Home Ideas

Vacuuming is simple enough — plug it in, turn it on and go. However, a little extra know-how can help you avoid faux pas that can harm not only your efficiency but also your machine over time. If your floors still feel dusty after a cleaning session or your vacuum doesn’t seem to be working as well as it used to, you might be making one (or more) of these common vacuuming mistakes.1. Using the Wrong Attachment (or Not Using Them at All)Those extra attachments that come with your vacuum serve specific purposes. A soft brush attachment is perfect for dusting hard surfaces like shelves and baseboards, but it’s not meant for upholstery or fabric. In these instances, you’re better off using a motorized or upholstery brush. For bare floors and low loop carpets, use straight suction, not a rotating brush, which can scatter dirt or damage delicate rugs.2. Not Emptying the Bin or Bag EnoughA full bin or bag reduces your vacuum’s efficiency and can even lead to overheating. Make it a habit to empty bagless models after each use. For bagged vacuums, replace bags when the current one is about three-quarters full. 3. Neglecting the FilterVacuum filters trap fine dust and allergens, but they need regular cleaning or replacement, depending on whether they’re washable or not. A dirty filter reduces airflow and suction and can even blow dust back into the air. If the filter shows signs of wear, or if it’s very dirty or torn, it’s time to replace it. Check your manual for specifics on how often to clean or replace it, but in general, most filters need attention every six months, depending on usage. Valeriia Mitriakova//Getty Images4. Using the Wrong Height or Suction SettingsMost vacuums let you adjust the height and suction power to more efficiently clean different surfaces — so be sure to use them. A vacuum set too low won’t maneuver easily on thick carpet and can even damage the carpet fibers. Conversely, if you use a setting that’s too high on hardwood, it might miss dirt and debris. 5. Only Vacuuming in One DirectionIf you only vacuum in a single direction, especially on carpets, you could leave embedded dirt behind. For a deeper clean, go over these areas in multiple directions to lift and loosen dirt that’s trapped deep in carpet fibers.6. Vacuuming Floors Before Cleaning Higher SurfacesStart high, finish low. Dust and debris fall as you clean counters, furniture, shelving, ceiling fans and any other higher surfaces that require dusting. If you vacuum your floors first, chances are you’ll end up vacuuming twice. 7. Relying Solely on a Robot VacuumRobot vacuums are handy for touch-ups between deep cleans, but they’re not a full replacement for a traditional vacuum. They can’t tackle spots like stairs and may miss corners or edges. If you want to extend the length of time in between more thorough cleanings, we recommend sending a robot vac out several times a week to collect dust and pet hair, lint and surface dirt on your floors before it has a chance to build up or get ground in.coffeekai//Getty Images8. Vacuuming Up Larger DebrisThere’s a distinction between your average household vacuum and a shop vac, and the former shouldn’t be used as the latter to pick up hard objects like coins, paper clips and small toys. These items can get lodged in hoses, and even if they eventually make their way into the bag or bin, can cause damage to the motor. Always remember to scan the floor for larger objects before you start vacuuming.9. Ignoring a Clogged Brush RollYour brush roll needs regular attention — especially if you have pets or family members with long hair — since hair and string can wrap around the brush, restricting its movement and putting extra strain on the motor. Most vacuums have a brush roll that you can easily remove for more thorough cleaning. Simply turn off the appliance, unplug it, and unwind or snip away any tangles. 10. Being Too Rough With the CordYanking the power cord from the outlet or letting it whip back into the vacuum can damage both the plug and the retracting mechanism. Always gently remove the plug and hold the cord in your hand as you press to wind it back onto the reel.Brigitt 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

Hi, I’m Melissa — creative director at Good Housekeeping, general adult, and newly obsessed with actually understanding how things work.There are a million little things I feel like I should already know.How to wire speakers.How to reseal windows.How to decode a blinking router, pick the right pan, or figure out why my bathroom smells like the end of the world.Basic stuff. Grown-up stuff. But somehow I missed the manual.And if you’ve ever stared at a tangle of wires and thought, “I should already know this” — you’re not alone.Most of us were never taught these things. Not at school. Not at home. You hit a certain age and suddenly you’re expected to just know how to take care of a house, a body, a bank account — and you either fake it or pay someone who sounds confident enough.For years, I outsourced that feeling. Hired help. Avoided the learning curve. Told myself I wasn’t “technical” or “wired that way.”But recently, something changed.I started using AI — not just to learn, but to save real money.What should’ve cost me $500 ended up costing nothing but a few smart questions, a wire stripper, and some stubborn curiosity.Not in a gimmicky, robot-bestie way — more like texting a friend who actually knows what