firescaping mistakes to always avoid
- I swear by slim trollies as a renter-friendly storage solution – I'm banking one for $17 before the deal vanishes tonight
- I missed Le Creuset's factory-to-table sale, but I'm combating my FOMO by shopping the colorful collection at knock-down prices in the sales
- This glass and BPA-free coffee maker is so iconic that it rarely goes on sale – but it just dropped to 45% off until midnight
- 9 underrated climbers for color, shade and privacy – the beguiling, resilient, and often-overlooked vines you need to discover
- 12 best Benjamin Moore paint colors for kitchen cabinets, according to interior designers who have tried and tested them
- The secret to stopping squirrels from destroying your yard is hiding in your kitchen pantry – and I know exactly how to use it
- Finding pants in my small closet was a recurring nightmare, so I'm grabbing these space-saving $8 tiered hangers from Amazon
- I ruthlessly decluttered my 80-year-old parents' home – and discovered the story of their lives amid the chaos
July 10th
- This made my floors cleaner than ever and cut nasty chemicals from my routine – I'm gifting a Shark one to my mom while stocks last
- I am desperate to find out what is digging up my flowerbeds – and this $50 buy that I can set up in 2 minutes might just have the answer
- I did a double-take – this spice rack comes with 5 years of free refills, and it's the perfect space-saver for my tiny kitchen
- If your tomato plants are wilting, don't fret, they can recover – I've grown tomatoes for decades and know the 5 most common causes, and how to fix them
- 7 best plants for small backyards – compact yet striking species that will transform even the tiniest of yards
- I'm a professional organizer, and my easy 'Clear the Corners' weekend decluttering challenge will bring instant impact
- Why are my hydrangea leaves turning brown? 3 common causes and how to quickly rectify them
- We predict a sellout: The bestselling Bissell mini carpet cleaner snapped up by 20,000 thrilled shoppers a month is now at its lowest price ever
- Tackling topiary or overgrown hedges in July? This $40 cordless mini trimmer is a steal – I doubt it’ll stay in stock for long
- After 20-years of gardening, these are the 7 must-have perennials I would never be without
- I was skeptical when I tried the Smartphone Decluttering Method on my messiest rooms – I was shocked how quickly it tidied things up
July 9th
- I'm melting on my mattress in this heat – could this cooling and adjustable alternative (currently $300 off) be the solution?
- I've had terrible neck pain and cycled through six different pillows in three years – I've finally found 'The One' and 10,000 people a month swear by it, too
- Gardeners are urged to stock up on coconut sugar in the heatwave – it's the secret ingredient to reviving heat-stressed plants fast
- Cleaning pros warn you're forgetting to vacuum this 1 vital nook at home – and it could be the cause of your allergies
- No, I haven't lost the plot – a quick-drying bath mat is my secret alternative to a cleaner, more stylish kitchen floor
- Pest control pros warn why you never squash spiders in your home – it could bring 'unexpected and unpleasant' effects
- 5 plants never to grow if you don't want to attract squirrels to your yard – and what to grow instead, according to the experts
- Need patio plants for instant summer color? Here are my 7 go-to fast-growing flowers to buy right now for joyful pot displays
- HexClad vs. Our Place – which trending cookware brand should you buy?
