Aurelia Butler

Interior designers have been saying it for a while: Minimalism is out and colorful, lived-in interiors are taking over. That’s why lately creators on TikTok are embracing the “Messy Girl” aesthetic, a home style that prioritizes personal expression, imperfections and curated clutter. The trend contrasts the ultra-polished “Clean Girl” aesthetic, where minimalist and uncluttered interiors reign superior. The “more is more” philosophy is all about intentionally layering colors, patterns and textures. The rise of messy girl aesthetic follows the resurgence of ’90s fashion and home trends, with many comparing the chaotic home style to iconic characters like Friends’ Phoebe Buffay and Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw.”The messy girl aesthetic—it’s effortlessly stylish, a little disheveled, and completely captivating,” says Carla Royder, an interior designer. “It’s the vibe that says you’ve got better things to do than obsessively fluff pillows. It’s about harnessing the allure of lived-in spaces without teetering over into full-on chaos.”To learn more about the messy girl aesthetic, I tapped content creators who have gone viral for embodying the trend, plus interior designers to get their advice for pulling off the look. What is Messy Girl Aesthetic? The messy girl aesthetic is a viral trend that romanticizes an imperfect, carefree lifestyle. The popular design style is similar to maximalism, where individuality is expressed through layering bold colors, patterns and textures. “I’d describe it as a collection of memories, passions, and personal interests, like a living museum of yourself,” says Melody Verkerk, the content creator behind @SaltyyMelody. “It’s less about following trends and more about surrounding yourself with things that tell your story.” Think curated clutter, like eclectic trinkets scattered around a room, a colorful gallery wall or one too many crochet pillows on the bed. “It’s a junk journal come to life,” says content creator Susie, whose most viral videos are showing her “messy” bedroom. “Everything has been collected or created over time and every item has a memory attached — from a market stall on holiday, foraged from a flea market, handmade long into the night, handed down from beloved grandparents, or picked up on a beach.” @sus.ie@sus.ieWhy Are People Embracing Mess?People (and design experts) are ditching minimalist interiors and leaning into personalized spaces. A curated collection of home decor items—what some may call “clutter”—makes a space feel inviting and cozy. “People want to express individuality more than ever,” says Verkerk. “The messy girl vibe offers warmth and personality. For me, it brings joy. I love admiring my things—rearranging them, flipping through books, picking up a perfume bottle just to smell it. Everything has a story, and that creates such a sense of home.” “There is joy in individualism,” agrees Susie. “We are bombarded with posts on the value of being ‘your authentic self’ in terms of looks and self-expression—and it’s extended into our homes. We are no longer made to feel that minimalism is the gold standard, but that creating a home that reflects our personalities and captures the stories of our lives is important.” @ saltyymelodyHow to Pull Off the Messy Girl AestheticThe golden rule of the messy girl aesthetic in one word: Intentionality. “This look may be carefree, but it’s not careless,” says Royder. “If your space is drowning in last night’s takeout containers, streaked with abandoned coffee mugs, or has tissues scattered like fallen leaves, that’s not messy girl chic—that’s just messy.” Follow this expert advice to craft a messy girl space that is perfectly imperfect: Rely on stylish trinket dishes and trays. “It’s about making clusters of clutter around your room,” says Susie. There’s a difference between untidy mess and aesthetic mess—and you should be able to find things when you need them.Make the bed. “Your bed can be slightly undone, but you still need to set the scene,” says Royder. “Toss a lovely throw blanket over it and fluff the pillows just enough.”Try linen bedding. “Linen is the queen of the casually luxurious look,” says Royder. “Its naturally wrinkled texture is more charming than a perfectly pressed sheet set.”Hang oversized art. “One large, dramatic piece of art can anchor your room and draw the eye, especially if it features bold, surprising colors. Prop it against the wall rather than mounting it—effortless, remember?” says Royder. Mix patterns with purpose. “Combine stripes, florals, and geometrics, vary the scale and keep one shared color running through,” says Lauren Saab, founder of Saab Studios. Don’t overthink it. “Whatever you’re drawn to, whether or not it matches, will naturally come together because it reflects you,” says Verkerk.What’s Trending in Home DesignAlyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries. More

