Advice Archive | May 2024 | Homes and Gardens

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May 31st
- I'm a professional gardener, and these are the bright and brilliant zinnia varieties that you should grow this year
- How to grow pleached trees to create a living privacy screen
- I'm a professional organizer, and this is why your house always feels untidy
- How often should air ducts be cleaned? We asked HVAC experts to weigh in
- What is a centrifugal juicer? And should you buy one?
- 5 ways insects are entering your home – and how to stop them, according to the professionals
- Best snail repellent plants – 5 plants to naturally deter these leaf munchers from your yard
- How to support peonies – and stop these glorious garden blooms from flopping over
- How to clean floors with a steam mop – for immaculate floors, fast
- Manual pool vacuum vs robot pool vacuum – which is best?
May 30th
- How to prevent pests when you bring houseplants back indoors – experts tips to protect your indoor plants
- How to spruce up spring containers for summer – 5 ways to refresh your pots
- What is a masticating juicer? And why our experts think they're the best type
- How to clean mold off outdoor cushions – refresh your outdoor seating in time for summer
- 5 of the best Benjamin Moore white paints – classic shades that experts always use in interior projects
- Inground vs plug-and-play hot tubs – which is best?
- Painting a room? This is how to calculate how much paint you'll need
- Don't be tempted to divide these plants – you might risk losing them from the garden altogether
- Tired of dealing with fridge odors? Here are 4 tested ways to eliminate lingering smells
- How to prune peonies for bigger blooms – know the right techniques depending on what type of plant you have
May 29th
- 9 ways your home could be increasing your stress levels – and what to do about it
- You can't afford to ignore these 6 major structural issues with your home – here's how to spot the signs
- How to water roses the right way – and the watering mistakes to avoid that can damage your plants
- How to remove bad odors from your outdoor decking – and prevent them from coming back
- Plug-and-play vs inflatable hot tubs – which is best?
- 8 Juicer Mistakes You're Probably Making That Are Wasting Money and Time
- How to repair scratches on wood surfaces – tips to revive your furniture and floors
- What is pinching out plants? Plus how to do it and why it's important
- Which insects cause holes in clothes? Plus, the tricks to stop them
- Best pink plants for a summer border – 5 beautiful blooms for a spectacular display
- 5 timeless color combinations for an interior scheme that's always in style, according to designers
- I organized my kitchen cabinets into zones and cooking has never been easier
May 28th
- How to get rid of gypsy moth caterpillars – 5 ways to keep these pests away from your plants
- What to do with foxgloves after they finish flowering – advice from a professional gardener
- From toothbrushes to towels, you should replace these 7 household items more often than you realize
- Cleaning a tower fan is easier than you think – here's a quick step-by-step-guide
- Learn how to fix a wobbly ceiling fan to keep your home cool
- The best plants for zone 8 – expert advice on the vegetables, native perennials and flowers that will thrive
- How to grow your own flowers for confetti – create the perfect petals with these beautiful blooms
- I started cleaning my kitchen naturally and I haven't looked back – these are the 5 solutions I swear by
- Professional decorators reveal their top tips for preparing a room for painting
May 27th
- 4 signs you have a flea infestation – and expert advice you shouldn't ignore
- Plant experts are encouraging us to move houseplants outdoors this summer – discover why yours can benefit from some fresh air
- Thinking about buying a juicer? Here's everything you need to know
- 6 things you should always check before buying a fixer-upper home – don't have buyer's remorse
- How to grow a tree peony – the flowering shrub with large, dramatic blooms
- What are the most welcoming exterior paint colors? 5 shades to make your home look more inviting
- Experts reveal why you should always leave your washing machine door open between washes
- How to store tulip bulbs – and save them for next year
May 26th
- Should you match the pattern of your wallpaper to your couch? Experts weigh in on this growing trend
- Best ground cover plants for shade – 5 plants that thrive in darker spots
- How to hang outdoor string lights – 4 safe and secure ways
- 5 inspiring ideas I took from the container and balcony gardens at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024
- How to remove food and drink stains from carpets – expert tips for 6 common spills
- How to grow lily of the valley – for a vigorous part-shade perennial
- What is a stumpery? Plus expert advice on how to create one
May 25th
- 5 designs that prove outdoor shower tiles are a must-have feature
- 5 tips for lasagna gardening in containers – to grow successful crops in small spaces
- Exclusive: Emily Henderson reveals the 7 style lessons she always follows for a curated home
- Can an air purifier cool down a room? Expert tips for summer
- Best plants for a flowering living wall – 5 vertical blooms for a beautiful garden feature
- These design trends were everywhere at the 2024 Chelsea Flower Show – here’s how to get the look in your own backyard
- How and when to fertilize clematis plants – for a profusion of colorful blooms
- 6 smart home cleaning tools – that are guaranteed to shave time off your chores
- 8 outstanding flowers to plant in a vegetable garden to deter pests – and which ones they repel
May 24th
- Should you buy vintage lighting? These are the things to consider, according to interior designers
- 7 signs you have moths in your home – and what to do to avoid damage
- Cuisinart vs KitchenAid – which food processor should you buy?
