Experts Ideas, Tips & Guides

Clover mites feed on more than 200 different species of plants, preferably clover, which gives them their name. But, surprisingly, they typically aren’t a huge problem for homeowners outdoors. It’s when they head indoors—in large numbers—that it’s a little more upsetting. “Clover mites are an occasional invader into our homes,” says Eric Benson, PhD, professor emeritus and extension entomologist withClemson University. “In some years, you’ll see more than others. When the temperature and moisture levels are right, the population can explode.”

If you’re short on space, you often have to get creative with your layout. In the kitchen of a small apartment, an island might not fit or feel the most practical. However, many designers and decor influencers have opted for a different choice: modular kitchen islands. 

We love heeding advice from the pros on pretty much everything when it comes to home organizing. From top tips for minimizing clutter to advice for clearing out an overstuffed closet, professional organizers know best.

Whether you’re just getting started on your spring and summer garden or you’ve been planting and pruning all winter, some gardening advice is always welcome. It often feels like the tricks, tips, and hacks for helping your plants thrive are endless—and for every great piece of advice, there are some really bad suggestions out there, too.

There’s nothing like the clean lines of freshly cut grass. But, what if we told you skipping your final step of bagging those grass clippings can actually help you grow lusher, thicker grass—and at no additional cost to you? Allowing your mower to leave behind grass clippings can have a variety of benefits for your lawn.

Watching birds sip and splash around in your bird bath is enjoyable, and it’s also a great way to support a healthy bird population year-round. “During hot summer months and drought, there aren’t many water sources, and a bird bath can become quite popular amongst the local birds,” says Jennifer McCarthy Tyrrell, engagement manager, Audubon South Carolina. “During the winter when water is locked up in the form of ice, providing fresh water with a bird bath heater can bring in many birds for a drink.”

Scraping off greasy grime and burnt residue from an oven is no joke—it takes hours and requires some serious elbow grease. But, it doesn’t have to be this way as long as you stick to a regular cleaning schedule.

Mealybugs can affect all types of crops, ornamentals, and houseplants, including succulents and cacti. Outdoors, mealybugs have natural predators to keep their numbers in check. But indoors in your nice, cozy house, their numbers can increase quickly.

When bugs and critters are ruining youral fresco dinners, backyard plants, or countertop fruit baskets, it's tempting to turn to DIY pest solutions that promise to banish them in an instant.

Planting and maintaining a thriving garden isn’t all knowledge and natural instincts—there can be an element of luck, too. Your plants’ success can be out of control with influences like rain, wind, and other weather. But fortunately, one elements can be managed to a certain extent: water.

In April 2024, the EPA passed its first-ever legally enforceable drinking water standards on a handful of PFAS—a group of man-made chemicals widely used to make non-stick coatings and products that resist heat, oil, water and more. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances keep food from sticking to packaging or cookware, make clothes and carpets resistant to stains, and create firefighting foam that is more effective. They are referred to as “forever chemicals” because of their tendency to not break down. PFAS have been used commercially since the 1940s, and it has long been known that these chemicals are toxic to people. Big chemical companies, such as 3M, have known about the harmful qualities of these toxic chemicals for decades but intentionally hid the evidence. The EPA now admits that “exposure to PFAS has been linked to deadly cancers, impacts to the liver and heart, and immune and developmental damage to infants and children.

Does location still matter most? Should you remodel your home to suit your tastes, or for resale value? Are starter homes still a thing? We all have plenty of questions about the ever-changing world of real estate. In our Ask an Agentseries, we’re partnering with experts at Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate to answer your biggest questions about finding, buying, and selling a home.

Summer is officially here. The flowers are blooming, the sun is blinding, and the hot dogs are ready to hit the barbeque. But this year, there are some new outdoor living trends folks are totally obsessed with, from making our living rooms match our porches to ensuring the sustainability of our gardens. 

Sherwin-Williams

Eugene Gologursky / Stringer / Getty Images

We all love the idea of a soothing, pared-back lifestyle. But, turning your living space into the stuff of minimalist dreams takes a lot of work.

To get ahead of summer—the best season for home revamps, in our opinion—home renovation company Dwellify released a list of their best expert tips for updating your home on a budget.

Drive through the neighborhood or the local park, and chances are you'll see the sprinklers in full force at various times of day, especially when temperatures increase. Lawn is known for being a water guzzler because it needs plenty of H20 to stay healthy. Yet leaving the sprinklers on for a long time doesn't mean it's better for the grass. Watering for too long, at the wrong time of day, or incorrectly costs money and wastes a precious resource. The way you water, how long, and when are all important factors that can ensure you're watering effectively and sufficiently to keep your turf green and your wallet happy.

Sure, Bambi is cute. But what’s not so cute is when she’s chowing down on yourvegetable garden or devouring yourhostas anddaylilies. Even if you’ve never had deer visiting your yard before, there’s always a first time. And no plant—even those said to be “deer resistant”—is truly safe from their voracious appetites.

Last month, the EPA passed its first-ever legally enforceable drinking water standards on a handful of PFAS—a group of chemicals used to make non-stick coatings and products that resist heat, oil, water and more. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are toxic chemicals and are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because of their tendency to not break down.

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As we head towards Autumn, join us in our third BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, in the picturesque grounds of English Heritage’s Audley End House and Gardens, in Essex, from Friday 30 August to Sunday 1 September, 2024.

No one wants to think of their bedroom as a breeding ground for dirt and clutter. After all, sleep spaces should be zen, cozy, and welcoming—they're where we hope to unwind after a busy day and wake up feeling fresh.

Pouring liquids or even certain food items down the drain may seem like an easy way to clean up your kitchen or bathroom and prevent any further mess, but in some instances, you may be setting yourself up for clogs—or worse.

A deep clean of your home calls for a celebration—that takes a lot of time and energy! But, even with sparkling-clean surfaces surrounding you, there are some commonly missed (but very dirty) spots around your home.

Most contractors will tell you that re-tiling a bathroom floor is a costly endeavor. Fortunately, you can save your money and opt for peel-and-stick floor tiles instead—these are our secret to an instant bathroom refresh.

It doesn't matter if you purchased your dishes with the intention of keeping them forever; after all, even the best-made plates, mugs, bowls, and beyond will need to be replaced eventually. So don't feel bad about parting ways with pieces in your collection if they're just not serving you anymore, whether that's due to a changing personal aesthetic or increased signs of wear and tear.

In an ideal world, storage space would be unlimited. Or, better yet, in a truly perfect world, extra space would appear the moment you realize you need more of it.

Are you searching for the perfect gift for the gardening enthusiast in your life? Look no further than the GardenAdvice one-day gardening course. This hands-on experience is tailored to take place in the recipient’s own garden, ensuring a personalised and practical approach to learning.

Town garden under development with the GardenAdvice team

Our homes are our sanctuaries. They're the place we return to at the end of each day to feel most relaxed and at ease, and as cliché as it may sound, a clear space promotes a clear mind.

If you’re lucky enough to have a backyard deck, you likely want to maximize that extra square footage. But before you purchase new seasonal furniture or decor, keep in mind that if you want them and your deck to last, some items should only earn a temporary spot outdoors. 

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As the weather warms up, bugs start coming out—it’s a simple and well-known truth. For home gardeners especially, cicadas can be tricky to deal with. Found commonly in the American South, these insects occupy treetops as summer approaches and the air becomes humid.

James Carriere

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