- This is the quirkiest fly-repelling patio trick I've ever seen – pest pros say it'll help you enjoy fly-free al fresco dining this summer
- 'Whoever designed this needs a raise' – shoppers love this top-rated modular Joseph Joseph organizer for calming chaotic kitchen drawers
- Fertilize these 7 flowers and vegetables now – feeding in July will give you more flowers and better crops to harvest come fall
- I’ve been an Amazon Prime member for 20 years, and I promise you the best deals are boring bulk buys – 5 practical essentials to stock up on now
- Is urine the ultimate organic plant fertilizer? The science says yes – here's how it can transform your flowerbeds (for free)
- Your laundry called – it wants this 'beautiful' clothes airer that's perfect for small spaces
July 8th
- I just discovered this $1 kitchen spice is a triple threat in the garden – how to use it to deter destructive squirrels, ants, and slugs all summer long
- How to stop your shed smelling musty – 9 expert-approved methods to banish bad odors
- Should you choose your kitchen cabinets or countertops first? Interior designers weigh in on the best order to design your scheme
- Keeping strawberries in the freezer can preserve this sweet and juicy summer treat so you can enjoy them well after the season has passed
- 8 items you should never pack when moving home – leave these in the past to save time, energy, and money
- 5 plants you should never place next to outdoor lights, and what to plant instead – 'it cost me hundreds of dollars to replace, and many painstaking hours to replant'
- I got my salvia 'hot lips' to grow like a weed this summer – 4 easy changes I made to maximize its flowering potential
- These $15 bestselling Fiskars pruners are a must-buy this Prime Day – they make deadheading so easy, and will keep your patio plants in tip-top shape
- How to avoid decluttering resentment and 'take the sting out' of the task – 10 ways to hack your brain for successful, stress-free streamlining
- 7 self-cleaning annuals that don’t need deadheading for a low-maintenance, long-lasting display of gorgeous blooms
July 7th
- I needed to add some extra storage to my tiny kitchen fast – I was about to spend $1000s for something built in, then I found tons of affordable options at Magnolia from just $95
- 5 places to never grow a Boston fern – houseplant experts warn these spots may crisp up their iconic fronds
- 6 things you should never clean with water around your home – and how to avoid irreparable warping, staining, and rust
- How to take honeysuckle cuttings – July is the perfect time to propagate this fragrant climber, and grow more plants for free
- Begonias are back in fashion – here's how to deadhead them for a beautifully exotic display of continuous flowers
- 'Decorating your home is about showing off your personality, not hiding everything away' – a leading interior designer on what to have on display and what to keep concealed
- These 6 sweet potato companion plants will repel pests to give you the best crop, plus what never to plant with this root vegetable
- Banish bacteria 'blind spots' with the Transparent Cleaning method – experts say it’s like ‘turning the lights on’ hidden grime
- 6 birds you will never see at your birdhouse – despite your best efforts to tempt them to visit
- Using the FhiFho tidying method is the surprisingly simple key to getting control of 'Clutter Crumbs' in your home
- Can't eat bananas fast enough? Avoid the mush and always have some on hand for recipes with these easy banana freezing tips
July 6th
- Experts reveal 4 fool-proof home security options for renters – protect your home without risking your deposit
- If your dahlias are being destroyed by earwigs, this simple, chemical-free hack will keep them away – so you can enjoy perfect flowers all season
- 7 whimsical plants that will give a magical, fairy garden feel to your yard
- 4 signs you need to replace your microfiber cloths – plus how professional cleaners like me make them last longer
- Gardeners urged to choose the right type of garden netting – to avoid harming local wildlife and damaging crops
- Five expert ways to keep your houseplants cool and hydrated in a heatwave, so they don't start flagging from the soaring temperatures
- This 1 'leaky' home heat hot spot could be doubling your summer cooling bills and sending temperatures soaring indoors – the fix is quick and easy
- 'Not everything has to be blue and white, and you definitely don’t need shells and coral' – 4 mistakes designers warn to avoid when perfecting a coastal look in the kitchen
- 7 plants to propagate in July – get new plants and grow your garden for free by taking cuttings this month
- I’ve discovered a fresh herb that squirrels hate, but you will adore – and it’s an ideal form of natural pest control
- Don't leave this neon 'welcome in' sign at home for opportunistic burglars – security pros reveal what to do instead whilst on vacation
July 5th
