Aurelia Butler

1OrchidElizabeth Fernandez//Getty Images2Baby’s BreathHUIZENG HU//Getty ImagesThis dainty bloom fits right into any bouquet, filling in empty space between larger flowers with its charming white petals. Baby’s Breath symbolizes everlasting love, so gift it to your partner on an anniversary to show how much you care. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3SolidagoAlex Manders//Getty ImagesEncourage a loved one with this vibrant yellow flower. Solidago is known to represent positivity and good thoughts, so send them to someone who’s starting a new career, buying a new home or simply going through a time of change for some extra motivation.4OxalisMelissa Ross//Getty ImagesAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5Black-Eyed SusanGrace Cary//Getty ImagesThese bold yellow and black flowers will send a message of encouragement to anyone who needs it. Incorporate them into a bouquet, or gift them on their own to uplift a friend or family member.6GeraniumJenny Dettrick//Getty ImagesWho couldn’t use some extra comfort in their life? That’s what the Geranium stands for. Slip it into an arrangement for a touch of familiarity and coziness. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Red Rosesmangpor_2004//Getty Images8Zinniaglennimage//Getty ImagesZinnias stand for lasting affection, especially in reference to absent friends. Send them to a friend you haven’t seen in a while, or someone you love who lives far away as a reminder that you’re thinking of them. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9LilacTatiana Sviridova//Getty ImagesEvoke a sense of playfulness with the lilac. These purple blooms represent youthful joy. Send them to a childhood friend to reminisce, or gift them to your kids as they celebrate certain milestones. 10AsterAlbert Fertl//Getty ImagesAsters have been around for thousands of years, so they have quite the rich history. Representing daintiness, elegance and patience, these flowers hold relevant meaning for truly any occasion. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below11HibiscusOlena Malik//Getty ImagesSure, we all know hibiscus tastes delicious in teas and desserts, but we bet you didn’t know it also symbolizes delicate beauty. These blooms are also commonly referred to in Hawaiian culture since they’re the state’s official flower.12IrisPauline Lewis//Getty ImagesThe traditional purple Iris symbolizes royalty, courage and respect, so it’s definitely a compliment to be gifted some in a bouquet. However, other colors have different meanings. For example, the blue Iris represents faith and hope, and white stands for purity. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below13BegoniaTatiana Lavrova//Getty ImagesBegonias symbolize reflection and mediation, so send these flowers to a friend or family member who’s going through a tough time or has a hard decision to make.14MarigoldPenpak Ngamsathain//Getty ImagesAs its bright yellow color might suggest, Marigolds represent joy, warmth and creativity. Who wouldn’t want to receive all those emotions bottled up into one gorgeous flower? Advertisement – Continue Reading Below15HeatherPhoto by Joel Sharpe//Getty ImagesWish someone good luck with heather flowers. The Victorians saw these beautiful blooms as good luck because of the flower’s rarity. Gift an arrangement of white or pink heathers for someone before a big exam, game or performance. 16MyrtleStefan Wackerhagen//Getty ImagesIf you need the perfect bloom for a wedding bouquet, look no further than myrtle. It stands for good luck and love in a marriage, so there’s no better flower to carry down the aisle. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below17Lotus Melissa Ross//Getty ImagesBelieve it or not, lotus flowers grow in the mud. Each night, they return to the mud, and then miraculously re-bloom in the morning. They’re a symbol of rebirth, self-regeneration, purity and enlightenment in many Eastern cultures. 18Hyssop William Turner//Getty ImagesThis blue-purple bloom represents cleanliness and sacrifice. Anyone who struggles to declutter knows that these two concepts are completely intertwined. Besides, don’t they look just like a feather duster? Advertisement – Continue Reading Below19Bird’s-Foot TrefoilBeat_Buetikofer / 500px//Getty ImagesAnother dainty flower with a dark meaning behind it, the bird’s-foot trefoil flower symbolizes revenge. While revenge is never the answer in real life, writers can use this symbolization in their stories and movies.20Yellow AcaciaICHAUVEL//Getty ImagesWhether you’re secretly dating someone or simply enjoy keeping your love life private, forbidden or secret relationships can be exciting and difficult at the same time. Brighten the mood with yellow acacia flowers, which represent concealed love. White acacia symbolizes platonic love, so be sure to pick the right color!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. Isabella (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. Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

