Nothing beats a cold, delicious mango on a summer day. When these tropical fruits are in season, it feels like heaven. But before you start looking up mango recipes or laying out those mango slices, you need to check – are your fruits ripe to eat? Mangoes take between 4–5 days to ripen at room temperature. But if you want fresh mango for your fruit salad ASAP, there are some tricks you can use to ripen a mango: Wrapped in a paper bag or newspaper Uncooked rice or popcorn kernels Other fruits Sunlight Microwave method Speeding up the mango ripening process lets you dig into these delicious fr ..read more

Mangoes are the royalty of tropical fruits – they’re sweet, tasty, and oh-so versatile. From cobbler to smoothies, the ways to enjoy these fruits are endless. Mango season in Australia is typically from September to January, although in some places like Western Australia, mangoes are harvested even in April. And when these fruits are in season, there’s a question on everyone’s minds. How to store mangoes? You can store unripe mangoes in paper bags, fruit bowls, or cardboard boxes – although this could speed up the ripening process. For ripe mangoes, you can store them in the fridge whole or cu ..read more

Whether you’re collecting grass clippings or moving pavers, a wheelbarrow is an indispensable tool that makes the job easier. But the type of wheelbarrow you choose will depend on a lot of things – especially what you’ll use it for. Then you’ll need to consider the material and size of the trays, handles, and tyres. Looking for the best wheelbarrow in Australia? We’ve put together a comprehensive list with different purposes and other factors to make things wheely easy for you. (Ha!) Best Overall | Best Electric | Best Budget | Best Small | Best Lightweight | Best Heavy-Duty | Best St ..read more

Cucumbers are a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in many different ways. These vining plants offer crisp, cool fruits through the warmest months. Cucumbers are relatively easy to cultivate, provided they’re given a good start, consistent care, and the right conditions to thrive.   Cucumber Varieties in Australia Australia’s diverse climate allows a wide range of cucumber varieties to be cultivated. These include the common green slicers in salads and the smaller gherkin types used for pickling.   Burpless cucumbers Burpless varieties are sweeter and have thinner skins than ot ..read more

Maybe riding a lawn mower isn’t all Patrick Dempsey made it out to be in the 80s. But there is a certain satisfaction to trundling across your lawn to cut grass, whether you’re sitting on the mower or walking behind it. Still, some of us might wish we had a bit more oomph. How to make a lawn mower faster? There are several techniques, such as: Using high-octane fuel Changing the governor spring Upgrading the motor Using a bigger pulley Installing larger tires Upgrading the motor Minimising weight If your lawn mower slows down, you should also check for the cause. You won’t be able to hit hig ..read more

Peace lilies are elegant, beautiful and a tiny bit dramatic when they’re thirsty. These beauties are usually easy to get along with, but what happens when their green leaves turn black?   Why are your peace lily leaves turning black? There are a few culprits behind black peace lily leaves.   Improper watering Watering a peace lily properly is a fine art. Too much or too little watering is a fine line. Blackened leaves on your peace lily plant may be a cry for help (or water, in this case).   Poor water quality Tap water can be a sneaky villain because it can contain chlorine and ..read more

Indoor plants can add a dash of nature to our living spaces. In Australia, peace lilies are among the most popular indoor plants because of their ability to clean the air and lift moods. But when our feline friends take an interest in them, our slice of nature could become a risky snack. While they are not true lilies, all peace lilies are poisonous to cats.   Why Do Cats Try To Eat Peace Lilies? Cats are naturally curious creatures. Their propensity to chew on a peace lily plant might stem from boredom, the attractive shape and movement of the leaves, or an instinctual attraction to cert ..read more

The other day, a reader reached out with an intriguing observation. They’d noticed their neighbour displaying beautiful peace lilies not within the cosy confines of their home, but proudly on their front porch. This observation led to the question: Can peace lilies thrive outdoors? While many of us usually associate peace lilies with indoor spaces, it’s worth exploring their potential as an outdoor plant.   Are Peace Lilies Outdoor Plants? Peace lilies are originally from the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. In their natural environment, they thrive under the canopy of t ..read more

One of the most rewarding experiences of gardening is seeing your plants thrive and blossom in all their glory. The peace lily, in particular, is one of Australia’s favourite indoor plants. Their white, shiny flowers are a sight to behold, brightening up any room they’re in. But, sometimes, these beautiful white flowers change colour, turning green or even brown.   Why Do Peace Lily Flowers Turn Green? Those pretty peace lily blooms you see are called spathes. There might come a time when these beautiful flowers transition to a shade of green. These can happen for many reasons:   Nat ..read more

There are endless uses for lavender at home – food garnish, interior decor, and essential oils. But one easy use is dried lavender!  A bouquet of dried lavender flowers looks stunning, while lavender potpourri smells heavenly. Moreover, lavender has many health benefits since it’s soothing and calming. And it makes a space look oh-so homely. How to dry lavender? First, choose the best variety – ideally English lavender or a French hybrid. Then choose whether you’ll be drying the sprigs, buds, or leaves. Methods for drying lavender include: Hanging lavender Drying it in the sun Using an o ..read more