- Why is my air purifier blowing cold air? We ask the experts
- 7 DIY projects real estate agents want you to stop doing yourself – they could damage your property value
- Do orchids like coffee grounds? Here's why experts warn to be careful with this DIY fertilizer
- 'This garden is for the wallflowers' – The Bridgerton Garden captures the romance of the Regency era at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show
- How often to fertilize a raised bed for healthy soil and flourishing plants year after year
May 23rd
- Are paneled walls still on trend? Interior designers on whether this feature is set to endure
- Can you clean a pool without chemicals? A swimming pool expert weighs in
- These are the 5 DIY trends experts predict will be big in 2025 – upcycle, reupholster, and wallpaper while staying bang on budget this year
- How to hang floating shelves – 5 simple steps from expert contractors
- Best plants from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2024 – these are the plants that stole the show
- How to stop a shower curtain from blowing in – 4 tricks for a more relaxing shower
- 11 nice-smelling scents garden pests hate – and how to use them
- How to care for a triostar stromanthe – 3 expert tips to keep this beautifully colorful houseplant happy
- Can you grow asparagus in pots? Yes, and here are 4 factors essential to success
May 22nd
- Why isn't my pool vacuum working? Troubleshooting advice from the pros
- Do living room chairs need to match? The lowdown from interiors pros
- Does hanging pennies in a bag of water keep flies and pests away? Our entomologists say no, and suggest 3 methods that really do work
- Should you use filtered water for coffee? We explore the difference water can make to your morning cup
- How to protect a lawn from rabbits eating grass, digging holes, and causing damage
- How and when to feed monkey grass – to keep this part-shade perennial thriving
- How to wash hats without damaging them – 4 methods for different materials and types
May 21st
- Interior designers say these 5 colors should never be paired with white
- What's the difference between pool shock, chlorine, and bleach?
- How to clean a trash can – 5 steps cleaning experts always use
- RHS Chelsea Flower Show designers reveal how to make your yard flood-resilient – 5 ways to protect your garden
- 5 natural repellents for carpenter bees – that won’t damage your home or health
- How to get rid of mice from a garage – and mouse-proof it so they don't return
- How to paint high ceilings – 5 safe steps to a flawless finish
- These peony pruning mistakes can ruin your plants – here's how to avoid them
May 20th
- How to clean a smoker – follow our expert advice
- Cleaning shortcuts – 8 ways to speed up the most tedious of cleaning tasks
- Is an outdoor shower a good idea? 6 designers on why they added one to a project
- What's all the fuss around the OXO 8-cup vs OXO 9-cup coffee maker? One is better, I promise
- 5 types of bees – what to plant to attract them to your garden, according to entomologists
- 8 unexpected benefits of growing clover in your yard
- 6 ways to get better at budgeting at home by fully utilising smart tech
- How to care for delphinium plants – 3 expert tips for long-lasting flowers
- How and when to plant Swiss chard for year-round harvests of nutritious leaves and stems
May 19th
- Cleaners reveal how to dust open shelves without damaging your belongings
- What to plant in zone 7: uncover the trees, shrubs, flowers and crops that will thrive in this climate zone
- How to propagate clematis plants – expert tips for successful softwood cuttings
- How much does it cost to add a skylight to your home?