Eat more vegetables. Get lots of exercise. Go to bed early. There are plenty of things we know can improve our lives — but how often do we actually do them? The same is true when it comes to owning a home. Many know that solar panels not only can significantly cut back on energy bills, they’re good for the environment and can boost home values, too. Take a look down any street, though, and you’ll see that plenty of people haven’t yet taken the plunge. What a lot of these homeowners might not realize is that the benefits of solar go way beyond energy usage. Generating electricity from your own roof can be an entry point to an entire new sustainably elevated lifestyle. And now, thanks to an innovative approach from solar-energy titan Sunrun, the barrier to entry has been significantly lowered. By removing steep up-front costs, the 2025 Good Housekeeping Home Renovation Award winner makes solar more attainable for homeowners. So if you’re among those who haven’t made the switch yet, here are just a few reasons you might want to. Power Around the ClockSometimes the sun’s not shining, or your home’s total load is more than solar panels can meet. But that’s no reason to opt out of solar: There are two ways to make up the shortfall. The first is to draw power from the electrical grid, just as you always have. However, the more eco-friendly alternative is to pair your solar panels with a battery that stores excess energy when the sun is shining for use later. An extra advantage here: Should your area suffer an electrical blackout — an increasing reality for homeowners nationwide, given the uptick in extreme weather events — you’ll be able to draw what you need directly from the battery without a generator. In fact, since the battery kicks in seamlessly to avoid any interruption in power whatsoever, you may not even realize there’s an outage. Gateway to the All-Electric LifestyleGenerating electricity from roof solar panels can help you lead a more sustainable life in other ways, too, by facilitating the switch to an all-electric home for heating, hot water, and cooking. Heat pumps, for instance, use electricity to warm your home during the coldest months and cool it in the summer. Induction stoves provide faster heating and more consistent temperature control, and don’t produce any indoor air pollutants. And charging stations allow you to run your electric vehicles without ever having to visit a gas pump.Courtesy of SunrunAn Easy Entry Point A major roadblock for many consumers is simply the cost: Installing solar panels on your roof costs about $30,000 on average, or about $22,000 with current government subsidies. But buying panels outright isn’t the only way in. Sunrun offers a “solar subscription option” in which they install panels and all the associated equipment — such as the mounting rack, inverter and electrical cables — at little to no up-front cost, then charge a monthly fee (much like a car-lease payment) under a contract that typically runs 15 to 25 years. While buying the equipment outright generally results in a better value, since that monthly fee will rise gradually over time, the major benefit of the subscription model is that Sunrun will monitor, service, and repair the system during the duration of the contract, since it’s in Sunrun’s best interests that your system remain healthy and functional. If you own your own panels and something breaks, on the other hand, you’ll have to pay out of pocket yourself to have it replaced or repaired. Accordingly, the subscription model is increasingly popular: To date, nearly 85% of Sunrun’s more than 1 million customers have opted for the solar and storage subscription model to take advantage of its many benefits.Set It and Forget It One advantage of this approach is that Sunrun’s team chooses the panels and the ancillary equipment for you based on its expert knowledge, so you don’t have to invest time in doing the research from scratch yourself. The company also takes care of obtaining permits from local authorities and covers the cost of maintenance and repair for the duration of the contract. And while some homeowners worry that a solar contract could potentially make selling their house in the future more complicated, Sunrun points that 98% of home sales involving its leases go forward with them transferred successfully.And once you’re running your whole house off your own internal grid, you’ll have full access to all your energy-usage data—making it super-easy to track so you can make better decisions about how and when you expend power. Which leads us to perhaps the most compelling argument for rooftop solar: While the decision to install it can take a moment, the benefits it generates will last a lifetime and beyond. So far, Sunrun solar installations have resulted in a reduction of greenhouse-gas emissions equivalent to removing 4.3 million gas-burning cars from the road for a year, while saving its customers approximately $1.3B in energy costs. Visit Sunrun for your free personalized quote.Jeff Wise is a journalist specializing in aviation, adventure, and psychology and was recently featured in the Netflix documentary “MH370: The Plane That Disappeared.” He lives north of New York City and for fun flies gliders and single-engine airplanes. More