they’re doing (and doesn’t make you feel dumb for asking). My current go-tos are ChatGPT and Claude. They’re free, visual (you can upload photos now), and patient enough to walk me through questions I used to be too embarrassed to ask out loud.Don’t get me wrong, there’s a time and place for professionals, and I totally value their expertise. If I have a major plumbing problem or a complicated construction project, no amount of artificial intelligence will make me qualified to do it. But at some point, we all started defaulting to outsourcing things we could pretty easily learn ourselves. And to be honest, I’m tired of paying strangers to explain things to me, I still won’t understandCase in point: I moved into a new place and discovered a morass of speakers, wires and unidentifiable electrical-looking things. Past me would have absolutely paid someone to figure it all out. But optimized me thought: Why not see if AI could teach me how to do it?The Speaker Situation That Nearly Broke Me Here’s what I discovered in my new apartment: Five ceiling speakers (mystery wires, no labels)Two outdoor speakers (who knew?)A closet AV panel with enough loose cables to power a small countryTHIS IS HOW IT STARTED: I had no idea what these were or how they were wired, but I uploaded this photo and asked AIThis was the kind of thing I used to hand off immediately. Call a professional, pretend to understand, hand over my credit card — and fade into the wallpaper like a Victorian wife.But this time, I tried something different. I uploaded a photo of the wires and asked AI: “Can I connect these to a sound system?”That one question changed everything. How AI Walked Me Through It I dumped every question into AI:Where do these wires go?Do I need an amplifier?What the hell is a banana plug?Why does my TV only have one HDMI ARC port? That seems rude.How do I connect a Sonos Amp to all of this without starting an electrical fire?AI — like the overachiever who always does the group project — answered everything instantly. No tech background required. No fear of messing it up. Just clear, step-by-step answers that made me feel like I could actually do this — without breaking anything. ✔ Yes, you need an amp ✔ Yes, you need banana plugs ✔ Yes, you can group multiple speakers into a zone It felt like having a patient kindergarten teacher in my pocket — calm, clear, and never condescending. One who doesn’t make you feel dumb for not knowing the difference between a port and a plug — and genuinely wants you to learn.That’s what shifted it for me. This wasn’t about getting it done anymore. It was about finally understanding how the thing worked. Reality Check: I Still Asked a Real HumanAs I worked with AI, I mostly trusted it — but I’m not reckless. Before risking a speaker fire (or my apartment), I ran the plan past Alec Scherma — our GH Home Tech expert and, importantly, a real human.I braced for the eye-roll. Instead, he looked over my AI-sourced game plan and said:“Honestly? This looks super solid. You’re not wiring into an electrical panel — worst case, you short the speakers. You’re not gonna blow anything up.”Which, to me, felt like a high-five.He also pointed out that asking AI about safety right up front was smart — and said he might start doing the same: snapping photos and letting AI walk him through the basics.If that’s not a win, I don’t know what is.ASK FOR HELP: This was the moment I panicked. AI gave me a diagram, fixed my confusion, and rerouted me completely.Supplies AI Made Me Buy:✔ Sonos amp – The expensive brain of this whole operation that I refused to admit I needed until AI insisted. ✔ Banana plugs – So I wouldn’t have to shove raw speaker wire into the amp. ✔ Speaker wire – AI said I’d need extra. AI was right. ✔ Wire stripper – Not as scary as it sounds, but completely essential.What Actually Happened I bought the parts AI suggested. I followed the steps. I stripped wires. I learned what a speaker selector was (basically a power strip for audio), and figured out what to return. But the real win? I trusted myself to learn something new — and pulled it off. And not just the what, but the how.I didn’t skip the scary part. I didn’t outsource my curiosity. When I finally hit play on The Last of Us Season 2, and the haunting theme echoed through every speaker, I felt like I’d unlocked a new level of adulthood.​So Why Am I Telling You This?Because this story isn’t really about speakers. It’s about access — to information, to learning, to self-trust.Tools like ChatGPT won’t make you an expert overnight. But they will help you learn the things you never got to — no tech skills required, no risk of blowing anything up.It’s low-stakes, high-reward learning. On your terms. At your pace.So if you’ve ever felt behind — in confidence, in life, in basic know-how — this might be exactly where to start.It was for me.Next up? I’m making it plan my garden.Related StoriesMelissa leads the creative vision at Good Housekeeping, where she and her team concept, design, and produce everything from standout covers and original video to scroll-stopping social, styling, and shoots that set the tone for the brand. She works alongside scientists at the iconic Good Housekeeping Institute to bring lab research to life — turning product testing into stories readers can trust. With over 15 years in media, she brings creative strategy to every project and leads a wildly talented team of designers, producers, stylists, and photographers who basically own the holidays. She believes the best creative direction starts with curiosity — and just the right amount of chaos. (edited)  More

