Advice archive
September 2025
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- September 30th
- Menu of the Moment: 'Happiness begins at the local farmers' market' – cookbook author, Samantha Seneviratne, on the joy of baking from the fall farmstand
- It's official, fitted carpet is back, and these are the best carpet brands you need to know about
- 'Whoever designed this is a genius' – this DIY chimney sweep kit is 'highly recommended' by happy shoppers who are saving $100s on pro call-outs
- 'Don't go by the calendar, go by these conditions in your house' – this is exactly when heating pros advise you to switch on the heating this fall
- October is an ideal time to divide these 7 popular perennials – here's how to reinvigorate plants for better blooms and get new ones for free
- Carrot cake buns
- HVAC pros reveal the exact temperature your thermostat should be to stop damp, mold, and condensation this winter – and 5 signs it's time to flip the switch
- Sweet potato crumb muffins
- This is the only $9 laundry hero you need to stop winter bedding from balling up in the dryer – it will even cut your energy bill, too
- 7 fall gardening mistakes that could set your spring yard back – expert advice on avoiding common errors this season
- Caramel pear cobbler
- September 29th
- All the most stylish kitchens in 2025 forgo this key feature – but should you follow the trend and ditch your kitchen backsplash? Designers are divided
- Apple galette with buckwheat and honeycomb
- Should you open windows this winter? Air quality experts warn it's a vital winter 2025 maintenance task you should never skip
- How to get a mulberry tree to fruit – seasonal secrets for abundant harvests in fall
- 7 plants to mulch in October – insulating these tender plants before frost can save them from a winter demise
- 3 reasons why you should mop your floors with cinnamon this fall, according to spiritualists and cleaners
- When stone becomes the star centerpiece in a home – and how I bring it to life with elegance and style
- These are five of the quickest ways to ruin a pie crust – experts reveal how to avoid them and nail that perfect golden topping every time
- How to grow cilantro from cuttings – 3 simple steps to get a new citrusy herb for free
- 5 unexpected colors guaranteed to bring lasting joy and happiness to your living room – 'the perfect pick-me-up for fall and winter'
- September 28th
- Essential fall care for rhododendrons and azaleas – expert tips to prepare your shrubs for the colder months
- Hummingbird nooks are our latest obsession for attracting these adorable creatures to our yards – and there are just 5 steps to making one
- 3 things I'm organizing in October 2025 to restore calm at home before the hectic hosting season gets into full swing
- As a kitchen gardener, I grow crops year-round – here are my picks for 7 vegetables to plant in October to liven up your winter and spring meal times
- The beautiful American Robin will flock to your garden if you plant this one shrub now
- I tried the 90/90 decluttering rule, and its simplicity has made me love minimalism – this easy method is great ahead of guests
- Stop! Don't recycle this common household item – use it to easily banish silverfish without chemicals for free, experts reveal
- September 27th
- When to prune Endless Summer hydrangeas (and the crucial times to avoid snipping) – for bigger, better, and beautiful blooms
- Tired of Dirty Dishes? I've Started Putting Lemons in My Dishwasher – Here's Why I'll Never Load It Without Them Again
- Forget 'perfect' – 5 parent-approved ways to stay on top of your family's laundry without losing your mind
- This genius, eco-friendly hack for making your own plastic-free plant pots is so easy – your garden is going to love it
- If you're wondering which mattress will suit you, our ultimate guide will help you decide which size, type, and firmness to buy
- My $10 secret for an instantly neat nightstand as a 24-year-old who spends far too much time in bed – it even improves your sleep
- From water wise gardening to ditching lawns – 5 front yard trends garden designers say we will all be talking about in 2026
- We want you to avoid a chrysanthemum catastrophe – the 7 mistakes you must never make when growing these fall-flowering favorites
- The window for pruning these 7 shrubs and perennials is right now (if you want to keep them healthy), says an expert horticulturist
- 3 things I am decluttering in October 2025 – and why I'm not just sending everything to the thrift store this month
- September 26th