1Wet Wipes It’s likely that kids, especially younger ones, will make a mess in your car. Wet wipes are great for small spills and crumbs, wiping up sticky hands, and wiping down surfaces if you need to run into a store or restaurant. You can purchase a few packs and stash some in your car or tote bag.2Healthy Snacks Keeping a few healthy snacks in the car, like granola bars, crackers, or trail mix, is great in case of emergencies or if you’re out and errands are taking a bit longer than usual. You can conveniently squash your kid’s hunger pangs (or your own) until you can eat a full meal.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Compact UmbrellaNow 14% OffDepending on where you live, the weather can be unpredictable throughout the day. To stay dry from an unexpected downpour, keep a compact umbrella in the car and store it in your trunk or under your seat.4First Aid Kit Having a first-aid kit can help treat minor injuries, or in the case of an accident, it can help passengers stay safe until help arrives. You can purchase a pre-assembled kit or make your own with some basics like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, gauze, thermometers, and cotton balls. You’ll never know when these things will come in handy, and you’ll be glad you’re prepared.Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowNow 23% OffYou can purchase a pack of one-size-fits-most socks to store in your car, which you’ll appreciate if you find yourself in an unexpected rainstorm that leaves your feet soaked or there’s a last-minute play date at an indoor playground. If your kids play sports, having clean socks in the car is especially useful if they forget to pack them for practice.Now 33% OffHaving a few cotton bath towels in the car is great for several reasons. Kids may come in the rain and need to stay dry, or you may need to keep your car seats from getting wet. Cotton towels can also soak up major spills, and if you live by the beach, you can lay down a towel to keep sand off the seats after a beach day. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Flashlight Though most of us use the flashlight on our smartphones, a pocket flashlight is handy in case of a roadside emergency or if you drop your phone down the side of the seat. Skip the bulky flashlight for a slim pocket flashlight that can be kept in the glove compartment.8Wool Blanket If you live in an area with temps that dip below freezing, keep a blanket in the car for those frigid mornings to keep your kids toasty and warm. In the summer, the blanket can also be used for picnics or playdates at the park.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9Phone Holder Now 35% OffIf you’re still using one hand to steer while the other is holding your cell phone to navigate, it’s time to get a phone holder to avoid distracted driving and model good driving habits. You can get one that easily attaches to your vent or windshield so you can keep your eyes on the road.10Mini Cooler Keeping a mini cooler in the car is convenient for storing snacks or drinks, particularly water bottles. Having a few water bottles on deck is always a good idea when kids are in the car, especially in an emergency. Just remember to switch out your water bottles after a few days.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below11Coloring kit Store a coloring kit in the car to give younger kids a screen-time break. A 30-minute commute equals several hours a week in the car, and spending that time doodling or drawing could sharpen your kids’ creative skills. If you’re worried about cleaning up marker stains, consider getting a coloring kit with “invisible” markers that won’t leave stains on clothes or car seats. 12Trunk Organizer Now that you’ve stocked up on some carpool essentials, you can keep everything organized in your trunk with a foldable organizer. This one is easy to wipe down and has adjustable compartments.Mariette Williams is a freelance writer living in South Florida. She covers topics such as travel, culture, books, and wellness, and when she’s not traveling, she’s lost in a good book.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