While I dread the idea of decluttering, once I start, I tend to enjoy it. I love the satisfaction of filling up bags upon bags to donate, reclaiming the precious closet space I must use strategically in order to get by in my small apartment. Still, finding the time — and the motivation — to begin the decluttering process can be challenging, at least for me. Dedicating hours at a time just doesn’t work for my schedule. I prefer to work in bursts, but even then, I sometimes get distracted and move onto the next thing on my to-do list. When I first learned about the 10-10 decluttering method, it seemed like an innovative approach to organization, giving people a way to hold themselves accountable while still offering the much-needed flexibility most need to get the job done. I decided to give the method a try and declutter my bathroom, closet and kitchen cabinets. What is the 10-10 decluttering method?The 10-10 decluttering method is pretty simple — choose an area, set a timer for 10 minutes and get rid of 10 items in that space. “If you notice other items you don’t need, remove them as well, but make sure to stick to the 10-minute timeframe,” says professional organizer Tonia Tomlin of Sorted Out.My 10-10 decluttering experienceI decided to try the 10-10 decluttering method in three separate areas, spending 30 minutes in total over the course of a couple days. ClosetI have been meaning to tackle organizing my closet from top to bottom. With clothes that no longer fit properly and worn-out shoes taking up valuable space, I knew this area was a priority. I set my timer and go to work sorting through everything. I have to say: Surprisingly, I actually loved the thrill of being timed. It added a level of excitement to the process that I don’t typically experience while decluttering. It also made me realize how much I can really accomplish in only 10 minutes. I was able to sort through all my sweaters, pants and shoes before the timer ran out, rounding up well over 10 items. Bathroom Although I organize the storage under my bathroom sink pretty often, it always seems to get out of control with new items. Once the 10 minutes were up, I found myself with a solid stash of expired or close-to-empty skincare products and toiletries to throw away, plus a few unused beauty products to give friends and family.Related StoryKitchenSomehow, I always have more cups than I remember buying — and more canned goods and snacks. Since my kitchen is pretty small to begin with, I gave myself the whole space to work with. One thing I noticed in the 10 minutes of decluttering was the number of canned goods and sauces in my cabinet. Instead of buying those goods every time I go grocery shopping, I plan to be more mindful and only purchase what I need. This way, I’ll save space in my kitchen cabinets and won’t have to worry about getting rid of expired goods. I also compiled a few mugs I haven’t used in a while to donate or repurpose around the house, and I was even able to reorganize my cabinets before the time was up. Laura MillarRelated Story The bottom line Before starting the challenge, I was nervous I wasn’t going to be able to get up to 10 items in 10 minutes in each space, but by the end, I was surprised by how much I had actually decluttered in just 30 minutes. The 10-10 decluttering strategy is helpful for anyone needing a bit of extra motivation and flexibility to get organized. Typically, I’d dedicate a full day to go through all areas of my apartment — and I always dreaded it. Now, I don’t think I’ll ever use that approach again. Whether or not I continue to time myself moving forward, this strategy made me realize I only need a few minutes to make major decluttering progress, and I consider that a win. Declutter With UsLaura 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

Hummingbirds are a fan favorite among birdwatchers, and for good reason — they’re playful, energetic and tiny (which makes them even cuter). While plenty of gardeners actually tailor their flower choices to attract hummingbirds, it’s helpful to know when exactly these vibrant creatures will make their way towards your geographic area so you can catch a glimpse. Typically, hummingbirds spend the winter in Central America or Mexico before migrating north to the United States. Using sighting reports from their viewers throughout the migration season, Hummingbird Central has created an interactive map that details their current location.Hummingbird CentralHummingbird Central’s interactive map as of April 17, 2025.Check in daily to keep track of hummingbirds in your region, and once they’re nearby, try a few easy hacks to attract them, whether it’s incorporating a bird bath or hanging a sugar-water feeder in the yard. If you’re a birdwatching expert, the site even tracks sightings of different species of hummingbirds so you know exactly which type to look out for. From ruby-throated to black-chinned hummingbirds, the map has a colored icon for each type. Just use the key to identify which birds are in your area. When you finally spot a hummingbird, you can submit your sighting to Hummingbird Central, contributing to the accuracy of the map. At the end of the 2024 migration season, the site released a video detailing the migration journey for the year. Although it’s based on last year’s sightings, the animation provides a helpful visualization of where hummingbirds might be in future weeks or months in the 2025 season so you know when to expect these spring visitors.Prepare for SpringLaura 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

