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1Meyer Lemon (Citrus × meyeri)Barbara Rich//Getty ImagesSweet, fragrant and compact enough for a sunny window, Meyer lemon trees are a citrus lover’s dream. Their fruit is less acidic than regular lemons, making them ideal for cooking and cocktails. These trees thrive in containers, as long as you don’t overwater them. “They’re very sensitive to wet roots,” Ali explains. “Use well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes, and fertilize regularly with citrus food.” These trees are prone to spider mites and need periodic checks during winter.Zones: 8-11 (bring indoors in cooler zones)Sunlight: Full sunTime to fruit: 1-2 years (if grafted)Pollination: Self-pollinatingContainer-Friendly: YesRELATED: How to Grow a Lemon Tree, According to Gardening Experts2Fig (Ficus carica)by IAISI//Getty ImagesFigs are among the easiest fruit trees for home gardeners. They grow quickly, adapt well to containers and produce rich, honeyed fruit — often in their second or third year. Davey Institute experts praise their adaptability but recommend keeping the tree warm and well-pruned. “Figs need a lot of sun and do best when the soil dries slightly between waterings,” Ali advises. While most varieties don’t require pollination partners, some may drop fruit if stressed, so consistent care matters.USDA Zones: 7-10Sunlight: Full sunTime to fruit: 2-3 yearsPollination: Self-pollinatingContainer-friendly: Yes, especially dwarf varietiesRELATED: How to Grow Fresh Figs Right in Your BackyardAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below3Peach (Prunus persica)Bob Pool//Getty ImagesThe idea of plucking a sun-warmed peach from your own tree sounds irresistible, but it comes with a bit of work. Peaches are fast-growing and productive, especially if you choose a dwarf variety for small spaces, but they’re also prone to disease. “They’re particularly susceptible to peach leaf curl,” Ali warns. Preventative spraying and annual pruning are essential to keep the tree healthy and productive.USDA Zones: 5-9Sunlight: Full sunTime to fruit: 2-4 yearsPollination: Self-pollinatingContainer-friendly: Dwarf types only4Mulberry (Morus spp.)Ali Majdfar//Getty ImagesMulberries are a favorite among wildlife and gardeners who love a fast payoff. These trees grow quickly and begin producing juicy, blackberry-like fruit within a year or two. Ali calls them “one of the easiest fruit trees to maintain,” but advises planting them away from patios or walkways, since dropped fruit can stain. Minimal pruning and full sun are all they need to flourish.USDA Zones: 4-9Sunlight: Full sunTime to fruit: 1-2 yearsPollination: Self-pollinatingContainer-friendly: Dwarf or weeping types onlyAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica)BLK_Design//Getty ImagesLoquats are a warm-climate gem, offering clusters of sweet-tart, golden fruit and lush, evergreen foliage. They bloom and fruit in winter or early spring, making them unique among fruit trees. Their flowers are frost-sensitive, so they’re best for climates with mild winters. “Good drainage and full sun are critical,” Ali says. While they can grow in large containers, loquats thrive in the ground and need protection from cold snaps during bloom time.USDA Zones: 8-10Sunlight: Full sunTime to fruit: 2-3 yearsPollination: Self-pollinatingContainer-friendly: Somewhat, prefers in-ground6Mandarin (Citrus reticulata)wulingyun//Getty ImagesMandarins are a favorite for their sweet flavor and peel-and-eat convenience, and they grow especially well in containers. Just be sure to give them the heat and sun they crave. They require consistent warmth and a citrus-specific potting mix. Water deeply, let the topsoil dry slightly between waterings and keep an eye out for scale and aphids. Like Meyer lemons, they’re ideal for sunny patios and overwintering indoors in cooler zones.USDA Zones: 8-11Sunlight: Full sunTime to fruit: 2-3 yearsPollination: Self-pollinatingContainer-friendly: YesAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7Pomegranate (Punica granatum)Photos from Japan, Asia and othe of the world//Getty ImagesPomegranates are beautiful, resilient and surprisingly easy to grow. With showy flowers and antioxidant-packed fruit, they’re an ornamental and edible powerhouse. They tolerate drought and poor soil well, making them ideal for busy gardeners. Dwarf varieties do well in containers. Prune regularly to encourage airflow and shape, and hold off on watering as fruit nears maturity for a sweeter, more concentrated flavor.USDA Zones: 7-10Sunlight: Full sunTime to fruit: 2-3 yearsPollination: Self-pollinatingContainer-friendly: Yes; dwarf types preferred8Persimmon (Diospyros spp.)Pakin Songmor//Getty ImagesPersimmons bring beauty and flavor, with glossy foliage and deep orange fruit that ripens in fall. For beginners, non-astringent varieties like ‘Fuyu’ are the easiest choice. “These are generally low-maintenance trees,” Ali says. Just stake young trees for support and make sure they’re in full sun. For astringent types, allow the fruit to fully ripen on the tree to mellow the bitterness.USDA Zones: 4-9Sunlight: Full sunTime to fruit: 3-5 yearsPollination: Many are self-pollinatingContainer-friendly: Dwarf types onlyAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below9Apricot (Prunus armeniaca)NNehring//Getty ImagesApricots are a bit of a gamble — but when they pay off, it’s worth it. Their delicate blossoms appear early in spring, which makes them vulnerable to frost damage. “Choose cold-hardy varieties and site them in a sheltered, sunny location,”Ali recommends. While self-pollinating, they benefit from some hands-on care like fruit thinning (removing excess fruit) and