- These are the 5 things I'm cleaning in October – you can also enjoy a quickly sanitized home ready for hosting and Halloween
- 6 things you should never put on your dining room table, according to interior designers
- My Ritual: 'It’s quieter, more peaceful, and feels like exactly what we need at this stage of life' – Bobbi Brown on the comfort of home and the rituals that help her to live well and stay true to herself
- I tried the 'Didn't Know' decluttering method and cleared the messiest areas of my home in minutes – it's so easy to do and perfect for a fall reset
- Flower bed trends for 2026 – the hottest colors, combinations, and plants to consider for next year’s garden
- 11 things people with tidy homes never do – and which habits you should ditch before 2026
- 6 unexpected kitchen materials you'll be seeing everywhere in 2026 – designers say they're key to a more unique, layered design
- How to know when apples are ready to pick – experts swear by these 3 signs
- Now is the time to divide your crocosmia plants – here is why you must not delay and how to do it properly
- Yellow flowers are a symbol of true friendship, but there is a deeper meaning to discover – we reveal all, plus 3 easy yellow blooms to grow in the cutting garden
- September 25th
- If you only complete 1 maintenance task this fall, give your gutters some TLC – this $19 tool makes it quicker and easier
- When pruning can kill your tree – expert arborists reveal the danger periods to avoid
- How to grow chrysanthemums in pots – for flourishing and long-lasting fall floral displays
- I tried Joanna Gaines’ 3 go-to colors – and this quiet luxe palette is all I want for fall and winter 2025
- ‘Simply amazing, it really works’ – thousands of thrilled Amazon shoppers swear by Oxi Odor Blasters' smell-banishing powers for dirty garments
- 7 expert ways to keep rats out of your yard and enjoy a rodent-free garden this fall – but hurry, you'll need to act fast
- 8 kitchen items not worth spending money on – 'the best renovations maximize value, not cost'
- I tried 3 principles of Vastu Shastra, the 'yoga of design', and it quickly calmed and balanced my cluttered home – it made stress and anxiety disappear, too
- How the Pacific Northwest taught me to create soft, inviting interiors – and the secret to curating a space you'll never want to leave
- Fall is the perfect time to harvest okra seeds – and the easiest way to collect them to sow next year
- Forget turning on the heating this early in fall – stay warm instead with this 5-cent-a-day heating hero and enjoy lower energy bills all winter
- September 24th
- 5 things to do with hydrangeas in the fall – and the 2 things you must absolutely never do
- 7 things to never put on your kitchen countertops, according to interior designers who've made the mistakes so you don't have to
- Monty Don's fail-safe trick will ripen harvested green tomatoes fast – it's perfect for the last of the fall harvest
- 3 clear signs it’s time to take down your hummingbird feeder – before winter sets in
- Don't put it off! Here's when to turn your heating on in New York to avoid long repair waiting lists, according to HVAC pros
- A 70s garden trend is making a comeback, and this time it's not going anywhere – how to do crazy paving tastefully
- People are burning rosemary indoors on 1 October – it's rooted in ancient tradition to boost your wellbeing, deter pests, and more
- A DIY self-watering planter can solve all your greenhouse irrigation woes – here's how to make one in 6 simple steps
- Where to put motion sensor lights inside your home to reduce your energy bills as longer nights draw in
- September 23rd
- Gardeners urged to do this one thing to help bees in fall – it's vital to support them as the weather turns cooler
- This is the only fan you won't have to pack away when winter rolls around – the Dyson Hot & Cool is currently $200 cheaper for 3 days only
- Slash electricity bills this winter by swapping to these $2 Home Depot LED lights today – same day delivery makes it a quick and easy money saver
- Level up your patio or porch this fall with bright blooms and exquisite evening scent – here's how to grow four o'clocks in containers
- 5 brilliant and easy organizing systems professionals love – and how to implement these quickly at home for lasting results
- A must-grow native fall flower for intense color and vital nectar for pollinators – 16 fiery helenium varieties for pots and borders
- Storage dilemma: 'I can't stand stair piles as nobody ever takes them upstairs' – this $50 solution works with the problem, not against it