Muddy soccer uniforms, food-stained tablecloths, your favorite white tee that’s turned an unfortunate shade of gray over time — sometimes a regular wash just doesn’t cut it. But there’s an often-overlooked setting on many of the best washing machines that could be the ticket to cleaner clothes with less time and effort on your part: the presoak cycle. What is the presoak cycle?The presoak cycle is exactly what it sounds like: a special setting that soaks your laundry in water before the main wash begins. You’ll want to use this when dealing with tough stains and heavily soiled items like sports’ uniforms covered in grass or mud, tablecloths and napkins with dried-on food stains, grayed-out whites or dingy towels.While the specifics of each machine may be a little bit different, the presoak cycle is, essentially, a soak cycle with some agitation to help loosen dirt and grime. Typically, you also add detergent or a special presoak solution to the mix, which helps break down more stubborn stains as the dirty items tumble and soak in the sudsy water.pkazmercyk//Getty ImagesDepending on your washer, the presoak cycle typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, though some models may offer longer presoak options. Once the presoak cycle is complete, the machine usually drains the dirty water, sometimes spins briefly and then moves right into the regular wash cycle, so you don’t have to lift a finger between cycles. Do all washing machines have a presoak cycle?Many newer washing machines are equipped with a presoak or soak setting, though the name and exact function can vary. Some machines even allow for more customization, letting you choose how long you want to soak your laundry; others are more fixed.If you’re not sure whether your machine has this feature, check the user manual or look through the cycle options on the appliance’s control panel. Look for names on your machine like soak, presoak, prewash, stain treat, deep clean and power soak. The user manual can also guide you through specifics like where to put pre-soak product and how much to use.No matter what it’s called and how exactly it works, the presoak cycle is a low-lifts extra step that can make a big difference in how clean your clothes look when you pull them out of the machine. More From Our Cleaning LabBrigitt 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

Decluttering can feel overwhelming and intimidating, but following a system that works can make the process manageable. As someone who lives in a one-bedroom apartment, I am constantly re-evaluating my space to avoid clutter. On any given day, I might be taking stock of my food storage containers, book collection or beauty products to make sure they’re not getting out of control. I’ve put many decluttering methods to the test over the years, too. So when I heard about the four-box decluttering method from a pro organizer, I just had to try it. Related StoryWhat is the four-box decluttering method?The four-box decluttering method is a simple approach that involves labeling four boxes and making quick decisions about the fate of your belongings. Each item should be evaluated individually and placed into one of these four boxes:”Keep” Box: Hold onto items that are functional, frequently used or hold deep sentimental value.”Trash” Box: Compile items that are broken beyond repair or have no value to other people, such as expired items, outdated technology and old paperwork.”Donate” Box: Some items — think books, mugs or clothing — that you don’t need or rarely use might be valuable to someone else. Items that are in good condition, or have never been used, can be donated to a local thrift shop or charity.”Storage” Box: Whether you’re not ready to get rid of it or the item’s in the wrong place (for example, a kitchen tool on your desk), this box consists of items that need to be re-homed. It could be a simple relocation, or it could mean putting seasonal or infrequently used items into storage.Alyssa GautieriI didn’t have cardboard boxes at home that were similar in size, so I used a few wicker bins. I used a cardboard box for donations, so I could easily pack it up for transport.How to follow the four-box decluttering method:It’s a practical technique to put into practice, especially if you live in a small apartment. “The beauty of the four-box method is that it provides structure and quick decision-making, which can reduce emotional overwhelm,” says Chas Greener, organization expert and creator of Chas’ Crazy Creations. “By limiting options, it helps people move through spaces efficiently without getting stuck in perfectionism or sentimentality.”✔️ Start with one space. Choose one drawer, shelf or section of a room. I went with my bedroom dresser first, then moved onto under my bed. “Small wins build momentum and make the process feel less overwhelming,” says Greener.✔️ Set a timer. I was able to accomplish a lot — decluttering the top of my credenza dresser and its two cabinets — in a short amount of time. “Giving yourself 15 to 30 minutes keeps you focused and prevents burnout,” Greener says.