You’ve seen countless homes with a simple tiled kitchen backsplash, a tiled bathroom floor or even a tiled fireplace surround. But now? Homeowners are thinking a bit more outside of the box. They’re embracing unexpected tile applications, and the latest example is tile drenching. The concept is simple: Cover or “drench” a room (or most of the room) in tile for a dramatic effect. You can pick the same tile or a few different tiles with similar colors or patterns. Imagine a bathroom with floor-to-ceiling tile or a kitchen backsplash that extends all the way to the ceiling. “Drenching a space in tile creates architectural coherence in a way that feels both effortless and grand,” says designer Erin Williamson of Erin Williamson Design. “From an aesthetic perspective, simplifying materials unifies a space and lends a sense of permanence because it presents a single, definitive point of view.”Amy Courtney Design; Photo: Alexander Severin“In this bath, seafoam green tile with ship motifs wraps the ceiling and tub surround for a fully immersive feel,” says designer Amy Courtney. Photo by: Alexander SeverinWhy Is It Popular Now? So why is this specific design trend all the rage now? For one, it’s about practicality. It removes the frustration that comes along with choosing multiple materials. “Repeating the same tile greatly reduces the number of choices needed when designing a space – it’s almost impossible to make a mistake since every choice coordinates with itself,” says Williamson. Plus, any room can benefit from the eye-catching look, according to designer Aimee Meisgeier of AM Interior Design. “Tile drenching works in both large and small areas,” she says. It’s also in line with similar buzzy design trends, including color and pattern drenching, Meisgeier adds. “It provides the same opulent and stylish look that the latter two trends achieve in a space, both which have proven to be so well liked in recent years,” she says. “It was only a matter of time before tile drenching followed suit as well!”How to Nail the TrendHere, pros share some tips to keep in mind when putting the tile drenching trend to the test in your own space. Choose your tiles wisely. “The key is selecting a tile with tonal variation or texture, like a hand-glazed or embossed finish, to avoid a flat effect,” says Courtney. Meisgeier agrees, sharing that if she’s using multiple tiles in a space, she picks the dominant one first: “I start to conceptualize a tile drenching design by finding a tile that I know I want to use as the main focal point in the space,” she says. “Once that has been determined, I look for other tiles that have complementary colors to achieve balance.”Don’t overlook durability. “Because it’s being permanently installed on multiple surfaces, it’s critical to ensure your chosen material is rated for use on all of them. For example, a significant amount of wall tile can’t be used on floors. Likewise steam showers, outdoor spaces and materials that transition to countertops, all require special consideration,” says Williamson. “If you’re designing a bathroom or kitchen, steer clear of porous or highly textured stones that can be hard to clean or absorb moisture. Beautiful design should always live hand in hand with how a space is actually used,” says Britany Simon of Britany Simon Design.Related StoryPick the right space. “The tile drenching approach works best in contained spaces like powder rooms, showers and bath niches, where you can lean into bold design without overwhelming the space,”says Amy Courtney of Amy Courtney Design.Think floor-to-ceiling. “Using a decorative tile floor to ceiling is one of my favorite ways to make a small space feel more intentional and visually cohesive. It draws the eye upward, creating the illusion of height while also adding that extra layer of design detail that makes the space feel thoughtfully styled and complete,” says Simon. Highlight a room’s quirks. “Unusually shaped rooms with low sloped ceilings or dormers are a great opportunity to transform an awkward space into something special,” says Williamson. “It seems counterintuitive, but a lack of contrast between materials can actually create the perception of a larger space by blurring the edges and contours of the room.”Aim for a “jewel box” treatment. “If you’ve ever worried about going too dark or fanciful in a highly visible space, a small enclosed room is the perfect place to go bold and create an immersive jewel box moment. After all, who doesn’t love opening a door to a grand and unexpected surprise?” says Williamson.More Design TrendsMonique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.” More

