If you're lucky enough to have an outdoor space then you'll already know that it doesn't take long before it can get completely out of control. Maintaining a garden is a constant task, and you have to have the right tools for the job. That doesn't automatically mean spending a fortune, though.

For this article I've pulled together 12 versatile tools that are just the thing for looking after your yard — and the best bit is, all of these come in at under $100, with prices starting at less than $20.

There's basics like good gardening gloves, buckets and watering cans, as well as bigger items like a lawn mower. These will help you whip your space into shape in no time and keep it looking great all year long.

I just spent the most glorious week at the Jersey Shore! The weather couldn't have been more beautiful, and even better, I stocked up on all my beach essentials beforehand — so I had everything I needed to relax and enjoy my vacation the right way.

It's no secret that lugging all your stuff to the beach or pool can be stressful. That's why having the right equipment and essentials is a necessity. If you've got a beach trip coming up, I highly recommend checking out all of the must-haves I used on my past trip to the shore.

From the sunscreen brand I'm currently addicted to and the beach reads I couldn't put down to roomy tote bags and comfy folding backpack chairs, these are the items that made my beach days so much easier and a lot more enjoyable.

Quick Links

• Amazon Bookstore: summer reads from $8
• COOLA SPF best-sellers: from $14
• Aecooly Portable Handheld Fan: was $29 now $24
• YETI Flip Chug Water Bottle (18 oz): now $32
• Brooklinen Beach Towel: was $69 now $59
• JBL Flip 5 Bluetooth Speaker: was $99 now $79
• Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair: now $79
• Bogg Bag: now $90
• YETI Camino Zip Tote: now $150

Beach Essentials

Shop more deals

I must confess, I’ve been a bit late to the game when it comes to embracing robot lawnmowers for hands-free lawn maintenance. And given that I write about home and gardening trends for a living, this might come as a surprise.

But despite my loyalty to the power and reliability of my corded model, the constant hassle of untangling extension cords and getting to outdoor power points was starting to wear thin. Which is exactly what convinced me to finally let a robot lawn mower loose in my own yard.

Similar to robot vacuum cleaners, I thoroughly enjoyed the perks and convenience of just putting my feet up and letting a robot do all the work for me. Plus, it saved me the manual labor and the time-consuming nature of the chore.

However, there is a crucial detail I overlooked that I wished I had considered before using a robot mower. What’s more, this is a common issue that many people don’t factor in – and one of the top signs your yard may not be suitable for a robot lawn mower.

Here’s what happened when I first tried a robot lawnmower.

Check your robot mower is suitable for your lawn

One common assumption I had was that all robot lawnmowers would be ideal for every outdoor space. However, as it turns out, this is the one crucial detail I overlooked for my own uneven terrain.

Unlike standard flat yards, my lawn has a few bumps and features a noticeable dip toward the lower end.

I have to admit, I was very impressed with the precise trim and mapping performance given by my Terramow V1000 in my small-to-medium-sized yard.

In addition, the compact mower was easy to set up and connect via the app, with intuitive controls and settings.

Plus, for a novice in the world of robot mowers, these user-friendly features were a much-welcome bonus.

However, despite the razor-sharp trim, I noticed the robot lagged once it reached the more challenging slopes of my lawn and a paved path — in which case it would often get a little stuck (despite having rear-wheel drive).

While it wasn’t a dealbreaker helping it along past that point, it did make me realize that not all yards are suitable for standard domestic robot lawnmowers.

Typically, robot lawnmowers can work on all types of (mostly-flat) lawns; however, you’ll likely need a more powerful model to tackle uneven or steep inclines with ease.

“Robotic mowers can work on a wide range of lawns, but not every yard is a perfect fit,” said Kevin Caleca, NA Robotic Product Manager at Husqvarna.

“Complex layouts with disconnected sections, stairs, or very narrow passages can require more planning or specialized setups.”

In fact, my experience with the Terramow V1000 is a stark contrast to when I put the remote-operated Mowrator S1 4WD Lawnmower through its paces a couple of years ago. Although it’s not fully automated, I found it to be a mighty powerhouse for my yard. It handled my tricky hills and steep gradients effortlessly, delivering truly impressive results.

In any case, I still preferred the hands-free convenience of the Terramow any day. Plus, I liked how it was user-friendly, had smart features, and a compact size — making it easier to store away.

So, whether you’re looking to upgrade your mower or simply want your weekends to be stress-free, be sure to evaluate your lawn’s dimensions and terrain before choosing a mower with enough muscle to navigate your lawn’s challenges.

For more top tips, check out buying a robot lawnmower? 5 things to consider before you get one.

More from Tom's Guide

• Segway Navimow i110 robot lawn mower review: Perfectly trimmed grass without lifting a finger
• I went hands-on with Roborock’s new RockMow Z1 robot mower — these 3 features are game-changers
• The Sunseeker X3 Plus robot lawnmower has been trimming my yard all summer - 3 things I like and 1 I don't

I spend as much time outdoors as I can during the summer, but over the last few years, a shift happened on my local trails and even in my own backyard. Milder winters and booming wildlife numbers have sent tick populations surging to record highs.

Like most people, I used to rely entirely on standard bug spray and a quick visual check after getting home. But after finding a tiny nymph tick crawling up my leg after a walk around the neighborhood, I realized skin checks alone aren't enough.

Now, my single best line of defense isn't an expensive chemical spray or staying locked indoors, it's a cheap, sticky lint roller I leave right by the front door.

How ticks find you (and why you won't feel them)

Ticks don't jump or fly; they sit on the tips of tall grass and low brush, waiting for a person or pet to brush past so they can cling on.

Once they hitch a ride on your clothes, they rarely bite right away. Instead, they can spend anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours crawling upward, seeking warm, dark spots like the back of your knees.

During the summer, the vast majority of tick-borne infections are caused by nymphs, immature ticks that are roughly the size of a poppy seed. Because they are so small, crawling nymphs are nearly impossible to feel on fabric and easy to miss with the naked eye.

The 10-second front-door hack

Before I even take off my shoes or step further than the front mat, I keep a high-tack lint roller sitting right by the door. I take ten seconds to thoroughly roll it over my socks, trousers, sleeves, and jacket before heading inside.

The sticky adhesive grabs those tiny, unattached nymphs right off the fabric long before they can crawl onto my skin.

If you've had your dog out with you, give them the exact same treatment at the threshold. Running the roller along their legs, belly, and back lifts away any hitchhikers hiding in their topcoat before they can track them onto your furniture or rugs.

Ticks love moisture and shade. Keeping lawn grass short, clearing leaf litter, and creating a 3-foot woodchip or gravel barrier between your lawn and wooded areas drastically reduces tick numbers near your home.

More from Tom's Guide

• How to avoid tick bites this summer — top tips from a pest expert on how to stay safe
• This tiny pest causes the biggest damage to your plants — here's how to stop thrips
• 5 mistakes you're making that turn your yard into a mosquito breeding ground

I don’t mind mowing my backyard; it’s small, level, and is more or less a rectangle.

My front yard is another story. Despite it being half the size, it’s on a hill — about 20 degrees — and in order to get to it, I have to carry a lawnmower up several steps. So it’s been with great relish that I’ve been able to test robot lawnmowers for the past few years. It’s certainly saved me time and aggravation.

But it hasn’t all been easy. There have been plenty of issues I’ve encountered during the setup process and while using robot lawnmowers that had me wondering if I should just go back to mowing my yard myself.

Having tested several models over the past five years ranging from $1,000 to more than $2,500 (and edited reviews of several others), there’s a few pieces of advice I’ve picked up that should help you make a more informed decision when buying and using your first robot lawnmower.

Know your yard

There’s no point in getting a robot lawnmower that’s overbuilt for your yard, and in fact, may work to your detriment — and your wallet.

Find out the square footage of your yard, and then find a robot lawnmower that fits those dimensions. If you get a mega-sized lawnmower but have a postage stamp for a yard, the larger mower may actually have trouble mapping everything properly.

In fact, I was testing the $2,500 Segway Navimow X4 — which to be sure is really cool — but ironically, it couldn't effectively get to all of my small yard. Segway replaced it with the $1,399 Navimow i215 LiDAR, which may not look like something out of a science fiction movie, but costs half as much, and is actually able to mow my whole lawn. (Stay tuned for my full review.)

Yes, there are some truly impressive mega-robots, like the Yarbo, but there’s no sense spending upwards of $2,000 for a lawnmower when something half the price will do.

At the same time, you’ll also want to take into account if your yard has any steep dropoffs or angles, and look for a robot lawnmower that can handle those inclines. There’s been a couple of lawnmowers that worked perfectly well in my backyard, but struggled on the incline in the front, digging divots into the ground.

Boundary wires are so three years ago

When robot lawnmowers first arrived, you had to install a boundary wire around your yard; the lawnmower would then randomly bounce around inside the border until everything was mowed, not unlike the original robot vacuums. It was a real pain, especially when the mower would accidentally run over the wire and slice it in two.

The newest models do away with all that. Using a combination of GPS, Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) and cameras, robot lawnmowers can now accurately map your yard without that time-consuming step. Now, the bot can autonomously map your lawn, or you can just drive it around the edges.

So, look for a robot lawnmower that uses RTK; it’ll cost a little more than the older boundary wire models, but this is definitely worth the added convenience. Plus, the newer models also have more advanced features like obstacle avoidance.

They’re not set-and-forget

As smart as robot lawnmowers have become, they’re still not all that intelligent. Even if they manage to do a good job of autonomously mapping your yard, you’ll still most likely have to tweak the maps they create to ensure they’re mowing everything properly, and not running over your prized petunias.

Case in point: My front yard is bisected by a walkway with a few landings and stairs, as well as a few dropoffs on the sides. Despite me manually mapping the yard each time, almost every robot lawnmower I’ve tested will manage to take a tumble down a step or two, or manage to get itself stuck on a ledge. Fortunately, all of the robot lawnmowing apps I’ve used let you tweak the boundaries fairly easily.

You’re still going to have to do some work around the edges

Sorry to say, but a robot lawnmower isn’t going to magically eliminate all your yardwork. While they’re getting pretty good at edging, I still have to go and use my string trimmer to touch up areas around the borders, as well as the strip of grass between the sidewalk and the street.

And, unless you get the aforementioned Yarbo and all its attachments, you’ll still need to rake the leaves from your yard in the fall (or you could opt to leave them in place).

Your neighbors are going to stare

While robot lawnmowers are fairly common in Europe, they’re still a novelty in the U.S., so every time my mower is out doing its rounds, passers-by almost always stop to watch it mowing. It becomes a bit of a conversation piece if I happen to be outside at the time, so it’s a good way to chat with your neighbors and get to know them better.

Do you own a robot lawnmower? If so, how long have you had it, and what sort of things have you experienced? Let me know in the comments.

More from Tom's Guide

• This gadget is like a Wii without the controllers — and my kid loves it
• It's friggin' hot! The 5 devices I'm using to keep my home (and my pets) cool this summer
• I tried this no-cost trick to keep squirrels from eating my peaches — and it's actually working!

Enjoying the summer? If you're hosting guests at an upcoming cookout or pool party, you'll want to make sure your living space is in good shape. Luckily, Home Depot is offering up to 50% off just about everything you need for a luxurious home refresh.

You can currently get up to 30% off power tools, and these savings on ACs and fans are essentials to keep cool. Want a new furniture set to add a place to chat and eat? There's up to 50% off select patio furniture too.

Alternatively, if you need to decorate your college dorm, Home Depot has tons of stylish college dorm finds.

I'm sharing the best Home Depot deals this weekend, so keep scrolling to check them out. For more, see our Home Depot promo codes coverage.

Quick Links (The Home Depot)

• shop all Home Depot deals
• Bathroom upgrades: up to 40% off
• Smart home: up to 40% off
• Patio furniture: up to 50% off
• Outdoor grills: deals from $99

Quick Links (Other Retailers)

• YETI: deals from $17 @ Amazon
• Adidas: deals from $6 @ Amazon
• Amazon: up to 50% off Sony, Blink, Apple
• Skechers: deals from $16 @ Amazon
• REI: 50% off Arc'teryx, Patagonia, more @ REI
• Crate & Barrel: up to 60% off home decor
• Ninja: appliances from $69 @ Amazon
• Nectar mattresses: up to 50% off @ Nectar
• We Made Too Much: top picks from $9 @ Lululemon

Editor's Choice

Outdoor decor

Outdoor cooking

Fans and ACs

Dorm room

Summer is when jade plants either thrive or struggle. The intense heat, longer days, and seasonal changes stress plants differently than other times of year. If your jade is suddenly dropping leaves, the cause is likely tied to summer conditions.

Jade plants are resilient succulents that can live for decades, but they communicate distress through leaf drop. Once you identify what's wrong, the fix is usually simple.

Here's how to diagnose the problem and get your jade back to healthy growth before fall arrives.

More from Tom's Guide

• Yellow Monstera leaves signal stress — here’s how to save your plant and bring back the green
• My tomato plants were dropping flowers — then I tried this 2-second pollination hack

I've always found growing tomatoes tricky. Every year, I make a new attempt, but the results are inconsistent. One year, I'll get a few worthy of a salad, the next it'll be a total fail.

And as I sat out in my yard recently, I stared at this year's yield – tomato plants that had stopped growing entirely. So, I did what I love to do and headed online to social media to see if I could find an answer.

Fortunately, tomato growing hacks are never hard to find, from using this common kitchen scrap for zero-waste gardening to trying out an ingenious tomato-watering trick, but this time I was looking for something that would switch up my tomato growing game altogether.

Then, I found a TikTok that told me I've actually been doing it all wrong. It turns out we should all be planting our tomato plants horizontally. It might sound crazy, but it's actually a stroke of genius. Here's how it works.

