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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Should you buy a remote-controlled lawnmower? Lawn professionals reveal when these clever contraptions would be worth the investment
Remote-controlled lawnmowers claim to tackle long grass and tricky hills, but they cost thousands of dollars. I spoke to the pros to see if they're worth buying
By Alex David Published
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When to buy a lawnmower – we reveal the exact dates you can save money on these expensive machines
Lawnmowers are pricey pieces of kit, but you can save money on these three dates
By Alex David Published
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How to find a bird feeder that limits infection – ornithological experts reveal the best feeders to buy during bird flu
With bird flu cases increasing, here's how to find a feeder that helps to prevent the disease spreading
By Alex David Published
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How to use a compost tumbler – expert advice for fast fertilizer
Compost is never as simple as just throwing potato peels in a bin – here's how to get the most out of your compost tumbler
By Alex David Published
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Perlite vs vermiculite – what's the difference, and which is best for your garden?
I spoke to experts about the subtle differences between perlite vs vermiculite - and which is the best choice for your plants
By Alex David Published
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Weeder types explained – gardening pros explore 10 types of tool, and reveal which is best for different weed species
With 10 different types of weeder, it's hard to know where to start. I asked the pros about which is the best option for your yard
By Alex David Published
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Gardening gloves explained – experts explain the 5 main types of gardening gloves and reveal the superior pair everyone should use
From leather to rubber to somewhere in between, different types of gardening gloves can make a huge difference to your yardwork
By Alex David Published
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Do air pots actually work? Gardening experts reveal whether or not 'air pruning' lives up to the hype
Air pots claim to make plants healthier and stronger – I asked the experts if the science stacks up
By Alex David Published
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Best grill deals – the biggest discounts on the best tested grills
I just found the best grill deals. As an expert product tester, these are the only grill deals actually worth buying.
By Alex David Last updated
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What is a soil blocker? Plant pros explain how to use this ingenious tool, and how 'air pruning' can give your plants healthier roots
Soil blockers can make seedlings much stronger. I spoke to the experts about how a soil blocker works, and why it's beneficial for growing plants
By Alex David Published
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Best eco-friendly houseplant tools – 9 ways to protect your indoor plants from microplastics
Microplastics can harm plants and even end up in your food. The best eco-friendly houseplant tools can help keep your houseplants free from plastic pollution
By Alex David Published
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The Gozney Tread just dropped – my tests found a nearly perfect pizza oven, but it's not as portable as it looks
The Tread is an incredibly good pizza oven, a perfect choice for small families. However, it's not quite right for camping
By Alex David Published
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How to build a scarecrow – the perfect job for February to protect young seedlings in spring
A scarecrow can be an inexpensive way to keep your seedlings safe from local wildlife
By Alex David Published
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Is it legal to build a pond without a permit? Experts reveal the rules, regulations, and how koi carp can break the law
Depending on where you are in the country, your backyard pond could be breaking the law
By Alex David Published
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How to avoid buried utility lines when you dig – experts explain the crucial '2 feet 2 be safe' golden rule
Buried utility lines can damage your property and your health – here's how to find them and dig safely
By Alex David Published
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Which neighbor is responsible for shoveling snow? Expert attorneys explain your rights, responsibilities, and how not to fall foul of the law
Here's exactly when, why, and how you should shovel snow – at least according to the law
By Alex David Published
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Ice melt vs rock salt – experts reveal the best de-icing solution for your yard
Many snow management professionals disagree about the benefits of ice melt vs rock salt. I spoke to the experts to work out which is best for your home
By Alex David Published
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How to reuse plastic bottles in a garden – 7 quick DIY projects that actually work
From milk jug watering cans to soda bottle seed storage, these plastic bottle hacks turn trash into treasured tools
By Alex David Published
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Which type of snow blower is best? Experts reveal the right option for your yard
Snow blowers are saddled with jargon that makes it hard to work out what you need. I spoke to an expert about the benefits of single- vs two-stage snow blowers
By Alex David Published
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Miele Complete C3 Cat & Dog Canister Vacuum review – it's great, but doesn't deliver the perfect all-round performance you'd expect at this price
It's the most expensive vacuum we've ever tested, but I'm not sure the Miele Complete C3 really lives up to that hefty price tag
By Alex David Last updated
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How to reuse old clothes in a garden – eco experts reveal 7 ways of recycling worn out fabric that aren't just making a scarecrow
Figuring out how to reuse old clothes in a garden just needs some lateral thinking. There are tons of ways to repurpose old fabric; you just have to be careful
By Alex David Published
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How to shovel snow off gravel – 4 simple steps for clear driveways, patios, and paths
It can be a pain to shovel snow off gravel, but it's easier than it looks when you know how
By Alex David Published
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How to unclog a yard drain – expert tips for unblocking all 5 types without the need of specialist equipment
Yard drainage can wreak havoc in a yard. This is how to unclog a yard drain, covering every type from catch basins to French drains and dry wells
By Alex David Published
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How to reuse an old yard hose – 4 ways to repurpose a hose that actually work
Did you know you can turn a broken hose into a brand-new irrigation system?
By Alex David Published