Advice Archive | August 2024 | Homes and Gardens

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August 31st
- How to harvest zucchini seeds – an expert guide to collect, save and store precious seeds
- Colors to avoid pairing with brown – 5 shades that don’t work with fall’s biggest color trend
- Forest garden ideas – how to grow edible planting in layers to make the most of your space
- How to restore a rusty fire pit – 4 simple steps from an artisan designer, and why you should never use vinegar
- This is every paint color that Shea McGee used in her most recent remodel – including the best neutrals from Sherwin-Willams, Benjamin Moore and Farrow & Ball
- Experts share 8 brilliant storage ideas for tiny homes to maximize your living space
- 7 flowers to plant in September and tips for where and how to sow them successfully
- Best aster varieties – 10 beautiful options with colorful and striking blooms
August 30th
- How to organize paperwork at home – 6 steps to fabulous filing
- Leaf blower vs rake – expert gardeners reveal if you should go hi-tech or stay old-school
- How to harvest calendula seeds in late summer to grow more of these vibrant plants next year
- Primary color pairings – interior designers' favorite ways to decorate with these vibrant and playful hues
- How to grow and care for sword ferns – and add a tropical touch to your yard
- How to dry rosemary in summer – to save and store this nutritious, fragrant herb
August 29th
- What are the best white paints for kitchens? 6 light and airy picks from interior designers
- 5 kitchen layouts you never thought to try (and why designers chose them)
- Is it ever worth buying a robot lawn mower? 5 considerations from garden experts
- How often should you deep clean your home? Plus top tips from the pros
- 6 reasons you should not dry laundry outside – according to laundry professionals
- How to get a plum tree to fruit – tips for a bigger and better harvest
- When is the best time to cut topiary? Expert tips for maintaining this sculptural garden feature
- How to change hydrangea color – tips from the experts for brilliant blue or perfect pink blooms
August 28th
- 6 kitchen styles going out of fashion in 2024, according to experts who have seen it all
- Standing mowers vs riding mowers – a mowing expert reveals which is best
- How often should you replace your mop head? Advice for all mop types – plus tips on what you can do to make yours last longer
- 5 methods to get rid of spiders in basements – tried and tested by pest control experts
- 5 ways bookworms can organize their bookshelves without throwing away a single one
- How to harvest nasturtium seeds – expert tips to save and store seeds to grow more of these vining plants next year
August 27th
- How do you choose the best couch color? 7 tips from designers to find to perfect shade
- How to make solar lights work in winter – 4 simple tips from electrical experts
- When to pick eggplant – for a big harvest of this flavorful kitchen ingredient
- 6 things super organized people do every day – the steps they follow without fail
- This packing hack is the perfect way to organize your suitcase for the Labor Day Weekend – and it costs less than $10
- Why is my sago palm turning yellow – 4 common issues and solutions for houseplant success
- How to harvest sweet pea seeds – expert advice for saving and storing seeds
- Are you cleaning the dirtiest part of your fridge? Experts warn failing to could lead to eating mold
- Gardening myths revealed – 11 common tips debunked
- I'm a homes editor and mess makes me sad and anxious. Here's 4 things I do daily to keep it at bay, including a two-minute 'Fly By'
August 26th
- Best plants for a natural swimming pool – 8 plants to transform your space
- 5 ways to clean a box grater in no time
- How to propagate agaves – 7 simple steps for successful results with these striking succulents
- Can air purifiers help with smoke? Plus, other expert advice on how to protect yourself
- 7 items you should never wash in hot water – laundry experts reveal how to protect your belongings from damage
- Why are my gardenia leaves turning yellow? Experts share insights and ways to prevent the problem
August 25th
- How to get a blueberry bush to fruit – 3 expert tips for an abundant berry harvest
- Mopping vs wet vacuuming – which is the better cleaner for your home? I'm a home tech editor and spent hours testing products to answer this for good
- Why isn't my leaf blower working? 6 solutions to fix a gas leaf blower
- ‘Fig trees are the undisputed superheroes of the arid landscape’ – discover the best drought-tolerant fruit trees
- What are the best Benjamin Moore gray paints? 7 go-to shades recommended by designers
- Laundry pros warn 6 combos of items you should never wash together in order to avoid damage
- How to grow creeping Charlie indoors – expert tips for this trailing beauty
- How much does it cost to add a plunge pool to your yard? Experts reveal what you should budget
- Experts explain what to do if your house is cooling unevenly – and why it happens in the first place
August 24th
- 3 things a professional chef who cooked for HRH Queen Elizabeth always notices about badly organized kitchens – plus tips on how to improve yours
- Landscaping with gravel – 8 ideas to show how beautifully gravel suits all types of garden design