- September 22nd
- Can coffee really work for cleaning? Professional cleaners reveal everything you need to know about this all-natural solution
- The one element we never design a home without – it brings a sense of serenity, even to the boldest, most colorful schemes
- How to grow bigger beets – 5 things you must do to avoid disappointment come harvest time
- The Ultimate Guide on How to Wash, Dry, and Care for Comforters and Duvet Inserts Without Leaving Them Lumpy, Musty, or Damaged
- Don't wait until spring! Ignoring this 'critical' driveway maintenance task in the fall can land you with a big repair bill – an easy, DIY fix now is all you need
- Easiest spring bulbs to grow in pots – for a low-maintenance explosion of color in your containers
- September 21st
- Forget soaking your kitchen sponge in bleach or zapping it in the microwave – I’m a professional cleaner and this is the easiest way to thoroughly banish bacteria
- 'A venue for gatherings that feels both timeless and utterly of the moment' – architectural salvage duo LUMBER + Salt on creating North Fork’s most elegant entertaining barn
- Flowers that don't attract bees – 5 types to keep in mind when creating a haven for these beneficial insects
- This natural home fragrancing hero could be your biggest ally in the war on mold this winter – as long as you pick the right ones for the job, remediators warn
- Rubber plant looking bare? Houseplant experts swear by this simple technique to make it bushier
- Don't carry summer allergens into fall – this is the 1 household item you must launder as summer ends to prevent stuffy, itchy noses
- These plants can damage homes, leaving you with big repair bills – 5 trees and climbers to keep away from buildings, and what to plant instead
- Keyhole gardening vs raised bed gardening – discover which is best for you and your yard
- 'Curated rather than cluttered' – I'm a professional organizer, and this is what I keep on my bathroom counters to keep mess at bay
- September 20th
- This simple appliance mistake could be adding $100s to your annual energy costs – luckily, experts say the instant fix will bring ‘big bill savings'
- How to get a banana tree to fruit – 3 expert-approved methods
- Container plants you can pot up now for beautiful blooms by Christmas – varieties for all hardiness zones
- 'Smartest brush design ever made' – this sturdy $13 Joseph Joseph dish cleaning gem is the only one I ever use at home
- Hurry! September may be your last chance to plant these fast-growing trees – 7 native specimens for spectacular and full displays next spring
- From ornamental grasses to flowering perennials, these 7 plants are ideal for turning a pond into an eco-friendly haven
- Doubling up on this $19 machine-washable household essential is the best defence against muddy boots and wet leaves this fall
- September 19th
- These are the 7 things I always notice in messy bedrooms as a professional organizer – here's how to clear them for good
- Never worry about a green tomato glut again: how to get tomatoes to ripen on the vine in 3 simple steps
- How to Wash, Dry, and Care for Pillows – Our Ultimate Expert Guide for Banishing Bad Odors, Stains, Lumps, and Bumps
- When’s the best time to shop for antiques? Experts reveal the ideal season for finding secondhand treasures
- 5 invasive shrubs to avoid at all costs, and the best native alternatives to plant instead
- Houseplant experts say you can grow spider plants without soil – but offer a word of warning about this water culture method
- September 18th
- Gardeners warned never to touch these 5 poisonous weeds bare-handed – here's how to get rid of them safely
- Say goodbye to home fragrance headaches and beat musty or bad smells without harsh chemicals – these natural, $15 non-toxic plug-in air fresheners smell better and last longer
- 5 low-maintenance, shade-loving plants for pots that garden designers always recommend to brighten up dark corners
- Stuck for choice? Professional organizers reveal the 7 best places to buy storage for your home's most tidy season yet
- Why you should embrace that scratch on your dining table – and why I love the art of imperfection
- I love a stained counter, a scuffed floor, and a sofa you can actually sink into, creating beautiful homes that truly work for real life
- Where to begin when decorating your home – and how I find decor inspiration in the most unexpected places
- If your decor doesn’t feel finished, that’s a good thing – here’s why the best homes never do
