Advice Archive | October 2024 | Homes and Gardens

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October 31st
- How to make a kitchen backsplash look more expensive, according to designers
- I tried the extreme Minimalists' ‘Packing Party’ decluttering method and loved it – my kitchen is now streamlined and 10 times more functional
- How to fix a sagging mattress – 4 easy hacks to extend its life
- Can stainless steel go in the dishwasher? Experts say yes, with caution – here's why
- Outdated backyard trends and what's replacing them in 2025 – 8 expert suggestions to refresh your outdoor space
- How old does something actually have to be so it’s considered vintage?
- How to kill weeds in the fall – and stop them from returning to your yard next year
- How to grow foxtail lilies – for tall spikes that make a summer statement
- Experts reveal how to clean quartzite countertops in 4 steps – avoid scratches and tackle stubborn stains and dulling with ease
- 12 bad laundry habits that are ruining your clothing, linens and washing machine – and what to do instead
October 30th
- I tried the one-in-one-out method to keep my space clutter-free and it changed my relationship with shopping for good
- Bulbs to never plant in pots – 5 flowering bulbs to keep out of your container displays
- How long should I burn a candle? Pros reveal the easy formula for this candle safety tip
- I am a serial organizer but I hate the restocking trend – here are the 4 reasons you should give it a miss
- Is November too late to plant grass seed? Discover why you may still be able to sow and expert tips for success
- How to get an avocado tree to fruit – 3 expert tips for growing this popular tropical fruit
- I tried the tea bag cleaning hack for air fryers and it made my greasy appliance spotless, but I won’t be doing it again – here’s why
October 29th
- Meet Instagram’s most glamorous chefs – and their essential kitchen gadgets for hosting season
- 7 surprising ways to use aluminum foil around the house beyond cooking, including tackling pests, polishing pots and sharpening scissors
- I tried the 'game-changing' 30-Second Rule for chores I kept putting off – and it solved my procrastination like magic
- Growing hummingbird mint from seed in the fall – lessons from my time as a professional gardener
- Why put coffee filters at the bottom of plant pots? Here's why you should repurpose them
- I tried buffing candle wax onto my faucets to prevent watermarks – it worked brilliantly, but here's what to avoid
- When to prune shrubs – the best time to trim both deciduous and evergreen shrubs
- This innovative smart bed will give you the best sleep of your life
October 28th
- I'm tidy, not clean – this is why it's okay and how I find the balance in my home
- How to grow witch hazel in pots – for long-lasting aromatic flowers during the winter months
- How to get rid of the ‘thrift store smell’ for good – according to professional cleaners
- How to clean and store winter jackets – and keep them looking their best all season long, according to cleaning pros
- Experts reveal the 5 best ways to heat a basement for a cozy and comfortable space
- When to harvest daikon radish – the ideal time to lift the roots, and how to do it perfectly
- Are all these trending dark colors just for cozy season? Or is there longevity to these moody hues? We asked designers for their take
- How to create a cosy cottage feel to your home no matter where you live, according to an interior stylist
- 8 of the best miniature houseplants, perfect for apartments, small spaces and gift giving
- How to regrout between tiles to keep them from looking tired in 6 simple steps
October 27th
- Best winter flowers for pots – 10 stunning options to brighten the shorter days
- Should you buy a pizza oven table? Pro pizza chefs reveal 5 reasons why it is an essential piece of kit
- 8 small linen closet storage ideas to transform this key space
- What 5 different designers would tell you to do with a blank wall
- The 4 areas of your home pros say to always insulate to keep it toasty in colder weather – plus, where to never insulate
- 8 plants that bloom at night – flowers perfect for a moon garden
- We're calling it – cherry red is the chicest way to decorate with red right now (and designers agree)
- 4 DIY drain cleaning solutions professionals swear by – to help you tackle blockages with ease
- Should you cut back astilbe in the fall or winter? Expert pruning advice for these popular flowering perennials
- I was getting modern farmhouse burnout until I saw Joanna Gaines's latest remodel – this is the best living room she's ever designed, and achieving the look is so easy
- Experts warn not to cut back coral bells in the fall – it can risk the plant’s long-term health
- I swear by these 2 pantry staples to completely deodorize my fridge – and it only takes me 5 minutes
October 26th
- What is the Kanban organizing technique? Experts explain how to 'boost productivity' with this simple method
- Looking for an alternative gift idea for the holidays? Here are 8 of the best flowering cacti
- Are solar lights bad for plants? Horticultural pros say no, but there are 5 reasons to be careful