- When is it antisocial to use a leaf blower? Experts reveal leaf blower etiquette
- Can you vacuum broken glass? Expert advice to protect your appliance, and what to use instead
- I discovered these plants with superpowers in Singapore, and now I’m determined to grow them in my own backyard
- Deer resistant ground cover plants – 12 tough plants for any spot in your yard
- 6 mistakes that ruin clothes when washing colors – and how to swerve these bloopers for a superior wash
- How to grow honeysuckle in pots – the ultimate climbing plant for both color and fragrance
- How to grow and care for camassia – expert advice for elegant blooms
- Interior designers' Color of the Year predictions for 2025 – 8 standout shades we expect to see lots more of
August 23rd
- Wooden vs vinyl fences – which is best? Construction experts weigh in
- Are you cleaning your kitchen sink enough? If not, it could be making you sick as pros warn it's dirtier than your toilet
- The 4 alarming signs you may have taken maximalism too far in your home – and what to do to relieve the pressure
- It's not too late to cut these perennials back for a flush of fall flowers – 6 popular plants to trim this month
- 10 things you should never store in your oven drawer
- The 8 best ways to store Lego – professional organizers share their top tips for housing your collection neatly
- These are the secrets to sunflower success – discover how to keep sunflowers blooming until the end of summer
- How to nail the cozy cottage kitchen aesthetic in any home, according to interior designers who know and love the look
- Cleaning pros swear by these 7 secret laundry ingredients when cleaning clothing and bedding
August 22nd
- How to wash a bath mat properly – professional cleaners share their tips
- Deer-resistant spring bulbs – 5 flowers unlikely to be damaged by deer
- How to clean Birkenstocks in 7 simple steps, according to the pros
- Is your bathrobe giving you skin irritation? Experts say you probably aren't washing it often enough and advise this surprising frequency
- What paint colors do interior designers use in their own homes? 8 shades tried and tested by the pros
- How to care for azaleas in summer – 3 expert tips for healthy plants and brilliant blooms
- 5 awful home addition problems that make top construction pros wince – and how to avoid them when expanding the footprint of your home
- Patio covers vs pergolas – which outdoor structure is best?
- How to order bulbs for spring – 6 factors to ensure you buy like a professional
August 21st
- Circular saw vs jigsaw: Experts reveal the pros, cons, differences and which you'll need for your next DIY project
- Do outdoor security lights deter animals? A wildlife expert explains why your lights won't keep unwanted animals away
- How long do chrysanthemums last? Experts reveal when early and late-flowering blooms will emerge
- 5 best methods to eradicate persistent bed bugs from pest control who specialize in infestation wipeouts
- Fertilizing zucchini is crucial for healthy plants and higher yields – discover when and how to feed them
- 6 alternative uses for tension rods – our editors reveal how they've utilized this nifty hardware around their homes for storage, concealment and privacy
August 20th
- 5 common pests to watch out for and protect your home from in fall – according to pest control pros
- 4 alternative uses for garden kneelers – a secretly multifunctional yard staple
- Cleaners say knife blocks are the dirtiest thing in your kitchen and you should get rid of yours right now – plus what to use instead
- Why does clutter creep back into your home, but not others? Interior Therapist reveals 5 psychological drivers (and fixes) for clutter-keeping
- Do you need to fertilize fuchsias? An expert gardener reveals the best way to care for these vibrant plants
- How to grow lima beans – from sowing to harvesting
August 19th
- When to harvest tomatillos – the vital signs for magnificently ripe, flavorful fruits
- Benjamin Moore's lookbook for fall 2024 is full of on-trend paint ideas – from warm neutrals to dark and moody hues
- What is the '1 in 10 Out' decluttering rule? Experts explain why 'nothing works better than this method' to transform a messy home
- 7 things construction pros always notice in terrible bathroom remodels – and how you can avoid these costly errors in yours
- Seed harvesting and collecting mistakes – 6 common pitfalls to avoid
- 7 signs you need to hire a cleaner to tackle your dirty home – and how it can seriously reduce stress
- How to speed up houseplant propagation – 5 methods to multiply your indoor plant collection quickly
- How to grow hummingbird mint – the ultimate native plant to attract birds, bees and butterflies
- How to harvest hollyhock seeds – to grow more summer flowers for free
August 18th
- How to style with large decorative pots in the front yard – 6 ways to step-up your design scheme
- How to grow fuchsias in pots – for vibrant and long-lasting container plants
- Best fire-resistant plants – 8 groundcovers, perennials and shrubs that can take the heat
- Explained: The underconsumption trend and how it can help declutter your home
- Leaf blowers vs leaf vacuums – which is best for your yard, and should you bother with either?