How does it work?

I'm a sucker for TikTok creator, @creative_explained's videos and I'm not the only one. With over 7.5m followers, he's known for consistently sharing quick home and garden hacks with an enthusiasm that's infectious. I should know; I've been using his money-saving hack for giving my plants a boost this year, and I've been shocked by the results.

But it's this tomato planting hack that caught my attention this time. As he demonstrates, you take a tomato plant and strip all the leaves off the stalk, leaving just the top shoot with one leaf.

Then, you dig a trench in your garden bed. After exposing the roots of your tomato plant and breaking apart the soil at the base, lay the entire plant horizontally into the trench.

Bury the entire stalk with soil, leaving just the top shoot and leaf exposed. Raise just this part and hold it vertically with soil.

He explains: "What's going to happen now underneath the soil is that the tomato will grow roots all along its stem.

It'll start to grow new shoots. The stem pretty much transforms into an entire root system." Genius.

Here's what happened when I tried it

I fear I may have found this hack a little late for the tomato growing season, but with hot weather in my area, I figured I could still transplant outside with a totally new tomato plant to hand.

Planting it horizontally was simple enough, even if it did feel like a strange process. I've had success with @creative_explained's hacks before like using potato peel water in my soil, so I'm looking forward to seeing the results. In terms of process, it was easy to do, though I needed to find a space in my garden bed that was long enough to accommodate.

Fortunately, I recently dug up some old rhubarb that was suffering in the heat, so I had the space to try out this horizontal planting trick. Now, I just need to wait until fall to see the results, but it feels good to try out something entirely new for a change. Growing tomatoes is a tricky business, but this might well be the solution I've been desperately searching for.

More from Tom's Guide

• This cheap garden hack will help your roses grow — and all you need is a few old tea bags
• Stop wasting money on tomato feed — here’s how I made my own free fertilizer
• The 3 kitchen scraps I never throw away if I want sweet, ripe tomatoes

If there is one gardening chore that always feels like a losing battle, it’s dealing with those pesky weeds.

Whether they’re taking over my lawn and paved patio or surfacing between the gravel in my front yard — they seem to be everywhere and completely ruin the look of my outdoor space.

And while I’ve tried everything from commercial weed killers to homemade natural hacks, experts all agree that nothing beats pulling the taproot up by hand or with the right weeding tool.

Although there are various specialty tools like Grampa’s Weeder to spare your back from the strain, you don’t always need to splash out on new gear. I’ve just stumbled across one clever alternative that handles the hard work for you, and it’s likely already sitting in your toolkit or among your leftover decorating supplies.

Here’s why your painter’s tool could be a game-changer in the backyard.

How to use a painters tool to remove weeds

It turns out that your painter’s scraper or 5-in-1 tool can do so much more than just remove wallpaper. Experts have suggested it as an effective tool for getting into awkward spots to tackle weeds, especially in the tiniest of cracks.

Simply use the pointed end of this tool to get into those tight spots. In fact, the sharp edges are perfect for reaching into tiny crevices in patio pavers or driveways to pull out those persistent garden intruders.

In addition, this versatile multi-tool is great for clearing away thick moss, digging out deep-seated roots, or even cutting through bags of compost and soil. So it’s a win-win.

Whenever you can, using a scraper is much more efficient than the back-breaking task of hand-pulling. But if you prefer the manual method, experts agree you must remove the entire taproot to ensure those persistent weeds don't resurface.

“If you are dealing with weeds with deep taproots, such as thistle or dandelion, you need to remove all of the taproot growth if you do not want them to come back,” states Angelika Zaber, lawn care specialist and gardening expert at Online Turf.

“This can be done by digging out the taproots using hand forks or trowels."

So before you head out to buy expensive weeding gear, you might want to take a look at your existing toolkit or leftover DIY stash for a clever weeding alternative.

More from Tom's Guide

• 7 tips to banish weeds from your lawn that won't harm the grass
• This aluminum foil hack keeps birds away from grass seed — and it actually works
• 5 easy tips to fix bare patches on your lawn this spring

Summer has arrived, and I’m already planning my favorite activities — from scenic park picnics and road trips to various outdoor excursions. And there’s no doubt that having one of the best coolers is ideal to keep all your beverages and snacks chilled and refreshing.

The trouble I find is that most of them are either bulky and cumbersome (read: boring-looking), or simply too expensive. Plus, I needed something compact that wasn't too heavy to carry around, only for a few essential items.

That’s why this new IKEA SOLUPPGÅNG Cooler basket instantly caught my attention. Made from a bamboo design, this basket is not only sleek and lightweight to carry but does a good job of disguising the fact that it’s actually a cooler.

What’s more, this limited-edition essential is a steal at just $40, and I’d say it’s a worthwhile investment for the summer.

So if you’re looking to spruce up your outings or need a budget-friendly way to chill your drinks, here’s why I’ll be grabbing this cooler basket today.

Why the new IKEA Cooler will be my summer go-to

Perhaps one of the key selling points for me is that this IKEA find resembles a chic picnic basket rather than a typical, clunky cooler. But unlike most baskets, this is lightweight to carry around, thanks to a sturdy, solid bamboo handle.

It also has a four-gallon capacity, which is adequate to keep a few large bottles and tasty snacks chilled for the afternoon. The cooler also features a dedicated insulating liner, while individual sections ensure that your snacks, drinks, and cooling elements are all separated.

Another feature I love is the detachable bamboo lid, which only adds to the basket’s overall chic aesthetic.

What’s more, it’s compact enough for car travel or storing in tight spots — plus its attractive design does a great job of disguising its true purpose. Not bad for just $40, which won’t break the bank.

Be it going on beach trips or park music festivals, I’ll certainly be making the most of this cooler this summer.

More from Tom's Guide

• I’ve just found 12 IKEA storage ideas that are perfect for my tiny entryway — all under $20
• I just found this clever IKEA hack that turns a classic storage staple into a stylish coffee bar
• 5 IKEA outdoor essentials for your yard this summer that are so underrated

Seeing vibrant yellow blossoms drop off your tomato plants without ever setting fruit is easily one of the most frustrating parts of gardening. You’re watering correctly, feeding them on schedule, and the plants look healthy, so why aren't you getting any actual tomatoes?

The issue usually isn't your soil or your fertilizer routine at all. It comes down to a simple, hidden bottleneck inside the flowers themselves that stops fruit from forming. Luckily, there’s a 2-second technique that fixes the problem almost instantly, and all it takes is a quick touch of your fingertips.

Why tomato tapping actually works

In nature, tomatoes rely on bumblebees for buzz pollination, a process where bees vibrate their wings to release heavy, trapped pollen locked inside the flower. When pollinators are scarce or plants are grown in sheltered spots like greenhouses, those flowers drop off unfertilized.

Tapping your plants simply mimics a bee's wing vibrations to break that pollen free and force the plant to set fruit. Timing is everything: tap your plants mid-morning, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when morning dew has dried and pollen is light and dusty.

The process takes seconds, whether you lightly flick the stem behind an open blossom with your index finger or give the plant's wooden stake or metal cage a firm tap to send vibrations down the vine. Repeat your chosen method every two to three days while plants are actively blooming.

What to expect (and how to prepare for a bumper crop)

Within two to three weeks of consistent tapping, instead of bare stems and fallen petals, you'll see full, symmetrical clusters of green fruit swelling all at once.

Because your vines will be carrying significantly more weight than usual, proactive crop management is crucial to keep the plant healthy. Be sure to upgrade your support early by securing main stems to stakes with soft garden twine before branches start to sag.

Heavy beefsteak or cherry clusters can easily snap under their own weight, so cradle large fruit trusses with extra ties fastened directly to the main support. And make sure your stakes or cages are driven deep into the soil so top-heavy plants don't tip over.

More from Tom's Guide

• When to fertilize tomatoes: the 3-step schedule for a bountiful harvest
• Why are my tomato plant leaves turning yellow? 5 steps to save your harvest
• Gardeners swear by this simple tomato plant trick — here's how to save split tomatoes fast

I used to live in an apartment, and the defining decision that led us to move to a house was the desire for a backyard.

I was lucky enough to have somewhat of an outdoor space, but let's use this term loosely: it was a teeny tiny terrace, which I did love, but it was admittedly a little too small when we had guests over in the summertime.

And then there was the gardening side — the one thing I always tried (and failed) to do on my terrace was to grow flowers and herbs. All this time, I thought I wasn't green-fingered. But skip to now, and you'll find wildflowers, an olive tree, and even a (soon-to-be) cherry tomato plant in my yard.

Why am I telling you this? If you're not in a position to move house for the sake of growing some flowers or herbs, then I've found an impressively cheap balcony hack for budding gardeners who'd like to start growing their own produce. And most of it is available at IKEA. Who'd have thought?

As it turns out, using a rolling utility cart to grow a container garden is the small backyard or balcony hack that we've all been overlooking.

A genius way to plant your own produce, and better yet: it's movable should you move apartments or need to bring your herbs inside to protect them from the weather.

This genius IKEA hack requires just a few items and a squeeze of patience when planting. It'll be sure to wow guests and add some color to your dinner plate this summer and beyond.

Better yet? It brings some much-needed life to a balcony or terrace space, and it fits into a corner with ease, so it won't take up much of your precious balcony floorspace at all.

Here's how to get started on yours:

What you need

• IKEA's RASKOG Utility Cart - $29.99/ £19
• 3 potted herbs of your choice
• Fast-draining potting mix — like this bag from Amazon
• Some felt planter liner like this from Amazon

What to do

One of the best things about this utility cart is the fact that its shelves are designed with mesh bases to allow for optimum ventilation.

So, instead of having to drill drainage holes into each shelf to prevent waterlogging, you can keep your toolset in the garage. Instead, a felt planter liner will come in handy.

These are easy to cut to size and are super breathable. This way, your soil won't drain through the mesh shelf bases, but your plants will still drain!

I'd avoid mixing herbs and just stick to one herb type on each shelf. This way, they won't compete for nutrients — some herbs like mint are fast-spreading and will take over.

Depending on what you're planting, it might be smart to place water-loving herbs at the bottom of your cart, as these will get plenty of extra water from the drainage from the middle and top shelves.

It's a good idea to first pop each pot in the center of each shelf (plant inside the pot). Add the soil around the pot and pat it down so everything is compact and tight. Give it a little water.

Then, remove each pot slowly, and you'll be left with a hole from the pot. Remove the herb from the pot and place it in this perfect-sized hole. Water again.

Good to know

When watering, remember that the drainage needs to go somewhere, so you might find it beneficial to pop a tray of some sort underneath the bottom shelf of your utility cart, just in case.

The wheels on this cart are lockable, but these wheels also make it great for moving in and out of the sun. It also comes in 4 colorways — beige/yellow, gray/green, pink, or white.

You should move it inside in extreme weather; just be mindful of your floor and perhaps use a towel to protect from any spillages.

More from Tom's Guide

• 7 mistakes it’s all too easy to make when growing herbs
• 7 easy-to-grow plants for beginners
• 10 vegetables you can grow in pots

When it comes to common pests in our backyard, skunks are probably the worst kind. Not only can they destroy your plants and lawn by digging for food sources such as grubs, but they can unleash a pungent, sulfuric odor that lingers throughout your entire property.

To make matters worse, while these striped critters may look harmless, they can carry diseases such as rabies and salmonella. They can also spread canine distemper, a condition that can be deadly for dogs.

That’s why it’s so important to know how to get rid of skunks and keep them away for good. Since they are primarily nocturnal, they can be harder to spot while feeding at night.

What’s more, even though humans find their stench unbearable, these pests are actually repelled by a specific, surprising scent — and it’s not coffee grounds.

So if you want to banish skunks immediately, use this trick to drive them away from your property today.

How to use kitty litter to repel skunks

For cat parents out there, your pet’s bathroom habits could actually be a game-changer. It turns out that skunks hate the pungent smell of used kitty litter, thanks to the strong ammonia found in cat urine.

To use kitty litter effectively, place the tray or container at the entry points where skunks are getting through. If in doubt, thoroughly inspect your yard, in particular any tucked-away spots like the areas beneath porches, sheds, or garden corners.

Alternatively, if you’d rather not have kitty litter scattered across your yard, simply place it inside a perforated plastic bag. This keeps things tidy while still allowing those repulsive ammonia fumes to escape and deter the skunks.

Bear in mind that this repulsive scent will eventually fade. So to maintain its effectiveness, you’ll need to regularly swap out the old litter for a fresh supply when possible. Plus, it’s a great way to repurpose and put your kitty litter to good use — a win-win!

Top tips to get rid of skunks

Of course, you don’t have to invest in a cat just to repel skunks from your yard. There are other, practical things you can do to make your yard less inviting for such pests.

First of all, secure your garbage/trash cans and don't let them overflow. Since skunks are attracted to areas where they can find food sources, you’ll often find them turning over trash cans and generally making a mess. The same goes for other food sources you might leave out for birds or other pets, and remove stagnant water that serves as another major skunk magnet.

Another top tip is to block any visible entry points, as such pests are notorious for digging dens beneath sheds, porches, foundations, and even under AC unit pads. Experts suggest sealing these crevices using metal flashing or sturdy hardware cloth. Just ensure every connection is tight and flush to keep them out for good.

Alternatively, if you’re dealing with a persistent skunk issue, it’s always best to call in the professionals and NEVER try to handle a skunk yourself.

For more top tips, check out how to spot the signs of a skunk and keep them away from your property.