- Best mouse repellent plants – 7 plants to naturally deter these rodents from your yard
- 10 ways to change up your cleaning routine for the better
- These French country houses are a lesson in the classic rustic style – here's what we learned from the designers
- Should you clean a toaster with a hairdryer? The viral cleaning hack explained
- 5 low-cost updates to make a house look more expensive – the tricks designers actually use
- Plants to take cuttings from in May – make it a productive month by getting lots of new plants for free
May 18th
- Painting your home? These are the 10 must-have tools to make the job easier
- Best ferns for shade – 8 fascinating fronds to grow
- Do hollyhocks flower in the first year? Experts reveal all – plus tips on how to get early blooms
- How to organize DIY tools – streamline your tool kit with these 6 tricks
- 7 plants to feed this month – and the best fertilizer to use in May
- I'm a professional organizer, and I swear by these 5 time-saving habits
- Best lavender paints as chosen by designers – 6 favorite varieties of this calming, pastel color
- When and how to move a rose – expert advice for successfully transplanting roses
May 17th
- Best fast-growing trees for privacy – 5 varieties to quickly create a natural screen
- Spray painting vs painting with a roller – which is best?
- What do you need to know before you buy a hot tub? 6 key considerations
- Best fragrant hedge plants – 6 perfumed shrubs for beautiful boundaries
- This is how to cool down a bedroom fast, even if you don't have an air conditioner
- Can you grow squash in containers? Experts reveal 6 key tips for success growing this crop in pots
May 16th
- These 5 light-boosting hacks will bring more natural light into your home
- 6 places you shouldn't caulk around windows – and expert tips for caulking correctly
- 7 outdoor kitchen colors recommended by interior designers
- Is grill smoke unhealthy? Expert medical advice
- How to wash hats in the dishwasher – cleaning experts explain this bizarre hack
- How to get rid of birds in an attic – 6 safe and humane steps from experts
- Best full-shade perennials – 7 perfect plants to add foliage and flowers to darker borders
- How to grow black-eyed Susan – for months of dazzling blooms to enjoy
- Should you donate or sell your decluttered items? Professional organizers weigh in
- The viral 'Cloud Bed Recipe' promises fluffier sheets and comfier sleep – and it's super easy to recreate
- Best flowers to plant if you rent – 10 blooms for flexible gardening
May 15th
- Which exterior paint colors make your home look more expensive? 6 tips from designers and color experts
- Experts reveal 5 steps for getting mildew smells out of clothes and towels
- California small engine ban – everything you need to know
- How to get oil stains off a driveway – 5 hacks to break down and wash off the oil
- How much does it cost to screen a porch? Expert contractors explain all
- How to mop floors the right way – 5 steps for immaculate, streak-free floors
- What to do with hollyhocks after flowering – experts share 2 ways to enjoy these spectacular blooms for longer
- Professional cleaners reveal the 8 cleaning tasks that are a waste of your time
- How and when to fertilize shrubs annually – expert tips to keep them healthy and looking lush
- I'm a professional gardener, and this is the reliable and resilient perennial every garden needs
May 14th
- What is a pellet smoker? We ask the experts
- How to clean an oven without chemicals – 4 approaches for greener cleaning
- How to pest-proof your pantry – 8 simple methods experts recommend
- 9 common reasons why your light is flickering – and how to fix it
- How to decorate with Sherwin Williams’ Iron Ore – a ‘sophisticated, warm and timeless gray’
- How to clean a faucet head – 4 tricks to ensure clean drinking water
- How and when to fertilize hedges in spring – expert advice for healthy green growth
- How to harvest asparagus – why you can cut or snap, but never pull this crop
- 8 smart habits to spend less time cleaning – and instantly unlock more free time
May 13th
- What is wainscoting? Everything you need to know about this timeless wallcovering that never dates
- Can you paint a house in humidity? Our painting experts have advice for a successful paint job
- What to plant in zone 6 – expert advice on the best trees, shrubs and flowers to grow
- The most common types of clutter – and how to prevent them, according to professional organizers
- How to frost glass – 3 simple DIY methods that experts recommend
- How to clean a robot vacuum cleaner in 6 easy steps – return yours to its former glory like a pro
- What are the best countertops for an outdoor kitchen? 5 materials that are stylish and practical
- Our Feng Shui expert explains how to attract positive travel experiences and 'helpful friends' through your home
- These are the most unusual and refreshing mint varieties to grow this year – for tasty, aromatic herbs
May 12th
- Can a regular grill work as a smoker? Advice from the experts
- What cabinets are best for an outdoor kitchen? 5 designs that are stylish and durable
- This is the best way to maintain, wash and restore garage doors according to experts
- The hardest home decor to clean – 9 items expert cleaners avoid
- How to train and tie in wisteria shoots – expert advice for this sweet-smelling vine
- How to grow canna lilies – experts share their tips
- How to get rid of ants outdoors without killing plants – experts share 5 natural deterrents
- How to use storage baskets properly – 5 storage solutions that don't contribute to clutter
- How to revive woody clematis plants – experts reveal how to save old and messy climbers that need revitalizing
- 5 front door colors that make a home look expensive, according to experts
- I'm a professional gardener, and this is my go-to plant for natural pest control and attracting pollinators
May 11th
- Professional painters reveal the secret to color matching a paint shade from an image alone
- The Bookshelf Wealth hype has led to a rise in eclectic interiors – here's how to get the look according to designers
- Can a HOA really tell you what to do about your grill smoke?