- As a designer, I can tell you: this one simple change can transform any home’s decor
- Designing for stillness in a loud world – and how to make a haven in an otherwise noisy world
- The ceiling is the most important wall in your home – and as a designer, this is how I get them right
- The best decorative touches bring people together – here's how we use design to make people feel at ease
- Why browns have become my signature color – and how I get the most out of them
- Why sightlines matter so much to me as an interior designer – 5 easy ways to improve yours at home
- Concrete kitchen countertops are trending, but are they actually a good idea? Designers warn they might not be the most practical choice – here's why
- 5 natural ways to deter snakes from your yard – why one gardening expert swears by these eco-friendly and harm-free methods
- September 17th
- I'm obsessed with fall and write about cleaning for a living – here are my top fall-themed cleaning products for a perfectly cozy, seasonal home refresh
- How to plant lotus seeds – 5 simple steps to grow your own elegant pond centerpiece
- The 'real dollar' hidden cost of clutter – I'm a professional organizer and here's how I help clients easily avoid financial waste, get time back, and restore calm at home
- Most gardens need it, but do you know how best to use it? Here are the 4 best ways to use topsoil in your yard
- This adjustable anti-shake tool is the key to fixing a squeaky wooden bed frame – it's multi-use, easy to install, and costs less than $10
- Joanna Gaines just showed us how she preserves roses and we are obsessed with how simple it is
- September 16th
- 5 easy, low-maintenance privacy plants that screen your garden, muffle noise, and require almost no effort
- These non-toxic, $25 collapsible sealed storage boxes for the kitchen are perfect for storing away easily in small spaces
- 7 of the best cut-and-come-again vegetables for low-effort, long harvesting seasons – these crops will even work for small plots
- Easily keep your indoor air fresh with the windows closed this fall – this discounted $84.99 air purifier clears musty odors and cooking gases in minutes
- The 'tap to clear' method could be the answer to procrastinating when decluttering – experts say it’s one of the best 'confidence boosters'
- I write about houseplants for a living and these are 5 indoor plant trends worth jumping on in 2026
- I tried the quick and easy 'wet room' cleaning method – it's now my favorite technique for sparkling results, fast
- September 15th
- How to grow a crabapple tree – expert tips for abundant fall fruits
- The secret to getting rid of bathroom smells is hiding in your pantry – it sucks up odors and moisture naturally
- 'These items are more fragile, irreplaceable, and meaningful than everyday possessions' – storage experts warn that this is the one thing you should never keep in a storage unit
- Fall is an ideal time to divide hardy geraniums – discover how easy it is to reinvigorate plants and get new ones for free in 3 easy steps
- 3 easy ways to use salt in the garden as a non-toxic and inexpensive alternative to harsh chemicals – it can even deter squirrels
- September is your last chance to divide these 7 houseplants – and this easy propagation method will double your plants instantly
- 5 things professional cleaners notice in dining rooms that are making them dirtier – they are seriously dampening your holiday hosting
- September 14th
- Groundhogs running amok in your garden? Grow these 5 plants groundhogs hate to send them away
- 3 genius ways professionals clean behind appliances without having to move them – to save hours of backbreaking work
- How to grow four o'clock plants – for spectacular, sweet-smelling summer blooms that hummingbirds and butterflies adore
- Gardeners urged never to do these 5 things during a false fall – or risk permanent damage to plants
- 5 kitchen countertop mistakes designers warn to avoid if you want a cooking space that is equal parts pretty and practical
- The aromatic pantry staple you need in your closet to deter clothes-damaging pests, according to entomologists
- September 13th
- This is the 1 accessory designers always add to kitchens – it's chic, affordable, and the easiest way to elevate your scheme
- How to grow winterberry – a shrub for year-round interest and fantastic festive stems
- Designers say to ditch black kitchen countertops and try these 5 alternatives instead
- 5 perfectly practical ways to make use of space under sofas – they’re great for more than just storage