Lawncare essentials we love

More from Tom's Guide

• 7 ways to get rid of groundhogs without hurting them
• 3 common backyard bugs that are actually helping — not hurting — your plants
• 7 natural aphid deterrents to prevent infestation in your yard

The iPhone's Messages app has a translation feature built right in that most people never discover. You can enable real-time translations for 20 different languages, and translations appear instantly alongside every message you send and receive.

It's perfect for texting with friends or family who speak a different language, or for gently reinforcing your own language skills through everyday conversation. Plus, it works whether the other person has an iPhone or Android device.

However, you need an iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any model released after 2024 to enable this feature. Here's how to turn it on.

How to enable translations

Open Messages and select the conversation you want to translate. Tap the person's name at the top of the screen and toggle on "Automatically Translate."

You'll be prompted to select from 20 available languages. Once enabled, the magic happens automatically — every message you type gets translated beneath it, and incoming messages in your selected language appear with translations instantly below.

It works with anyone, regardless of their setup

The beauty of this feature is that it operates entirely on your phone. The person you're texting doesn't need Apple Intelligence, doesn't need an iPhone, doesn't need anything special on their end.

Android users with Google Messages have their own translation capability, but even if they don't, you'll see translations of whatever language they send to you. This removes the biggest barrier to cross-language texting.

Your iPhone has other translation tools too

Apple actually baked this translation tech into the entire iPhone experience. Beyond texting, the standalone Translate app easily handles spoken audio and lets you point your camera at street signs or menus for instant on-screen translations.

If you are wearing AirPods Pro it gets even better — you can stream live, face-to-face translations directly into your ears. That same real-time translation works instantly during FaceTime and standard phone calls, too.

Best of all, because your iPhone processes everything locally instead of sending it to the cloud, your conversations stay completely private.

More from Tom's Guide

• I tried the new Siri AI features: here's 3 you'll actually want to use every day
• Apple hid a perfect 'dumb phone' feature inside your iPhone that's great for kids — here's how to turn it on
• The price of new phones is skyrocketing — 8 habits to make your current one last for years

If you’ve ever watched your tomato plants struggle to transition from green, stubborn globes to juicy, vibrant red fruits, you aren’t alone. Getting tomatoes to perfectly ripen requires the right balance of nutrients, soil structure, and plant vitality.

Thankfully, you don't need store-bought supplements to give them a boost. The secret to a bumper crop of sweet, perfectly ripe tomatoes is sitting right in your kitchen garbage.

By strategically using crushed eggshells, banana peels, and coffee grounds, you can deliver a targeted nutrient cocktail that fuels fruit development and speeds up the ripening process.

More from Tom's Guide

• When to fertilize tomatoes: the 3-step schedule for a bountiful harvest
• Why are my tomato plant leaves turning yellow? 5 steps to save your harvest
• Gardeners swear by this simple tomato plant trick — here's how to save split tomatoes fast

With the arrival of summer, seasonal pests are at their absolute peak — and ants are my number one problem.

And if it’s not trying to banish ants from my yard or blocking them from my kitchen — now they've launched a full-scale invasion of my garden beds too.

We’ve been trying to grow a vegetable patch in my raised planter — where we’ve recently planted everything from fresh herbs and salad greens to melon seeds. But that took a frustrating turn when I discovered the soil had become a playground for ants, literally swarming on the soil and attacking some of the plants.

Since I didn’t want to contaminate my crops with chemicals, I called on the gardening experts to share some top tips on the most effective ways to save my raised beds from these tiny invaders.

What causes ants to invade raised beds?

One thing that always puzzled me was what attracted ants to my raised beds — especially when it’s literally off the ground.

"Ants usually follow one of two things — food or real estate,” states Kyle Turner, President & CEO of Be Proactive Pest Control. “Raised beds offer loose, well-drained soil that's perfect for tunneling, and if you have aphids on your vegetables, you've basically opened an all-you-can-eat buffet."

What’s more, scale insects or other sap-feeding pests produce a sweet, sticky substance called honeydew, which is enticing to ants who collect it as a tasty food source.

“The issue is when large colonies begin disturbing roots or protecting aphids from their natural predators.”

Another thing I learned is that during these sweltering temperatures, consistently dry soil provides the ideal environment for a colony to thrive, which perfectly explains the infestation I found. Plus, if you have rotting timber around older raised beds, this will also attract these tiny critters.

Surprisingly, not all ants are a cause for concern and may actually be helpful in the yard.

“It is also worth remembering that a few ants in a raised bed are not always harmful,” adds Rick Young, Pest Control Professional and Owner of Youngs Pest Control.

“Ants can aerate the soil and remove dead insects. Action is usually only needed when there is a large nest, plants are being disturbed, aphids are being protected, or ants are repeatedly entering the home from the planter.”

How to get rid of an ant infestation without harming your plants?

So, what’s the best way to remove an army of ants? "The best long-term fix is to eliminate the reason they're there,” suggests Turner.

“If aphids are present, knock them off plants with a strong spray of water or use insecticidal soap. Once the honeydew disappears, the ants often lose interest. For nests in the bed, repeatedly soaking the colony with water can encourage them to relocate without affecting your vegetables."

In addition, always inspect your plants and ensure they are in good shape. "Keep plants healthy, inspect the undersides of leaves regularly for aphids, harvest ripe produce promptly, and avoid letting weeds establish around the beds since they can host both aphids and ants," Turner adds.

Another top tip is to ensure you regularly give your raised bed a deep watering. Since ants prefer dry, well-drained nesting sites, watering can encourage them to move along.

Just be sure not to overwater, as you want to avoid the risk of waterlogging or ruining your plant roots.

What natural ant repellents can I use?

I’m a big advocate for using non-toxic pest solutions around the house, and it turns out that beyond D.E (food-grade), everyday kitchen staples can be just as effective at keeping ants at bay.

“Cinnamon applied around the bed perimeter works as a genuine deterrent, not just folklore,” advises Glen Chandler, Gardener & Founder of Evergreenseeds.com. “Ants avoid crossing it, and it breaks down harmlessly into the soil. Reapply after rain.

“Diluted peppermint oil (about 10 drops per litre of water) sprayed around the base of plants disrupts the scent trails ants use to navigate. It needs to be reapplied every few days, but it's completely safe around edibles.”

What’s more, I tried citrus peel in my kitchen when I had a few rogue ants, and I was impressed at how effective it was. Plus, it was a good way to repurpose my food waste.

“Citrus peel worked into the top layer of soil releases d-limonene as it breaks down, which ants strongly avoid,” agrees Chandler. “I tell gardeners to save their lemon and orange peels through the week and work them in around the bed edges.”

Armed with these expert-approved tips, I feel much better equipped to banish any ant colony from my raised beds and reclaim my garden this season. Watch this space.

More from Tom's Guide

• How do I know what kind of ants I have in my home and why it matters? I ask the pest experts
• Pest experts warn you should never squash ants in your home — here’s why
• 5 steps to stop carpenter ants before they infest your home

When it comes to house chores, vacuuming has got to be the one task that I often do (and find weirdly satisfying).

And since I review the best vacuum cleaners for a living, I’ve got the bonus of testing out the latest models on my hardwood, tiles, and carpet to see which one can ultimately get my floors spotless and dust-free in no time.

From bagged and upright to cordless and air-blasting handhelds, I’ve tested them all. But when the Shark BlastBoss came my way, I found a new use for it altogether – and it wasn’t for cleaning.

Despite looking like a retro hair dryer, the BlastBoss is exactly that — it’s a powerful, air-blasting system that can be used to blast away cobwebs, dustballs, or loosen debris and leaves in seconds.

In fact, the adjustable-speed trigger can ramp up the airflow up to an eye-watering 190mph. What's more, it comes with attachments including a broom brush for scrubbing outdoor surfaces.

But while it serves as an impressive cleaning tool for shifting ingrained dirt, this has surprisingly become my gardening must-have.

Here’s how I’ve put my handheld BlastBoss to use outdoors.

Blowing grass clippings

If there is one outdoor task that I find particularly tedious, it’s raking the lawn after a fresh mow — especially the struggle of catching those stray clippings that always seem to end up on my paved patio.

I simply switched the setting to ‘Outdoor’ and was literally blown away by its sheer power. It effortlessly cleared the clippings in seconds, allowing me to gather everything into a single pile for a far more efficient clean-up.

Just bear in mind that you’ll need dry conditions for this to work effectively, as it won’t shift wet or soggy clippings.

Or if you really want to put your clippings to good use, check out why you should be leaving grass clippings on your lawn after mowing.

A handy leaf blower

At the back of my garden, the overgrown trees are often shedding foliage — resulting in a messy carpet of leaves scattered across the patio and lawn.

Rather than investing in a bulky, expensive leaf blower, I found the BlastBoss works as a surprisingly good alternative for clearing away my fallen leaves.

I was able to blast them into a tidy heap where it was easier for me to dispose of them in my compost bin. What's more, this task was quick and fuss-free, which is always a bonus.

Clearing debris/ weeds

Similarly, this powerful gadget proved brilliant for corralling stray weeds and general outdoor detritus.

After the arduous job of pulling out weeds from between my front paving stones, I used the powerful airflow to blast the remnants into a single heap for a far easier clear-up.

Not only did this make sure that all the weeds were in one spot (easy for me to spot), but made it a far more tidy-looking space.

For more weeding tips, I asked professional gardeners how to get rid of weeds from my lawn permanently — and they all say this one thing.

Gardening essentials we love

More from Tom's Guide

• Can I keep my used potting soil for spring, or should I throw it out? Here's what you need to know
• 7 rain-loving plants that will thrive in soggy soil
• 5 benefits of composting and how it can enrich more than your yard

We’ve all been there: you spot a bizarre, brightly colored bug crawling on your tomato plants or a strange, furry moth hovering near your flowers, and you want to know what it is right now. But rather than typing desperate, vague descriptions into a Google search bar, there’s a much faster way to decode your backyard.

Hidden directly inside your iPhone's standard Photos app is a remarkably powerful machine learning tool that turns your camera roll into an instant nature scanner.

I’ve spent the last week or so pointing my camera at every leaf and brick wall in my yard to see just how accurate this built-in feature really is. Here is how to find the button on your phone, and the wildest garden bugs it's helped me identify so far this summer.

How the feature works

The next time you snap a crisp close-up of a creature or plant, simply open that image in your Photos and look closely at the action bar running along the bottom of the screen.

If your iPhone recognizes a subject in the frame, the standard information circle icon will automatically transform, signalling that Visual Look Up is ready. Tap that, then hold the answer to have Siri pull up more information about your snapped subject.

The best part about this is that it isn't just a dead end. Once Siri identifies the insect, you don't have to stop there. Because iOS now supports conversational continuity, you can actually get into a back-and-forth chat with Siri about the specific thing you’ve found.

You can ask follow-up questions like whether it's dangerous to your tomato plants, what its lifespan is, or how to encourage more of them to visit, allowing you to learn much more without ever leaving your photo library.

Identifying my garden neighbours

Once you know how to trigger it, your photo library essentially becomes a real-life Pokédex. I’ve spent the summer pointing my lens at the grass and garden walls to see how many 'rare spawns' I could find, and I’ve cataloged a bizarrely brilliant cast of characters that I used to walk right past.

My absolute favorite find was a frantic, hovering blur near my lavender. A quick scan unmasked it as a Hummingbird Hawk-Moth, an insect that mimics a bird so perfectly I thought I'd stumbled upon some rare phenomenon, but I was soon schooled about the day moth's lore.

Suddenly, every morning (and evening) became a game of hunting down new species. I used the tool to log a tiny, striped Zebra Spider, spot a Scarlet Tiger Moth hiding by the nettles, and a Red-veined Darter dragonfly.

By the time I had logged everything from grasshoppers to metallic beetles, my perspective on my yard had completely shifted. Thanks to this one iPhone feature, I now see my garden for what it is: a beautifully complex, thriving ecosystem.

Why don't you have a go at scanning your own backyard. Just don't blame me when your camera roll is completely taken over by bugs.

More from Tom's Guide

• I tried the new Siri AI features: here's 3 you'll actually want to use every day
• Apple hid a perfect 'dumb phone' feature inside your iPhone that's great for kids — here's how to turn it on
• The price of new phones is skyrocketing — 8 habits to make your current one last for years

There is nothing better than a warm summer evening spent relaxing in the garden. You've got the patio lights on, a cold drink in hand, and the perfect setup to unwind... until the buzzing starts.

Within minutes, a relaxing night outdoors turns into a frantic battle against mosquitoes. But before you douse yourself in sticky chemical sprays, look up at your patio lights. You might inadvertently be throwing an open-house party for every biting bug in the neighborhood.

To find out why our backyards are suddenly crawling with pests, I spoke to Jon Saeed, managing director of outdoor lighting specialist Lighting Legends.

According to Saeed, the warm summer evenings we love also bring along more mosquitoes who thrive in humid environments. But the real culprit behind your itchy ankles might actually be your choice of lightbulb.

Fortunately, you don't have to sit in the pitch black. Here are the simple mistakes you might be making right now, and how to fix them to reclaim your garden this summer.

More from Tom's Guide

• How to mosquito-proof yourself this summer — 7 simple tips
• Banish mosquitoes from your home with one natural ingredient — and it also smells great
• How to stop a flying ant invasion using a single item from your spice rack

Last Halloween, I had both a 12-foot Home Depot skeleton and a 20-foot inflatable Lowe's skeleton in my front yard, and the inflatable proved to be the more popular decoration.

This year, however, Home Depot's new 12-foot Skelly may retake the crown, as it's being updated to include more lighting, sound effects, and the ability to move, which should really thrill and delight the trick-or-treaters in my neighborhood.

Here's a look at what the new 12-foot skeleton — which goes on sale today for $379 — can do.

