Aurelia Butler

Let’s face it: Decluttering isn’t exactly easy. Whether you’ve struggled to get your kitchen, bedroom or living room in tip-top shape, you need to have a clear plan. Along with a practical decluttering checklist to tackle every space in your home, it’s worth knowing the top decluttering mistakes to avoid to make the process as stress-free as possible. Here, professional organizer Rachel Rosenthal reveals six decluttering pitfalls that prevent you from streamlining your home and creating a more enjoyable living space overall, plus what to do instead. Her number one piece of advice? “Decluttering should be a lifestyle, not a one-time event.” Read on for more of Rosenthal’s advice.❌ Not pacing yourself.Think twice before attempting to declutter your entire home over a weekend. Being overly ambitious isn’t exactly the best approach here, especially if you’ve been living with clutter for a lengthy period of time. “Decluttering is a process, and it’s important to be realistic about how much time and energy it will take,” Rosenthal says. “A room-by-room or even small space by small space approach, with breaks and mini-sessions, is much more effective.” You can even consider implementing mini decluttering sessions throughout the year to make it more manageable. Tackle Every Room❌ Overlooking categories. “The first step in any decluttering process should be sorting items into categories — putting like with like,” Rosenthal says. The goal is to get a sense of how much you have of each item. For instance, do you really need five different whisks? How about those 10 white button-down shirts? “When I’m working with clients in their closets, we might realize they have 30 pairs of jeans. When I remind them that there are only seven days in a week, they often realize that they don’t need so many. Categorizing allows us to evaluate what’s necessary, what’s excessive and what should be let go.”❌ Failing to engage with every item. Believe it or not, every single piece in your home deserves attention during the decluttering process. Go room by room, and review each item to determine if it’s worth keeping: “People don’t take everything out and really evaluate whether it’s something they love, use or feel a genuine attachment to. Instead, they make excuses for why they should keep things that don’t serve them anymore.” ❌ Missing a room’s function.While the goal is to eliminate unnecessary items in your space, recognize each room’s function, too. If your family tends to read books, watch movies and enjoy game night in the living room, outfit this space with items solely for these activities. “A decluttered home is about more than just clearing out the physical space—it’s about understanding how you live in that space and organizing accordingly,” she says. Every piece should have a designated home. Drazen Zigic”Without a decluttering strategy, you’ll get frustrated and burnt out quickly, especially if you’ve been procrastinating,” says professional organizer Rachel Rosenthal. ❌ Keeping things “just in case.””We’ve all been there — holding onto things because maybe we’ll need them someday. Whether it’s an expensive dress you haven’t worn in years, kitchen gadgets collecting dust or a stash of hotel toiletries, these ‘just in case’ items quickly add up and create clutter,” Rosenthal says. If you haven’t used an item in a year and it doesn’t fit your current lifestyle, it’s time to part ways with it. You’ll feel so much better living in a space with things you truly love and use on a regular basis. “It will also make staying organized so much easier.”❌ Forgetting to re-evaluate your lifestyle over time.It’s only natural that the way you live in your home will evolve as your family dynamic, needs and interests change. Maybe you’re a new parent, just purchased a home or now live with a pet or two. All of these scenarios will impact your lifestyle and everyday habits. Case in point: When it comes to decluttering, “what works for one person might not work for you,” Rosenthal says. Rather than immediately believing that the latest organizing trend on social media is a guaranteed fit for your situation, some deeper reflection is necessary to successfully declutter your home. “If you don’t address the root cause of why clutter accumulates in the first place—like not having an efficient system or not being mindful of new items coming in—your space will become cluttered again, no matter how many bins or baskets you have.”More Organizing Tips and TricksMonique 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