- Best ornamental grasses for winter interest – 5 varieties for color and texture in the colder months of the year
- 5 ways to insulate a wall to lower your energy bills and block out noise – and which ones are a mistake to DIY
- 10 perennials to cut back in fall – to tidy flower beds and prevent pests and diseases
- I write about cleaning 52 weeks of the year – these are the 5 dirty spots I can never unsee in my home (and how you can tackle them)
- Can mums withstand frost? Expert advice to keep your flowers alive and healthy throughout winter
- Have you heard of the inside-out bathroom cleaning method? Pros explain what it is and how to do it
October 25th
- Professional cleaners do these 4 things to remove rust from bathtubs – here's how to replicate the results
- Cool colors are making an unexpected comeback – these are the rules designers use to ensure they're perfectly balanced
- How to clean solar lights – expert advice for cleaning every type of solar light
- The 6 disadvantages of dryer sheets – and the simple substitution laundry pros prefer instead
- Sanctuaries in the city – NYC garden designer reveals how to transform urban rooftop gardens into green oases
- 5 signs you need to replace your flatware – according to a master event planner
- How to winterize rhododendrons and guarantee showstopping blooms
- How We Test Mattress Toppers for Pressure Relief, Thermoregulation, Motion Isolation, and Edge Support
- 6 of the easiest fruit trees to grow for delicious homegrown harvests with minimal effort
October 24th
- 5 surprising things you can clean with shaving foam
- How to light a shed – for security and style in your yard
- Can you dry laundry outside in winter? We explore the pros and cons
- 7 cleaning hacks for a beautiful home on a budget
- How to get a mulberry tree to fruit – 3 expert tips for an abundant harvest of sweet berries
- Best shrubs for fall berries – 6 fruiting bushes to plant now for colorful borders and pots
- Blue and red is the unexpected color combination for fall 2024 – here's how designers are embracing this nostalgic pairing
- How to grow lemon balm – for citrus-infused leaves to enjoy in cooking or herbal teas
- 12 handy ways I banished stubborn mess with clear organizing bins around my home
- I’ve moved house in winter 8 times – here are my top tips for getting belongings from A to B intact during foul weather
October 23rd
- Tile drenching is the unexpected way to add a sense of luxury to your home – here's how to nail the trend
- You're likely not washing these 8 things enough, experts warn – here's why they need extra attention
- Should you use solar lights at Christmas? 5 reasons experts say no, and what you should do instead
- How to grow Japanese maple bonsai trees – for miniature gardens with spectacular fall color
- 8 cleaning tasks to refresh your bedroom for winter – for a cozy and comfortable space
- Experts explain how to install a basement extractor fan to remove damp and musty smells for good
- 5 herbs that don't need winterizing – they're frost-hardy and need minimal protection
- How to grow winter melons – tips from an expert gardener who harvested 50 fruits from one plant
October 22nd
- I'm an interior designer – this is how I design a kitchen backsplash that always looks luxurious
- Are lumen ratings fake? This marketing trick could mean you've been missold solar lights
- Pro cleaners never put these thrifted items in their home without sanitizing them first – here's why it's vital
- How to divide hummingbird mint – expert propagation advice for this native perennial
- Cleaning pros never do these 10 cleaning tasks in November – here's why they never think it's worth it
- 7 easy houseplants to propagate in fall and winter – to continue expanding your indoor jungle year-round
- How to cut back coleus for winter – to benefit plants growing indoors and out
- I used a simple baking staple that everyone has to make my freezer smell heavenly – the result was impressive
October 21st
- A career testing pizza ovens has proven to me that these 6 accessories are must-haves
- Professional cleaners warn these 13 products are a waste of money – here's why you should stop buying them, and what to get instead
- How to grow creeping juniper – for a native evergreen ground cover
- Sleep scientists warn that your bedroom might be making you feel groggy – learn to optimize your space for a more refreshing wake-up
- 7 small kitchen details that will make the biggest difference to your space, according to interior designers
- How to save energy when doing laundry – 9 ways to cut costs and be more sustainable
- Best hardwood cuttings to take in fall – 5 plants to start propagating now
- When and how to harvest broccoli rabe – top tips to get the timing right for abundant yields
- I Tried 4 Ways to Stop Condensation Forming on My Windows in the Cold – 1 Was a Clear Winner
- These are the best paint colors to pair with wooden flooring, according to interior designers
- How to overwinter agave – 5 essential steps to keep yours alive and healthy in colder climates
October 20th
- Whimsigoth is the eclectic trend that's more cozy than gothic – these 5 examples show how luxurious the style can be
- Can you grow calatheas in water? How to grow these tricky houseplants hydroponically