As a city dweller, I’m always looking for ways to make gardening easier (and more compact). I just don’t have space for the grand garden I often dream of. Still, I love to experiment with new methods that might save me time while offering a glimpse of that lifestyle, even if it’s just contained to one simple garden bed. So when I started noticing everyone raving about the “no-dig” cardboard gardening method on TikTok, I had some questions: Is cardboard good for plants? Does it really require less work? How do you even go about setting up a cardboard garden bed? I spoke to expert Teri Valenzuela, natural science manager at Sunday, for more insight on the trend. What Is a “No-Dig” Garden?As the name implies, a “no-dig” garden doesn’t require any digging — instead, gardeners create a bed on top of the soil that’s already there. “A no-dig garden uses layers of cardboard, compost and sometimes mulch over existing ground instead of digging into the soil. The compost and mulch help to break down the cardboard, plants can grow in the soil medium and the cardboard can stop existing weeds from growing,” says Valenzuela.Digging into soil can disturb it, according to Valenzuela, which would make it more likely for weeds to grow. That’s where the cardboard comes into play, acting as a “weed barrier.”Experts’ Take on the TrendWhile using cardboard at the base of a garden bed is a convenient way to avoid digging and weed growth, experts warn that it isn’t going to completely eliminate all gardening-related work. “It’s definitely okay to test this out in a small area,” says Valenzuela. “But while this method promises less work and labor, all gardening is a labor of love. Weeds don’t just come from below ground — their seeds move by wind, wildlife and other means, so you’ll always require a little tilling of soil and weeding in your soil beds.”So don’t think of this method as an “easy way out,” but more of a chance to get into gardening without starting from scratch completely. The cardboard will act as your gardening assistant, helping prevent weed growth as much as possible. More Gardening TipsHow to Set up a “No-Dig” GardenMoMo Productions//Getty ImagesSetting up a no-dig garden is pretty simple. To help you get started, save any cardboard boxes or packaging you come across until you build up enough to cover the area you want for your garden. “Start by laying cardboard over the area, overlapping the edges to block light and growing opportunities. Wet the cardboard to stay in place and add 4-6 inches of compost or garden soil. Then, plant directly into that top layer,” says Valenzuela.Once you’ve planted your seeds, you’ll have to care for them as you would in a more traditional garden. Still, you won’t have to spend hours digging into soil. Plus, you’ll save time in the future since you won’t have to weed as much. Make sure to use quality soil and mix in sand or other materials to help with drainage. The Bottom LineJoanne Dale//Getty ImagesWhile gardening with cardboard might seem unusual, it actually decomposes over time, adding nutrients to the soil while blocking weed growth. For beginner gardeners who are working with a contained space, the no-dig method is a great way to get started without having to dedicate tons of time and land. Still, experts warn that success is contingent on a number of factors. “It really depends on your planting area, growing conditions and the quality of your ‘ingredients’ like plants and soil media,” says Valenzuela. 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

To learn about the history of birth flowers and their meanings, we tapped the Editor-in-Chief of The Old Farmer’s Almanac, Carol Connare, for her expert insights. “[Birth flowers] are the product of folklore and tradition that dates to ancient times,” says Connare. “The language of flowers, including their symbolic meanings, is present in ancient Greek mythology, and ancient texts from China, Egypt and Rome, as well as folklore from Asian and European cultures.”These flowers, associated with a specific month, often reflect the botanical’s best time for bloom, helping gardeners in centuries prior map their planting schedule to reach optimal botanical growth. Lily of the Valley, for instance, is a delicate, bell-shaped flower that reaches peak bloom in May, its designated birth month. While most birth flowers follow this rule of blooming within their set month, it’s not a steadfast edict.While flower meanings “don’t necessarily signify [the] personality traits of people born in that month, they are about the symbolism of the flower itself,” says Connare. Innocence, patience and beauty are just a few examples of attributes tied to florals. More