Orchids are known for their long-lasting blooms that appear in almost every color — white, pink, purple and yellow are among the most common. The intricate flowers have distinct petals and a labellum, known as the plant’s lip, that’s often larger and more colorful. The striking plant can grow indoors, bringing a touch of charm and color into home design. Aside from their aesthetic appeal, orchids require minimal care — so long as its conditions are met. The tropical plant is worthy of investment, considering the blooms can last for weeks or months at a time, and continue to bloom for 15-20 years, according to Gardening Know How. While the tropical plant has over 25,000 varieties, the moth orchid (also known as phalaenopsis) thrives best indoors. More Houseplant Care AdviceOrchid Care Tips☀️ SunlightOrchids prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Place them in east- or west-facing windows for the best chance of healthy growth. 💦 WaterWater orchids about every 7 to 10 days when the soil feels dry to the touch — likely once a week during spring and summer, 10 to 14 days during colder months. Water the plant thoroughly, soaking the potting mixture completely and allowing water to drain from the pot. Keep in mind: If your tap water is too hard (with high levels of minerals) or too soft (treated with sodium chloride), it may impact the orchid. Make distilled water by bringing it to a boil and allowing it to cool. Some people also prefer the ice cube trick. Simply rest three ice cubes on top of the orchid’s soil, making sure not to touch its leaves and stem. As the ice cubes melt, they’ll give your orchid an adequate amount of water without harming its roots.🪴 SoilThis flowering plant requires a coarse mixture for proper drainage. The ideal potting mix may include tree bark, cork chips, moss, lava rocks, small pumice stones and charcoal.✂️ PruningOnce the orchid’s flowers have fallen, cut the flowering spikes (the stem the flower grew on) to prepare the orchids next blooming cycle. Use pruning sheers to get as close to the base as possible. 🔥 Temperature and humidityOrchids prefer temperatures between 70° and 80° Fahrenheit during the day, but do well with colder temps (as low as 60°) at night. Orchids require a high humidity — between 50% and 75% — to thrive. A plant humidifier can help your orchid stay hydrated.Maryviolet//Getty ImagesTypes of OrchidsThere are between 25,000 and 30,000 different species of orchids, according to the Rainforest Alliance. The flowering plants can vary greatly in size, weight and color — blossoms can appear in almost every color. Phalaenopsis: Most orchid houseplants are phalaenopsis, also known as the moth orchid. Originating from humid rainforests in Asia, the species grows well indoors and stays in bloom for months at a time. Cattleya: Native to South America, this species has large, fragrant flowers with ruffled edges. Oncidium: Also known as the “dancing lady,” this species has vibrant, asymmetrical petals.Cymbidium: These light-loving orchids, also known as boat orchids, have blooms in various colors — from green to pink and lavender.Common Problems With Orchids✔️ Pests: Inspect orchids regularly for pests, like mealybugs, spider mites or aphids. Signs include yellow or brown spots, silvery stripes or a sticky residue on leaves. Pests may also cause abnormal or stunted growth. ✔️ Drooping or yellow leaves: This is an early sign that your orchid isn’t happy. Drooping or yellow leaves are often caused by overwatering — check for soggy soil and soft, dark roots. If the soil is dry and roots are shriveled, drooping leaves could also be a result of underwatering. Yellow leaves could be a sign of inadequate light — move it to a sunny spot or add a grow light.✔️ Burnt leaves: Dry, crispy or brown leaves are usually a result of too much direct sunlight, high temperatures, very low humidity or underwatering.✔️ Bud blast: Often a sign of stress, bud blast occurs when buds shrivel and fall before they’re able to bloom. It could be caused by a sudden change in temperature, humidity or light. Inconsistent watering, the wrong fertilizer, root rot or pests could also cause bud blast. ✔️ Root rot: Look out for mushy, dark-colored roots caused by poor drainage or overwatering. Make sure your pot has adequate drainage holes and you’re using the proper (and not too old) potting mix.✔️ Dark spots on leaves: Small, dark spots are likely a sign of a fungal or bacterial infection. Cut out the infected area and spray the plant with a bactericide or fungicide, or sometimes hydrogen peroxide can tackle the diseases.Buy Orchid HouseplantsThe Sill Mini OrchidWhite OrchidThe Bouqs White OrchidPlants for Pets Purple PhalaenopsisNow 13% OffAlyssa 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