The formal living room is an elegant space for entertaining, often filled with high-end furniture, artwork and lighting to create a welcoming first impression. Your grandma’s house—with plastic sofa covers and fragile knick-knacks—might come to mind. While the family room is for casual everyday use (think watching movies or playing board games with the kids), the formal living room is typically reserved for adult-only gatherings or special holidays. Formal living room design has evolved—many have become more flexible and multifunctional to accommodate modern lifestyles, but interior designers still advise clients to rethink this outdated room. I recently asked over 15 interior designers to share their honest take on the rooms that are most overrated, and the majority of them agreed: Formal entertaining spaces are rarely used. “Formal living rooms are at the top of the list — beautifully furnished, barely touched,” says Olivia Botrie of Dart Studio. “In most homes, they become museum spaces that gather dust.””The room that’s often the most expensive to decorate beautifully—and the most underutilized—is the formal living room,” agrees Nancy Davilman, principal designer of ND Interiors. “The formal living room is a holdover from our parents’ era, when it was the most cherished and protected room in the house.” Designers Are Ditching These Popular Home FeaturesWhile formal entertaining spaces might look beautiful, they get very little use unless you’re frequently hosting large events. Even during holidays or small family gatherings, people tend to avoid these overly formal setups. “Most families gather in kitchens, around islands, or in more casual great rooms,” says Cathleen Gruver of Gruver Cooley. Still, interior designers often receive requests for formal living rooms. “Clients with young kids often say they want ‘an adult space,’ but when it comes down to it, they rarely leave the kitchen or family room to use it,” says Davilman. “Now that we live in a more casual society, the days of the formal living room are largely behind us, unless the room features something special, like a great bar or pool table, that actually entices people to gather there.” Just because the formal living room has become obsolete, doesn’t mean you can’t design two distinct living areas. Rethink these formal spaces. Instead, consider crafting practical rooms that can be used on a regular basis.Vostok//Getty ImagesEmily Rand of Emily Rand Interiors tries to steer clients in a different direction. “Converting these extra rooms into more functional areas like a bar room, cozy den, or game room tends to serve homeowners much better.”Think of multifunctional spaces that are arranged with flexibility in mind. “Spaces that can evolve—like a media lounge that doubles as a guest room—tend to get the most real use,” says Botrie. Related StoriesAlyssa Gautieri (she/her) is the associate lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers all things home and interior design. Prior to joining GH in 2022, she wrote for publications including ELLE Decor, Chairish, BobVila.com, Unique Homes Magazine and LODGING Magazine, in addition to crafting product copy for home brands like BrylaneHome and VIGO Industries. More

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There are aspects of historic kitchens that not many people would want to return to. Tuscan themes and orange-hued cabinetry are just two examples from the past, but there’s another one that design experts say deserves a second look—sculleries. Yes, sculleries, or prep kitchens, are making a major comeback.Common in 19th century aristocracy as an area for doing chores like washing dishes and laundering clothes, a scullery can be thought of as a zone where the more hard-earned tasks of running a home take place. A scullery was often adjacent to a main kitchen, keeping that area clear of the scrubbing, dunking and general water-logged quality of the room. “Essentially, they were a ‘dirty’ utility space subservient to a kitchen,” says architect Nicholas G. Potts. “It wasn’t a place where food was stored.” Related StoryRecently, the term has reemerged as a prep kitchen, a term Potts says is more flexible to how homeowners may use this space today—without any of the complicated class implications. “The archaic use of a scullery as a dishwashing-only room is not something that’s relevant to us given that we now have dishwashers and far fewer specific pieces of tableware,” he says. “But a prep kitchen is a great solution for homeowners with a lot of available space who entertain frequently. Because a prep kitchen can be sealed off, it’s also a nice fit for pickling, canning and so on.” Here’s why more and more homeowners are investing in prep kitchens. Design: Dunham Robinson; Photo: Nicholas VeneziaWhy Prep Kitchens Are Popular NowRachel Robinson, architect and founding partner of Dunham Robinson, says that the trend of finding extra square footage for this prep space makes sense given how many tasks modern kitchens oversee. “Today’s kitchens almost invariably do double duty,” she says. “They’re workhorses for daily cooking while often serving as the heart of the home: for entertaining, hanging out as a family, or decompressing and catching up after work. And that’s a lot to ask of one space. I would hypothesize that sculleries, or prep kitchens, have re-emerged because they take off some of that pressure.”This secondary kitchen could be used to store items that only come