- How to charge solar lights without sun – electrical experts reveal why it works, but warn this solar hack might not always be effective
- How to store pumpkins – 5 important steps to ensure they keep for as long as possible
- 5 easy DIY tricks construction pros swear by to draft-proof a sunroom – to instantly make your house feel warmer this winter
- 10 Dutch oven mistakes that make me cringe (and a chef's tips on how to avoid them)
- 7 indoor plants for fall – these houseplants will thrive during the cooler seasons
- I tried 5 tricks to keep our home dust-free during our house renovation – this $10 method worked perfectly
- How to harvest carrot seeds – 7 expert steps to successfully collect, save, and store
- 7 tablescaping storage ideas for those who love to host – keep your essentials safely stowed without cluttering up your home
- These are the 3 best colors to paint your kitchen right now, according to interior designers
- What to do with hibiscus in the fall – expert advice to prepare for the winter months
October 19th
- Should you deadhead chrysanthemums in fall? Here's why it's a good idea to cut back these blooms before winter
- When 'pre-loved' can harm you – I'm a Feng Shui consultant and you should never buy these 6 things for your home in a thrift store
- How to grow vegetables from cuttings – 10 delicious crops and expert tips to get free plants
- Best Farrow & Ball pink paints – 7 favorite shades among designers, from plaster tones to moody pinks
- Can you light a garden path with solar lights? Electrical experts reveal 3 reasons why it's a bad idea – and what to do instead
- This cheap pantry staple made the stainless steel on my kitchen appliances look as good as new – I am genuinely shocked
- 7 of the best fragrant trees – to add gorgeous, uplifting scent to your garden
- How and when to prune monkey grass – expert advice for this part-shade perennial
- I'm a homes writer and I always store these clothing items hung up – for space-saving storage and crease-free garments
- Is iron the new brass for kitchen hardware and fixtures? Experts on whether this revived metal is an enduring style or a fleeting trend
- These are the delectable entryway fragrance secrets used by spa directors to set a 'tranquil, luxurious atmosphere' – plus tips on how you can recreate them at home
- Best plants for winter hanging baskets – 10 picks for long-lasting, joyful flowers
October 18th
- 5 ways to wash lace at home – including by hand, cold washing and mesh bags
- 5 things not to put on your bathroom countertops, according to interior designers
- How do you make your interiors look effortless? I asked designers to help me make my home stylish but not styled
- Do you cut strawberries back in the fall? Experts reveal the potential dangers of trimming ahead of winter
- The Pottery Barn holiday collection puts a fresh spin on old classics – it's vintage with a 2024 twist
- How to grow Texas sage – for a native evergreen shrub with pretty pink blooms
- Experts always do these 5 things to their windows and doors before a freeze – here’s why you should too
- 7 fringed tulip varieties I’m planting this fall after seeing millions of bulbs in The Netherlands – I promise you'll love them too
- 6 things designers say are making your home less cozy – and how to decorate instead for more welcoming spaces
- I tried this $1.29 shaving foam cleaning hack to make my mirrors shine – and the results were seriously impressive
- How to winterize black-eyed Susans – and ensure a joyful display for years to come
- I wanted my bathroom to smell like a luxury spa and this simple cotton ball hack made it happen – I can't believe how easy it is
October 17th
- Deck lighting mistakes – decking experts reveal 7 common missteps and how to avoid them
- Is wood or tile flooring best for a kitchen? Interior designers decide which material comes out top (the answer might surprise you)
- What to do with viburnums in the fall – expert tips for healthy shrubs
- The best way to clean linoleum floors – 5 simple steps to a spotless shine with our expert-approved method
- Which furniture brands do interior designers always rely on? 26 American-made stores for timeless quality pieces
- 11 things that always make your kitchen look cluttered – and what to do with them instead
- When to divide plants – for new perennials that establish fast and flower abundantly
- How to propagate staghorn ferns – 2 of the easiest ways to grow more of these striking houseplants for free
- I tried lemon juice to remove stubborn limescale on my faucet – it was so good, I’ll never use shop-bought cleaner on it again
October 16th
- How to light a fence – 5 ways to make a humble fence a little brighter
- Did you know you can declutter an entire house in a single day? Professional organizers share 11 tips to get it done quickly
- 9 things professional organizers wish you wouldn't spend your money on – and what's worth the spend instead
- Bottlebrush tree problems – 3 expert-approved solutions to common garden woes
- The best DIY carpet cleaning solution for machines – and why experts prefer this natural approach
- What is heat tape? And can it really save your pipes in winter?
