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Cayla Leonard

Cayla Leonard

Contributor

Cayla Leonard is a writer from North Carolina who is passionate about plants.  She enjoys reading and writing fiction and poetry of all kinds, playing dungeons and dragons, and putting together jigsaw puzzles.

Send all editorial inquiries HERE.

Grass with dew on it

How often should you water your grass seeds for the best results?

Too much water can drown the seeds or wash them away, but not enough water can result in seeds going dormant. Here's how to give your grass seeds exactly what they need.
Person pruning a tree

Pruning basics: What it is and how to do it right

Pruning can be intimidating for beginners, but it doesn't have to be. We'll explain everything you need to know about the basics of pruning.
White sweet alyssum flowers

Sweet alyssum: How to grow this fragrant beauty

Sweet alyssum flowers are gorgeous and smell incredible. If you want to add this lovely flower to your garden, then here's what you need to know.
Purple periwinkle (Vinca minor) flowers

Vinca minor as ground cover: Here’s what you should know

Vinca minor, also called common periwinkle, is an attractive and popular ground cover. Should you be using it in your lawn? Find out what we know.
Basil plant in pot

Keep pests away from basil plants with these tips

Basil is a wonderful herb, but what isn't so wonderful are pests eating its leaves. We provide handy tips on what to do about it.
Pastel purple and white African daisy flowers

African daisy care: Tips for healthy, vibrant blooms

African daisies are gorgeous, colorful flowers that are easy to grow indoors and out. To grow your own, follow this guide to African daisy care.
Purple and blue hydrangeas

How to turn brown hydrangea leaves back to green

Brown spots on hydrangea leaves can impact their beauty and their health. Here's how to identify the problem and restore your hydrangea's leaves.
A patch of calendula flowers

Calendula flower care 101: A guide for beginners

Calendula flowers are beautiful, useful, and easy to grow. If you're curious about these flowers and want to try growing your own, here's what you need to know.
Seedling surrounded by fertilizer

How to store fertilizer safely and effectively

Fertilizer is a useful garden tool, but storing it can be tricky. Here's everything you need to know about proper fertilizer storage.
Potted herbs on a windowsill

How to get rid of gnats without harming your plants

Is a gnat infestation hurting your plants? Here's how to get rid of gnats and stop them without damaging your plants.
Cupped hands holding soil and little seedling

Sustainable gardening: Tips for a greener, eco-friendly garden

Sustainable gardening is a great way to support the environment and make gardening easier. Here are a few of our top tips to help you get started.
Dark pink lupine flowers

Lupine flowers: Tips for successful growing and care

Lupine flowers are gorgeous and easy to grow. If you want to add these lovely flowers to your garden, here's everything you need to know to take care of them.
A basket of freshly harvested vegetables

Create your own edible garden with these easy tips

An edible garden is a great way to save on groceries and keep your favorite foods in stock. If you want to start your own, here's what you need to know.
A spotted lanternfly

Get rid of spotted lanternflies with insecticidal soap — here’s how

Spotted lanternflies are invasive insects that are spreading across the U.S. Here's what you should do if you find them in your garden.
Pink hellebore flowers

6 delightful lenten rose varieties to add to your garden

Lenten roses are stunning flowers that come in many colors and patterns. Here are our six favorite varieties for you to grow at home.
Manicured Bermuda lawn

What is slit seeding, and how can it help your lawn?

Wondering what slit seeding is and how it can help you achieve the lawn of your dreams? We'll explain what you need to know about this lawn seeding method.
Forget-me-not flowers

Plant these compact, small flowers if you’re short on garden space

Even if you're low on space in your garden, you can still grow these tiny and beautiful flowers.
Prayer plant leaves

Do prayer plants flower? Here’s what you need to know

Prayer plants are beautiful tropical plants best known for their leaves. Did you know they can also bloom? Here's what to know about their flowers.
Raised garden beds with wooden walls, surrounded by bug nets

Square foot gardening: The easiest way to maximize small spaces

Square foot gardening is an interesting new method to help gardeners grow more plants in less space. If you want to try it for yourself, here's what to know.
A garden of flowers and trees

The top gardening trends to watch in 2025

If you're planning a garden and want to know what's trendy this year, here are the top spring gardening trends we expect to see.
A close-up of a marigold bloom

Companion flowers for vegetables: What to plant in your garden

Some flowers can actually help your vegetable garden thrive. Here are some of our favorite companion flowers for vegetables that you should start growing now.
A row of kniphofia plants, also called red hot pokers or torch lilies

The top tall flowers for dramatic garden displays

Want to add drama and pizazz to your garden? These tall flowers are just the thing to do the trick! Plus, they're all easy to grow, even for beginners.
A tulip in a vase with water beads

Can plants grow in water beads? Here’s what we found

Water beads are a fun and colorful way to grow plants hydroponically. If you want to give this method a try, here are the plants you should use.
White hollyhock flowers against a stone wall

Hollyhock growing guide: Everything you need to know

Hollyhocks are gorgeous flowers, and they're surprisingly easy to grow. To get started with your own, here's what you need to know.
A snail on a leaf

Does Epsom salt help control garden pests? Here’s what you need to know

Pests love to invade your garden, but a solution is Epsom salt. We'll discuss why this would be great protection for your garden.
A field of lavender

5 gorgeous perennials that like full sun: Top picks

Worried that your garden gets too much sun? These gorgeous perennials that like full sun will make the perfect additions to your sunny garden.
Purple heliotrope flowers growing outdoors

The beauty of heliotropes: A beginner’s care guide

Heliotrope is a beautiful purple flower with a lovely smell. If you want to add this plant to your home or garden, here's what to know to help it thrive.
Stonecrop in a rock garden

5 incredible plants for rock gardens: Consider these options

Rock gardens are easy to set up and simple to maintain, but what should plant in them? Here are some of our favorite plants for rock gardens to help you start.
Purple and white columbine flowers

These are our favorite perennial shade flowers for your yard

Shady garden spots can be hard to plant in. Try growing these shade-loving perennial flowers and watch your shaded garden spring to life around you.
A person laying out all the materials to fertilize a houseplant

Indoor plant care: How often should you fertilize?

Wondering how often you should be fertilizing your indoor plants? Use this handy guide to help sort out your schedule.
Shady flower garden

How to make a flower garden: Tips for a vibrant, thriving space

Starting a new hobby can be hard, but we're here to help. This simple guide to starting a flower garden will walk you through the process step by step.
Peat moss

Peat moss vs. coco peat: Which is best?

When considering peat moss vs. coco peat, you'll need to evaluate a few factors. Learn about the key similarities and differences between these growing mediums.
A heliotrope plant growing in a garden

What is no-dig gardening? Here’s how to do it

No-dig gardening is a simple way to grow plants, but how do you get started? We'll show you how in this simple guide to no-dig gardening.
Raised garden beds with vegetable plants growing in them

Raised bed gardening for beginners: The ultimate guide

Raised garden beds can be useful, but if you aren't experienced with them it can be overwhelming. This beginner's guide to raised bed gardening will help.
Migrating bird flocks

Attract migratory birds to your yard with these simple tips

Do you want migratory birds to make a stop at your house? These handy tips may help!