We’ve been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.Product Shot Image1Wooden HangersNow 16% Off”Using one consistent style of hangers can immediately elevate the look and feel of your closet. Switching to wooden hangers can take things up a notch and help your clothes maintain their shape. I love that these have a swivel hook and a non-slip bar to keep pants from sliding off.” — Emi Louie, professional organizer2Counter ShelvesNow 28% Off”Songmics’ shelf risers are our favorite! They expand your surface area in cabinets and pantries, and they’re stackable. They come in all sorts of great color combinations. We love the clean lines — we even use them on open shelves because they’re so good-looking.” — Gretchen Moen, founder of Cut the ClutterAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below3Charging StationNow 31% Off”I love the idea of creating a dedicated charging zone in the kitchen so your devices always have a home — and don’t clutter up your counters. This 3-in-1 charger keeps your iPhone, Apple Watch and AirPods all in one spot, cutting down on tangled cords. Plus, it doubles as a phone stand, which is perfect for following recipes.” — Kenika Williams of Tidied by K4Adhesive Shower OrganizerNow 19% Off”A shower organizing system will keep all of your shower essentials off the floor and easily accessible whenever you need to grab them. Add some fresh eucalyptus leaves to create your own organized spa-like oasis.” — Cherie Jackson of The Curated DwellingAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below5Clear Plastic Storage BinsNow 32% Off”These stackable, clear bins are perfect for organizing everything from seasonal items to toys and craft supplies. Their transparency makes it easy to identify contents, while their sturdy design ensures long-term use.” — Chas Greener, founder of Chas’ Crazy Creations6Acrylic DividersNow 15% Off”These SortNStore acrylic shelf dividers are great for keeping purses upright and organized on your closet shelves. They’re easy to install (yay, no tools!) and can be used to keep things tidy on all sorts of shelves — in your pantry, clothes closet or even your garage.” — Gretchen MoenAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below7OXO Good Grips POP ContainersNow 42% Off”I love all OXO products. Pop containers are great for anyone who wants to decant their boxes and bags of food into clear containers. They come in a variety of sizes — we use this one for storing a bag of ground coffee.” — Sharon Lowenheim, founder of the Organizing Goddess, Inc.8Foldable Storage BagsNow 42% Off”Spring is a great time to re-evaluate your wardrobe — and stow away your fall and winter items. I recommend these bags for bigger sweaters. They are also perfect if you have heavier blankets that you need to store away from your beds.” — Jackie Pittman of Chez Nous OrganizingAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below9Handheld SteamerNow 47% Off”Perfect for spring cleaning, this portable steamer tackles stubborn stains, wrinkles and grime without harsh chemicals. It’s great for refreshing clothes, curtains and upholstery.” — Chas Greener10Amber Glass Spray BottlesNow 33% Off”I love investing in glass spray bottles, as they are reusable and can be filled with your favorite cleaning solutions. Pro tip: Add labels to easily differentiate the contents of the bottle to streamline your cleaning day.” — Cherie JacksonAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below11Mesh Zipper PouchesNow 13% Off”I recommend doing a purge of any cords and plugs that you haven’t used. An easy way to store tech items are in these mesh zipper pouches. I use them EVERYWHERE in my house. They provide a boundary for each category of cords and can be easily labeled.” — Jackie Pittman12Dyson V8 Cordless VacuumNow 26% OffAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below13Spice Jars Set With LabelsNow 17% Off”I love decanting spices into matching spice jars as it helps to reduce visual clutter and create a streamlined look in your kitchen. The bamboo detail adds an elevated look to the space, providing both style and function.” — Cherie Jackson14Air FiltersNow 15% Off”Air filters are easily forgotten, but play such major roles in the cleanliness of your home’s air. Spring cleaning isn’t just about clearing out clutter — it’s also about refreshing your entire home environment. Clean filters improve air quality, reduce allergens and help your HVAC system run more efficiently.” — Kenika WilliamsAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below15Canopy Bedside HumidifierNow 30% Off”One item people let go of all the time is their humidifier. The traditional ones are so hard to keep clean that people just give up using them altogether. This one from Canopy is amazing because it’s self-cleaning and mold-resistant. Plus, it’s compact and aesthetically pleasing.” — Emi LouieAlyssa 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.Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