- How to overwinter a Boston fern – 5 easy steps to keeping your fern happy through the coldest season
- What are woolly apple aphids? How to spot and control these troublesome pests
October 15th
- How to light a balcony – 4 ways to transform a small outdoor space with imaginative lighting
- What to do with wisteria in the fall – to ensure your climbers bloom better than ever next year
- How to choose the best paint colors for awkward spaces – expert tips and tricks from designers on tackling tricky rooms
- 4 small upgrades that can boost your home's value by 20 per cent – according to real estate experts
- Why is my weeping fig dropping leaves? 3 causes and solutions
- How to get hard water stains off granite – 6 steps to keeping granite scratch-free
- How to harvest black walnuts – discover the right way to get this tough nut to crack
October 14th
- How I quickly dried my ceiling after a leak using this expert-approved combination of drying methods
- Sulking Room Pink is Farrow & Ball's 'moodiest' pink paint – here's how to decorate with it for a cozy and sophisticated space
- Garden path lighting mistakes – errors the experts never make, and how you can avoid making them, too
- 7 common winter pest infestations – and how to keep them out of your home in the coming months
- How and when to fertilize leeks – plus expert tips for the best feeds to use
- Are you forgetting to clean your washing machine baffles? I had no idea how important it was
- How to grow firebush plants – for a native shrub that hummingbirds adore
- 10 types of light and dimmer switches – how to pick the one that's best for your room, project and home
- Best bulbs for naturalizing in a lawn: 11 easy to grow blooms for a gentle, everchanging haze of color
October 13th
- What does fertilizer do for plants? We reveal the reasons why feeding is vital
- These are the 12 most timeless neutral paints, recommended by interior designers
- Beware of hummingbird houses – why you should avoid this product, and what to buy to help these beautiful creatures instead
- Are these 11 common heating system mistakes making your energy bills expensive? This is the secret formula to success
- Native alternatives to Japanese maples – 5 North American trees for a spectacular fall display
- How to clean up pumpkin stains – 4 tricks to keep your home clean this fall period
- How to cure pumpkins successfully to give them the longest life
- Vintage kitchen hardware is the simplest way to add character to your space – here's everything you need to know, according to designers
- I just spent 3 days in Belgium – 5 enduring trends that will never fade – and you'll want to replicate them all
- How to winterize crepe myrtle – experts share strategies for protecting these flowering favorites from chilly weather
- 8 things you should never store in a playroom and where to put them instead
October 12th
- 5 things designers say you should never put on a mantel
- I tried the viral jean hanging hack to double my denim storage – and it's perfect for tiny spaces
- 7 fall home maintenance tips experts never skip in their own properties
- How to light a veranda – expert advice for lighting this tricky spot
- How to grow blue fescue grass – for an unusual plant with striking blue blades
- 10 of the best vegetables to overwinter – for bountiful, homegrown harvests throughout the colder months
- I’m an interior designer – this is my process for ensuring every project goes smoothly
- How to make your own orchid potting mix – a quick, quality recipe
- How to make kitchen shelves look more expensive, according to interior designers
- Why is my jade plant drooping? 7 common causes and solutions
- 9 secrets professional cleaners swear by for fresh-smelling bathrooms
October 11th
- Why are my prayer plant leaves curling? Experts share 7 possible causes and how to address them
- Things outdoor lighting pros never do – a landscape designer reveals 5 common lighting mistakes, and what you should do instead
- How to make scented ironing water – the DIY secret to keeping your clothes smelling fresh
- How to cut oregano so it keeps growing – to get more out of this aromatic herb
- What does soil mean on a washer? Appliance experts explain this misunderstood setting
- What to do with bougainvillea in the fall – expert tips to prepare your flowering climbers for the colder months
- How to grow turnips from scraps – for a harvest of under-appreciated and peppery turnip greens