- ‘I’ve seen an entirely different side to this city, and it’s wild’ – what Singapore can teach us about how to live in nature
August 17th
- How to remove algae from a fence – the easiest process and two methods you should never use
- Best roses for hedges – 10 stunning varieties for color, scent, privacy, and security
- How to propagate Russian sage – expert tips to grow more of these drought-tolerant perennials
- How to harvest California poppy seeds – our comprehensive guide to saving and storing seeds
- Expert brokers reveal everything you need to know about buying a home in fall
- 5 things attracting roaches to your clean house and what you can change to stop it happening
- 7 salad crops to sow in August to liven up fall and winter salads
August 16th
- Indoor pests 101: How to identify and deal with the 10 most common indoor pests
- Is it necessary to deadhead snapdragons? A flower expert reveals the secrets to snapdragon success
- The best places for security lights – crucial advice from a former FBI agent
- 4 liquids you should never pour down your sink – and how to safely get rid of them instead
- What are tarnished plant bugs? How to spot and get rid of these highly destructive pests
- These are 5 grouting mistakes the pros always notice, and how you can avoid them for a high-end finish
August 15th
- Realtors reveal 6 things you need to know about successfully selling your home in fall
- How to get acrylic paint out of clothes in 6 simple steps – including a clever trick dubbed 'the artist's secret'
- Where to place solar lights – 6 rules from solar specialists
- Fabric experts reveal how to wash viscose fabric at home so you can skip dry cleaning without damaging your clothes
- How much does it cost to refinish hardwood floors? Expert contractors reveal what also will increase the price
- ‘Picking okra when it's ready can be tricky’ – avoid tough pods with our expert tips for harvesting okra at the perfect time
- I'm obsessed with hair and beauty products and this tiered organizer solved the lack of storage in my vanity, making my day so much easier
- How to take fuchsia cuttings – simple tips for successful propagation
August 14th
- Are solar lights actually eco-friendly? Energy experts advise
- The 6 best ways to clean and disinfect baby toys – safe and sanitary tips for your little one's favorite belongings
- How to harvest romaine lettuce – and get multiple croppings from a single plant
- Is this the simplest way to declutter your home? The ‘Didn’t Know’ decluttering trend can streamline your home and ‘reduce the overwhelm’
- 5 alternative uses for coasters around your home that may pleasantly surprise and inspire you
- The 6 essential things professional organizers swear by to keep their rooms organized
- How to get a lime tree to fruit – 3 things you need to do to grow this citrus fruit successfully
- Front-load vs top-load washers – which is best for you? Our appliance experts weigh in with pros, cons and more
- What's the best layout for a small kitchen? Interior designers on how to maximize your bijou space
- Pruning jasmine in late summer will ensure your plants bloom better than ever next year
August 13th
- Weber vs Traeger – which pellet grill should I buy? Advice from a product tester
- 4 things you should never clean with citric acid in your home – experts share the irreparable damage it will cause and what to do instead
- Should you put fabric softener in the toilet tank to make your bathroom smell nice? Experts say absolutely not, and offer better solutions
- How to grow carrots indoors – 5 expert tips for a successful indoor crop
- 7 signs you should hire a professional organizer – and some of these warnings might surprise you
- Pest control pros warn never to treat bed bugs with essential oils – and what to do instead for true success
- When and how to fertilize chilli plants – plus expert tips for the best feeds to use
- Bougainvillea in miniature – with a little patience, anyone can grow these vibrant plants in bonsai form
August 12th
- 10 low maintenance, drought tolerant plants – for a beautiful and undemanding landscape
- Should you clean every day? Pro house cleaners reckon it will limit stress but here's how to avoid the pitfalls
- 6 things you can clean with citric acid around the house – plus, it's eco-friendly and reduces the need for harsh chemicals in your home
- When to harvest rutabaga for the most flavorful roots, plus tips for lifting and storing the crop
- How to grow eastern redbuds – the cherished native tree with striking spring blooms