1Drawer Organizer, 7-PieceDrawers can becomes messy very quickly. “I’ve been loving their drawer organizer sets. Small items can turn bathroom, junk or desk drawers into chaos, but good drawer organizers can make all the difference. A lot of pre-packaged sets come with sizes that don’t quite work, but Five Below’s set is budget-friendly and actually has the sizes I want,” says Scott.RELATED: 7 Best Kitchen Drawer Organizers29-Compartment Cosmetic OrganizerThis small yet mighty cosmetic organizer has nine sections, making it the perfect addition to any vanity. Organize all your beauty essentials by category so each product is readily available and easy to find when you’re ready to do your makeup. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Stick-On Cable Dots, 9-CountIt’s almost impossible to be productive when you have an untidy desk or office space. Get your cords under control with these stick-on dots. “These cable organizers keep your desks or countertops clear of long or messy cords,” says Lindsay Melvin of Orchid Organizing.RELATED: What to Get Rid of in Your Home Office4Travel Jewelry Organizer Getting organized isn’t just about decluttering or sorting your items at home — it’s also about keeping your belongings organized on the go. Keep your necklaces and bracelets free from knots with an affordable travel jewelry case. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5Woven Storage BinLooking for a storage bin with a bit more personality? This organizer-approved pick does the job. “The neutral gray fabric with wood handles makes this fancy! It’s easy to use for main bedroom closet shelves or extra storage in a linen or coat closet,” says Amelia Meena of Appleshine.6Over-the-Door Storage OrganizerSmall closet space? No problem. “When organizing small spaces with limited real estate, back-of-the-door organizers are a game-changer! This one is a budget-friendly solution that can store anything — from accessories in a bedroom to toys and games in a storage closet,” says Scott.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Flocked Over-the-Door Hooks, 3-CountInstead of throwing your sweatshirts or jackets around the house when you get home, invest in a few flocked over-the-door hooks. Put them on closet or bedroom doors to free up some space and stay organized.8Small Clear Plastic BinYou can’t go wrong with a clear bin. “When shopping for organizing products at Five Below, I stick to the basics — like storage bins. They have a great selection in different colors, textures and sizes, which is perfect when a client wants a fun, modern or youthful look,” says Scott.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9Round Scallop Tray With HandleStay organized and stylish this spring with a catchall basket. “Cute scalloped baskets can organize your keys and wallet on your entry table and act as a ‘pretty drop zone’,” says Melvin.10Food Storage Set, 42-PieceTired of a bunch of mismatched storage containers and lids lying around the kitchen? These dishwasher-safe food containers stack neatly into each other for easy storage when not in use. Plus, you can’t beat this price for a 42-piece set. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below11Collapsible Fabric Storage Cubes While clear bins are great most of the time, there are some things you just don’t want to put on full display. These cubes are perfect for that reason. “They’re great to use for unsightly items, especially bigger ones like throw blankets, large toy blocks or shoes by the front door,” says Meena.12Clear Acrylic Cosmetic Storage DrawersGet organized in the bathroom with a couple clear cosmetic drawers. Keep extra skincare products, makeup and other beauty essentials all in one place. Just keep in mind that these are smaller drawers, meant mostly for cosmetics.RELATED: 7 Things in Your Bathroom to Get Rid of ASAPAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below13Storage BasketAvailable in three colors, this storage basket is the ultimate pick for kitchen organization, according to the pros. Go for one in each shade for different snacks and supplies, or stick to the same hue for a cohesive design. “I love the storage basket for pantry category grouping,” says Melvin.14Travel Cubes, 3-PackPacking cubes are a game-changer, especially if you’re someone who likes to avoid checking a large bag while traveling (like me). Plus, you can keep your clothes organized by category with a cube for each type of clothing. RELATED: 10 Best Packing Cubes for TravelLaura 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. Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade — but what about when life does not give you lemons? Well, you make the lemons yourself (with a bit of soil, gardening and patience for about 15 years!). Growing a lemon tree is no easy feat, but if you’re in it for the long haul, it can be a beautiful, rewarding and delicious fruit tree. Lemon trees can grow outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11, while some types can thrive indoors. If you live in a warmer state where a tree can be grown outside year-round or have the space for one to be brought indoors in the colder months, see the expert-approved guidelines below for growing a lemon tree (plus methods that helped my family grow one in recent years). How to grow a lemon tree from a seedTake the seeds from a lemon.Choose a bright yellow lemon that’s free from bruising and blemishes to harvest the seeds from. Peel the lemon like an orange or carefully (emphasis on carefully!) cut the lemon in half without splitting the seeds with your knife. Rinse the seeds to clean them and place them aside to fully dry. Plant your seeds.Immediately after drying, plant the seeds into plug trays for seedlings or a small pot about half an inch to an inch deep into the soil. The containers should drain well and the soil should be kept moist. Properly care for the plant.Grow your plant in the right conditions, including tons of sunlight, warm temperatures and humid air (more on those below!).Move it to a larger space.Once the plant is bigger, you can transport it outside or to a larger pot. The Old Farmer’s Almanac suggests using a pot with excellent drainage at a half-barrel size (at least 15-gallon containers will be suitable for most lemon trees). “If you’re planting a lemon tree in a large pot, be sure it has a hole in the bottom and that the soil has enough drainage so the water doesn’t pool up in the pot,” says Ryan McEnaney, author of Field Guide to Outside Style, and spokesperson for Endless Summer Hydrangeas and First Editions Shrubs & Trees.Reminder: You can always start a lemon tree with a baby tree, rather than from a seed. This will significantly cut down the wait time for how long until a lemon appears. “These small trees come in containers. Look for healthy leaves and roots,” according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. BECOME A GREEN THUMB!SrdjanPav//Getty ImagesHow to care for a lemon treeSunlightThe Old Farmer’s Almanac states that lemon trees need at least six hours of sunlight per day, but the trees can thrive with even more. “Lemon trees love light — the more the better. Twelve to 14 hours a day is best during the growing season,” says Marvin Pritts, professor and director of Undergraduate Studies of the Plant Sciences Major in the School of Integrative Plant Science at Cornell University. “Because they don’t need to go dormant over the winter, they can be treated like an indoor plant if they get enough sunlight to produce fruit,” says McEnaney, who recommends placing the pot in an area that gets at least eight hours of sunlight with a southern exposure if possible. You can also use a grow light for indoor plants to help on cloudy days. WaterPritt recommends watering once every two or three days if the tree is in a small pot, but less frequently in a larger pot and only once a week outdoors in the ground during the growing season. “Lemon trees typically don’t need daily watering, as they don’t like to be overly saturated,” McEnaney says. The goal is to keep the soil moist, but not soaking wet. “Let the soil dry completely before watering — too much water can be detrimental,” Pritt says. McEnaney suggests sticking your finger in the dirt up to your knuckle to see if the soil is evenly moist or starting to dry out. If it’s the latter, then it’s time to water. “When watering, give it a good soak until you see water draining out the bottom of the pot. Let it drain through and soak it one more time until it starts draining again,” McEnaney explains. Plants in pots can dry out faster, so you may have to water a potted tree more often than an outdoor lemon tree. SoilThe Old Farmer’s Almanac says it’s best to plant the seeds in a container with good draining and slightly acidic soil (look for premixed soil specific for citrus trees or regular potting mix with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5).Olena Malik//Getty ImagesPruningWe pruned our tree’s branches to prevent them from crossing over one another, which can prevent proper airflow and disrupt growth. Pruning can also be used for an aesthetic purpose: My dad did not want the lemon tree to form into a bush shape, so we cut the bottom branches off to ensure it had more of a “tree” appearance. Pollination Pritt says that manual pollination is important if you are growing it indoors. “When the tree flowers, pollen will have to be moved around the flowers with a paintbrush — mimicking a bee — to obtain fruit,” he explains. You can also gently shake the flowers to get the pollen to spread around the pot. Fertilizing”During the growing season, from spring through fall, feed your lemon tree with a balanced fertilizer or a pre-made mix for citrus,” McEnaney says. Be sure to follow the package instructions for how much and how often to fertilize, but he says you’ll typically