regular pruning. Expect a challenge, but also an exceptionally sweet reward.USDA Zones: 5-8Sunlight: Full sunTime to fruit: 2-4 yearsPollination: Self-pollinatingContainer-friendly: Not ideal; prefers in-ground10Cherry (Prunus avium / Prunus cerasus)saraTM//Getty ImagesCherries offer dazzling spring blooms and mouthwatering fruit, but they’re not the easiest to grow. “Sweet cherries usually need a pollinator and lots of airflow to avoid disease,” says Ali. Sour cherries are more compact and often self-pollinating, making them better suited for small gardens or containers. Protect the fruit with netting if birds are a problem, and be ready to invest in consistent pruning and monitoring.USDA Zones: 4-9Sunlight: Full sunTime to fruit: 3-5 yearsPollination: Some varieties self-pollinate; others require cross-pollinationContainer-friendly: Not ideal; dwarf sour types onlyAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below11 Dwarf Apple (Malus domestica)Dhoxax//Getty ImagesDwarf apple trees are ideal for small yards and patios, offering the classic apple experience in a scaled-down form. They’re relatively fast to produce, but they do need a bit of care to stay healthy. “Regular pruning is a must, and so is pest and disease management,” says Ali. Apple scab and codling moths are common issues, so stay alert. If your variety isn’t self-pollinating, be sure to plant a compatible cultivar nearby for best results.USDA Zones: 3-8Sunlight: Full sunTime to fruit: 2-4 yearsPollination: Some varieties self-pollinate; others need cross-pollination Container-friendly: Dwarf types onlyDebbie Wolfe is a writer, photographer, and author. She has contributed hundreds of home and garden articles and DIY tutorials to leading media outlets and retailers. Debbie covers all home and gardening topics and has published hundreds of DIY tutorials with step-by-step photography for leading home and garden media outlets.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More
Client Challenge
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Client Challenge
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If you’ve been scrolling online the past few weeks, you may have noticed a laundry “hack” pop up in your feed. You know the one, where people are tossing their laundry detergent cap into their washing machine with their clothes, claiming it will help prevent the cap from becoming sticky and filled with detergent residue. But as with everything you see online, you’re probably asking yourself if it really works. To figure it out once and for all, we asked Carolyn Forté, the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab executive director, for her input on the matter. Here’s what she had to say.Should you put your laundry cap in the machine?In this day in age, no. This may come as a surprise, especially because many detergents state on their label that you can add them to the washer to clean. But here’s why you shouldn’t.”In older machines that used a lot more water, the cap would likely get rinsed clean, but now, it’s more likely to get caught in your clothes, cause snags and even crack and leave behind bits of plastic in your washer,” says Forté. Therefore, it’s best to avoid using this “hack,” especially if you have a new washing machine. Instead of tossing the cap in the washer, Forté recommends rinsing the cap separately in the sink. It may take a few extra seconds, but your clothes and washer will thank you. If you’re having a hard time kicking the cap habit, here are a few of our favorite laundry detergents, without caps, that we’d recommend you use instead. Best Capless Laundry DetergentsBest OverallTide Heavy Duty Laundry Detergent PacsBest ValueCleancult Laundry Detergent SheetsBest TabletsBLUELAND Laundry Detergent Tablet Starter SetHelpful Laundry HacksKate Franke (she/her) is an editorial assistant in the Hearst Lifestyle Group, covering for Woman’s Day and Good Housekeeping. She loves all things lifestyle, home, and market related. Kate has a BAJMC in Magazine Media and BA in Writing from Drake University. She is a proud ASME alum whose work has appeared in Food Network Magazine, The Pioneer Woman Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, and more. Next to writing, Kate’s two favorite things are chai lattes and pumpkin bread! More
With well-thought out plans, highly-rated contractors and top-notch materials, a renovation can completely transform your home. While that’s typically an exciting thought for most homeowners, the process can also be quite nerve-wracking — think tons of contracts, decisions and sometimes, unexpected costs. When an issue presents itself throughout the usually longer-than-expected renovation process, relationships between homeowners can suffer. According to Block Renovation’s latest report, 15% of boomers and 22% of Gen Xers reported tension with a partner or loved one compared to 39% of millennials, who said the process put a strain on their relationships.The increased pressure to make decisions, both financially and stylistically, is bound to put any relationship to the test. Eric Bramlett, realtor and owner of Bramlett Real Estate, has plenty of experience assisting couples with their renovations. “It goes without saying that any renovation project can be a stressful time for a lot of couples, and the different stress points do vary. However, the most common one I see comes down to budget. The key is to try and strike a balance so both partners are happy,” says Bramlett. So how exactly can you do that? We’ve outlined the top stressors that can appear throughout a renovation, along with expert tips on handling disagreements and making decisions as a unit. More Renovation TipsThe Common StressorsRenovations can be