- What is a heat pump and should you be installing one? Explore our expert guide
August 11th
- Seed storage mistakes – expert advice to help you avoid costly and accidental errors
- 5 rules professional organizers always follow to avoid over-shopping for storage when thrifting
- Why are my tomato plants not fruiting? 5 causes of blossom drop and how you can help pollination
- Can you grill in an air fryer? Chefs and BBQ experts weigh in
- 10 red flags that always scare off potential house buyers – and expert advice on how to remedy the problems
- The 4,000-mile migration of native hummingbirds is about to begin – here's how you can help these winged wonders
- 6 kitchen design myths interior designers say you shouldn't believe
- Best hedges for pollinators – 10 shrubs that are beneficial for bees, birds and butterflies
- How to season a grill – executive chefs reveal why grill seasoning is a summer essential
- What is orchid root rot? Expert tips on how to treat it to keep this exotic houseplant alive
August 10th
- How to harvest hibiscus seeds – expert tips to save and store seeds to grow more of your favorite plants next year
- How to uplight a tree – expert methods for big trees, small trees, and shrubs
- 'From avid gardeners to novices who aren't sure how to get started, AI can be a helpful tool' – how gardeners can use artificial intelligence in their backyards
- Fact or fiction? Our sleep pros delve into whether cooling bed sheets are a gimmick and the golden formula for picking great products
- 7 plants to propagate in August – summer cuttings to take this month
- Why is my freezer frosting up? Expert insight on why it happens, and how to fix it
- 7 of the longest-flowering perennials – these varieties will add color to your garden for months
- The 4 purchases professional cleaners always regret – pros reveal what's a waste of money and where to spend instead
- How to create a hanging basket for hummingbirds – to attract these native beauties to your outdoor space
August 9th
- Experts reveal 8 surprising uses for Ziploc bags around your home that are cost-effective and clever
- Professional organizers won't leave Walmart without these 6 items
- Best rudbeckias – 10 sensational annual and perennial varieties of this popular native flower
- Are solar lights ever worth it? 5 truths from an expert product tester
- Why is my dryer leaking water? Expert advice and what you can do at home
- I'm a professional organizer and my 6 closet tweaks will transform how you use yours for the better
- 5 things to never clean your microwave with – and what professional cleaners use in their homes instead
- How to grow pale leather flowers – for a striking native clematis with unusual and extraordinary blooms
- 9 kitchen layout trends to have on your radar for 2025, according to designers
- Why is my elephant ear plant turning yellow? Expert advice for indoor alocasia
August 8th
- Experts reveal the 8 warning signs it's time to replace your hazardous old appliances – and what you definitely shouldn't delay or ignore
- How to buy good solar lights – 8 tips from an expert tester
- 11 things professional cleaners always notice in dirty homes – and how to make them shine in yours
- How to grow Japanese maples in pots – the perfect statement trees for any outdoor space
- What’s the best layout for a narrow bathroom? Discover the top design strategies
- How long can you store seeds for? Experts reveal how to keep seeds safe in storage for longer
- Pros reveal how to clean painted cabinets in 4 steps – and keep the finish intact
- The best perennial vegetables to grow in pots for years of harvests in smaller spaces
August 7th
- The best wood for fire pits revealed – and the wood you should avoid
- 5 must-have storage items professional organizers say you should always thrift for home organizing projects
- 6 simple mistakes you're making with powder detergent in your laundry – and how to fix them
- Here's the #1 thing experienced hosts do to meal prep before a party
- How to propagate zinnias from cuttings – 3 easy steps to grow even more bright blooms
- How to remove mud stains from your clothing – 4 simple steps for superior stain removal
- Fertilizing lilies is a vital summer task – to guarantee even more blooms next year
- 7 things pro organizers immediately notice in a messy home – and how to turn things around
- 7 things interior designers say you don’t need in your kitchen – and the features that should replace them
- Sprinkler vs soaker hose – which is the best choice for watering your yard?