✔️ Be honest with yourself. If you haven’t used or loved an item in the past year, it may be time to donate or toss it.✔️ Label the boxes clearly. I used a mix of cardboard and reusable baskets, so I labeled them with sticky notes. The labels kept falling off, so I’d recommend investing in basket labels or writing in permanent marker directly onto cardboard.✔️ Don’t leave the filled boxes laying around. Once you’ve placed everything into boxes, the work isn’t done. Make sure to take the donate and trash boxes out of the house — don’t let them linger. Storage Bins, Set of 4Labels for Storage BinsMy thoughts on the method:Overall, the four-box decluttering method made the process of decluttering my bedroom simple and stress-free. The process is easy to implement, helped me stay on track and make quick decisions about my belongings. I was able to declutter my bedroom dresser within 15 minutes, and found a lot more items to toss or donate than expected. I had products I rarely use, but didn’t want to get rid of — like brand new candles and an essential oil diffuser — taking up valuable surface space. I even had a bin full of random paperwork and random items I’d never given a permanent home. Following a method like this almost turns decluttering into a game or challenge — can I fill each basket? I found the process to feel more engaging when I had a clear goal and labeled bins in front of me. There’s no room for “maybes,” because every item has to fit into one of the four categories.The most challenging part was finding four boxes of equal size. Do most people have a slew of cardboard boxes lying around? I definitely didn’t. If this process is something you want to follow over and over again, you can clear out and then reuse the boxes — but where are they stored in the interim? I think foldable bins might be the most practical solution, so you can fold and tuck them away in between declutter sessions. More Ways to Declutter Your Home Alyssa 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

Once upon a time, skirted furniture was relegated to a design detail you might see in your grandma’s house. (You know, right next to the vintage floral sofa wrapped in plastic.) Though upholstered pieces were a symbol of wealth back in the Middle Ages—well-to-do dwellers could collect textiles from their adventures, which was a lot easy to transport than hefty wooden furniture—it has since run the risk of appearing old-school and outdated. Well…until now, that is. Lately, we’ve been seeing skirted furniture everywhere: A fringed trim along the base of a bed frame, slipcovered sofas that masquerade wooden legs, and some people have even been concealing the contents of their open storage with a fabric curtain. Skirted touches are one of the latest design trends, and for Cate Gutter, this comeback taps into our desire for “softness and longing.” Design: Mary Patton; Photo: Molly Culver”There’s something romantic and rooted about a good tailored or ruffled skirt,” the North Carolina-based designer explains. “It feels familiar and fresh at the same time.” Meanwhile, other designers say the rise of skirted furniture is a great way to add depth to an interior—not to mention it brings some visual intrigue to a room that has too many exposed legs. “It’s an easy, low-commitment way to add a little personality,” adds Mary Patton, who runs her eponymous design firm in Houston. “Whether it’s a punch of color, a fun pattern or just a clever way to conceal storage and outdated plumbing.” Unlike the frilly furniture you might spot in your grandmother’s living room, today’s pieces feel more refined, less ruffled. For Atlanta designer Liz Williams, the key to keeping skirted furniture current lies in what she calls dressmaker details. “Tailored skirts with crisp pleats feel fresh,” she says. “Any details like contrast piping can really elevate the look.” Design: CWG Design; Photo: Baxter MillerGutter agrees and notes certain materials will make skirted furniture feel fresher. “Crisp linens, stripes or even solid velvets with clean pleats or box-style skirts,” she shares. “Those details make all the difference.” While you’re at it, you’ll also want to make sure your skirted finish is hemmed to graze the floor. “Not too short, not pooling on the floor,” Gutter adds. “It should feel intentional and tailored.” But don’t write off this trend as a frilly, fleeting fad: Designers insist that, with the right know-how, skirted furniture can hold up nicely. For starters, look for pieces that will blend seamlessly with your space. Ultra-upholstered decor might fit nicely in traditional or eclectic homes, but Williams says they can work in more modern rooms, too. “It’s all about balance,” she says. “Pairing skirts with clean-lined, leggy pieces prevents things from feeling too heavy.”Design: Barrett Oswald; Photo: Tim LenzRooms with too much drapey furniture will read outdated, so you’ll always want to add a few skirt-less pieces to your setup. In fact, Williams says you can strike a healthy mix by adding a skirt to some unexpected items. “Don’t overlook skirted tables,” she shares. “They present a great opportunity to showcase fabric and texture. They can be both practical, with hidden storage underneath, and pretty.” Another thing to switch up: Patterns. Skirted furniture sets of yesteryear were matchy-matchy, but a healthy mix of solids, stripes or florals can give a room a collected edge.Once your strike that balance between upholstered and leggy pieces, offset your skirted furniture with modern touches. While Gutter says modern lighting or bold artwork are fair play, New York designer Barrett Oswald recommends offsetting frilly finds with some texture. “Accents like a sleek leather piece or a wooden element adds both purpose and contrast, creating a harmonious and thoughtfully curated look,” she says. Skirted, stylish and rife with staying power? Consider us sold.Related StoriesKelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, and ELLE Decor, among others. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos. More