frustrating for a number of reasons, but there are a few common concerns that tend to pop up for almost all homeowners going through the process. Understanding them before signing that contract can prepare you and your partner for what’s to come. Financial decisions: One partner may desire high-end finishes while the other is more interested in saving. Renovation timeline: The timeline at the beginning of the process changes throughout, causing unexpected (and frustrating) delays. Other changes: For example, the materials the couple initially decided on are no longer available, or the cost for those materials has changed. How to Manage Disagreements Lack of communication is usually at the root of most issues couples face during the renovation. Here are a few points to discuss with your partner before beginning the renovation and while it’s in progress. Alistair Berg//Getty ImagesCreate a clear budgetIf you and your partner can settle on a clear budget early on, you’ll be more likely to agree on whether or not new additions or changes are possible once the project is underway. Bramlett also suggests creating a list of key goals you hope to achieve throughout the renovation process so that your priorities are aligned. Collaborate at every stepMaybe one person is more passionate about flooring decisions and the other is more concerned with stylistic choices. While it’s completely normal for each person to have different interests, it’s important for both people to collaborate throughout the entire project.”Couples who collaborate and communicate every step of the way are less likely to experience disagreements, in my experience,” says Bramlett. “For example, it’s best to have both partners fully involved in every step of the renovation process, rather than one partner being responsible for one element and the other partner overseeing something else.” Keep in contact with your contractorCommunication between you and your contractor is a two-way street, so don’t be afraid to ask for updates or express any worries you may have. Staying up to date with your contractor can help you face issues as soon as they arise. Remember the end goalConstant construction and decision making is bound to become overwhelming. Bramlett suggests looking at the bigger picture: “If the renovation process starts to get tense, take a step back with your partner and remember the end goal of the project. Remind yourselves that any renovation project is going to be stressful and that you’re not alone.”The Bottom LineRawf8//Getty ImagesIt’s no surprise that renovations can put a strain your relationship. While it might be impossible to avoid conflicts altogether, there are plenty of choices, whether budget-, material- or design-related, that you can discuss in advance to avoid decision fatigue throughout the process. Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates. More
While growing a typical garden is usually enjoyable on its own, what if there was a way to make the whole experience just a bit more — let’s just say — magical?That’s what the fairy gardens are all about. These whimsical outdoor areas incorporate miniature accessories to attract fairies and other magical creatures to your backyard. They can be grown in raised garden beds, pots, containers or even in the ground. With thousands of fairy garden posts on TikTok, kids and adults of all ages are getting in on the fun. Think tiny fairy houses, figurines and even small tables and chairs for your magical creatures to dine when they visit. What are fairy gardens?Fairy gardens are the perfect blend of gardening and crafting. What’s more, they’re a creative, playful hobby everyone can enjoy. “We’ve been wanting to create a garden on the deck together this spring but also have it be a space we can add to and have fun with,” says Rose France of @roselynfrance. “My daughter suggested a fairy garden after watching Tinker Bell and we loved the idea!”How to DIY your ownTo make your own fairy garden, simply follow the steps you would to create a traditional garden, but make sure you choose miniature plants or opt for flowers that aren’t too much taller than your figurines. Janit CalvoJanit Calvo’s in-ground miniature garden with a dwarf Pusch Norway Spruce on the left and a Cis Dwarf Korean Fir on the right. The fairy is 4” tall. “I build my miniature gardens in pots by planting them just like a full-sized garden, following the same design rules and queues but it’s all miniaturized. A miniature garden can last for up to 10 years in a container when you start with the right plants,” says Janit Calvo of The Mini Garden Guru. If you need design inspiration, check out Pinterest for flower or theme ideas before heading to your local plant shop or farm. Where to find affordable materialsSo you have your plants and you’ve decided on a theme. Now what? TikTok users are discovering tons of adorable supplies at their local dollar store. “They have great options for fairy gardens. We also check thrift stores,” says France. Calvo also suggests opting for materials that can be reused year to year to save money and avoid adding to the landfill. Alternatively, you can try recycled materials around the house. “A bottle cap and cork make a cute stool, and a tiny clay pot topped with a part of a jar lid and painted are a sweet table,” says Julie Pruett of Gingham Gardens.Once you find everything you need to bring your garden to life, have fun planting and crafting all at once. Whether you go for a container, raised bed or in-ground garden, fairies are bound to fly on by. 12 Pcs Garden Accessories Fairy Garden CottagesFairy Garden Accessories Fairy Garden Mini FigurinesMore Gardening TipsLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates. More