- Experts reveal the 3 habits that are warping, scratching, and damaging your hardwood floors – and what to do instead
- The Hampton Hack will set your yard ablaze with a second wind of flowers – here's exactly how to do it to get your perennials to bloom twice
- Professional cleaners have ditched archaic dusters for a smart $10 tool that instantly banishes allergens from your home
- Cocktail hour is calling and we've got all the recipes you need for easy and elegant summer drinks
- How to attract orioles to your yard – 4 expert suggestions on what food to provide to welcome these vibrant creatures
- This clever sheet cooling hack 'turns an underperforming setup into something surprisingly effective' – it’s perfect for homes without built-in cooling
- Prune these plants in July before it is too late – 7 flowers and shrubs you must trim now before the midsummer pruning window ends
- I’ve come up with a clever way to cover my bare fence instantly – and create a vertical kitchen garden that tastes as good as it looks
- I asked interior designers which home products they always wait to buy on sale – here's what they said
- 5 easy ways to keep mosquitoes away from your windows – enjoy easier summer nights and sleep in peace
July 4th
- Do you need to deadhead portulaca? They may be self-cleaning plants, but there are big benefits to pinching off blooms
- Do hummingbirds like mandevilla? Discover why this tropical climber is a beacon for wildlife
- ‘It’s a tough lesson to learn’ – brick homeowners must complete this outdoor maintenance task to avoid costly repairs and structural failure
- Martha Stewart's no-bake red, white, and blue cheesecake is the effortless showstopper your 4th of July table needs
- I gardened professionally for a decade, and if I were starting my garden from scratch, these are the 7 game-changing plants I'd begin with
- 6 plants to never, ever grow in a wildfire risk area, plus the best fire-resistant alternatives
- How to keep a home cool in a power outage – 7 simple expert-approved tips for a cool and comfortable space
- This is your sign to make Ina Garten's famous Flag Cake for your 4th of July celebrations – this patriotic classic is hard to beat
July 3rd
- Your AC could be costing you double if you skipped this simple maintenance task – trust me, I'm a HVAC technician
- How to deadhead blanket flowers – to unleash their full flowering potential for limitless color and vigor
- Aperitivo time? This fragrant and elegant twist on a G&T is perfect for summer nights
- These invasive ground covers became a planting nightmare – 5 species I’ll never grow again, and what I'd choose instead as a professional gardener
- I can’t hack cleaning tasks in the heat – these are 5 hot-weather chores I'll focus on instead to keep my home clean until fall
- It's not too late to plant pumpkins in July in warmer zones, that will grow in time for Halloween and Thanksgiving
- Best plants for silty soil – experts recommend 10 flowers, shrubs and trees that thrive in these conditions
- 'It had become a time capsule' – 6 things I ruthlessly decluttered at 70 to honor my past but make room for a streamlined future
July 2nd
- Too tired to tidy? This is how pro organizers give themselves 'a grace period' but stay mess-free, even on their laziest days
- Why is my indoor palm tree turning yellow? 5 possible reasons and expert solutions to bring your plant back to full health
- These are the affordable cookware brands on Amazon that I trust – get them for even less in the sales
- Packed with seasonal fruit and natural sweetness, this pretty drink is golden hour in a glass
- How to deadhead gardenias – for an explosion of new flowers with a heady fragrance all summer long
- Keeping this humble $9 tool in my shower has banished limescale buildup, reduced humidity by 90% and stopped pink mold
- 6 antiques that will always work in modern interiors – and how designers style them
- You don’t need to ditch your old, blunt pruners – this $16 sharpening stone will transform them in seconds (and it’s what pro gardeners use)
- How to grow watermelons vertically in small garden spaces – 4 key steps to get right for fantastic fruits
- Have you heard about the 'caveman cooling method'? Experts say it's 'an effective short-term way to stay cooler'
July 1st
- Is microfiber toxic? Scientists separate fact from fiction and share eco-friendly alternatives for a greener home
- How to grow marjoram – for aromatic leaves and beautiful edible flowers
- I tried the '3-box Decluttering Method' – experts say it's 'all about keeping organizing simple and manageable'
- After 50+ hours testing vacuums at a pet shelter, these 3 surprising tricks for beating pet fur and mess can be harnessed at home
- How to grow a lime tree in a pot – 4 things to get right for healthy trees and great harvests, even in tiny spaces
- Best viburnum companion plants – 5 perfect plants to pair with your favorite flowering shrubs this year
- 5 crucial things to organize in July 2025 – get these in shape for a summer of easy hosting and hot weather enjoyment