A "smart" Skeleton

The new Skelly is Bluetooth-enabled and can be controlled via an app, which will let you save up to 30 different sounds and control the movement of its head and jaw.

The app will also let you switch its LED eyes between 30 different options, pick from five pre-recorded sounds, and change the color of the lighting in its ribcage. Plus, motion sensors in the Skelly will also trigger its movements when it spots trick-or-treaters coming to your door.

If that's not terrifying enough, a "live" mode will also let you control the Skelly in real time, and have it speak whatever you say with voice-changing effects. I can see having a lot of fun with that.

Home Depot will also continue to sell the non-app controlled 12-foot Skelly for $299.

More things wicked this way come

In addition to the new Skelly, Home Depot is also launching about two dozen new animatronic Halloween decorations, including:

• An 11-foot Giant-Sized LED Mummy ($299) with posable shoulders, LED lights in the eyes and chest, and three sound effects
• A 9-foot Wicked Woods Giant-Sized LED Dry Rot Dennis ($299) that has color changing LED lights in the eyes, mouth and chest
• A 3-foot animated Disney Stitch ($199) with servo motors in its head, can say 5 Stitch phrases, and comes with both Halloween and holiday costumes
• An 8-foot long LED Zombie Velociraptor ($299), which is motion-sensor activated and can move, make noises, and has LED lights
• A 4-foot animated Flying Monkey from "Wicked" ($199) that has flapping wings, lunging torso, tilting head and moving mouth, in addition to five sound effects.

All of the new products go on sale today (July 16), which seems really early for Halloween — talk about holiday creep — but if the past is any indication, the new Skelly should prove popular. Some of the products, such as the new Skelly, will only be available as in-store purchases.

Time to clear out more space in your garage!

You don't have to spend a fortune to create a magical patio and garden this summer. In fact, I'm putting that theory to the test. I've been scouring retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Wayfair and more for affordable outdoor items. The verdict? With just a $100 budget, you can give your backyard a complete refresh.

If I had $100 to spend, I could easily buy patio cushions, string lights and an umbrella and still have money leftover. I could even afford a cheap patio set like the Flamaker All-Weather Rattan Outdoor Set for just $89 at Amazon.

If you're ready to upgrade your outdoor spaces without spending a fortune, keep scrolling to check out my favorite affordable patio and garden finds starting at $24.

Quick Links

• shop all Amazon outdoor deals
• Sterno Tabletop Fire Pit: was $49 now $24 @ Walmart
• Abba Patio Outdoor Patio Umbrella: was $49 now $29 @ Amazon
• Solar-Powered Globe String Light: was $69 now $42 @ Wayfair
• Best Choice 3-Piece Patio Bistro Set: was $119 now $49 @ Amazon
• Folding Adirondack Chair: $199 now $59 @ Target
• Flamaker All-Weather Rattan Outdoor Set: was $109 now $89 @ Amazon

Amazon Outdoor Deals Under $100

Peace lilies are forgiving houseplants until they're not. They tolerate neglect, bounce back from underwater watering, and look elegant in corners where other plants struggle.

But they have one non-negotiable requirement: regular feeding. Without it, those glossy green leaves start losing their shine, blooms become sparse, and your plant quietly declines into a sad, pale version of itself.

Get the timing and amount right, and your peace lily rewards you with vibrant foliage and those signature white flower spathes appearing constantly. Here's how to feed your plant so it actually thrives.

More from Tom's Guide

• Where to put a peace lily so it actually flowers — 5 ideal spots in your home
• Peace lily outgrowing its pot? Here's when and how to repot it
• Your peace lily needs dividing if you see these signs — here's how to do it

One of the best ways to enjoy the sun without getting burnt to a crisp is with a day by the pool. Relaxing in or by the water is a great way to stay cool and you can switch things up across the day by taking a brisk swim, relaxing with your toes in the water and by playing some fun games.

For this article, I've pulled together nine items that are ideal for your pool day. It's a selection of budget-friendly essentials that start at just $7, and covers everything from sunscreen, inflatable toys, a waterproof speaker to blast the tunes and lots more besides. What's more, quite a few of these products have money off at Amazon, making now a great time to buy.

Upgrading your backyard for summer doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, I've been scouring Wayfair's summer sale and the stylish home retailer has tons of great patio and garden finds. Even better? Many items are under $50.

Whether you’re looking for new cushions for your outdoor seating areas, string lights to add ambiance to your patio at night or some accessories for your garden, there are plenty of great deals to shop right now at Wayfair and the discounts are up to 70% off.

Not sure where to begin? Don't worry — I've already plucked out my favorite affordable finds in Wayfair's summer sale. Keep scrolling to check them out.

Quick Links

• shop Wayfair's summer sale
• Weatherproof Bird Feeder: was $99 now $28
• Round Metal Outdoor Side Table: was $41 now $33
• Solar Lanterns Outdoor Waterproof: was $44 now $35
• Outdoor Seat Cushion (Set of 4): was $41 now $37
• Solar-Powered Outdoor Globe String Light: was $69 now $42
• Birdbath with Solar Light: was $57 now $44
• Outdoor Inflatable Ottoman: was $149 now $49

Wayfair Outdoor Deals

We're halfway through summer, but the best days of the season are still ahead of us! Now's a great time to upgrade your outdoor space, and there are tons of ways to do so without breaking the bank. Walmart is offering patio and garden upgrades for under $50.

One of my favorite finds is this pretty Rose Pink Handled Ceramic Planter on sale for $11. Plus, this Spectracide Weed & Grass Killer for $6 is always handy to keep around.

My favorite Walmart discounts are listed below! To find out more ways to save, also take a look at our Walmart promo codes page.

Quick Links

• shop all Walmart deals
• Shark/Ninja appliances: from $16
• Summer home accents: furniture and decor from $4
• Patio and garden event: up to 50% off
• Self-Watering Plant Pots 5-Pack: was $28 now $16
• BN-LINK Solar Lights Outdoor: was $29 now $21
• Tabletop Fire Pit: was $49 now $24
• Best Choice Raised Oval Garden Bed: was $93 now $29
• Patio Umbrella w/ Crank: was $93 now $39

Editor's Choice

There’s nothing quite like the taste of homegrown tomatoes. And if you enjoy picking these straight from the vine and into your dishes (or mouth), it can be a letdown when your crop misses that bold, juicy flavor you had hoped for.

However, even though it looks ripe and ready for the picking, you’ll need to know the best stage of ripeness for picking a tomato.

What’s more, tomatoes on the vine are constantly at risk of damage from weather extremes, pests, and disease. Which is why identifying the ideal time to harvest is crucial for securing a high-quality, delicious yield.

So if you want to avoid a bland and disappointing crop, here are the three tomato picking stages — to ensure they are bursting with the juicy flavor you crave.

1. When your tomatoes are fully ripe and red

This is when your tomato crops have reached their full size, red color, and are firm in texture. These signs indicate that your harvest is ready for consumption, and experts suggest eating or using them immediately after they are picked for maximum flavor.

However, after harvesting, be sure you consume them within a day or two to enjoy them before their peak flavor begins to fade.

It’s also worth noting that the kind of tomato plant you select is vital for its final flavor.

“The variety of tomato can determine flavor,” states Jessica Mercer, Ph.D, horticulturist at Plant Addicts. “Some tomatoes are bred for shipping ease, firmness, disease resistance, or high yield. Others, like cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, and many heirlooms, are known for good sugar-acid balance and aroma.”

Before choosing which seeds to sow, you should investigate which particular cultivars align with your preferred flavor profiles.

For top tips, check out Tom's Guide to tomatoes for everything you need to know about growing a juicy harvest.

2. The ‘color break’ or turn stage

As the name suggests, this is the point at which the fruit begins to get color, about the size of a dime on the blossom end.

While it’s tempting to pluck and eat the fruit at this stage, you may be disappointed with the overall taste, as it hasn’t yet fully ripened.

A top tip is to place them on a countertop at room temperature for three days, and the tomato should ripen — ready for your tasty dishes.

Of course, if you want to keep them for longer, store them in the fridge for a few days.

3. Mature green stage

This is when your plant has a lighter green color but no pink/red showing yet on the blossom end. Typically, this indicates that your tomatoes are not quite ready to harvest, and usually takes about a week to fully ripen.

However, you can pluck and store them in the fridge for a few weeks at this stage of development. In addition, gardeners usually harvest mature green crops as the season ends to protect them from frost.

Top tip for tasty tomatoes

Although the heatwave might encourage more frequent watering, overwatering your plants can actually wash out the bold flavor you desire.

To avoid diluting those essential sugars and acids, a good tip is to water only once the upper two inches of soil feel dry to the touch.

“Too much water, particularly when fruit is ripening, can dilute the sugars and acids that give tomatoes their flavor,” explains Mercer.

“Water deeply and consistently when the top inch or two of soil begins to dry. Check the soil for dryness before watering again.” What’s more, overwatering tomatoes, especially before a harvest, can make a real difference to their sweetness.

Plus, you’ll need to ensure your soil is kept in a healthy condition, free from disease or root rot, often triggered by overwatering.

Add a rich, organic fertilizer like a good fish fertilizer. This contains all the essential plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium — which are all vital for healthy development and full flavor.

For more top tips, check out when to fertilize tomatoes: the 3-step schedule for a bountiful harvest

More from Tom's Guide

• How often should you water tomato plants and when should you do it?
• 3 ways to tell that your tomatoes are ready to harvest
• 7 ways to increase the yield from your tomato plants

With intense heat and sparse rain, your biggest gardening dilemma right now is probably how to keep your lawn alive in a heatwave. And when your pristine, lush patch of green transforms into brittle yellow straw, your first response is most likely to panic-water it back to health.

Spotting a distressed lawn isn’t hard. Just looking at it change from a vibrant green to a blue-gray, then to yellow, before it enters dormancy to conserve water, is a clear indication that heat and lack of water have had a significant impact.

While you can always revive a scorched lawn after the damage is done, the smartest move is to take a proactive stance. Building deep drought resilience gives your grass every chance of survival before the next scorcher hits.

Here, lawn care experts share how to get your lawn prepared for another bout of heat.

Why lawns struggle during heatwaves

Firstly, it helps to understand what happens to a lawn when it’s heat-stressed. Much of its energy goes into coping with the heat, causing it to slow down and even enter dormancy. It also starts to lose water faster than it can obtain it.

But it's not over, as the energy gets directed to the roots to help them survive. Then, once the weather becomes milder, it will emerge from its dormant stage and turn green once more.

How to prepare your lawn for future heatwaves

1. Aerate

Aeration is one of the key ways to build resilience in your lawn, with Luke Taylor and Marc Kerr, founders of So & Mo, and authors of Lawns: An Uncomplicated Guide, sharing that “well-aerated lawns perform better under severe conditions of drought and waterlogging.”

So what does aeration involve, and do you need a special tool?

“Aeration is the process of creating lots of small holes, which act as channels of air all over your lawn,” explained Taylor and Kerr, adding, “It helps break down compacted soil and facilitates the penetration of water, oxygen and nutrients into the ground, which in turn increases the beneficial microbial environment and strengthens the root system,” they explain.

Aeration can be done using two methods: either using hollow tines to remove plugs of earth from the ground, or using solid tines, which push the soil down, compacting it below.

I favor using hollow tines to remove the soil, rather than compacting it further. You could try Yard Butler’s Manual Lawn Coring Aerator ($48 at Amazon), or, if you’d prefer to use a tool you already have, a garden fork will also do the job.

2. Ditch the fertilizer

Rather than adding extra nutrients to your lawn in a heatwave, Allison Koenig, lawn and garden expert at Tractor Supply, says it should be avoided.

“Fertilizer will scorch your grass in extreme heat and damage its root system. Your lawn is already trying to conserve water during a heatwave, so extra stress will only compound the damage,” Koenig explained.

Craig Elworthy, founder at Lawnbright, also advises against applying fertilizer, as it can further stress the lawn and cause disease. Instead, he recommends using a natural alternative that strengthens grass roots systems and improves drought resistance. He advises, “Consider applying liquid sea kelp or humic acid to help the lawn deal with heat stress.”

3. Get into the habit of deep watering

“It may be tempting to water your lawn for a short period each day, but these short, frequent waterings cause the grass to develop a shallow root system or lead to overwatering, which can cause disease,” explained Koenig.

And it’s this shallow root system that makes the turf vulnerable to burning out during periods of stress, such as heat and drought.

Instead, she advised, “If watering is needed in any season, prioritize long, deep, infrequent waterings. This will allow the water to get down deep into the root system, which encourages the deeper root growth needed to adequately store the nutrients and water it needs to survive high temperatures.”

The time of day you water your lawn will also affect how much water is absorbed and whether water droplets scorch and damage the grass. The best time of day is always in the early morning.

Gardening essentials we love

More from Tom's Guide

• Want to keep your lawn alive in a heatwave? This clever landscaping trend could be the answer
• Don't let the heatwave destroy your plants — expert shares 3 top tips to do right now
• Why is my grass patchy after seeding? I asked the experts how to fix it

Summertime means spending more time outside — and if you want to make the most of your patio, deck or backyard this season, it might be time for a little refresh. That might sound expensive, but thanks to Amazon's patio and garden sale, giving your outdoor space an upgrade is more affordable than you might think.

From must-have gardening tools and patio furniture to genius storage hacks and eye-catching outdoor decor, I've rounded up tons of Amazon items that will help transform your backyard into a 5-star resort. The best part is, every item is under $50.

Here's everything you need to make your outdoor spaces a little more magical this summer (without breaking the bank).