1Drape Herbs From the ShedA Beautiful Mess2ID Herbs With SpoonsBless’er HouseIf you’ve already figured out a spot for your herb garden, try getting creative with labels. This blogger used wooden spoons as garden markers for her herbs, giving her planter a charming look. See more at Bless’er House »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3Raise a CrateBrepurposedStarting your own herb garden — regardless of its size — can be a bit daunting, especially for a beginner. Starting small can help the process feel more manageable. Opt for a raised crate planter that keeps all of your herbs in one contained space. See more at Brepurposed »4DIY a Custom PlanterAlice & LoisDIY your own gardening station — you can even take it one step further and personalize the planter with a cute sign. This blogger went for a modern farmhouse look for her herb garden. See more at Alice & Lois »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5Bring Your Favorite Colors to LifeA Beautiful MessWhy not choose pots with colors that’ll brighten up your day? Plus, you’ll never forget to use your herbs when they’re planted in these eye-catching containers. See more at A Beautiful Mess »6Put an Old Container to Good UseA Pretty Life In the SuburbsIf you have an old crate or bucket lying around the house, you have a perfectly good container for growing herbs. Plus, using a variety of different containers for your herbs will add character to your growing garden. See more at A Pretty Life In the Suburbs »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Plant in CratesAlmost Makes PerfectWhether you decide to show them off on your patio or line them up along the side of your house like this blogger’s look, crates make for the perfect herb garden. They also serve as a blank canvas for fun designs!See more at Almost Makes Perfect »8Spruce up a Coffee TableA Beautiful MessImagine eating dinner outdoors on the patio and topping your meal off with some fresh basil. This herb garden coffee table allows you to do just that — without getting out of your seat. See more at A Beautiful Mess »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below9Transform a WindowsillArin Solange at HomeGrab fresh herbs from right outside your kitchen window with this windowsill planter. This blogger built hers using plywood, a nail gun and just a few other simple materials.See more at Arin Solange at Home »10Hook Herbs on SidingBless’er HouseAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below11Grow Right on the DoorstepHomemade by Carmona12Make It a Double DeckerBrepurposedMake the most of your herb garden with a double-decker design. Go for a rustic look like this blogger’s arrangement, or paint your planter for a pop of color. See more at Brepurposed »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below13Suspend Herbs OverheadCHRIS LOVES JULIAPick fresh herbs from hanging planters right above your prep station! The best part? Your kitchen will always exude the fresh fragrance of your favorite herbs.See more at Chris Loves Julia »14Go VintageDIY BeautifyGet creative with leftover tin cans for this simple herb garden. Attach a sticker or label with the herb name or picture, and place them wherever works best for you, whether that’s indoors or outdoors. See more at DIY Beautify »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below15Save Space With Mason JarsDIY InspiredIf you only have room for a few mason jars on your countertop, don’t worry — you can still create a successful herb garden. Just be sure to place the jars in full to partial sun, depending on which herbs you’re planting. See more at DIY Inspired »16Create a Wall-to-Wall GardenStephen KarlischTake a cue from interior designer Tori Rubinson and bring your wall to life this summer. These wall-mounted pots add a splash of greenery to any outdoor space. Plus, you can pick your herbs without bending down into the dirt.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below17Keep It SimpleThe DIY PlaybookThere’s no need to get too fancy when it comes to planting herbs. They’re pretty simple to grow right along the windowsill — just choose your favorite pots and watch them thrive!See more at The DIY Playbook »18Build an Indoor Wall PlanterHomemade by CarmonaThis planter setup makes it look like herbs are growing right out of your kitchen walls. Not only is it a beautiful addition to your home decor, but it’s also practical. Just pluck herbs right from your wall while cooking.See more at Homemade by Carmona »Advertisement – Continue Reading Below19Repurpose a LadderHouseful of HandmadeFive tiers of beautiful herbs? Count us in! This DIY ladder planter is perfect for someone looking to utilize all the vertical space they have. Lean it against the outside of your home, shed or even indoors. See more at Houseful of Handmade »20Decorate With HerbsInspired by CharmWho doesn’t want to enjoy the aroma of fresh herbs whenever they enter the kitchen? Line the doorway with wall planters, and you’ll smell the freshness every time you walk in.See more at Inspired by Charm »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. Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

