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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.

Ginger root on a table

Add a kick to your cooking: How to plant and grow your own ginger

Feel like your garden and your meals might be missing something? Here's how to plant and grow your own ginger for that extra kick in your recipes.
Herbs in nursery pots on a table with a watering can, gloves, and gardening tools

Not sure what growing zone you’re in? This is how to find out

Knowing what USDA hardiness zone you live in is important if you want to grow perennials outdoors. If you're confused about the zones, this guide is for you.
A small pot with a tiny house plant and succulents

Add whimsy and magic to your yard with these lovely fairy garden ideas

Fairy gardens are a fun way to express yourself creatively in your garden. If you need some help getting started, here are some tips to inspire you!
A deer in a field of purple flowers

5 incredible deer-resistant flowers you need to know about

Deer are lovely and important, but that doesn't mean you want them to eat your flowers. That's not a problem with these deer-resistant flowers.
Creeping Jenny

Creeping Jenny: A care guide for this fast-growing plant

Creeping Jenny is a beautiful fast-growing perennial perfect for containers or outdoor gardens. Here's what you need to know about caring for it.
Dark coffee grounds in a silver measuring scoop

What plants like coffee grounds? When to use them in your garden

Coffee grounds can offer several benefits to our garden, but not every plant enjoys them. Here's your guide to what plants like coffee grounds and which don't.
A patch of crabgrass

How to kill crabgrass for good

Is crabgrass spreading through your lawn, but you aren't sure how to get rid of it? This guide on how to kill crabgrass has all the answers you need.
A mix of colorful wildflowers

These are our favorite types of wildflowers

Wildflowers are gorgeous and easy to grow. Here are six of our favorite types of wildflowers to help jumpstart your wildflower collection.
Garlic bulbs and cloves on a table

This is when to harvest garlic

Garlic is a delicious plant to have in your garden, but when is it ready to harvest? Here's what you need to know about garlic harvest season.
Red spider lily flowers

How to care for red spider lily, a stunning end-of-summer bloom

Red spider lily flowers make a gorgeous and unique addition to any home. If you want to add them to your garden, here's what you need to know.
A farmer carrying a crate of tomatoes

When should you pick tomatoes? We’ve got you covered

If you're feeling impatient or confused while waiting to harvest your tomatoes, this is the guide for you. Here's what to know about when to pick tomatoes.
Indoor plant collection

Are these common houseplants safe for your cat? Read this guide to find out the scoop

Do you need to know which common houseplants you can keep around your cat? We have answers.
Citronella leaves

Banish mosquitoes with this citronella plant care guide

Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, but growing citronella plants makes them easier to deal with. Here's how to ensure your citronella plant thrives.
Tall sunflowers

When do sunflowers actually bloom?

Sunflowers are known for their bright, cheerful flowers, but when can you expect to see those blooms? Here's what you need to know about when sunflowers bloom.
Light pink desert rose flowers

How to care for desert rose, a gorgeous succulent

Desert rose flowers are vibrant and stunning. If you want to try growing one for yourself, here's everything you need to know about desert rose plant care.
Potatoes on the ground

Everything you need to know about harvesting potatoes

It can be hard to wait patiently for your delicious potatoes to be ready to harvest. Here's everything you need to know to have a great potato haul.
Green grass lawn

Zoysia grass is tough and versatile – here’s how to care for it

Zoysia grass is a popular variety for lawns. It is hardy, low maintenance, and looks lovely. If you want a zoysia grass lawn, here's how to care for it.
A basket of colorful petunias

This is how to deadhead petunias and encourage new growth

Deadheading is beneficial to many flowers, including petunias. Here's everything you need to know about deadheading your petunias to encourage repeat blooming.
A metal seedling tray full of seedlings with perlite in the soil

What is perlite (and why you need it for your plants)

Perlite is a common soil additive, often found in potting soil. What exactly is perlite, and how does it benefit plants? This guide has answers for you.
Gloved hands applying red cedar wood chip mulch

The best mulch for your yard: A complete guide

Mulch is a useful tool, but there are several different types to choose from. Wondering which is the best mulch for your yard or garden? Here's what to know.
White azalea flowers

Plant these stunning flowering shrubs for a showstopping garden display

Flowering shrubs are a great way to add color to your garden. Here are our favorites.
Ripe tomatoes on a vine

Why are my tomato leaves turning yellow? Troubleshoot with these great tips

If your tomato plant's leaves are turning yellow, it could be a sign of several problems. Here's how to figure out the issue, and how to fix it.
Purple and white columbine flowers

How to care for the gorgeous columbine flower

Columbine flowers are beautiful native wildflowers that thrive in partial shade. Bring the beauty of the native meadows to your garden by growing them.
Dogwood tree with pink flowers

The best time to prune dogwood trees: Everything you need to know about dogwood care

Dogwood trees can bring year-round beauty to any yard. Here's how to take the best care of yours.
Tall sunflowers

Are sunflowers perennials? It depends on the type

Sunflowers are gorgeous and cheerful, but can you expect them to return next year? Here's how to tell if your sunflowers are annuals or perennials.
A wildflower garden full of colorful flowers

Gorgeous ways to get the natural garden of your dreams

These ideas are perfect for a natural garden in your yard.
A snake plant in a window

Are snake plants toxic to dogs? You need to know the answer to this question

Snake plants are beautiful and easy to grow, but are they safe for your dogs to be around? Here's what you can expect if your dog takes a bite of a snake plant.
Blue and pink hydrangeas

When do hydrangeas bloom? (and 4 reasons yours aren’t)

Hydrangeas are known for their showy flowers, but when can you expect to see those flowers? Here's what you need to know about when hydrangeas bloom.
A wildflower garden full of colorful flowers

4 gorgeous unique flowers that will stun in your garden

If your home or garden is in need of something more unique and exciting, then why not try growing one of these four incredible and unique flowers?
A rose bush full of red roses

How to prune rose bushes to keep them looking lush and beautiful

Roses make excellent additions to any garden. Here's how to prune your rose bushes to keep them looking lush and beautiful.
Blueberries on a bush

This is when blueberries are in season

Blueberries are delicious treats, but when can you expect to harvest them? If you're feeling impatient about your blueberry harvest, this is the guide for you.
A grove of olive trees

A guide to growing a thriving olive tree

By following these simple tips, you can have a thriving olive grove. All you need to do is pick a sunny spot, choose your olive varieties, and start growing.
An orchid potted indoors

Are orchids poisonous to cats? We’ll tell you

Orchids are beautiful, elegant plants, but are they safe to have around your pets? Here's what you need to know to keep your plants and pets safe.
A sage plant with purple flowers

Russian sage plant care: A complete guide

Russian sage is a beautiful and fragrant flowering herb. If you'd like to add this lovely herb to your yard or garden, here's what you need to know.
Orange dahlia flowers

Are dahlias perennials? It’s complicated

Dahlias are gorgeous flowers, but can you expect them to return like perennials, or should you plan on replanting them like annuals? We have the answers.