- 7 easy ornamental grasses to plant in September that'll bring texture, movement, and beauty to your garden – plant them now before it's too late
- 7 household items that are 'a liability, not a donation' – experts warn why you should never donate these things when decluttering
- September 12th
- How to grow shooting star – for a tough yet pretty flowering ground cover that thrives in shady yards
- This simple $3 long-lasting winter-proof DIY gem will keep kissing bugs out of your house this fall and beyond – thousands of Amazon shoppers swear by it
- Embrace self-seeding vegetables this fall – it might break with tradition, but the reward is lots of new free crops
- Take it from us, chrysanthemums are out this fall – these mum alternatives are far more tasteful
- 'Compact, clever, and just what I needed' – this $21 Joseph Joseph foldaway wine glass drying rack is perfect for holiday hosting in small spaces
- September 11th
- Sick of the never-ending battle with spiders? Try growing these 5 plants indoors – it's natural pest control and spiders hate them
- Have you tried micro-organizing? Professional organizers say it makes 'small wins accumulate to be big wins' with just 10 minutes a day
- 50 of the best cleaning tips that will leave every room spotless with ease – whether you live alone, with pets, or have a very busy household
- I'm tired of knives tearing up my dish sponges – this $11 Joseph Joseph BladeBrush 'cleans cutlery like magic' and will finally end my frustration
- Don’t panic if you spot pumpkin leaves turning white – it happens to us all, here are the best ways to combat the problem
- How to grow phlox in pots – expert advice for a spectacular patio plant that will erupt with color in summer
- This natural, cheap, and powerful ingredient is a gardener's best friend – how to use apple cider vinegar in the garden to reap astonishing results
- How the simple and free 'shake method' can speed up the process of drying your laundry
- Why is my home's masonry looking chalky? Contractors reveal the cause, how to easily restore it before winter, and when this residue is a warning sign
- September 10th
- When instinct takes a darker turn – I’m a psychologist and these are 5 warning signs your tidying is sliding into 'pathological productivity' and how to strip it back
- Growing the world's most expensive spice in a pot is easier than you'd expect – here’s all you need to know to grow saffron in small spaces
- Don't create a 'cozy' hiding spot that spiders love to feed and nest in by forgetting to vacuum this part of your home this month
- How to grow golden Alexander – for a native North American wildflower with electric acid-yellow blooms that pollinators adore
- 7 plants you should always grow next to succulents, for thriving and stylish arrangements
- September 9th
- How to grow cardoons – for a colossal ornamental edible that’ll catch the eye in any garden
- A professional cleaner reveals 3 tasks you should always do after exercising at home to avoid a hidden breeding ground for germs
- They simply 'breed bacteria,' experts warn – 3 things you should never put in a laundry hamper
- This one mistake caused my spinach to bolt – and how I learned to easily avoid this common problem in future
- September 8th
- Fall is the perfect time to transplant a magnolia tree – how to do it in 9 easy steps
- What exactly is a false fall? How gardeners can help get plants and trees through this tricky time
- If you love to cook, these 5 vital kitchen sanitizing tasks are non-negotiables for your creations to taste their best – trust me, I'm a professional cleaner
- How to get the most from your vacuum cleaner – expert tips on use and maintenance
- How to Wash, Dry, and Care for Blankets and Throws – Our Ultimate Expert Guide to Avoid Damage and Musty Smells
- If your houseplant leaves are turning brown, the problem might be lurking in your tap water – here's what you should be using instead
- I'm a professional organizer, and this is how to Organize Yourself Healthy – you'll 'feel lighter, calmer, and more aligned with what matters most'
- September 7th
- 5 ways to attract wildlife to your yard in fall – they're all easy (and even free) to do
- 7 tubular flowers to never deadhead in September – these plants are a late-summer lifeline for migrating hummingbirds on their epic journey south
- Move over, pistachio – Joanna Gaines’ forest green kitchen and tableware is my fall 2025 must-have, and I wouldn't decorate with anything else
- Plants to grow around a bird feeder – experts recommend 7 top picks that offer extra benefits to our feathered friends