October 10th
- Rope lights vs string lights – experts reveal which is best for your yard
- I dealt with a whole house flea infestation using only one tool – and it worked perfectly the first time
- The best plants for mental health – 7 professional picks for a calming garden
- How to make towels soft without a dryer – using only pantry essentials
- 6 things roofing pros recommend checking as the rainy season gets underway to avoid leaks, mold and pests
- 7 different interior designers on ingenious ways they use paint to easily elevate a room
- How to take mulberry tree cuttings – expert tips for successful plant propagation
- Teal is tipped to be the color of the year in the garden for 2025 – here are 8 of the best teal plants you can grow to get the look
- 'Modest amounts of color can make huge statements' – Farrow & Ball's color curator shares 5 simple ways to transform the home with paint
- How I oil my wooden kitchen countertops to get them looking as good as new – it's seriously worth the effort
October 9th
- Felco F2 pruner deals – how to save money on the best pruners in the world
- Amazon solar light deals – how to get the best savings on string, security, and solar spotlights
- A humble clothes rail solved the lack of hanging space in my tiny bedroom – these are the best ones available at Amazon
- I have planted thousands of perennials and shrubs as a professional gardener – and biochar is the secret ingredient I always recommend
- Is collecting fallen leaves always essential? Discover where never to leave them, and the places in the yard where it's safe to do so
- I love these Method cleaning products that make my home smell luxurious – and they are all available at Amazon
- I’m in chronic pain and have used heating pads for 15 years to cope at home in cold weather – the best I've ever used is on sale for Amazon Prime's last day of deals
- I'm buying this half-price air fryer for my sister's Christmas gift (don’t tell her) – it's perfect for small kitchens and air-frying beginners
- What is an AGA? Experts explain the heirloom cooker that's becoming the focus of every on-trend kitchen
- Unlock the secret to quick laundry with this Joseph Joseph laundry organizer – I wouldn't be without mine
- 4 expert-approved stain removal products that really work – available at Amazon
October 8th
- Time is running out for planting tulip and daffodil bulbs, but this tool will speed the process up before winter arrives
- I asked cleaning pros for the 6 products they love and that are actually worth buying from Amazon
- The 4 great-value storage gems from Amazon that transformed how I use my ottoman bed and streamlined my messy closet
- Make the most of your vanity space with 4 bargain storage steals our pros say are worth investing in
- I'm a homes writer and checked 100s of Amazon listings to bring you awesome home fragrance finds from just $9 – to keep your home smelling great all fall and winter
- What do you put on the end of a rain chain? Everything you need to know about rain chain anchors
- Should I cut back asters in the fall or wait until spring? The choice is yours, and here’s how to decide
- I ditched dryer sheets for this 1 cent essential oil dryer hack and loved how expensive-smelling my laundry turned out – you have to try it
October 7th
- How to prepare your home for a freeze – 7 things to check and put in place now before deep winter weather hits
- 11 things pizza chefs always do – advice from professional chefs for better homemade pizza
- How to grow a hummingbird tree – an unusual tree with striking, colorful blooms
- How to hang floating candles for a magical touch – party planning pros love how it brings 'atmosphere and mood' to your fall and Halloween decor
- How to grow broccoli rabe – for quick harvests of unique and delicious florets, stems, and leaves
- 4 successful, simple and impactful organizing tools our home editors love using in their bathrooms
- How to divide bleeding heart – for more of these unique, vibrant perennials
- 14 drilling mistakes to avoid during DIY projects – and what to do instead
October 6th
- How to grow wild ginger – for a shady ground cover plant native to North America
- 8 things to never use steel wool on when cleaning around your home – and what to use instead
- When to prune mophead hydrangeas – and why a light touch goes a long way
- 8 porch storage ideas – learn from the pros on how to keep your space neat and tidy
