advice
Latest
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When and how to prune viburnum - 3 expert steps for healthy, attractive shrubs that put on glorious flowering displays
Discover how and when to complete this essential task
By Ruth Hayes Last updated
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Scents that mosquitoes hate – 9 expert recommendations for fragrant mosquito-repellent plants to grow in your yard
Adding one or two plants with scents that deter mosquitoes to your patio is a must this summer
By Thomas Rutter Last updated
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How to attract fireflies to your yard – 4 ways to turn your garden into a magical, glittering wonderland after dark
Turn your garden into the perfect summer scene with these easy tips and tricks for welcoming fireflies
By Ciéra Cree Published
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I've tested expandable garden hoses for years and think they're only worth buying if you have this specific type of yard
Expandable hoses can work for small city gardens, but they have significant drawbacks
By Alex David Last updated
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Experts warn this is the 1 overlooked maintenance task that can lead to leaks in summer monsoons – but there is a 30-second fix
A little job will save you from a big ordeal later
By Chiana Dickson Published
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Do blackout curtains keep heat out? Our HVAC experts reveal everything you need to know
Beat the heat with this clever trick
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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How I turned ruthlessly decluttering my small, crowded house into a family bonding activity – streamline, make cash, and have fun
It's much more fun than a regular clear-out
By Punteha van Terheyden Published
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If you're done weeding with a sore back or bad knees, this 5-star tool is a genius way to tackle weeds this summer (no bending or kneeling required)
At just $40, this long-handled weeder is a bargain that can ease your knee and back trouble when toiling in the yard
By Thomas Rutter Published
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Cleaning experts urge households to do this 1 key thing to reduce plastic during chores
It's time to ditch single-use plastic cleaning items
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How to grow nemesia – for delicate yet profuse perennial blooms that last all summer long
These reliable perennials will soon become a favorite for your borders, beds, and pots
By Tenielle Jordison Published
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How to inherit a garden – a professional's take on knowing what to keep, what to dig up, and why you should do nothing for the first year
Inheriting a garden is an enjoyable experience when you know where to begin
By Edward Bowring Published
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Summer is officially here – 7 things our homes editors are shopping for to beat the heat
Take a peek at how our editors stave off the sweltering temperatures
By Chiana Dickson Published
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Tomato leaves can curl for 4 common reasons – an expert grower reveals simple, fast fixes for each to keep plants healthy and preserve your harvest
Curling leaves is a common sign that something is not right with tomato plants, but it need not be a reason to panic
By Drew Swainston Published
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7 colors that can repel the heat and help you keep cool at home – 'Paint isn't just about color, it's about comfort'
These are the only colors to decorate with in the heat of the summer
By Ottilie Blackhall Last updated
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The backyard battle between Eastern vs Western gray squirrels is a real threat to wildlife – here's what you can do to help to protect the latter, and tell the difference between them
Eastern grays are aggressively outcompeting Western grays for food and habitats
By Tenielle Jordison Published
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How to plan a kitchen garden – a step-by-step guide to choosing the ideal layout, selecting the best crops, and making it look utterly beautiful
Even if you're starting from scratch, we have made planning a kitchen garden simple with this expert advice
By Leigh Clapp Last updated
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You might not know it, but the water from your air conditioner is more valuable than you think – here are 3 clever ways to use it
Water houseplants and make surfaces sparkle
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
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How to deadhead verbena – for relentless flowering from this graceful bloom all summer long
Everything you need to know about deadheading verbena for a long season of interest
By Sophia Pouget de St Victor Published
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7 reasons your sink won't drain – plus expert tips to unclog a sink like a pro
Why your sink is clogged, how to fix it, and stop it from happening again
By Punteha van Terheyden Last updated
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5 ways to keep your home cool this summer – with clever appliances and tricks that you might never have considered before
These hot-weather essentials are a must when temperatures rise
By Chiana Dickson Published
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Best plants for chalky soil – 10 flowers, shrubs and trees that will thrive in dry and alkaline conditions
Find out the varieties to grow if your soil is on the alkaline side
By Sarah Wilson Published
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I'm a home tech editor and this is the 1 vital appliance I urge households to get for surviving summer heatwaves – my home stays cool and my allergies are gone
My home stays cool, and my allergies are gone
By Dan Fauzi Published
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How to grow salvia in pots – for a low-fuss patio perennial that flowers non-stop all summer long
Salvia plants are some of the easiest perennials to grow in pots
By Thomas Rutter Published
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This 1 versatile cleaning tool has transformed my kitchen and bathroom cleaning – it’s a total gamechanger for quick and effortless cleaning
As a person in chronic pain with a weak grip, it's become essential in my home
By Punteha van Terheyden Published
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How to set up a smart home – everything you need to know to modernize your property without creating an eyesore
The latest technology really is designed to make life easier, transforming the way we use all our electrical services and putting control at our fingertips
By Jennifer Ebert Published
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How to make an emergency home cooling kit – 7 must-have items doctors and survivalists urge households to have on hand for extreme heat events
Know what to do, even if the power goes out
By Chiana Dickson Published
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I'm spending my $50 Amazon birthday gift card on 4 kitchen cabinet essentials to instantly tidy up the chaos
These items are affordable but impactful
By Punteha van Terheyden Published
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Best non-toxic coffee makers 2025 – stainless steel, glass, and BPA-free alternatives
Following medical advice, we tested the best non-toxic coffee makers with glass, stainless steel and BPA-free plastic elements to curate this safer list
By Lydia Hayman Last updated
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Can you harvest strawberries in the first year? An expert gardener says yes, but only if you grow a certain type of this delicious summer fruit
The focus on year one is to establish plants, but you can get a small harvest too
By Drew Swainston Published