Half the pain of laundry day — besides that heaping pile of clothes waiting for your attention – is all of the rules and guidelines you need to memorize to get it right: Separate lights and darks, turn denim inside out, don’t use fabric softener on certain types of fabrics… and let’s not even talk about the advanced degree you need to decode all of those laundry symbols. But there’s one more small tip you should commit to memory — and that’s regularly cleaning your dryer vent. No, we’re not talking about clearing the lint trap, which is the internal component where fuzz builds up, after every cycle. We’re talking about the tubing that exhausts the hot air and lint out of the machine. Ensuring the dryer vent is clear not only makes your machine run so much more efficiently, but it can also spare you a serious hazard: a dryer fire. “If the dryer vent is clogged or even partially blocked, airflow is impeded and the wet air gets trapped, making clothes take way longer to dry,” says Carolyn Forté, executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care & Cleaning Lab. “A clogged or blocked dryer vent is also a fire hazard, since lint is extremely flammable, and fires can easily start if it builds up too much.” Even a clog at the vent outlet — whether from leaves, debris or a birds’ nest — on the outside of your house can impede and slow down drying or create a fire hazard. A clear vent also helps reduce the overall energy required to dry your clothes, which can lower your electricity bill over time. It can even extend the life of the appliance, saving you money on repairs or replacements in the long-run.So how often should you give your dryer vent a good clean? “It’s a good idea to have the entire vent professionally cleaned yearly,” says Forté. “It’s also important to keep the area around the back of the dryer and into the duct as clean as possible on a regular basis.” Bill Oxford//Getty ImagesIf you suspect your dryer may not be working at full capacity, there are some signs that you may have a venting issue. The most obvious? If your dryer is taking longer than usual to dry clothes or the temperature inside the dryer seams weak, it’s a strong indicator that airflow may be restricted. Unusual sounds — like the motor working harder than normal — could also signal a blockage in the vent, as can excessive moisture or lint build-up around the venting — inside or out. When in doubt, check to make sure air comes through when you start the dryer, says Forté. Take a peek outside, too. When you start the dryer, you should feel and/or see hot air blowing out from where your dryer vent exits (typically a small hood with a flap or cover). If you notice anything unusual, ring a professional vent cleaning service or a dryer repair technician for help. WE BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW THISBrigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more. More

1PaintAnna Efetova//Getty ImagesWhile it’s not necessarily unsafe to store paint in the garage, high or low temperatures can affect the quality. “Paint shouldn’t go there, because temperature swings can degrade it,” says Dan DiClerico, Director of the Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab in the Institute.2Firewoodaire images//Getty ImagesThe garage might seem like a good place to keep firewood safe from wet weather, but it can actually bring pests into your home if you don’t thoroughly check it beforehand. Plus, without proper ventilation, mold and mildew could form on your firewood.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below3GasolineGKV//Getty ImagesWhen stored in the garage, gasoline and propane tanks can become a potential fire hazard. “Gasoline is best kept in an outdoor shed. That’s because garages often have equipment with pilot lights, like a water heater. Vapors from stored fuel could react with the open flame and cause an explosion,” says DiClerico. RELATED: The Best Sheds for Every Backyard and Budget4ElectronicsOleksandra Vinogradova//Getty ImagesElectronics should not be stored in a space that gets super cold in the winter or extremely hot in the summer. Because garages are not temperature controlled, they are not a safe space to store any sort of electronics.Advertisement – Continue Reading Below5GarbageNickyLloyd//Getty ImagesIf you keep your garbage in your garage, you could be attracting pests and critters without even knowing. Your