out for a crowd, as well as specialty pieces that emerge from cabinets every so often. “It’s a modern twist on a traditional idea—separating private working spaces from public entertaining spaces—that just makes life easier. In that sense, a scullery is like the backstage of a home: it holds all the supporting cast so the main kitchen can be the star.”Melissa Oholendt, founder and design principal at Oho Interiors, agrees that prep kitchens have staying power, even if it’s a room from the past. “It’s highly functional and can serve a larger purpose in a home,” she says. “We don’t see this trend dying in popularity but rather taking the shape of a modern family’s needs, and that is exciting!”Design: Oho Interiors; Photo: Judith MarilynHow to Know If a Scullery Is Right for YouTrends are not for everyone, particularly if they involve construction. But if you think a scullery should be a part of your home, here’s what you should consider:Planning is key. A prep kitchen won’t necessarily need as much space as, say, a dining area, but it does usually require precious square footage to make it worthwhile. More so, it has to be very functional—otherwise, you likely won’t use it. “Space planning is critical here,” Potts says. “It should be easily accessible (with direct garage or hallway access), have a sink, adequate counter space (with power), refrigeration and some closed or shelf storage if it’s also used for bulk ingredients.”Cooking must be a passion. If your calendar is routinely booked with events at home where you’re the chef, this is likely the right move. “If our clients are big on hosting—especially for the holidays—or if the client really wants a simplified kitchen, we will encourage a scullery for function,” Oholendt says. “But if we have clients who order more takeout than cook, a scullery would drive construction costs up in a way that doesn’t feel productive!”It can work for apartments, too. While a scullery harkens back to an era where a large estate’s staff worked behind the scenes, a modern take on this space can be introduced into a smaller home. “We recommend a scullery when clients love to entertain or have a treasured collection of glassware, serving pieces or appliances that can overwhelm a single kitchen, especially in a city apartment,” Robinson says. “It’s also ideal when the main kitchen is meant to feel open and minimal. Having a separate zone for storage and prep ensures that look is easy to maintain.”More Kitchen Design InspirationKelly Dawson is a writer, editor and marketing consultant. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Architectural Digest, Travel + Leisure and other publications.  More

If you own a home, you know how much goes into maintaining it. No one gets to every last item on the to-do list. (Seriously, who lubricates their door locks and hinges once a year, the way manufacturers recommend?) We get it: home maintenance can be a little tedious. But there are some upkeeps that you absolutely must stay on top of, since skipping them could lead to catastrophe, including fires, floods, mold and more. Our experts in the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute pulled together this essential to-do list, aimed at keeping your home and everyone in it safe throughout the year.Clear the dryer vent. Of the nearly 3,000 home dryer fires that are reported to fire departments each year, the leading cause is inadequate cleaning, since it allows the buildup of combustible lint inside the machine. Cleaning the lint screen on a regular basis is important, but at least once a year you also need to clear the vent.Start by turning off the power to the dryer at your home’s electrical panel. To access the vent, you’ll probably need to pull the machine away from the wall. Separate the vent from the dryer, then use the crevice tool on your vacuum to suck up lint and other debris from both ends of the duct. Our cleaning experts are fans of the Hurricane Lint Lizard, which saves you from having to move the dryer. Instead, simply attach the plastic contraption to the end of your vacuum, insert it into the dryer through the lint screen compartment, and it will suck lint from deep inside the vent.Insulate water pipes. A single burst pipe in your home can cause upwards of $5,000 in damage, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Many homeowners think frozen pipes only happen in cold parts of the country, but the truth is they’re a bigger threat in mild regions. That’s because pipes in these areas tend not to be insulated, making them susceptible to freezing and bursting during unexpected cold snaps. Pipes in unheated spaces like basements, attics and garages are vulnerable, as are water lines that run through cabinets or exterior walls. Wrap these pipes in foam insulation sleeves, available at home centers and plumbing supply stores for less than $1 per linear foot.Check smoke alarms. Roughly three out of five fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or none that are working, according to