- How to grow ghost orchids – Experts reveal all about these rare flowers
- What do the different food processor accessories do? How to make the most of your kitchen appliances
- What to do when your thermostat is set to cool but the AC isn't turning on
- Landscaping with hedges: 11 ways to beautifully enhance or frame your plot
- Should I fertilize established trees? Expert gardeners reveal how best to care for mature trees
- The habits of highly organized homeowners – 9 secrets revealed by the experts
- The 6 best colors to paint a fence to make a yard look bigger
- 8 outdated '60s interior design trends making a comeback in 2024
May 10th
- I'm about to complete a home renovation – this is how I avoided the dreaded 'reno burnout'
- How to grow lemon cucumbers – and bring extra color to your salad bowl
- Carpet vs rugs – which flooring should you choose?
- What is Victorian interior design? Designers share how this traditional style is referenced in modern homes today
- Should you add shutters to a house? Experts suggest they may boost your curb appeal
- How to clean a food processor – tips from our kitchen experts
- How to change a lightbulb above the stairs – 4 safe steps to switch out bulbs
- These are the secrets to zinnia success – discover how to keep them blooming well into the fall
- Can you vacuum baking soda without damaging your machine? We asked the experts
- What is the best fertilizer for flowers in pots? Expert tips for the best display from plants in containers
May 9th
- How to soundproof a door – 6 expert tips to contain and block out noise
- How long does a water heater last? The answer could save you from costly breakdowns
- How to choose a food processor to get a do-it-all kitchen appliance
- How to make DIY lavender sachets – keep clothes storage smelling fresh for months
- 5 ways to elevate an IKEA kitchen to make it look bespoke
- Is it necessary to deadhead hibiscus flowers? Gardening experts share hibiscus growing secrets
- These are the best places to put your WiFi router to improve your internet signal
- How to clean wine glasses properly – expert tips to maintain their clarity and prevent damage
- How to grow zucchini in containers – 6 expert steps for successful harvests from pots
May 8th
- How to secure furniture to a wall – 4 steps for peace of mind
- Should you build a pizza oven? A warning from the experts
- You can reduce your energy bills by improving your home's EPC rating – experts explain how
- How We Test Food Processors to Find the Best Investments for You and Your Kitchen
- How to combat lavender pests and problems – to keep these aromatic plants thriving
- Daily cleaning habits for a tidier home – 7 practices to perfect your chore schedule
- How to clean faux fur and keep it looking its best
- Oxygenating pond plants – 5 plants to keep your pond water looking clear
- The best time to put down weed and feed to help you have lush grass for summer
May 7th
- 5 laundry hacks to ensure white sheets stay white – and laundry stripping tips from experts
- How and when to fertilize dogwoods – for healthy trees and shrubs
- How to split chores with a partner – professional therapists agree on these 10 tips
- What to plant in zone 5 – professional tips on the best crops, flowers and shrubs to grow
- How to attract frogs to your yard – and why they are ideal for natural pest control
- How to steam clean carpet – 3 floor care tips from the experts
- 5 common mattress myths you thought were true
- How to paint Formica countertops yourself - 4 steps for a perfect finish
- Can you grow a peace lily outdoors? Expert tips for a sophisticated flowering addition to your yard
- How to make upholstery smell nice for spring and summer – seasonal scent secrets from experts
- How to repot a pothos in 5 simple steps
May 6th
- I organize outdoor spaces for a living – this is how I tidy my yard for summer
- How to get grass to grow under trees – expert tips for a luscious shade lawn
- What is retro style? Why 2025’s most interesting rooms are looking back and how yours can, too
- 10 easy ways to make your home look more organized fast
- How to clean a home gym – 7 tips for a spotless clean after your sweat session
- What makes a paint color flattering? Experts share their go-to shades for a universally complementary scheme
- Yes, you can use laundry detergent to remove moss from a driveway – but should you?
