How To
Latest advice
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The destructive pest sneaking into your home on secondhand furniture – this is how to check you're not bringing it in with your latest eBay findThis cosmetic flaw could be a sign of something much more serious
By Holly Reaney
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This is the best way to propagate calatheas and bag yourself some free houseplantsWho knew propagation could be so easy?
By Sophie King
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I've spent hours looking for a headboard for my bedroom – these are my 6 go-to stores with the most stylish designsThis is where to buy a headboard
By Amy Lockwood
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This short window is the best time to buy dahlias, according to experts– don’t leave it too late to get your hands on the most striking varietiesNow is the perfect time to buy your dahlias, don't miss out!
By Sophie Warren-Smith
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5 plants to cut back hard in midwinter for better growth, flowers and fruitMore is *more* if you want abundant displays this year
By Sophie King
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5 houseplant trends you need on your radar for 2026 – it's all about bold planting with minimal maintenanceJungle plants, sustainability and more
By Sophie King
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5 simple ways to tell if your dehumidifier is *actually* doing its job according to experts – and what to do if it's notThese are the easy ways to tell if yours is working properly
By Jenny McFarlane
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5 things people with a low-maintenance vegetable garden always haveYour veg patch cheat sheet!
By Sophie King
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Do vacuum cleaners spread dust? 5 reasons why this cleaning task is making your home dirtier, and what to do about itExpert tips you ought to know for a cleaner home
By Jullia Joson
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I fell for the built-in dog bath trend – after living with it for a couple of years this is what I wish I'd known before adding one to my utility roomSocial media sold me a dream, my dog did not play ball!
By Linda Clayton
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7 early flowering plants that will brighten up a bleak January garden with mood-boosting colourAdd colour and texture by planting up these varieties
By Sophie Warren-Smith
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2 simple things you should do with a Christmas cactus after flowering – less is more, according to expertsIt is a succulent, after all...
By Sophie King
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Post and everyday clutter were slowly taking over our kitchen until I set up this simple family command centreThis clutter-busting setup calms the chaos
By Jenny McFarlane
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This January garden tool care task is so important – it could mean the difference between healthy and infected plants in the springIt's the gold standard for garden hygiene
By Sophie King
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I'm using smart plugs to help lower my energy bills in 2026 – and these are the best (and cheapest) places I've found to buy themI've tracked down affordable, well-rated smart plugs so you don't have to
By Kezia Reynolds
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How we test duvets at Ideal Home: our review processThis is how we put duvets through their paces to find our top recommendations
By Amy Lockwood
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It's so important that you *don't* prune these plants in midwinter – it could cost you this year's flowersThese are the five types to avoid
By Sophie King
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I stopped trying to do big house resets and started using a tidy-up timer instead – now my kids want to help me too!I'm turning tidying into a shared family habit with a simple timer
By Jenny McFarlane
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Experts say you must do these important garden jobs now to prevent more damage to your plants before the next cold snapHere's what to do before snow and frost hits, plus how to minimise and repair any damage caused by bad weather
By Lisa Fazzani
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4 climbing plants to prune in January for healthy growth and even more flowers this yearTrim these climbers back now
By Sophie King
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7 plants you should take hardwood cuttings from in January to fill your garden with plants for freeIt's a simple technique
By Sophie King
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Your dehumidifier isn't always the answer in winter, experts warn – this is when not to use yours in the coldest monthsKnowing when not to use a dehumidifier can save energy and keep your home comfortable
By Jenny McFarlane
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‘Winter weather is a flavour upgrade’ for some vegetables, say experts – but you'll need to know when to step inSweeter carrots, velvety parsnips...
By Sophie King
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The biggest risk to newly planted trees in January is also the cuddliest, but they can wreak havoc on young treesHere's how to spot rabbit damage – and nip it in the bud!
By Sophie King
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5 flowers to sow indoors in January for an early flush of blooms – get a head start on the growing season!Sweet peas, snapdragons and more
By Sophie King
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Is it time to declutter your houseplants? Experts share their top tips for paring back your indoor jungle so it thrivesKeep on top of a growing houseplant collection with our expert approved care tips
By Lisa Fazzani
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Are robot vacuum cleaners worth it? Everything you need to know about this year’s ‘it’ floorcare applianceThis is what I *really* think, as a vacuum expert
By Lauren Bradbury