the National Fire Protection Agency. For maximum protection, alarms should be placed inside each bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Once a month, make sure the alarms are working by pressing the test button.Carbon monoxide is another danger that claims about 400 lives every year in the U.S. Known as “the silent killer,” it’s an odorless gas that can escape from faulty gas-fired equipment, like clothes dryers and water heaters. Our experts recommend combination smoke and carbon monoxide detectors that protect against both threats. Most of the devices are interconnected, meaning you’ll be alerted to danger in one part of the house when you’re in another. Keep gutters clean. Clogged gutters lead to a host of problems, including leaky roofs, damaged foundation walls and mold outbreaks. Climbing up on the roof is dangerous work, so this is a good project to hire out, at an average cost of around $150.If you decide to clean the gutters yourself, make sure your ladder is on firm, level ground and at a safe angle from the house. Wearing work gloves, scoop out leaves, pine needles, and any other muck that’s preventing rainwater from reaching the downspout. Then spray water from a garden hose to remove smaller debris, and to check that water is draining freely through the downspout to the ground below.Our experts say that installing gutters guards is a great way to prevent clogs from occurring in the first place. In our tests, micro-mesh screens were excellent at keeping debris out of the gutter while withstanding even the heaviest of rainfall.Raptor Micro-Mesh Gutter GuardNow 20% OffCredit: Raptor FlowGuard Gutter Cover SystemCredit: FlowGuardA-M Gutter Guard Aluminum Leaf & Debris ProtectionCredit: A-M Gutter GuardSweep the chimney. If your wood-burning fireplace gets a lot of action in the winter, a smoke residue called creosote will start to form on the chimney walls. Left unchecked, it can block the flow of smoke up the chimney, and even release carbon monoxide back into the home.Sweeping the chimney is not a DIY project, since it involves a lot of specialized equipment, like cameras and long wire brushes. The website of the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) lets you search its online directory of some 2,000 members by zip code. The service will likely cost around $250.Chimney sweeps get busy during the winter, when fireplace issues arise the most. So take advantage of their downtime by scheduling your tune up during the summer or early fall.I’VE GOT MORE ADVICEHaving written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids. More

Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither is a lush garden, but there are certain plants that can bear fruit in as little as two months. Depending on the fruit, you don’t even need a whole lot of space. As long as you have a sunny part of your backyard, patio, deck or porch, you can plant fruits like strawberries and blackberries in small containers. With the right amount of watering and care, you’ll have a mini farmer’s market right outside your door before you know it. Ahead, discover the best fast-growing fruits that can grow in small containers. StrawberriesMe 3645 Studio//Getty ImagesStrawberries have shallow roots, so they can flourish in small containers. “Plant the ‘crown’ (where the leaves meet the roots) just above the soil line to prevent rot, and ensure they get at least six to eight hours of full sun daily,” says gardening pro Dagny Kream. Be sure to regularly water this fruit to keep the roots moist. All in all, strawberries are a great option for beginners looking to plant a fast-growing fruit. You’ll be ready to make strawberry jam before you know it. Fruit growing time: 2–3 months from seeds or 2–4 weeks from a transplantUSDA zones: 4–9Container type: Wide and shallow; ideally with at least a 12-inch diameter and 6-inch depth or 1–2 gallons per plantSun exposure: Full sunSoil: well-draining, moist and rich Gooseberries Adél Békefi//Getty ImagesFans of tart, mildly sweet and a bit sour fruits will love gooseberries (plus, they’re great for pies and cakes). “[Gooseberries] are fast-growing plants that can thrive in containers but benefit from staking and pruning to keep them compact and productive,” says Brian Brigantti, founder of Red Leaf Ranch and author of Gardening for Abundance. Keep the container in full sunlight to partial shade with well-draining soil. Brigantti recommends using a medium to large pot and suggests pruning the plant regularly “to encourage upright growth and abundant harvests.”Fruit growing time: 2 – 3 years from seeds and one year from a transplantUSDA zones: 3–8Container type: Medium to large potSun exposure: Full to partial sunlightSoil: Well-draining, slightly acidic (pH 6–6.5) soil with organic matter Dwarf blueberriesCathérine//Getty ImagesDwarf blueberries are an even tinier version of the already tiny fruit, but they’re just as sweet and delicious. They grow as a compact bush that fits into small containers and