Quick Links

• shop all Amazon outdoor deals
• Miracle Gro All Purpose Plant Food: was $15 now $13
• Brightech Outdoor String Lights: was $47 now $21
• Keboe 50ft Stainless Steel Garden Hose: was $39 now $29
• Abba Patio Outdoor Patio Umbrella: was $49 now $29
• VIVOHOME Bird Bath: was $42 now $37
• Best Choice 3-Piece Patio Bistro Set: was $119 now $49

Amazon Outdoor Deals Under $100

Shop more deals

I bought my first hydrangea this year. And despite everyone I know (well, my mom and grandma) telling me to plant it in the ground, I decided to defy the odds and keep it in my lovely garden pot. And it worked for approximately two months until it totally died. Or so I thought it did.

I took a few snaps of my once-pink and beautiful hydrangea and asked AI to help me bring it back to life. To my surprise, there were several things I was doing wrong, all of which definitely contributed to its rapid decay.

Now? It's showing some signs of regrowth, and I didn't even have to spend any money. Here's hoping that next year will bring some of these beautiful blooms back again.

Yes, there is a chance that you can save your potted hydrangea if it's looking a little sad because of the heat.

So whether you are battling parched patches or fragile stems, here is my personal process—and the expert-backed steps you should implement—before you give up and toss everything into the compost heap. After all, a little effort can go a long way!

1. You need to trim it back (trust me!)

One of the worst things that you can do if your hydrangea is dying is leave it to wilt and die.

Instead, you need to chop away the dead bits to make way for new life. Start by removing dead leaves and then focus on the dead stems.

A good way to test the stems is to scratch them slightly. If they are green underneath, they are alive, but brown means they're dead.

I had to trim back my entire hydrangea in the end, and I really wasn't feeling hopeful afterwards, to be honest. But I did manage to find a good few stems showing slithers of life.

2. It definitely needs a good drink

You might think that just watering your hydrangea with your watering can is enough. And most of the time, it is.

But when it's looking really sad or maybe almost dead, then it's time for a sink bath. Simply use your plug and fill your kitchen sink with water, place your pot in there, and let it have a really good drink.

A good way to check if your hydrangea needs a sink bath is to use a finger and poke it into its soil. If it's soggy or musty 2-3 inches down, it's been overwatered, or there might be poor drainage. If it's totally dry, in the sink it goes.

I left mine in the sink for 30 minutes. I then let it fully drain afterwards, before walking it back through my house and to my garden.

3. It probably needs to be moved

My garden is south-facing, which you think is great until it hits the summer months and being barefoot outside is no longer an option.

So, watering your plants three times a day becomes a chore and a necessity. All jokes aside: a south-facing garden is a little bit of a nightmare. And it's also probably the reason why some of your plants aren't surviving! After I moved my hydrangea from one side of my garden to the other, I saw a difference.

Simply moving its position from all-day sun to only morning sun and afternoon shade gave this plant a little bit of a break.

Now, it lives in the one spot in my garden that gets shade first, and it's loving it.

4. Feed it coffee

Just like yourself, your hydrangea plant thrives when given a coffee (or five!).

I have a bean-to-cup coffee maker, and I've been feeding this plant the spent grounds and water for around six weeks.

I don't overdo it, but a little does definitely help! There are so many good uses for coffee when it comes to gardening.

Top tip

You might find that a few weeds start growing in your potted hydrangea as you're trying to encourage new growth.

This is normal, but you should definitely remove these from the root as soon as possible. These weeds will be taking away any nutrients from your hydrangea, and as we know, it desperately needs all of the nutrients it can get right now.

The end results

Six weeks later, I can finally see new life coming back to my hydrangea plant. There's no chance of blooming flowers just yet, but it is showing promising signs of regrowth thanks to its obviously new and green leaves in the center of its pot.

And I even asked AI to confirm this for me, in case it was wishful thinking. I told it my location, and it assessed the photo I sent.

The roots are definitely still alive, and it's starting to reshoot from the base, which is what hydrangeas do after a severe dieback.

If yours is looking the same, then it recommends leaving it for another 2-3 weeks without pruning, as the current stems will protect new growth. After this, you can decide which stems are finally dead and which ones are showing positive signs. In this time, keep it moist but don't let it sit in lots of water.

Gardening watering essentials we love

More from Tom's Guide

• How often should you water tomato plants and when should you do it?
• 3 ways to tell that your tomatoes are ready to harvest
• 7 ways to increase the yield from your tomato plants

Now that summer has arrived, the scorching temperatures often take their toll on our previously lush and green grass. It’s disheartening to see unappealing yellow patches or spots on your lawn, particularly when you have gone the extra mile to seed bare spots.

In addition, you’re probably wondering why grass grows at a faster rate in some bare spots and not in others. Luckily, I’ve called on the lawn care experts to reveal why my grass is still patchy after seeding and to share tips on how to fix it.

What causes lawn to be patchy after seeding?

Essentially, overseeding is when you spread a thin layer of grass seed that matches your existing lawn type and climate zone. Experts usually suggest this method to fix bare spots, naked turf, or overrunning weeds, which are clear signs of density issues.

But why does your grass still look a little patchy even after you’ve seeded? According to experts, there could be several reasons for this — from birds swiping seeds off the ground to the breeze blowing some away.

“It’s quite common for the first go at seeding to come up slightly patchy,” adds Chrissie Handley, lawn care specialist at Online Turf. “You tend to lose some seed either from the birds picking some off the ground, or through wind blowing it away, or heavy rain can also wash some away, giving you a sparse regrowth.”

Although it’s advisable to sprinkle the seeds by hand to tackle those smaller areas, you may be spreading it too thin in certain areas — leading to patchy turf after seeding.

“Sometimes, the area can appear sparse and patchy if you’ve seeded by hand, as sometimes there will be a higher concentration of seed in certain areas, depending on the way it fell when sown,” adds Handley.

“You can simply top up these areas with additional seed once you begin to notice the sparse areas. If you do this when the seed is just beginning to germinate, you’ll have a better chance of it blending together quickly.”

How do I fix my patchy lawn?

So what can I do to fix unsightly patches? Experts advise the best solution is to reseed the affected areas, using lawn repair products or a good fertilizer.

“Proper fertilization also encourages dense turf, effectively crowding out weeds and minimizing bare patches, reducing soil erosion and promoting overall lawn stability,” states Allison Koenig, lawn and garden expert at Tractor Supply.

“Good fertilizing practice can help ensure you grow greener, healthier grass with a strong root system to combat heat, cold, drought, mowing, and foot traffic.”

For top tips, check out how often should you fertilize your lawn and when to do it.

Of course, prevention is key, and there are top tips you can do before seeding to ensure you get lush, revived grass for the summer. These include things sowing at the right time of day or adding a layer of topsoil afterwards.

“There are ways to try and counteract this with the way that you sow – always factor in extra, it’s always better to overseed to over-prepare for any that may be lost, as well as covering the seeded area,” Handley suggests.

“Add in a thin layer of topsoil afterwards. This can help stop the birds from picking it off, and also helps the seed make good contact with the ground, improving your germination rate.

“Make sure it’s a light covering of topsoil so that you’re not smothering them, and try to sow on a mild day where temperatures are forecast to be consistent for a while for a better yield. You should also keep the area consistently moist but don’t overwater — if you’re getting a lot of rain, hold off on watering.”

Typically, you should ensure your lawn gets the recommended one to two inches of water each week, but during hot, dry spells, you may need to double the duration. Additionally, watering deeply every three to four days rather than daily helps promote stronger, more drought-resistant roots.

For more top tips, check out how to tell if your lawn needs overseeding, especially if you want to maintain healthy grass all year round. Or if you just want a lush lawn, try these 11 secrets to a lawn that’s greener than your neighbor's.

Lawncare essentials we love

More from Tom's Guide

• 7 common lawn care mistakes you’re probably making right now
• 9 ways to get the most out of your lawn mower
• 5 plants that will keep wasps out of your yard

Basil is fussy about conditions. It comes from warm tropical environments where it thrives in heat, bright light, and consistent care. When basil starts turning yellow, it's essentially waving a flag. Something in its environment has shifted.

Once you understand what basil needs, diagnosing the problem becomes straightforward. In most cases, yellowing basil leaves signal one of three fixable issues. Here's how to identify which one and get your plant back to thriving.

1. Your basil is too wet

Overwatering causes about 80% of basil yellowing problems. Basil hates sitting in waterlogged soil. When soil stays damp, roots suffocate and can't absorb nutrients or oxygen. The plant essentially drowns from the inside.

Look at the lower leaves first. If they're turning soft and mushy yellow while the soil feels damp or smells stale, you're watering too much. The fix is immediate: stop watering completely. Let the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out entirely before you water again.

Also, make sure your pot has drainage holes. This is non-negotiable for basil.

Going forward, water when soil feels dry to the touch, not on a schedule. Basil would rather be slightly underwatered than oversaturated.

2. It's living in the shadows

Basil is a sun worshipper that needs 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to maintain its green color. Without it, the entire plant looks pale and yellowish. You'll also notice the stems getting long, thin, and stretchy as they reach desperately toward the nearest light source.

Move basil to your absolute sunniest window, preferably south-facing. If indoor light is genuinely limited, a cheap LED grow light makes an enormous difference. Even a few hours under a grow light daily revives pale, yellowing basil remarkably fast.

Outdoor placement works too, if weather allows. Exposure to full sun transforms basil plants within days.

3. The soil has nothing left to give

Basil grows aggressively and depletes potting soil nutrients within 4-6 weeks. Nitrogen deficiency is usually the culprit behind yellowing leaves. Unlike the mushy yellow from overwatering, nutrient-starved basil stays firm. The entire plant just looks pale and stunted.

Give it a drink of balanced, water-soluble fertilizer mixed at half strength — tomato or herb fertilizer works perfectly. One feeding usually restores color within a week or two. If you're using basil heavily for cooking, consider fertilizing every 2-3 weeks to keep nutrients available.

More from Tom's Guide

• Is your basil plant wilting? 5 causes and quick fixes to revive it
• Why are my tomato plant leaves turning yellow? 5 steps to save your harvest
• The timeless gardening wisdom your grandparents swore by — and why it still works today

While their distinctive black-and-white coats are easily identifiable, skunks are rarely welcomed as backyard friends. Instead, they are often dismissed as garden pests.

Their reputation for being stinky creatures far outweighs their striking appearance, an annoyance only amplified by the mess they make digging up lawns in search of grubs.

How to tell if a skunk’s been in your backyard

Even if you don’t spot a skunk in broad daylight, they leave clear signs behind. Brandon Runyon, entomologist at Swat Pest Management, says, “You may see signs of digging, knocked-over trash cans, and even smell that a skunk’s been about.”

According to Angelika Zaber, lawn care specialist and gardening expert at Online Turf, skunks typically dig 3-4-inch holes in lawns as they scratch around for grubs. And she also warns that the animals’ unpleasant sulfur-like spray can penetrate clothing or furniture that’s left outside.

If you keep livestock in your backyard, keep an eye on your coops. Zaber adds that skunks will target poultry and eat their eggs — a crime you can detect by an eggshell opened at one end, with the edges crushed inward.

What do skunks eat?

Runyon explains that these black-and-white creatures are omnivores, obtaining energy and nutrients from both plant and animal matter. This leaves a whole host of opportunities for skunks in your backyard.

Apart from devouring fallen nuts and fruit in your yard, he says they’ll also knock over trash cans to find food and will wreak havoc on your lawn, digging up Japanese beetles, beetle grubs and earthworms.

What’s more, if you leave out cat and dog food for stray animals or your pets, you’re inviting skunks to tuck in.

Where do skunks shelter?

While the skunks are causing havoc in your yard, rooting for food, they may also be looking for a suitable den. “This could be under your deck, your shed, your porch, or any other place where they can burrow, such as thick brush, wood piles and leaf piles,” explains Runyon.

To deter them, Zaber recommends fixing any spaces that they can call home.

Skunk deterrents

There are natural repellents you can use at home to deter skunks, although Runyon says they’re not long-term fixes. Instead, both experts recommend the following measures.

1. Stop skunks from entering
Place a big defender around your fence line to keep skunks from digging into your yard.

2. Cover up your trash
Keep the lids on your trash cans and secure them with locks if practical. If your trash can is knocked over, the contents won’t spill out if the lid is securely in place.

3. Reduce potential den sites
Tidy up your backyard and remove any wood piles and leaf litter where skunks can make a den. Then, secure any other potential hideouts by closing up gaps beneath sheds and houses.

4. Protect your lawn
Newly laid lawns are particularly attractive to skunks, as they are often well-watered and have plenty of grubs. To reduce both skunk and grub activity, apply a grub treatment and water your lawn correctly.

5. Keep pet food inside
Avoid leaving pet food outside for any length of time, and if you can feed your animals inside your house.

Friend or foe?

While you might prefer to banish skunks from your yard, Back to the Wild, a wildlife sanctuary in Ohio, recognizes what skunks have to offer.

In an Instagram post, the sanctuary shares, “These nocturnal neighbors help control insect and rodent populations, and they actually help protect lawns, gardens and native plant life.

"They’re shy, peaceful animals that would much rather avoid you than confront you. So if you spot a skunk wandering through your yard, don’t panic! You may have a tiny pest-control specialist working the night shift.”

Lawncare essentials we love

More from Tom's Guide

• 7 ways to get rid of groundhogs without hurting them
• 3 common backyard bugs that are actually helping — not hurting — your plants
• 7 natural aphid deterrents to prevent infestation in your yard

We're deep into BBQ season — and if your current outdoor cooking setup is in need of an upgrade, now's the time to grab a new grill, griddle or smoker.

Luckily, retailers like Home Depot, Amazon, Walmart and Lowe's are currently rolling out summer sales with everything you need to get grilling. Popular brands like Weber, Traeger, Charbroil, Ninja and more are knocking up to 43% off best-selling models at Amazon as we speak.