Sustainable gardening isn’t just a gardening trend — it’s a full-blown movement rooted in concerns about climate change, personal health and economic uncertainty. Whether you’re motivated by a desire to reduce your carbon footprint, save money on groceries or support pollinators in your backyard, there’s never been a better time to dig into sustainable gardening. This cultural shift reflects a desire for greater control over personal health and environmental impact. There’s a growing public awareness of how traditional gardening practices may not be the best practice. “More people are recognizing the direct link between unsustainable gardening practices and habitat loss, as well as the impact on their own health,” says Mary Phillips, head of native plant habitat strategy and certifications at the National Wildlife Federation. Climate change and food security worries have only accelerated the push toward more thoughtful gardening. What is sustainable gardening?Sustainable gardening takes an eco-friendly approach to minimize environmental impact. The motive is protect and enhance self-sustaining ecosystems that require minimal resources. Sustainable gardening can take many forms — shaped by your climate, space and goals — but several core practices tend to stand out:1. Water conservationReducing water waste is a top priority. Gardeners are increasingly relying on drip irrigation systems for efficient watering and rainwater harvesting to make use of natural rainfall. They’re also growing drought-tolerant native plants that thrive with less water. 2. Building healthy soilA thriving garden starts with the soil. Sustainable gardeners focus on composting to recycle nutrients back into the ground. They use organic fertilizers for chemical-free nourishment, plus low-till or no-dig methods to protect soil structure and microbial life. 3. Supporting pollinatorsJanJBrand//Getty ImagesCreating pollinator-friendly spaces — even on balconies or in small containers — is more common than ever. “People realize that companion pollinator plants can help a food garden be more abundant,” says Phillips. Gardeners plant native flowers that attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, and install habitat features like bee hotels and shallow water dishes. 4. Natural pest managementInstead of relying on synthetic sprays, many gardeners practice companion planting to deter pests naturally and introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.5. Creative upcyclingEco-conscious gardening doesn’t have to be expensive. Many gardeners repurpose containers for planters and build raised garden beds from salvaged materials. How to start a sustainable garden:Starting a more eco-friendly garden doesn’t require a full overhaul. You don’t even need a large yard. “We are fielding more questions about how to support pollinators and gardens for wildlife in limited spaces, such as balconies, rooftops and small yards,” says Phillips. Here are a few simple tips from Phillips to get started:✔️ Ditch the chemicals. Avoid synthetic pesticides and fertilizers to protect soil, water and biodiversity.✔️ Shrink your lawn. Turfgrass offers little benefit to wildlife and demands lots of water and upkeep. Replace sections with native groundcovers or pollinator plants.✔️ Plant native. Native plants require less maintenance and provide vital food and shelter for local wildlife. Use the Native Plant Finder and enter your zip code to get started.✔️ Don’t forget about container gardening. Every square foot counts. “Even a few thoughtfully planted containers can provide vital food sources and habitats for beneficial insects, birds and other small wildlife,” says Phillips. kupicoo//Getty ImagesWhy is sustainable gardening becoming more popular?When we’re feeling stressed, many of us turn to nature — and we’re not alone in that instinct. Throughout history, people have sought comfort and healing in the natural world. The most recent surge in gardening happened during the pandemic, and for good reason: Gardening has the power to boost both our health and overall well-being. With food prices on the rise, more people are growing their own herbs, vegetables and fruits. But it’s not just about the grocery bill — it’s about empowerment. As food safety and health become top of mind, sustainable gardening offers a hands-on solution. It allows gardeners to avoid harmful chemicals, grow nutrient-rich food and cultivate biodiversity. Best of all, it’s a low-impact way to get a mental health boost by reconnecting people with nature. “In a time of stress and uncertainty, gardening provides a grounding experience and a sense of control,” Phillips notes. The bonus? Homegrown produce is fresh, affordable and better for the planet.Expert Gardening AdviceDebbie 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. More