want to space out feedings about three times per year. “This will ensure the tree has enough nutrients to grow and produce lemons,” he explains. Pritt recommends mixing slow-release fertilizer in the soil or potting mix before planting. You can do this in the soil of the larger pot when you are ready to transport from the plug trays. “Since they keep their leaves all year long, fertilization should occur every two to three months,” says Pritt, who suggests fertilizing more frequently when the trees are growing the fastest (AKA, spring and summer). However, McEnaney suggests stopping fertilization during the winter when it’s not actively growing. How often you fertilize will ultimately depend on the type of lemon tree you choose to grow and the type of fertilizer you use. Common types of lemon treesBarbara Rich//Getty ImagesMeyer Lemon Tree: This is one of the most popular varieties for at-home gardeners. “The fruit is typically a bit smaller, great for growing in a pot and has a nice, sweet taste,” McEnaney shares. The Old Farmer’s Almanac describes this variety as a prolific tree that can grow fruit while in a container. A full-size Meyer lemon tree grows around 10 to 15 feet tall and a dwarf Meyer lemon tree grows only 6 to 10 feet, making it an even better option for indoor gardening. Eureka Lemon Tree: Chances are you’ve spotted Eureka lemons at your local grocery store. Dwarf Eureka lemon trees are a more suitable option for those looking to plant a tree in a pot. Eureka lemons’ juice and zest are typically used for cooking due to their sweet and tart flavor that’s too sour and acidic to eat directly. Harvey Lemon Trees: In my house, we are growing a Harvey Lemon Tree in a pot. This is a less common option but a great pick for those who live in colder areas, as it can withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees. However, you still shouldn’t plant it outdoors unless you live in USDA zones 8 to 11. My family’s tree is placed inside during the colder months since we live in New York and has shed a decent amount of leaves, but it stays small enough to be transported indoors when necessary.Isabella Cavallo / Good Housekeeping InstituteOur lemon tree outside when it was a small tree. Isabella Cavallo / Good Housekeeping InstituteOur lemon tree grown bigger and placed indoors for the winter. Lisbon Lemon Trees: Producing one of the most popular lemons globally, Lisbon lemon trees grow on evergreen trees that are about 10 to 13 feet tall. They are ideal for their tolerance of colder temperatures and can grow in USDA hardiness zones 2 to 11 when moved indoors (and only 9 to 11 if kept outdoors). Plus, the lemons grow inside the tree’s canopy, which is a unique trait that protects the lemons from harsher weather. Things to keep in mind:Temperature and local weather: Lemon trees thrive in warm, hot climates. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible to grow a lemon tree if you live in a colder environment, but it will make it a bit more complicated and you will either need space indoors (where it still receives sunlight!) or a greenhouse to keep it living through the winter. They thrive best in temperatures ranging from 70 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but should otherwise be moved indoors. “They can be outside for the summer, but they cannot tolerate freezing or even cold temperatures for very long. In the winter, they will benefit from supplemental light,” says Pritt. The height: Depending on the type of lemon tree you choose, it can grow up to 20 feet tall. “These trees can grow 10 to 20 feet tall and 5 to 15 feet wide, so give them plenty of room to stretch out,” McEnaney says. The Old Farmer’s Almanac says semi-dwarf trees will need an eight-by-eight foot space. Dwarf trees, like the Meyer lemon tree, only grow six to 10 feet tall, but since they grow in a shrub shape, they need up to a 10-by-10 space — or you can prune the bottom to keep it in a small pot. Common Pests: “If you’re growing indoors, be on the lookout for any pests, just like you would any other houseplant,” McEnaney warns. Plus, insects can be brought into your home from the outdoors, so be sure to check the plant for pests at the end of the summer season. The Old Farmer’s Almanac says to watch out for whiteflies, aphids, scale, spider mites and thrips. Periodically cleaning the tree can help with preventing indoor pests. “But remember that this is an edible plant, so don’t spray any chemicals that you don’t want to ingest,” McEnaney says. Instead, he recommends cleaning the leaves with plain water or spraying a natural insecticidal soap as needed. He also notes that good airflow is the key to preventing disease, so make sure to keep the pot in a room with suitable sunlight, humidity and airflow. Related StoriesIsabella (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