If you're ready to throw some hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill and enjoy a backyard barbecue, you've come to the right place. Keep scrolling to check out my favorite outdoor cooking deals.

Quick Links

• Amazon grill sale: deals from $39 @ Amazon
• Home Depot grill sale: deals from $99 @ Home Depot
• Lowe's grill sale: up to 25% off @ Lowe's
• Walmart grill sale: deals under $50 @ Walmart
• Weber Spatula: was $21 now $18 @ Home Depot
• Weber Jumbo Joe Grill: was $99 now $89 @ Amazon
• Coleman Roadtrip 225: was $364 now $209 @ Amazon
• Ninja Woodfire Pizza Oven: was $399 now $299 @ Amazon
• Weber Spirit II E-210 Propane Grill: was $549 now $399 @ Amazon
• Kamado Joe Classic Joe Series II: was $1,499 now $1,200 @ Amazon

Editor's Choice Sales

Best Outdoor Cooking Deals

I’m struggling in the heat, and I know the birds and wildlife in my yard are, too. While I can still hear their joyful chirping in the early morning, they are taking more cover during the day.

Although I can still see movements in my trees and shrubs, where they perch in shady spots away from full sun, it’s only in the evenings that I see them come out of hiding.

It’s at this time that I watch them perching on the edge of my bird bath, or even daring to flap their feathers in the water to cool down. It’s clear that my bird bath is a ‘mini summer sanctuary’ for the birds that visit my yard.

In the warmer months, it’s more challenging for birds and other wildlife to find fresh water, which is why wildlife experts are encouraging gardeners to leave out a fresh supply in July.

Why birds need extra support in July?

With warmer summer weather and with many young birds having fledged the nest, Lucy Taylor, wildlife expert at Vine House Farm, is advising anyone with a garden to leave out a clean supply of water for the birds.

She says, “The warmer weather we experience in July means that other sources of water relied on by birds may have dried up, and they need to replace the fluids they lose in the heat."

Providing fresh water is particularly important for seed eaters, who don’t get the moisture from insects, although all birds still need to drink.

Change the water daily to keep the birds healthy

However, there’s one big mistake you could be making if you don’t replace the water every day. In high temperatures, water sources dry up quickly — something I notice with my own bird bath.

What’s more, once birds find a water source, they will come back again and again to quench their thirst. If the water has evaporated, they will have to use more energy to find another supply.

But this is not the only issue. Dirty and stale water can harbor diseases that can prove fatal to birds. And for this reason, I empty out my bird bath every day, give it a quick scrub and refill it with fresh water.

It’s now become part of my regular routine that when I water my plants in the early morning, I also empty and then refill my bird bath.

While the birds get rewarded with fresh water to hydrate them during the July heat, I get the pleasure of watching them drop by.

How to support birds in your yard

Apart from supplying fresh water, there are four other ways that you can support birds in your yard.

1. Delay pruning
Taylor suggests holding off on pruning until at least the end of August, to ensure you don’t disturb any birds' nests until nesting season is over.

2. Feed the birds
Wild birds will benefit from supplementary feeding during summer, with Taylor adding that this is especially beneficial when they are feeding their chicks. She suggests offering suet or live mealworms, and if using dried mealworms, soaking them first to make them safe for chicks.

3. Provide shelter
Sheltered areas will allow wildlife to stay cool during hot weather. Taylor says, "Try not to trim back any overgrown hedges or areas, as thicker, unpruned plants can help wildlife stay cool and provide safe resting areas."

4. Let plants go to seed
Stop deadheading your flowers once they have faded. Allowing these plants to go to seed, especially sunflowers, can provide a rich food source for birds.

Bird baths we love

More from Tom's Guide

• You could be making a huge mistake with your bird feeder — here's what you should be doing instead
• You don't need a bird feeder — this hardy plant with bountiful berries will keep birds flocking to your yard
• FeatherSnap Scout Bird Feeder review

With temperatures soaring, we’re not the only ones who are feeling parched — our plants are also bearing the brunt of extreme temperatures. Beyond simply adjusting your seasonal lawn care routine, it is vital to adopt strategies that ensure your plants can withstand the heatwave.

Whether you have favorite houseplants, raised beds, or tasty tomato plants, you’ll need to know how to protect them in scorching temperatures. If not, your plants will struggle in the sun and eventually die. Luckily, we’ve got a gardening expert at hand to offer a few top tips that can help your plants thrive and survive the summer.

1. Water at the right time of day

While it might be tempting to water your plants more when the weather is scorching, timing is actually everything.

Experts advise watering your garden either in the early morning or the evening once temperatures are cooler. By watering during these cooler hours, your plants can soak up the water rather than just evaporating.

“When it comes to watering, it’s important to water deeply at the coolest points of the day,” states Chris Bonnett, founder of GardeningExpress.

“If it’s too hot, the water will just evaporate, and your plants won’t benefit.”

In addition, you should aim to give the roots a deep watering, as this will be much more effective than light and frequent watering.

And if you want to retain moisture for extended periods, add a layer of mulch around the base of your plants. “Adding a generous layer of mulch at the base of your plants will help improve the soil structure and will allow the soil to retain water for longer.”

So not only does it help to retain moisture in the soil, but acts as an insulator against the sun's UV rays.

If you want more top tips check out when you should replace mulch — and why it's essential.

2. Throw some shade

Another top tip is to move potted plants out of the sun and into shaded areas during the hottest part of the day. Just like us, this will provide our plants with some light relief and keep them cool.

“For plants that can’t be moved, or heavy pots, cover them with a shade cloth or make your own temporary one out of an old fitted bed sheet,” adds Bonnett.

Young or newly established plants will especially struggle in scorching temperatures — protect them by creating temporary cover with a shade cloth.

3. Stay away from fertilizers

A common mistake we often make is to add fertilizers to our wilting plants, but experts advise to steer clear of using in a heatwave.

“Stay away from fertilizing the lawn or plants during a heatwave,” agrees Bonnett. “Not only can they burn plants but fertilizers encourage new growth which can stress plants and cause them more harm than good.

Similarly, avoid pruning while the sun is at its peak. Cutting back growth now can place additional, unwanted pressure on your greenery — it is far better to hold off until the mercury begins to fall.

For more summer gardening tips, check out can you plant in a heatwave?

Gardening essentials we love

More from Tom's Guide

•  Here are 7 plants that will thrive in the shade 
•  Check out these 7 uses for ground cover plants 
•  Or these 7 ways to get more fruit from a tomato plant 

Patagonia is a fan-favorite here at Tom's Guide. Not only is the apparel built for outdoor adventure, it's also stylish and versatile enough for everyday wear. Although the brand can be a bit pricey, savvy shoppers know the real secret is Patagonia’s Web Specials section, which is packed with heavily discounted styles.

Even better news? Patagonia just restocked this section and the deals seem too good to be true. You can grab tons of discounted styles from last season, as well as summer must-haves starting at just $21. From fleeces and hoodies to t-shirts and shorts, some of Patagonia's best-selling styles are now up to 50% off.

So whether you're gearing up for camping trips, heading to the beach or you're just running some errands, Patagonia can be your go-to this summer and beyond. Below, I've rounded up my favorite deals from the brand's sale.

Quick Links

• shop Patagonia's deals
• shop Patagonia deals at REI
• Patagonia Unity Fitz Easy-Cut Responsibili-Tee (Women's): was $45 now $21
• Patagonia Glorya Tank Top (Women's): was $59 now $28
• Patagonia Long-Sleeved Essential Tee (Men's): was $69 now $33
• Patagonia Hydropeak Volley Shorts (Men's): was $75 now $36
• Patagonia Unity Fitz Uprisal Hoody (Men's): was $89 now $43
• Patagonia Houdini Half-Zip (Women’s): was $139 now $68
• Patagonia Windsweep Jacket (Men's): was $199 now $98

Patagonia Deals

With prolonged heatwaves and fears of drought, keeping your lawn lush and green becomes increasingly difficult as warm weather and dry conditions persist.

To help you deal with extreme summer weather without destroying your turf, I asked lawn care experts how to keep your lawn alive as temperatures rise.

How to tell if your lawn is heat stressed

Before you start treating your lawn for heat stress, you need to ensure it’s the temperature and lack of water that’s causing the problem.

It changes color
“When grass undergoes drought stress, it starts to wilt and turn blue, a bluish gray, as opposed to keeping its lush green color,” says Allison Koenig, lawn and garden expert at Tractor Supply.

Craig Elworthy, founder at Lawnbright, agrees and says that detecting the grey or bluish tint is “your sign to get water on it now or it will likely begin to go dormant.”

Try the footprint test or screwdriver test
Another indication of water deficiency is the loss of resilience. “If you step on the grass and it leaves a footprint, it likely needs water,” says Koenig. “Under normal moisture conditions, the grass should spring back up instead of leaving traffic marks.”

If you’re still unsure, Koenig suggests trying the screwdriver test to check the soil’s moisture level. She says, “First, stick a screwdriver into the soil. This creates a small hole that will allow you to feel the soil about 3-4 inches down. If it’s hard to push the screwdriver in, it’s likely the soil is dry and in need of watering.”

If you haven’t got a screwdriver to hand, a soil probe or pocketknife will also do the trick.

What happens to your lawn when it’s heat-stressed?

“In a heatwave, your lawn is essentially running a marathon. It’s using all of its energy just to get through the intense heat,” says Elworthy. “This causes growth to slow down or even stop altogether.”

Roger May, PhD, director of operations support at TruGreen, adds, “During extreme temperatures, grass loses moisture faster than roots absorb it.”

When coupled with a lack of water, the lawn will enter dormancy, turning brown until both temperature and moisture conditions are more favorable.

However, grass dying from heat alone is rarer than you might think. Koenig explains that the grass is redirecting its stored resources straight to the roots to survive, and that it will “green up” when more moderate conditions return.

Which grass is better at coping with extreme heat?

Grasses are split into two groups — warm-season grasses and cool-season grasses. Warm-season grasses are better equipped to withstand summer heatwaves, while cool-season grasses green up more quickly after winter. Your choice of grass should depend on the climate in your region.

“Bermuda grass and zoysia stand out as top performers for heat and drought in areas where warm-season grasses thrive,” says May. “These drought-resistant grasses stay vibrant while using less water and are recommended across very different hot climates — from the Western U.S. to Texas — because they tolerate scorching heat and dry spells while recovering quickly.”

So, what makes these grass types able to deal with heat and drought? “Their root systems develop to reach beyond a foot below the surface, tapping moisture reserves that shallow-rooted varieties can’t access,” explains May.

He also adds that thicker leaf cells and waxy coatings reduce moisture loss, and that some varieties can still function when soil temperatures exceed 100°F.

Cool-season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, fescue and ryegrass, struggle in the heat. If you are planting a cool-season grass, Elworthy recommends choosing tall fescue. “The roots can extend deep, away from the sun’s harsh rays.”

What’s more, he adds that fescue requires less water and fertilizer than other grass types.

How to care for your lawn in a heatwave

When it comes to caring for your lawn in a heatwave, the best advice is less is more.

1. Raise the height of your lawnmower

“As the temperature rises, so should your lawn height,” says Koenig. “I recommend keeping cool-season grass 3 or 3.5 inches long in the summer, or up to 4 inches for tall fescue and perennial ryegrass. Warm-season grasses should be kept shorter, around 2 to 2.5 inches.”

So why should the grass be left longer in a heatwave? According to Koenig, cutting too low exposes more soil, and in the summer, this leads to more moisture loss. “If you keep your blades slightly taller, your lawn is more protected from heat stress and weeds. This small adjustment can significantly improve drought resilience,” she explains.

Top tip: Follow the one-third rule
When mowing your lawn during a heatwave, Koenig advises never to remove more than one-third of the leaf tissue or blade at a time, as it’s where the plant’s food production occurs.

2. Leave grass clippings on your lawn

Rather than removing the grass clippings to create a tidy lawn, Chrisie Handley, lawncare specialist at Online Turf, suggests leaving them in place to act as a natural mulch. “They shade the ground, reduce water loss, and deliver a natural nitrogen boost as they break down,” she says.

3. Water deeply

A light sprinkle of water isn’t going to help your lawn, as it will encourage a shallow root system, which is more likely to burn out.

Instead, Handley recommends watering deeply for an extended period of time to promote healthier, more stable root systems. “The stronger and more stable the plant, the better chance it has of surviving drought conditions in the future,” she explains.

Top tip: The best time of day to water
Your grass will also thank you for being watered in the morning, avoiding the midday heat and the subsequent evaporation before the water reaches the roots.

4. Avoid fertilizer

Although your lawn may look like it needs nutrients, applying fertilizer in a heatwave should be avoided. Koenig explains, “Fertilizer will scorch your grass in extreme heat and damage its root system. Your lawn is already trying to conserve water during a heatwave, so extra stress will only compound the damage.”

Lawncare essentials we love

More from Tom's Guide

• What is xeriscaping? How this clever landscaping trend can save your yard in a heatwave
• 9 drought-resistant plants that will thrive in your yard during the hot, dry summer
• Gardener reveals ‘centuries-old’ hack for keeping plants hydrated in the summer

3D printers are incredible! It's genuinely astonishing just how far the technology has come over the last few years, with the quality increasing and, in many cases, the costs dropping. It's now possible to pick up a great machine, capable of sophisticated and high-quality prints, for not very much money at all. If you're into DIY, toys, tabletop games and crafts then they really are a great investment.