- How to deadhead and care for hyacinths after flowering – for brilliant blooms year after year
- How and when to fertilize apple trees to keep them strong and fruitful
- 10 best warm neutral paints as recommended by interior designers – from beige to muted pink
- How to grow marigolds in pots – 5 steps to guarantee blossoming plants in a container
May 5th
- What is an I-shaped kitchen layout? Interior designers weigh in on the appeal of this space-saving solution
- Can slugs and snails ever be good for the backyard? This gardener says 'it's time for a rebrand'
- How to power wash a house – experts reveal how to get rid of dirt and grime
- The only 5 paint colors you should decorate with in May 2024, and color forecasters and designers agree
- How to grow citronella – expert tips for both indoors and outdoors
- How to clean a sofa without a vacuum – 6 alternative methods for a fresh living space
- Indoor plants to make a living room smell nice – 9 fragrant options that might surprise you
- How a 'Sunday Reset' helps me to prepare my home for the upcoming week
- 8 perennial vegetables that can give you harvests for years – as recommended by a professional gardener
- Can you mix bed sheets? Yes − here's the secret to doing it stylishly
May 4th
- How to remove wax from glass – 3 ways to do so without damage
- How much should you spend on a pizza oven? Expert advice
- Light Academia interiors are trending – here's how to achieve this studious style
- How to arrange objects to instantly elevate your home – tips from an interior designer
- How to grow bearded irises – for elegant, artistic and colorful blooms
- How to get started with wild gardening – landscaping experts share 4 key tips for a naturalistic outdoor space
- How to store books in a small space – 8 tricks to maximize minimal space
- What is the best potting soil for indoor plants? Experts share helpful tips
- 8 reasons why spring cleaning is good for your wellbeing – according to the pros
- How to get rid of leather jackets – Experts reveal how to save your lawn
May 3rd
- Cleaners reveal why you shouldn't clean windows in hot weather – and what to do instead
- Discover the indoor plants to gift this Mother's Day
- Best yellow paints – these are the 9 paints designers swear by
- The best way to hang pictures on plaster walls – advice from professionals
- Pizza oven vs grill-top pizza oven – which is best?
- How to keep snapdragons flowering for longer – advice from a professional gardener
- 5 colors to never pair with gray according to designers – to ensure you make the most of this cool-toned neutral
- How to introduce children to chores – 9 ways to inspire little helping hands
May 2nd
- 5 common microfiber cloth mistakes you're probably making – and how to avoid them
- 8 kitchen rug placement rules you need to know, according to design experts
- How to clean a pizza oven – mistakes I made so you don't have to
- How to clean artwork – tips from professional painters and curators
- Peony pests and problems – expert advice for trouble-free blooms
- This is how to style a bookshelf like an interior designer – 5 top tips from Kit Kemp
- 5 best colors to paint a ceiling according to designers – from colorful hues to classic white
- 7 perennial flowers to plant in May to have stunning blooms for years to come
May 1st
- How often should a HVAC system be serviced? Expert advice for lower utility bills
- Are butcher's blocks the new kitchen island? Interior designers weigh in on this revived design feature
- Are dandelions weeds or flowers?
- The best way to clean a chalkboard – professional cleaners share their tricks
- How to display collections without clutter – to showcase your stuff, not stash it
- Pizza oven vs regular oven – which is best?
- Best evergreen ground cover plants – low maintenance options for year-round interest
- Sherwin-Williams' Greek Villa is a firm favorite warm white paint – here's how designers use this versatile neutral