trash is a rodent and insect magnet, especially when not properly sealed. DiClerico especially warns against keeping garbage in your garage if you park your car inside: “Mice are known to nest under car hoods, especially in colder months, when the engine keeps them warm.”6Books and PaperOlena Ruban//Getty ImagesPaper is affected by excess moisture, so if your garage experiences high humidity, it’s best to keep all books and important papers inside the house. Not only could pages begin to curl, but they could also become moldy over time. Advertisement – Continue Reading Below7Pet Foodda bali//Getty ImagesPet food doesn’t only attract your dogs or cats — it can also attract critters from outside. Keep pet food in the kitchen with the rest of your food to avoid welcoming in any pests. 8Clothes and Other LinensAleksandr Zubkov//Getty ImagesAvoid storing clothing, bedding, towels or any other fabrics in the garage. Insects like moths can actually eat through clothing, and humidity can cause mold to grow. Plus, you don’t want any musty odors transferring onto your linens anyway.RELATED: The Best Closet Organization IdeasAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below9Photos and ArtGary Yeowell//Getty ImagesSince most physical photos or pieces of artwork are one of a kind, you’ll want to find a safe space for them. Like paper, photos and other artwork are susceptible to damage from pests and mildew.10All Foodcemagraphics//Getty ImagesAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below11Oily RagsSaevichMikalai//Getty ImagesRefrain from leaving any oily rags in the garage — they could catch fire, according to DiClerico. “After working on the car in the garage or doing a DIY project that involves an oil-based wood finish, you might be tempted to leave behind a pile of oily rags. Don’t! The oxidation process can result in temperatures that are high enough for the oil to spontaneously combust, causing the risk of serious fire,” he says. 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. Watch Next Advertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading BelowAdvertisement – Continue Reading Below More

A new mattress topper is a great way to upgrade your bed — but there’s nothing worse than the feel of it shifting and sliding with every movement. It’s frustrating, uncomfortable and likely to disrupt your much-needed sleep. But why do mattress toppers slide, and how can you stop it from happening? I asked our bedding experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab for their take. Turns out, investing in the best mattress topper for your mattress is important. The lab tested 54 different mattress toppers — one of the considerations being how well the topper stayed in place. They evaluated materials, looked for anti-slip bottoms, focused on the presence of straps and more.”Slipping is the number one complaint from our consumer testers when it comes to mattress toppers,” says Grace Wu, product reviews analyst at the Textiles Lab.Why your mattress topper won’t stay in place:You don’t have a headboard or footboard. If your bed frame lacks a headboard or footboard, the mattress topper is more likely to slip or slide off the top or bottom of the bed. “Sometimes putting the bed against the wall can help,” says Wu. The topper lacks straps.Some mattress toppers have straps to keep it secure. Straps are wrapped around each corner of the mattress — some are adjustable, and others made from elastic to fit different mattress depths. “Many of the toppers that won in the Good Housekeeping Bedding Awards this year have corner straps and a few have textured undersides, which can help with friction,” says Wu.More on Top-Tested Mattress ToppersThe material is slippery. A lack of friction between your mattress topper and the mattress can cause the topper to slide as you toss and turn. “Generally, the smoother and silkier the material, the more it’s going to slide, due to the lack of friction,” says Wu. Materials like Tencel lyocell and rayon are known for their cooling effects, but they tend to feel very slick. “If the material itself is marketed as smooth, I’d look for textured surfaces — that’s a great way to get the benefits of the smooth material without as much sliding.”Your sheets aren’t tight.”Make sure your setup is as snug and secure as possible,” says Wu. Your sheets, mattress pad and mattress must all work together to guarantee a secure hold. To find the right fitted sheet, take a close look at the depth of your sheets compared to the overall height of your mattress with the topper. You’re tossing and turning.Sometimes, tossing and turning is inevitable, but if your mattress topper and sheets are as secure as possible, you’ll limit any effects. Shop Award-Winning Mattress Toppers:Nolah Mattress TopperTEMPUR-ToppersNow 20% OffThe Coop Retreat Mattress TopperAlyssa 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