To save you from searching for a bargain, I've rounded up the best 3D printer deals that are live on Amazon right now, along with some nice bargains on the filament and resin you'll need to make your dreams a physical reality. Remember, these deals don't last forever, so if you see something that you like the look of, strike while the iron (or the filament, I guess) is hot...

Making your patio and garden feel a little more magical doesn't need to be a daunting or expensive task. In fact, I've been scouring Amazon to find the best additions to transform my outdoor space — and there are tons of insanely affordable patio furniture deals starting at $89.

Whether you're looking for a dining table for al fresco dinners, a conversation set for sipping morning coffee or some lounge chairs for chilling by the pool, Amazon has you covered with these stylish, affordable and functional options.

I've rounded up some of my favorite patio sets on Amazon. Keep scrolling to check out my top picks.

Quick Links

• shop all Amazon outdoor deals
• Flamaker All-Weather Rattan Outdoor Set: was $109 now $89
• Best Choice Lounge Chair Recliners (Set of 2): was $129 now $99
• Shintenchi 3 Pieces Patio Furniture Set: was $164 now $139
• Best Choice Patio Wicker Furniture Set: was $179 now $149
• Yaheetech 4 Piece Patio Furniture Set: was $209 now $169
• Greenvines Outdoor Rocking Chairs: was $329 now $229

Amazon Patio Sets

Hydrangeas are my favorite flower, and I take great pride in having a row of these delicate beauties in my front yard. In fact, they have been known to turn a few of my neighbors’ heads as they walk by.

I usually find them easy to care for, if I water them consistently and prune them when needed, but just right now, they are becoming more of a challenge. As we experience heatwave after heatwave, I’m struggling to keep them from drooping and taking pride of place in my front yard.

But, luckily, keeping your hydrangeas thriving in the heat isn’t complicated. It all comes down to three rules.

1. Water deeply

Hydrangeas love water, which means long, hot, dry summers can make it challenging to keep them perky. And the extreme weather can stress and damage the plants. Although burnt leaves won’t recover from the damage, your plant can still survive.

The trick is to water deeply, right down to the roots, rather than merely on the surface, where water evaporates. A soaker hose or watering bag that applies a slow drip around the base of the plant is a good idea. Whereas a general garden hose won’t work quite so well.

Top tip: Newer plants will need more frequent watering than older, established plants that have deeper roots.

2. Water at the right time of day

Whether you are watering hydrangeas or any other type of plant, the key is getting the timing right. During a heatwave or any period of hot weather, avoid watering your hydrangeas at the hottest time of day, often midday.

Early-morning watering is the best method. There is plenty of time for the water to be absorbed down to the roots before the sun dries it up and potentially scorches wet leaves.

However, I find this routine quite tough because I’m not up with the lark. So, I swap my watering routine to the early evening, leaving enough time for the plants to dry out before nightfall.

3. Don't overwater

Be mindful not to overwater your hydrangeas, as excess water can lead to root rot and fungal diseases. A good plan is to use a soil moisture meter before watering to make sure you’re not giving your hydrangeas too much or too little water.

Alternatively, you can place a finger two inches into the soil. If it feels dry, your plant needs a deep watering. Then return to your plant later in the day or the next morning if you watered it in the evening, and see if the plant remains wilted. If so, it needs another drink.

Top tip: If your hydrangeas grow in pots, they will need more watering, as the soil will dry out more quickly than those planted in the ground.

Gardening watering essentials we love

More from Tom's Guide

• When do hydrangeas flower? We asked gardening experts
• Stop buying new hydrangeas — there’s a simple hack to multiply your plants for free
• The compact shrub is secretly replacing hydrangeas for better fragrance and easier care (I think it’s a winner)

Nothing beats the taste of homegrown tomatoes — freshly picked off the vine and thrown straight into your tasty meals. And even though these crops are considered the easiest to grow, it can be disappointing when you end up with more lush foliage than fruit.

This is especially true when you were looking forward to a juicy, flavorful harvest this summer. If your plants aren't producing, don't despair — there are several reasons behind your missing fruit and simple ways to get your crops back on track.

So, if you find yourself struggling with a plant that is all foliage and no fruit, these are the three most common pitfalls you might be making. Plus simple tips to ensure a bountiful harvest.

1. Choose the right variety for your climate

One key factor behind your lack of tomato harvest could be your climate. Typically, tomatoes thrive in temperatures between 75 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. And if your planting area is either too hot or too cool, your crops will struggle to flower properly, resulting in a disappointing lack of fruit.

If your plants continue to struggle with flowering and you haven’t seen any fruit in months, try switching to another variety that is more suited to your local weather conditions.

For those living in the sun-drenched South, choosing heat-tolerant types like Buffalosun, Cherokee Purple, Stellar, or Pink Delicious can help you secure a flavorful harvest.

Those in colder regions with limited summer windows should opt for hardy varieties such as Washington Cherry, Legend, and Sub-Arctic Plenty to ensure their plants thrive.

In addition, tomato flowers tend to self-pollinate once the flower opens. If the weather conditions are affected by excessive heat, cold, or moisture levels, the pollen from the male parts of the flower may not reach the female parts — affecting development.

One pro tip is to try giving your tomato stems a light shake as soon as the first blossoms come through, as this simple trick can help promote better fruit set.

For more planting tips, check out Tom's Guide to tomatoes for everything you need to know about growing a juicy harvest.

2. Give your tomatoes enough sun

Tomatoes are sun-loving plants and need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily to help them produce more fruit. Without adequate sunshine, plants struggle to photosynthesize, and they will lack the energy to thrive.

As a result, this leads to tall, spindly growth, producing very few flowers and a sparse harvest of tomatoes to enjoy.

What’s more, low-light conditions are known to produce watery, bland fruit that lacks sweetness. So if you want to ensure juicy and flavorful fruit all season, let it soak up enough sun.

If you’re growing tomatoes in pots, it might be best to relocate them to a sunnier area in the home, and monitor the sun’s movement during growing season.

3. Watering tomatoes properly

While the summer heat might tempt you to reach for the hose more often, overwatering or under-watering your tomatoes can result in poor growth, wilting, and a lack of flowers and fruit.

The general rule of thumb is to water deeply and consistently when the top two inches of soil begin to dry. You can always check the soil for dryness before watering again with a water meter.

Plus, you’ll want to ensure your soil is kept in a healthy condition, free from disease or root rot, often triggered by overwatering. So a top tip is to add a rich, organic fertilizer like a layer of mulch around the base of the plants. Not only will it provide essential nutrients, but can act as a weed barrier, and prevent disease.

To get more out of your harvest this summer, check out when to fertilize tomatoes: the 3-step schedule for a bountiful harvest.

More from Tom's Guide

• How often should you water tomato plants and when should you do it?
• 3 ways to tell that your tomatoes are ready to harvest
• 7 ways to increase the yield from your tomato plants

There’s nothing more frustrating for a gardener than watching a vibrant and thriving plant change appearance. What was once a spectacle to be admired can quickly change to a specimen that looks lackluster and distressed.

If you’ve ever grown roses in your yard, you may have experienced the same effect. Those once-beautiful showstoppers, with a fragrant scent and glossy leaves, can quickly succumb to all sorts of issues, leaving you with a rose shrub with yellowing leaves.

While the problem is not insurmountable, the challenge lies in pinpointing what has caused your rose leaves to turn yellow, and then knowing how to put it right. Here I break down the likely culprits and share how to fix those yellow leaves

1. The watering is off balance

If you’ve noticed the leaves on your rose bush have turned yellow, it could be a sign that the plant is under- or overwatered. You can check if the plant is too dry by placing a finger into the soil. If the top couple of inches feel dry, it needs a drink.

However, it could also mean the plant is too wet. If this is the case, you might also notice the soil is soggy, the leaves are wilting, and there is a musty odor.

The trick is getting the balance right. Roses are best planted in well-draining soil; however, if the soil is sandy, it will drain much more quickly, and your plant will need more frequent watering.

Roses will appreciate a good, long drink at their roots rather than short, frequent waterings on their leaves.

2. The rose lacks nutrients

In some instances, your rose may be lacking nutrients. If this is the case, you’ll notice the leaf veins turn green, and the rest of the leaf turns yellow.

It’s wise to do a soil pH test before adding any amendments, as roses require slightly acidic soil, around 6.0-6.5. If your soil falls outside this range, your roses won’t be able to absorb the phosphorus, iron and potassium they need.

You can amend the soil with iron chelates or a nitrogen-rich fertilizer.

3. It’s crying out for sunlight

Roses love 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day, so if they aren’t getting their full quota, their leaves may turn yellow. If you are buying new roses, check the planting guidelines to ensure you’re placing them in the best position.

However, although roses aren’t known to love the shade, some will do fine without full sun, just choose carefully before you buy.

4. Pests are sucking the sap

There is an array of pests that can suck the sap from roses, removing nutrients and turning the leaves yellow. Spider mites, aphids and thrips are all culprits. So, if you notice yellowing leaves on your roses, check the underside of the plant’s leaves for pests/

Aphids and spider mites can be dislodged with a hose spray, while thrips can be removed by hand. You can also spray neem oil on the plants, but wait for a cool day without much sun.

5. Black spot can take a hold on your plants

Roses are susceptible to black spot, a common fungal infection that causes the upper leaf surface to turn yellow and develop black or purple spots. Badly affected plants can shed almost all of their leaves, and the plant’s vigor is greatly affected.

The disease can only be controlled, not cured. Remove any infected leaves on or surrounding the plant. Clean and sanitize your pruning shears between each cut to prevent reinfection, and water at ground level at the beginning of the day to ensure everything is dry before night time. You can also use a fungicide spray on your roses.

Gardening essentials we love

More from Tom's Guide

• 7 expert tips to grow the perfect roses this summer
• The 7 best fragrant hedge plants to keep your yard fresh this summer and beyond
• Drooping hydrangeas? Try these 5 tricks to perk them up fast

I'm looking forward to getting away for a bit this summer for a much-needed vacation. But you know what it's like, as soon as you've booked your holiday, you need to start figuring out what to take with you and how much to pack. If you're away for more than just a day or two away then that list can grow quite quickly — and so can the costs.

That's why, for this list, I've pulled together 12 travel essentials that are all currently on sale at Amazon. There are some great deals here, from portable fans (an essential this summer), to travel hairdryers, swim shorts, sandals and more.

If you're hitting the road or leaving on a jetplane this summer, there's bound to be something here that will make your trip that little bit easier and cheaper, so you can spend your hard-earned cash on meals out or drinks by the pool.

If you’re dreaming of a lush green lawn, you might wake up to discover a nightmare. That perfectly manicured lawn is likely to be looking a little sadder this year as the heatwave takes hold.

Scorching heat and limited rainfall mean that even the most dedicated gardeners will struggle to keep their lawns immaculate at the moment. Besides, when water is scarce, we need to be cautious about how much we use in our yards.

As the effects of climate change take hold, it certainly seems the right time to reconsider how we plant out our yards. Instead of opting for thirsty grasses and flowers in our beds, the sensible option is to adapt to the environment.

And this is exactly what gardeners in Colorado are doing. They are turning to xeriscaping, a form of landscaping that favors native plants, which require less water to keep their yards looking lush.

What is xeriscaping?

Xeriscaping was coined by Denver’s Water Department in the 1980s to support drought-tolerant plants, efficient irrigation, and soil improvements to create low-maintenance yards. And as Denver is the capital of Colorado’s arid region, it had good reason to instigate this approach.

According to Colorado State University, this form of landscaping could lower outdoor water use by 30-50%, while cutting monthly water bills.

Xeriscaping is based on seven principles, which essentially refer to ‘dry-scaping’. A method for cultivating a yard that uses as little water as possible while still maintaining a pleasing, eco-friendly aesthetic.

The 7 principles of xeriscaping

1. Plan your design

Understand your site and match the right plant to the right place. Check the properties of your soil, sun exposure and water flow across your property. Once you have this knowledge, your patch will work harder for you.

2. Work with your soil

Rather than improving your soil with organic matter, xeriscaping works around working with what you’ve already got. So the advice is to only add 3-5% of organic matter. And if your soil is compacted, focus on lifting and loosening it without loading it with amendments.

3. Irrigate efficiently

Xeriscaping is based on using as little water as possible and developing deep roots. So if you tend to water your plants a little and often, they won’t get used to tough conditions. Watering deeply and infrequently is a better plan.

4. Use drought-tolerant plants

The key is to select plants that are well-suited to your soil, sun exposure and climate. They don’t necessarily have to be native, and you might find that one plant that does well nearby doesn’t thrive in your yard.

5. Limit turfgrass

Cutting back on turf or eliminating it completely is a major way to reduce water usage. But rather than leaving it stark, add drought-tolerant perennials and grasses, such as and buffalo or blue grama grass, that do survive with natural rainfall.

6. Use mulch

Whether you live in a dry region or not, mulch will help reduce water evaporation wherever you are. Apart from saving water, it will also suppress weeds, and protect your plants from the heat.

Gravel mulch is the perfect choice for xeriscaping. Water can penetrate, and it doesn’t need to be replaced like wood mulch.

7. Maintain your landscape

Rather than regularly watering your lawn and plants and mowing your lawn, your jobs will shift. You’ll be deadheading or cutting back perennials and picking up a weed or two. Keeping a regular eye on how your plants are responding will allow you to make adjustments throughout the seasons.

If your grass is suffering in the heat, you might also be interested in how to keep your lawn alive in a heatwave.

More from Tom's Guide

• 9 drought-resistant plants that will thrive in your yard during the hot, dry summer
• Gardener reveals ‘centuries-old’ hack for keeping plants hydrated in the summer
• 5 plants that love the sun and will survive a heatwave

I've been trying to get the right bird feeder for my garden for months. From my hanging cage that attracts unwanted attention from squirrels, to the smaller wooden box that keeps falling down, to the DIY one my son made that came under attack, I'm not having much luck.