- Kitchen utensils jamming your drawers? Shoppers love this 'perfect' Joseph Joseph utensil store for instant mess-busting
- September 6th
- 'Don’t stress about spaces you rarely enter' – pro organizers reveal why you should make peace with your home's 'dumping grounds' and the only time you should worry
- Does bleach kill weeds? Yes, but you should never, ever use it – here's exactly why and what to do instead if weeds are running riot in your yard
- 'It's serving absolutely no purpose' – I decluttered my parents' hectic attic for the first time in years, and immediately got rid of these 3 things
- 5 hedge plants that thrive on neglect – these easy-going and beautiful boundary shrubs love to be ignored, say garden experts
- Looking to redecorate your sleep space? Shea McGee shares her 3 design tips for creating 'a curated and beautiful' bedroom
- 7 seeds to order in September – get ahead of a busy gardening season by purchasing these seeds now
- September 5th
- Designing with dahlias: our expert-led guide to creating a show-stopping dahlia table arrangement
- 6 perennials you should never grow in pots or containers if you want to maximise their potential – even if it is tempting
- How to clean and care for a mattress protector without damaging it – our ultimate expert guide
- 7 plants to never prune in September – a professional gardener's take on the flowers and shrubs not to trim (or risk killing them)
- I've spent 250 hours testing vacuums, and this tiny $4 sewing tool is the king of safely removing pesky wrapped hair in seconds
- September 4th
- All the most stylish kitchens I am seeing right now have stainless steel countertops – but are they a good choice as well as an on-trend one?
- 'It's a dream come true' – this vintage dishware trend is Joanna Gaines-approved, and it's not just for summer
- Is it necessary to deadhead sweet William? Expert advice for thriving flowers that look good all summer long
- Professional cleaners say my simple dirt test is a great ‘quick confidence check’ before visitors arrive
- September 3rd
- ‘I felt completely sick’ – water damage wreaked $80,000 of 'havoc' and months of 'painful' repairs on this devastated homeowner
- If you love creating cozy interiors, you need these 5 houseplants for fall color – experts reveal how to care for them easily
- Interior designers say these are the 5 best Benjamin Moore colors for your bathroom – they're the perfect base for a timeless design
- 5 Simple Steps I Take After Every Shower to Keep My Bathroom Spotless and Mold-Free
- I’m a gardening editor, and these are the 5 investment plant purchases I’m making this fall – plus what didn’t make the cut
- Plumbing pros warn why you should never pour boiling water down the drain – and what to do instead
- As a horticulturalist, these are the 7 plants I'm adding to pots this September – top perennials, grasses and ferns for instant joy and color in your fall garden
- Joanna Gaines takes inspiration from fall color trends – and nostalgic 1970s style – to design a flawless entryway that is calming, warm, and grounding
- September 2nd
- 5 houseplants that move at night – to add drama to your interiors this spooky season
- 'Easy setup, immediate results' – this cruelty-free ultrasonic pest control solution loved by Amazon shoppers is a must for banishing mice this fall
- 4 mistakes you’re making when treating your fence that you probably didn't even know you were doing
- 'You'll thank yourself later,' say pros – 5 things I'm urgently organizing this September to prepare for fall and a busy hosting season
- How to grow abelia – for a tough yet pretty flowering shrub that will thrive in darker borders and shady yards
- ‘The issue isn't what you own, it's how it is being used’ – 5 signs you only need to tidy up, not declutter
- September 1st
- This Top Rated Ultrasonic Animal Repellent is Keeping Deer, Racoons, and Squirrels Out of Backyards Thanks to One Special Feature
- Leaving fallen fruit in your yard could be costing you and your plants more than you think – 4 hidden problems caused by neglecting the clean up
- How and when to fertilize olive trees – for healthy evergreen growth and a bumper harvest of fruits year after year
- 5 things I'll be cleaning this September – including my backpack and bottle for a practical fresh start this fall
- This is the forgotten pantry ingredient hack my grandma swears by for yellowed pillowcases
- 3 ways to use cornstarch in the garden – an invaluable ingredient for natural pest control, planting seeds, and more
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