August 6th
- Should I keep my security lights on all night? An ex-SWAT security expert advises
- How to propagate a tradescantia from cuttings – in just 3 simple steps
- How to hide shoe clutter in small spaces – 6 smart spots to stash your shoes
- How to light your garden for wildlife – expert tips on how you can stop your lights from harming little critters
- How to safely paint socket covers in 3 simple steps – and alternative options for a fabulous finish
- How to take verbena cuttings – professional advice for successful plant propagation
- Should you do laundry every day? Laundry pros share their thoughts
- How to add architectural charm to a room that doesn’t have any – experts advise
- How to grow delicata squash – an expert guide to sowing seeds and caring for plants
August 5th
- How to create a rock garden in a container – to display anywhere in your home or yard
- 6 original features you should never replace (and the ones you maybe should)
- 6 things to never clean with rubbing alcohol around your home, and what to use instead
- How to spot Mexican bean beetles and combat these destructive vegetable garden pests
- How to paint an outdoor plant pot – make your handiwork last in 3 simple steps
- How to garden on a west-facing balcony – 3 ideas for growing in a suntrap
- These 6 expert tips will reduce the stress of your home remodeling project
- Intruder proof hedge plants – 10 plants to boost home security
August 4th
- How to light a garden path – lighting designers reveal 8 ways to avoid the dreaded 'runway light'
- I'm an interior designer – these are my simple tips you need to follow for the perfect kitchen layout
- Wall storage ideas – 12 stylish solutions to suit every room
- What is leaf scorch and how to avoid it – experts reveal why your plant leaves look sunburned
- 6 failsafe formulas designers always follow when planning a living room
- How to dry basil – and store this aromatic, versatile herb
- Landscaping with succulents and cacti – 8 stunning ideas to transform an arid yard
- The 3,000-mile migration of the monarch butterfly is about to begin – here's how you can help this native species
- What rug color goes best with a gray couch? Interior designer's favorite fail-safe combinations
- 6 plants that will grow almost anywhere – even in nutrient-poor soil
- I tried the 7-day declutter challenge – one week of organizing saved me from a lifetime of chaos
- How to keep your shed cool in a heatwave – 8 heat-busting solutions to keep you cool in summer
- Do you need to fertilize beets? Why you should feed for bigger and better harvests
August 3rd
- How to get detergent stains out of clothes – pro tips for pristine laundry
- Is it legal to have a fire in your backyard? An expert attorney reveals how to stay on the right side of the law
- Rock garden plants – 10 of the best varieties and how to grow them
- I'm decorating a house in the English Cotswolds – these are my top tips for channelling English country style
- How to clean a burnt pan – 5 steps to follow so it shines like new
- Why are the leaves on my star jasmine turning red? Potential reasons revealed by experts
- How to paint wood floors – get a lasting shine in 5 easy steps
- These fast-growing climbers will transform your pergola into a romantic, botanical wonderland
- 7 plants to prune in August to keep your yard neat, tidy, and flourishing
- 5 ways to protect your pond fish from predators without creating an eyesore
August 2nd
- Why aren't my solar lights working? 5 easy fixes, plus why your lights should always face south
- Should you choose two-tone kitchen countertops? Interior designers on whether this trend will endure
- How to deadhead penstemon – gardening pros share tips for tidying up beardtongue
- 12 ways to remove paint naturally, recommended by decorating experts
- 13 unexpected things to clean with rubbing alcohol around the house
- What color is espresso? Designers weigh in on this on-trend, moody neutral and share how to decorate with it
- Why are mushrooms growing in my yard? Experts share 3 reasons why fungi keeps popping up in your garden
- 7 vegetables to plant in August – options for fast harvests and pickings in the colder months ahead
- I’ve tried everything to get rid of dust – now I swear by one single tool that has changed my life for the better
- Do I need to fertilize my Japanese maple? An expert gardener reveals how best to care for these impressive trees
August 1st
- Nama J2 vs Nama J3: which juicer should you choose?
- How to propagate philodendron – 3 easy steps to take healthy cuttings from this characterful plant
- 5 of the best colors to decorate with in August 2024, as suggested by designers and color experts
- This is the dustiest room in your house – 4 ways to make it sparkling and spotless
- 7 flowers to plant in August – and reap the rewards with early blooms next spring
- Is it necessary to deadhead lilies? Expert advice from a professional gardener