So, I turned to my old faithful — a flat bird feeder that balances safely upon a pole and provides a roof to shield the food from the elements. Only, it turns out, that's exactly what I shouldn't be using. While I thought I was doing something good for my local wildlife with the most stable option, in fact, using a flat bird feeder could be having the opposite effect. And if you're using one too, you might want to rethink it.

Why you shouldn't be using a flat bird feeder 

Bird tables feel like one of the most common ways to feed birds that are local to your area and that's because they are. But, conservation charities like Britain's Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) strongly advise against them and there's a good reason for it.

According to the RSPB, it's actually a hot bed for disease, specifically finch trichomonosis, a highly contagious variant that's easily spread around bird feeders. And the problem with flat bird feeders in particular is that the feed sits out in one spot for extended periods of time where birds continuously visit and revisit it.

RSPB specifically advises: "Don't use bird feeders with flat surfaces, such as bird tables, window feeders and feeders with trays. Research has confirmed that there's a higher risk of disease spreading on flat surfaces, where contaminated food can collect."

Leaving diseased food or droppings on a flat surface can have devastating consequences for your garden birds, so instead of using flat bird feeders, you should be avoiding them.

What you should do instead

Fortunately, both the RSPB and The National Audubon Society have abundant advice on what you should do instead if, like me, you're struggling to find the right solution for feeding your garden birds.

The National Audubon Society recommends that to prevent the spread of illness, you need to follow three simple steps: "Clean feeders regularly, tidy below the feeder and share the wealth." The National Wildlife Health Center advises that to clean them, you should make "a solution of nine parts water to one part bleach," making sure to dry the bird feeder fully before putting it back out.

Tidying below it is also important, as well as to "share the wealth" by spreading out food among a few feeders to hopefully reduce the chance of all of them becoming contaminated.

Overarching all this advice, the RSPB says that what you should really be doing is to "help birds find their own food." It recommends instead that you should be helping garden birds to discover foods by planting bird-friendly plants in your garden, including sunflowers and ivy.

If you want to use bird feeders, it seems choosing hanging ones are your best option, as long as you're keeping them clean and moving them around regularly so that food build-up doesn't occur. I'll just make sure that next time I buy a hanging bird feeder, it's one that deters squirrels.

More from Tom's Guide

• Ditch the feeder this summer: The natural way to keep garden birds healthy
• Why your birdfeeder becomes a ‘disease spot’ in a heatwave — and how to fix it
• I’ve been using this Birdfy smart bird feeder for four months: here’s what I've learned

Summer is in full swing — and whether you're heading out for a picnic, a roadtrip or a beach vacation, you'll likely need a hand in keeping your snacks and drinks perfectly cool. That's why now is the perfect time to invest in one of the best coolers.

Even better? A few of our favorites are up to 35% off on Amazon. If you're not sure where to begin, I've done the heavy lifting for you and compiled the best of the best cooler deals below. They come courtesy of top brands like Ninja, Igloo, Coleman, YETI and more.

Keep scrolling to see all the cooler deals I recommend! You can also check out our Amazon promo codes page.

Quick Links

• shop cooler deals at Amazon
• Coleman Classic Playmate Coolers: was $33 now $20
• Igloo Marine Cooler 25qt: was $41 now $34
• Coleman Classic Series Cooler 70qt: was $84 now $74
• Stanley All Day Madeleine Backpack Soft Cooler: was $170 now $124
• Yeti Hopper M15 Portable Soft Cooler: was $300 now $199
• Ninja FrostVault 30QT: was $279 now $229

The Best Cooler Deals

Summer is here and it's time to get out into the garden. But if, like me, your outdoor space is perhaps looking slightly neglected and your lawn could do with a little TLC, then it's time to invest in a new lawn mower.

For this list I've pulled together a selection of high quality mowers to suit a range of budgets and preferences. There are cordless electric mowers, hand-pushed manual models, and even robot mowers that will do the job for you. I've also picked out a few associated products, including strimmers and edgers. These are the tools that will help you get your garden into shape quickly, just in time for your next party or BBQ — and at a reasonable price, too.

As the weather warms up, there's nothing more satisfying than having a lush, green lawn to enjoy — particularly when preparing for outdoor entertaining.

And while you might already have a lawn care routine that you stick to, you might be forgetting to do this one crucial step before cutting your grass. In fact, it’s a common mistake we often make when mowing our lawn, but if left unchecked, it can cause long-term damage to our mower’s blades.

What’s more, this could ruin your lush, healthy grass just as the summer begins. So if you want to ensure a greener lawn, don’t skip this one lawn mower check.

Make sure the grass is dry before cutting

While this might not seem necessary in warmer months, you should always check that your grass is dry before getting the mower out. Be it from morning dew or a summer shower, excess moisture can make all the difference to your mower blades.

This is due to the fact that damp blades of grass tend to stick or clump together, which can significantly blunt your mower's cutting edge over time. Consequently, this makes the blades work less effectively and could cause them to overheat, as they’ll need to work harder to get through the clumps — and potentially make your mower break down.

In addition, moist cuttings can build up beneath the mower deck and across your blades, which results in rusted metal components and a decline in your machine’s efficiency.

Of course, keeping your lawn mower in top condition is vital, so ensure your mower blades are sharp and avoid mowing with blunt equipment.

There are many blade sharpening tools available online; however, a metal file also works well — always follow the safety guidelines for your mower. Check out our guide on how to sharpen lawn mower blades for more info.

Uneven and lackluster grass

To make matters worse, mowing when the grass is moist can trigger various other problems that can affect your turf's health. The first is torn or unevenly cut grass, as the sheer weight of moisture forces individual grass stalks to droop, preventing them from remaining upright and resulting in an uneven, ragged finish across your turf.

Another issue is the breeding of fungus and other diseases, as they thrive in the damp conditions of these rough cuts — causing damage to soil.

It’s worth noting that while cutting lightly damp grass on a single occasion probably won’t lead to long-term problems, it’s still best to avoid it as much as possible.

Just be sure to avoid these 7 lawnmower mistakes you’re probably making right now.

When is the best time to mow your lawn?

Gardening experts suggest that the ideal time to mow is mid-morning (by 10 am), as your lawn has had sufficient time to dry. In addition, allowing your turf enough time to dry and mowing by this time ensures your lawn has the full day to heal from the cut.

Alternatively, if you can’t get round to mid-morning, late afternoon (between 4-6 pm) is the second-best time of day to mow your lawn. This is when the sun is not at its peak, and there is no risk of the heat scorching the lawn. Also, mowing at this hour additionally provides your grass with ample time to heal before nightfall.

For more top tips on getting a greener lawn, check out these 11 secrets to a lawn that’s greener than your neighbor's.

Lawncare essentials we love

More from Tom's Guide

• This is the reason why your lawn mower grass cuttings are clumping — and the simple fix to solve it
• How to use coffee grounds as lawn fertilizer — 5 tips for a lush lawn
• The secret to a lush green lawn is this $3 bathroom item — and you might already own it

I’ve long known that basil makes an excellent companion plant to enhance tomato growth. And I always grow this sweet-smelling herb beside my tomato plants to improve my harvest.

However, I’ve recently discovered that there’s another culinary herb that works equally as well — if not better — and it just so happens to be my favorite herb of all.

Companion planting: Friends with benefits

Basil is the perfect companion to eat alongside freshly sliced tomatoes finished with a drizzle of olive oil. But aside from basil’s culinary benefits, it’s also an excellent companion plant, which is why it's often grown with tomatoes.

By pairing tomatoes with the right plants, you can create an environment that supports one another. Some companion plants repel pests, others attract beneficial insects, and some will even improve the flavor of your tomatoes. It’s a natural approach that just makes sense.

When planted with tomatoes, basil’s scent helps to deter pests, like whiteflies and aphids, which love to feast on these tasty fruits. This year I’ve planted my tomatoes in pots and placed some basil nearby to repel pests.

However, basil isn’t the only herb that will keep my tomatoes healthy. And it just so happens that I’ve got another companion plant close by too.

It turns out that thyme, my favorite fragrant herb, is also one of the best companion plants for tomatoes.

Tomatoes and thyme

Thyme takes on quite a different appearance from basil. It's a low-growing herbaceous plant that provides ground cover and suppresses weeds. Its leaves are much smaller than basil's, but it has an equally attractive scent, making it appealing to some yet repulsive to others.

While thyme’s fragrant essential oil attracts beneficial pollinators and predatory insects, it repels tomato hornworms, whiteflies, aphids, armyworms, leafhoppers and wireworms.

It makes a pretty good companion plant and tastes delicious when roasted with tomatoes or added to pasta sauces.

Planting conditions

Thyme does best in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9. When using it as a companion plant, it's a sun-loving plant like tomatoes, but it’s best planted in a container rather than directly in the ground, as it prefers drier soil to water-loving tomatoes.

More from Tom's Guide

• 3 ways to tell your tomatoes are ready to harvest
• Stop wasting money on tomato feed — here’s how I made my own free fertilizer
• Boost your tomato harvest with this expert-approved top tip

There’s one problem all tomato growers fear. A ruined harvest. Blossom end rot is the culprit that can put an end to promising pickings.

After all your hard work, whether growing tomatoes from seed or from established plants in pots, the ultimate disappointment is seeing an edible crop. When blossom end rot takes hold, all hope of picking and biting into a homegrown, juicy tomato is suddenly dashed.

It’s not hard to identify blossom end rot in tomatoes, but the key is preventing it from ruining your crop and reducing your tomato yield. Here I explain how to identify blossom end rot, what causes it and steps you can take to beat it this month.

What does blossom-end rot look like?

Blossom end rot doesn’t just affect tomatoes; it’s also a common problem with eggplants and peppers. But rather than being a pest or disease, it’s related to growing conditions.

It’s not difficult to spot. You’ll notice a circular patch at the bottom of the fruit that resembles a bruise. It’s often described as a ‘water-soaked patch’ that starts out greenish-brown and, over time, turns dark brown and then black.

The patch will enlarge and become sunken, giving the fruit a flattened appearance, but only at the affected end. It will also take on a leathery appearance, eventually spreading and damaging the whole fruit.

What causes blossom end rot?

If you spot blossom end rot on your tomatoes, it’s a sign they lack calcium. Without calcium uptake, the plant’s cell walls collapse, and the plant dies, which in turn causes the bruised appearance on the fruits.

Tomatoes absorb calcium from the soil, but the problem occurs when it’s dry, and the calcium remains locked in. The risk will also increase if you have acidic soil, as it naturally contains lower levels of calcium than alkaline soil.

Adding fertilizer to the soil around your plants can also exacerbate the problem. Calcium will be competing with nitrogen, potassium or magnesium for root uptake. Plus, when concentrated fertilizer is applied to dry soil, limited water movement reduces the roots’ ability to absorb calcium.

What to do with damaged fruit

Once you’ve spotted blossom end rot, you can’t save the individual fruits. Remove the fruit, and then check over the rest of the plant. You’ll also need to monitor any other tomato plants to see if it’s spread to them.

If your plant is still flowering, you’re still in luck. It’s likely to recover and continue to produce fruit. But to prevent blossom-end rot from damaging your next fruits, there are a few steps you can take.

How to prevent blossom end rot

1. Keep your plants moist

The soil or potting compost around your plants should always be kept moist. And during particularly hot periods, you may need to water your plants a couple of times each day.

You could try the tomato-watering hack, involving a plant pot buried in the soil near the roots. I use it on my own plants to ensure the water goes to the roots, rather than lying on the surface or just below.

2. Apply a mulch

Apart from keeping to a regular watering schedule, applying mulch will help retain moisture and prevent it from evaporating in the summer heat. Place two to three inches of organic matter around the base of your plants, but avoid the tomato plant’s stalk to prevent rot.

Straw makes a lightweight barrier that also keeps slugs and snails away. You can also use well-rotted compost, shredded leaves and grass clippings.

3. Test your soil's pH

You’ve already learned that there is less calcium in acidic soil, so for this reason, if your soil is acidic, your tomato plants might be more susceptible to blossom end rot — there’s simply less calcium for their roots to absorb.

If you don’t already know where your soil sits on the pH scale, it’s advisable to take a soil test before you plant your tomatoes. This will indicate whether your tomatoes will need extra calcium to prevent them from going bad. You could try this 4-in-1 soil pH and moisture meter, now $15 at Amazon.

4. Add calcium

Once you’ve determined your soil's pH, if it’s acidic, you can add lime to balance it. However, don’t add lime before testing your soil.

Tom Kalb, NDSU Extension horticulturist, suggests making your own calcium feed for your tomato plants. He recommends mixing four tablespoons of calcium nitrate into a gallon of water and spraying it onto your fruits, but not the leaves, two to three times a week.

And he says, the key time to spray the fruits is when the tomatoes are dime-sized or smaller.

Does blossom end rot means the end of your whole harvest?

Thankfully, if treated promptly, later fruits will ripen successfully, and your whole crop won’t be ruined.

Kalb explains, “The first cluster of fruits is most often damaged,” but adds that after removing the damaged fruits, “Subsequent clusters of fruits are much less susceptible to blossom end rot.”

So it appears that you can save your tomato harvest. “As summer progresses, the vine’s network of roots expands, allowing it to absorb more calcium into the plant. The leaves and fruits on the vine are in better balance later in summer, too,” he says.

Gardening watering essentials we love

More from Tom's Guide

• Gardener shares this one easy hack that will stop tomato blight in its tracks
• Why your tomatoes look ‘cat-faced’ — and how to grow smoother fruit
• 3 ways to tell that your tomatoes are ready to harvest