Alex David
As Head of eCommerce, Alex makes sure our readers find the right information to help them make the best purchase. After graduating from Cambridge, Alex learned the tricks of the trade at the Good Housekeeping Institute, testing everything from vacuums to washing machines to dog toys to exercise bikes. He then moved to BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, where he got into the weeds to discover the best gardening tools, machinery, and wildlife products. At a time when it can be tricky to know what's what, and when budgets are tighter than ever, helping readers to find the right products to make their lives a little easier is a genuine passion.
When he's not scouring the internet for the latest and greatest homeware products, you can find Alex on a run, reading, or obsessing about the mighty (honestly) Tottenham Hotspur FC.
Latest articles by Alex David
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French drains vs trench drains – experts explain the difference, and uncover which is best for your yard
Drainage isn't the most exciting topic, but the wrong choice between French drains vs trench drains can be costly. I spoke to pros about the key differences
By Alex David Published
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Experts reveal the best way to shovel snow safely and effectively – and how a secret trick with cooking oil can prevent injury
There are few winter chores are dreaded as shoveling snow. I spoke to landscaping experts about the safest ways to shovel snow off paths and driveways
By Alex David Published
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How much does it cost to install a French drain? Experts reveal the exact cost-per-foot, and the 'hidden' costs the landscaping industry doesn't mention
French drains are a stylish water management system, but they can be expensive. This is exactly how much to spend on a French drain so you don't get swindled
By Alex David Published
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How to buy a compost bin – expert tips to help you pick a plastic, wood, or tumbler bin for your yard waste
Learning how to buy a compost bin can help you save hundreds of dollars. I spoke to the pros about how to find the very best compost bins
By Alex David Published
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When to dewinterize your garden – the temperature triggers to mark in your gardening diary, and how to get your yard ready for spring
Keep an eye on the thermometer for these key temperatures; they'll tell you when to get your yard equipment ready
By Alex David Published
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Where to place a terrarium – 4 perfect spots for terrariums and two dangerous places to always avoid
Learning where to place a terrarium can save you hours of horticultural heartache. I spoke to two terrarium experts about the best places for a terrarium
By Alex David Published
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French drains vs dry wells – which is best for backyard water management?
You have to consider French drains vs dry wells when sorting our your garden drainage. I spoke to a pro landscaper about which is best for different gardens
By Alex David Published
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How to prevent algae in a rain barrel – 5 simple steps, and the one error to avoid that could ruin your garden
Algae can turn a rain barrel from a useful container to a stagnant nuisance. Learning how to prevent algae in your rain barrel will help keep your garden clean
By Alex David Published
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Rain barrel mistakes – 4 common errors, and expert methods to help you fix them
Rain barrels can be a game changer but they can be finicky. I spoke to an expert about the most common rain barrel mistakes and the easy solutions to fix them
By Alex David Published
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Best places for a rain chain – experts reveal 4 perfect spots, and a certain spot you should never hang one
Rain chains turn boring downspouts into beautiful water features. I spoke to garden experts and structural engineers about the best places for a rain chain
By Alex David Published
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How to sharpen a spade – 5 fast steps for a better and quicker dig
Gardening pros reveal how to sharpen a spade for easier digging in the spring
By Alex David Published
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Can you cook Christmas dinner in a pizza oven? I put expert chefs' advice to the test
Pro chefs told me I could make a Christmas dinner in a pizza oven – the vegetables are exceptional, but I'm less convinced about the turkey
By Alex David Published
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Electricians reveal how to shorten outdoor Christmas lights – two simple methods for safe festive lighting
I spoke to electricians and lighting experts about how to shorten outdoor Christmas lights. They gave me two simple methods, and one doesn't even need DIY
By Alex David Published
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How to attach Christmas lights to brick walls – 5 hacks from DIY experts, and the easiest method revealed
Nailing your Christmas lights can be difficult. I spoke to DIY professionals about how to attach Christmas lights to brick and they taught me the perfect method
By Alex David Published
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How many outdoor Christmas lights do I need? An expert electrician explains the 'fifty-per-foot' rule
It can be hard to know how many LEDs you need for your Christmas lighting. An expert gave me a handy rule of thumb to help you work it out
By Alex David Published
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Lighting experts reveal how to light a porch for Christmas – 5 tips from expert designers
I asked lighting experts how to light a porch for Christmas - and they gave me five ideas that can transform your home over the holidays
By Alex David Published
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I gave in and asked the experts for the right way to hang outdoor Christmas lights – in every type of bush, shrub, and tree
Getting the hang of outdoor Christmas lights can be tricky, so I asked experts for their advice
By Alex David Published
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How to light a path for Christmas – lighting designers reveal insider tips on this surprisingly tricky place to decorate
Learning how to light a path for Christmas can save you a lot of bother over the holidays. These lighting designers reveal how to set up Christmas path lights
By Alex David Published
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How to winterize a pressure washer – pros reveal 5 simple steps to stop your pressure washer from freezing
Winter can be a dangerous time for tools. Professional pressure cleaners taught me how to winterize a pressure washer to keep it from freezing and breaking
By Alex David Published
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How to winterize a deck – experts reveal 7 tips, and a common winterizing mistake you should never make
A deck is a beautiful addition to any home, but they can be a pain to maintain Learning how to winterize a deck can save you hundreds of dollars in repairs
By Alex David Published
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How to use a pizza oven in winter – pros reveal 5 tips for cooking pizzas in the cold
Pizza ovens can only be used outside, so here's how to make cold cooking a little easier
By Alex David Published
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Rain chains vs rain barrels: which water management system is best – and what happens if you combine them?
There are benefits and drawbacks to both rain chains and rain barrels, but which is best for your yard?
By Alex David Published
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How to winterize a hot tub – spa experts reveal 6 simple steps to protect your hot tub from the cold
Learning how to winterize a hot tub can prevent thousands of dollars' of damage. I spoke to experts about the simple steps to winterize a hot tub.
By Alex David Published
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I tested the Felco Elite 6 – and found nearly perfect pruners
The world's best pruner brand is now even better, but is any pair of pruning shears worth $100?
By Alex David Published