Becky Bowden
Freelance journalist
Becky is a freelance journalist based in Somerset, UK, specialising in all things home, gardens, lifestyle, and entertainment. With a love of classic rom-coms and a penchant for romanticising her own everyday life, she enjoys embracing cosy, slow living with her family and their crazy Welsh collie, Cookie. Becky has been published in publications such as Cosmopolitan, The Independent, The Evening Standard, The Telegraph, Collider, Happiful Magazine, OK! And many more.

Most common finches found in UK gardens — and how to recognise them
Their key characteristics along with how and where to spot them...

How to tell the difference between a sparrowhawk and a goshawk
With buzz around H is for Hawk, how can we tell the difference between these two birds of prey?

14 vegetables to plant in February – indoors, under cloches and direct
The top tips on what to sow (and where) this month

Now is the best time to chit early potatoes — here’s how
Want to learn how to chit potatoes? Here's our step-by-step guide for success, with expert advice

3 dahlia varieties to plant in February for a colourful summer garden
Complete with advice from a gardening expert

How to garden through 'unpredictable' February: 5 lessons to set you up for spring
Essential February gardening tips, from patience and planning to selective sowing and more...

How to prune wisteria now for better spring blooms
Everything to know about tackling your stunning garden climber

These simple garden tweaks attract great tits and blue tits
As the winter storms rage on, here's how you can help

4 boring but brilliant home organisation tips that will change the way you tidy
How to put a brilliant spin on organising your home for 2026, along with some top buys to make the process easier

The nervous system garden: Plants that genuinely help us feel calmer
These plants – and features – will help create a calming garden space that's perfect for reflection and relaxation

Red-breasted bird guide: 6 birds commonly mistaken for robins
Here's how to tell the difference between robins and other red-breasted bird species

6 'unfashionable' garden plants making a comeback in 2026
As we step into 2026, the 'unpopular' plants experts say are set to make a comeback...

How to sow sweet peas in January
Keen to get a head start on the gardening year? Here's everything you need to know

3 common radiator mistakes that could be pushing up your heating bills
If your home still feels chilly, one of these radiator mistakes could be to blame

How to keep pruning tools in good condition
Tips to ensure amazing results in your garden this winter and beyond

Do dogs need extra bedding in winter? The breeds that do – and don't
With temperatures dropping and the nights getting colder, here's how to help your dog stay warm and cosy

5 vegetables to sow in January for a head-start on growing season
Winter gloves at the ready – these are the best vegetables and herbs to sow now

Do robins make us feel happier? Almost half of the UK says so
With National Robin Day approaching, nearly half of adults say spotting a robin makes them 'cheerful or happy'

13 household items to declutter before 2026
Decluttering experts weigh in on the top household items to declutter before the new year

Britain’s ponds are disappearing – here’s how you can help bring them back
What we can do to cultivate more wildlife and natural ponds – and why it's so important

Can dogs eat Christmas dinner? What’s safe – and what to avoid
Food is a huge part of Christmas – here's how to make sure your dog stays safe over the festive season

Big, sloppy kisses from dogs can help make teenagers happier
Research suggest teenagers in homes with a dog have a gut bacteria constitution that boosts mental wellbeing

How to deter foxes from your garden – safely and humanely
From securing garden favourites to minimising food waste

4 plants to propagate in December
Handy advice on some of the best plants to propagate in December by taking hardwood cuttings

5 lesser-known British native dog breeds to know about
Everything you need to know before welcoming one of these lesser-known British dog breeds into your family

December’s full moon is a 'cold supermoon' - here’s what it means and how to see it
How to see December's extra special Cold Moon, with expert advice from astronomers

5 vegetables you can still plant in December
Things in the garden are slowing down before Christmas, but there are still some fantastic vegetables to plant

4 plants to prune in December before it’s too late
Expert advice on plants to prune in December, while there's still time to make an impact

How to pick the best real Christmas tree for your home
Your guide to choosing the perfect Christmas tree and giving it the proper care this festive season

How to prevent shed rot this winter: 3 essential tips
Take these steps to prevent shed rot from destroying your garden shed this winter

4 garden plants that struggle with frost – and the hardy replacements to try
Plus, handy tips to help keep an eye on plants this winter

The 4-degree rule every gardener should know this winter
Keep an eye on your weather forecast and make the most of this plant-protecting winter tip