With more than 600 warehouses in the U.S. and $250 billion in sales last year, chances are you or someone you know is an avid Costco shopper. I’ve been a member for years and visit my local warehouse about every other month for items like kids’ snacks, produce, dishwasher detergent, organizing products and other home staples. In addition to saving on food and household essentials, I’m always thrilled that a Costco run results in less grocery shopping for weeks at a time. But the downside? Once I’m home with a trunk full of stuff, sometimes it feels like I’m playing a game of Jenga, trying to fit it all into our small pantry or garage. That’s why when I heard about the “Costco closet” trend, my interest was piqued. Related StoryWhat is a Costco closet? ​A “Costco closet” refers to a storage space dedicated to accommodate bulk purchases, particularly from warehouse retailers like Sam’s Club and Costco. This type of closet typically features lots of shelving and deeper storage to easily store and display large quantities of items. ​Shira Gill, organizing expert and author of LifeStyled, said the rise of Costco closets is about being proactive. Homeowners want to be prepared in case disaster strikes: “In recent years, the drive to maximize storage space has taken on an even more urgent tone. With the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the increasing frequency of climate-related events, and a growing emphasis on emergency preparedness, many people are rethinking how they organize their homes. The Costco closet trend isn’t just about efficient storage on a budget — it’s also a practical strategy for safeguarding families by keeping essential food and emergency supplies within reach.”Professional organizer Stephanie Treantos of Lemonaid Solutions agrees, noting that this closet trend is in part due to the uncertainty of the economy. “It gives people a sense of security,” Treantos explains. “My clients joke about having their ‘Doomsday Closet,’ but with everything going on, it’s nice to know that if the world were to shut down again, they have extra things on hand to get them through any period of time.”How to create your own Costco closet A realtor once introduced Good Housekeeping Editor-in-Chief Jane Francisco to the Costco closet concept. While touring homes in the New York City area, one special property featured the perfect example, which she describes in her recent newsletter, GH Jane: From Lab to Life (sign up for the newsletter here!): “In the finished basement, there was a walk-in pantry-sized closet with deep, tall shelves. But this wasn’t just any closet — it was STOCKED. We’re talking a year’s supply of paper towels, toilet paper, tissues, giant bottles of mayo, tuna cans, ketchup, cereal boxes and laundry detergent… basically everything you’d need if the apocalypse hit tomorrow.”She didn’t buy the property, but she loved the idea so much that she recreated the Costco closet in the house she did buy. She created a bulk medicine cabinet with an IKEA Billy bookcase and some More

Sometimes, you just don’t have the space you need for a large, lavish garden. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy fresh plants from your yard come spring.Square foot gardens are perfect for smaller yards — you can plant herbs, fruits and vegetables side by side, getting the absolute most out of your space. While there are some rules you should follow when building a square foot garden, they’re relatively simple to manage. “Once established, square foot gardens tend to require less weeding and watering. By planting everything close together, plants will help retain more moisture and crowd out weeds,” says Teri Valenzuela, natural science manager at Sunday.Whether you’ve never heard of square foot gardening or are already in the process of building one, we’ve created an expert guide that’s easy to follow.What Is a Square Foot Garden? Photo by Cathy Scola//Getty ImagesSquare foot gardening was invented by backyard gardener, retired engineer and efficiency expert Mel Bartholomew. Typically set up in a small garden bed divided into 1-foot squares, they make for a neat and efficient backyard kitchen garden. The amount of seeds per square depends on the size of the plant, and you can plant different veggies or herbs in each one. The Pros and Cons of Square Foot GardeningIf you’ve always wanted to grow your own veggies but could never imagine how that would look in your current space, square foot gardening might just be the perfect solution. “The benefit to square foot gardening is really the organization of it all. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by a garden when plants are starting to fill in and really take over a space, but having a proper map laid out before planting will help you know that you’ve allocated a good amount of room so each plant gets the room it needs to thrive,” says gardening pro Brian Brigantti of Red Leaf Ranch. vgajic//Getty ImagesOther benefits include:High yields: More seeds in a smaller space = more veggies to enjoy! It’s that simple. A quick start: Setting up one raised bed is a lot simpler than planning a whole garden. There’s only one grid to focus on, and you can place it anywhere. Less maintenance: Once you’ve arranged your square foot garden, you’ll only have to complete a few tasks per day to keep your plants alive and thriving. However, you’ll want to consider:Expensive set up: Raised beds can be expensive to set up, especially considering the soil you might have to buy. However, if you’re able to stick with the soil you already have on the ground, you could save some money. Cramped beds: Lots of seeds in one place could lead to a cramped garden bed. Be sure to experiment with the amount of seeds you plant and be ready to adapt based on your results. Depth: Some gardeners find that a 6-inch depth doesn’t cut it. If you’re able to go deeper, try a 12-inch base instead so your roots have room to grow. How to Set up a Square Foot GardenBefore you plan out which plants to grow in your square foot garden, it’s important to consider your set up. Make sure to choose a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day, according to Brigantti.duckycards//Getty Images”Set up a 4×4 foot raised bed, divide it into 1-foot squares and fill it with good-quality raised bed soil. Plan each plant’s grid placement according to its mature size, spacing and sunlight direction. Then, remember to water, feed and weed throughout its establishment period and into the growing season,” says Valenzuela.Related StoryWhen dividing your garden bed into 16 squares, make sure each one is at least six inches deep for the best results. It’s also important to pick the best soil. “The key to good garden soil is to keep it light, well-draining and rich in nutrients. You want to fill your bed very well — I usually leave 2-3 inches off the top to add a layer of mulch. For veggies, I’d recommend straw or hay. Mulch will help retain moisture within your soil,” says Brigantti. Then comes the fun part — planting your favorite fruits and veggies! Before you do that, you’ll want to get a better understanding of all the guidelines and best practices. The Rules of Square Foot Gardening Your square foot gardening cheat code is 1-4-9-16. Here’s what that means:One extra-large plant per 1-foot squareFour large plants per 1-foot squareNine medium plants per 1-foot square 16 small plants per 1-foot squareGetty ImagesSo what types of veggies and herbs are considered extra large and which are considered small? Valenzuela and Brigantti give a few examples of each size. XL: Tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplants, cauliflower, cabbageL: Lettuce, Swiss chard, corn, potatoesM: Beets, spinach, carrots, beansS: Chives, radishesTip: It’s worth noting that these are loose suggestions. “Herbs and peppers are usually one plant or two per square. Some prefer one, others prefer two — it’s up to you (and your plant!),” says Valenzuela. Do your research and read over the seed packets before you plant. The success of your square foot garden will also depend on where you place each of these plants within the raised bed.”Plant based on the direction of sunlight and mature plant height. Place taller plants, like tomatoes, toward the back or northern side so they don’t cast shade on the rest, medium-height plants in the middle and smaller or flowering plants at the front and along the edges,” says Valenzuela.What to Plant in a Square Foot GardenWhen deciding what to plant in your square foot garden, consider what fruits, veggies and herbs you and your family enjoy most. Whether you make your own tomato sauce, serve broccoli alongside dinner or simply want to try growing something new, your square foot garden is a great place to start. Here are some expert-recommended choices:Leafy greensEggplantHerbsTomatoesPeppersBeansBroccoliMarigoldsCarrotsCauliflower Onions”The best types of plants for square foot gardening would be the more compact, non-vining plants, as they’ll stay relatively true to their spacing requirements. Vining plants can get unruly very quickly and make it difficult to manage the proper spacing you had in mind with the grid you put in place,” says Brigantti. Related StoriesLaura 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