- 5 best Benjamin Moore paint colors for creating cozy corners this fall – from rich reds to warm neutrals
- 8 perennials to pair together – how to choose harmonious combinations to make your planting look professional
- What is a rain pot? And why they make stylish alternatives to water butts
- Should you replace your bathroom vanity doors with curtains? Interior designers on whether it's as practical as it is stylish
- How to overwinter tender bulbs – and keep them safe from freezing temperatures
- 7 ways to clean bathroom floors without harsh chemicals
October 5th
- 8 common solar light mistakes – and how to avoid them
- 18 best Target Thanksgiving home decorations – style without the splurge
- Seeds to collect in October – 7 flowers and vegetables to harvest seeds from this month
- How to harvest black-eyed Susan seeds – expert tips for perfect timing and seed storage
- Home scenting secrets to help combat the winter blues – from top home fragrance experts
- Best evergreens for small front yards – 5 expert recommendations for year-round greenery
- 10 essential household items to keep in your junk drawer that you'll actually use for repairs, emergencies and daily jobs
- How to stop soil freezing in winter – to protect soil and plant health
- 6 bathroom design myths experts say you shouldn't believe
- Best eryngium varieties – for thistle-like structure in your flower beds
October 4th
- Best fall-flowering perennials – 7 expert-approved blooms for late-season color
- How to winterize salvias – simple steps to protect your plants from the cold
- How to clean an electric stovetop – and the 4 mistakes cleaning pros say to avoid
- I'm renting for the first time in 20 years and couldn't be happier – here's why
- How to buy a pizza oven – 5 expert tips to get the most out of your budget
- Living fence ideas – 5 ways to bring your yard boundary to life
- How to insulate a garage door – 2 ways to protect this storage spot in cold weather
- This easy 6-step weekend cleaning dopamine menu will set you right for the week ahead, say home pros
- How to sharpen hedge trimmer blades expertly and safely in 7 simple steps
October 3rd
- How to get rid of the smell of mothballs on clothes for pest-free, fresh laundry
- I've purposefully chosen not to decorate my rental – turns out these 5 quick tricks were all I needed to make it feel like home
- The most common 8 candle wax types explained – plus which ones to avoid burning in your home
- How to make your own monstera potting mix – an expert-recommended recipe
- Should you bother with a pizza oven? An expert tester reveals if they're actually worth the money
- I created an 'eco-chic' coffee routine with these small swaps – and it's changed my mornings for the better
- The 'outbox' decluttering method – professional organizers explain the 'simple yet powerful' technique
- When to harvest bush beans – and how to pick them at their peak for texture and taste
- How to divide daylilies – expert propagation advice for these vigorous, colorful blooms
- Experts reveal the best anti-tip devices to secure your freestanding furniture – to avoid damage, injury and fatal accidents
October 2nd
- Why are my citrus leaves curling? 5 reasons for warped foliage
- Our home editors reveal the 7 kitchen organizing products they can’t live without
- How to get water out of a carpet after a flood – and prevent damp, mold, and mildew from spreading
- The 8 most common fire risks in your home – and how to prevent them
- Best ground cover plants to hide tree roots – expert-approved options to mask unsightly areas with greenery
- Best pothos varieties – 7 choices for a unique trailing houseplant
- 'I am not an advocate for accent walls' – here's why Shea McGee isn't a fan of this once-popular wall decor
October 1st
- These 6 surprising things are clogging your drains – here's how the experts deal with blockages
- What’s replacing white kitchens? 5 braver colors to try in 2025
- How to do laundry with sensitive skin – 9 essentials that ward off flare-ups
- I'm a trained cook – these are the 12 clever kitchen gadgets I think practically pay for themselves
- How to harvest grapes in 6 simple steps – expert tips for successful picking and storage
- Designers say these 5 colors are dating your home in 2025 – and share what to use instead
- How and when to use a houseplant trellis – to support climbing indoor plants
- Porcelain vs ceramic tiles – experts reveal the differences, pros, cons and which will work best in your home