spaces and they take just a few months to begin bearing fruit. For the best results, Kream suggests using a potting mix specifically designed for acid-loving plants and keeping a second blueberry bush nearby. “Plant at least two different varieties for better cross-pollination and a more abundant harvest,” says Kream. Fruit growing time: 5 to 6 months from seeds or at least 10 weeks from a transplantUSDA zones: 3–7Container type: Well-draining, large container (some dwarf blueberry bushes can grow up to 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide) Sun exposure: Full sunSoil: Well-draining, rich, acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5) Meyer Lemon TreesBusà Photography//Getty ImagesNothing beats a glass of homemade lemonade — and you can take it one step further by growing your own lemons, too. Meyer lemon trees produce fruit quicker than other lemon trees and fit in a container (albeit not the smallest container, but small enough to fit on a patio). It’s low-maintenance for a tree. If the tree is in a small pot, you only need to water these trees every two to three days, or when the soil begins to dry out. “To check if your plant needs water, insert your finger 1–2 inches into the soil and if it feels dry, water thoroughly,” says gardening pro and content creator Carmen Perr. She also suggests amending the soil with compost at least twice a year. Fruit growing time: 6 months to 2 years from a transplant and 3–7 years from a seed USDA zones: 8–11Container type: A well-draining, 15-gallon containerSun exposure: Full sun (at least six hours of sunlight per day) Soil: Well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH of 5.5 to 6.5) or a premixed soil for citrus trees RELATED: How to Grow a Lemon TreeGround cherriesAlbert Fertl//Getty ImagesGround cherries appear vastly different than your traditional cherry. “Ground cherries are small golden fruits that look like tiny tomatoes wrapped in papery husks with a sweet-tart flavor,” explains Kream, who also says they “are very prolific and easy to grow.” Ground cherries need well-draining soil and full sunlight, but they can thrive in a variety of climates and are relatively easy to grow. “They are relatively low-maintenance but can benefit from a tomato cage or support ring to keep branches from sprawling,” Kream says. In as little as two months, you can harvest these fruits and enjoy the mildly tropical flavor.Fruit growing time: 2–3 months from seeds and around 2 months from transplants USDA zones: 4–8Container type: 5–7 gallon potSun exposure: Full sunSoil: Well-draining soilDwarf blackberriesIuliia Bondar//Getty ImagesWho doesn’t love a blackberry tart? Brigantti says you can grow blackberries in containers, but he specifically recommends more compact or dwarf varieties. Consider Baby Cakes or Little Black Prince blackberry varieties. Brigantti says dwarf blackberry plants are easy to maintain and while they thrive in full sun, they can still grow in partial shade. “This is a great choice for balconies or patios if someone doesn’t have access to a spot with lots of direct sunlight,” he says. For a faster growing time, consider starting with a smaller plant rather than from seeds (two years sounds like a long time, but in the grand scheme of things, this is fast for growing fruit!). Fruit growing time: Five to six years from seeds or two to three from a transplantUSDA zones: 5–9Container type: 1 gallon potSun exposure: Full sun to partial shadeSoil: Well-draining, loose, slightly acidic (pH 5.5–6.5) soilHoneyberriesNetPix//Getty ImagesIf you live in a colder climate, honeyberries may be your new best friend. They are cold-tolerant and thrive in USDA zones two to eight. Kream says they’re one of the earliest fruits to ripen and they “aren’t as fussy about soil pH as blueberries” or soil types. For small containers, choose a compact variety like Blue Moon or Blue Velvet. “While you can start with a three-gallon pot, honeyberries are long-lived and will eventually need larger containers,” explains Kream, who recommends transferring the plant to at least a 15- to 20-gallon pot for when it matures.Fruit growing time: 3–5 years from seeds and 1–2 years from transplant USDA zones: 2–8Container type: 3-gallon pot to start and then increase to 15–20 gallonsSun exposure: Full sun to partial sunSoil: A variety of well-draining soil, but ideally a loose, slightly acidic or neutral soil (pH 5–7.5)Meet the experts ✔️ Brian Brigantti is the founder of Red Leaf Ranch and author of Gardening for Abundance.✔️ Dagny Kream is a gardening expert and content creator✔️ Carmen Perr is a gardening expert and content creatorIsabella (she/her) covers commerce and product-related content in the home, lifestyle, fitness, technology and beauty. She graduated from Binghamton University in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in English: Literature & Rhetoric. Before joining GH, she was an editorial assistant at Prevention, where she covered health topics and celebrity news.  More