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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.

Bowl of medicinal herbs on a wooden board

4 of the best medicinal herbs you can grow indoors

You don’t have to give up growing medicinal herbs when it's the colder season. We offer four easy recommendations to continue growing them.
Hickory tree branches

Hickory trees: Everything you want to know about these hardwoods

Hickory trees are lovely, beneficial, and surprisingly easy to grow. If you want to grow one of these beautiful hardwoods, here's what you need to know.
A basket with fall leaves and small gourds

How to dry gourds: Your complete guide

Dried gourds make versatile and fun decorations. If you want to dry your own freshly harvested gourds at home, here's everything you need to know.
A beautiful yellow chrysanthemum

Are mums perennials? It’s complicated

Mums are gorgeous fall flowers, but can you grow them year after year? Here's what you need to know about whether mums are perennials or annuals.
A beet on a table with carving tools, including scissors, strings, knives, and a small candle

8 fruits and vegetables you can carve that aren’t pumpkins

Pumpkins are the classic jack-o'-lantern choice, but did you know you can carve other fruits and vegetables as well? Here are some of our favorites
A variety of squash types set on a black table

Is a pumpkin a gourd: We have answers to this burning question

Pumpkins are a delicious and versatile seasonal fruit, but are they also gourds? If you're confused about what a gourd is, we have the answers.
Red and orange viburnum berries

The best viburnum varieties to have in your yard

Viburnum is a gorgeous shrub with so many different species and varieties to choose from. Feeling overwhelmed? Here are our favorite viburnum varieties for you.
Hydrangeas with blue flowers

6 gorgeous blue flowers for a calming space

Blue flowers can make your home or garden more relaxing and inviting. No matter your aesthetic preference, one of these six blue flowers is sure appeal to you!
Scarecrow among fall flowers

The colors of fall flowers can be striking: 12 flowers that’ll have your garden bursting with autumn colors

Just because summer is over, it doesn't mean your garden has to dial back the color. Plant these flowers to keep your yard bursting with color.
A small pumpkin sitting on top of a fence post

How to plant pumpkin seeds: A step-by-step guide

Want to grow your own pumpkins but don't know where to start? This step-by-step guide will explain how to plant pumpkin seeds in your garden.
ZZ plant outdoors beside a sunflower

ZZ plant care: What you need to know about this super-forgiving plant

ZZ plants are easy to care for and quick to forgive. This is how to care for them.
A ficus plant with a yellow leaf

What to do about yellow leaves on plants and how to fix them

When your plant's leaves start to turn yellow, it can be a sign that something is wrong. Here's how to identify the problem and fix it.
Woman waters ZZ plants

What is the best time to water plants? Find out why it matters

Scheduling your plant care routine can be tricky, but we're here to help. Here's what to know about the best and worst times to water your plants.
Japanese maple tree

Here’s how to plant your own autumn blaze maple today

Here's your guide to caring for a stunning autumn blaze maple tree.
Bundle of bananas on a wooden cutting board

Is banana water for plants a good idea? Here’s what you should know

The latest gardening trend is banana water for plants. What is banana water? Is it effective, or could it be harming your plants? We have all the answers.
Assorted pink, green, and white polka dot plants in a white pot

Your complete guide to polka dot plant care: Everything you need to know about this colorful perennial

Polka dot plants are small, cheerful plants. Here's how to add them to your home or garden.
how to grow dracaena sanderiana lucky bamboo close up

Plant of the week: Dracaena sanderiana – tips for growing the lucky bamboo

Lucky bamboo is a charming, easy-to-care-for plant. Here's how to grow your own.
Scale insects on a stem

How to get rid of scale on plants: Everything you need to know about these pests

Scale on plants can be frustrating to deal with, but it doesn't have to be. Here's what to know about identifying, preventing, and getting rid of scale insects.
Three small houseplants in unique plant pots

6 best small indoor plants for your tight space

Want to grow an indoor garden but don't have a lot of room? These six small indoor plants are the perfect way to add color and life to any small space.
A purple and green zebrina plant in a white pot, sitting outside

Wondering how to care for an inch plant? Top tips for the tropical plant

Here's a care guide for the colorful and tropical tradescantia zebrina plant (aka inch plant).
Golden pothos cutting rooting in a glass

5 amazing plants that grow in water, no soil necessary

Growing plants in water doesn't have to be difficult. Start with one of these five plants that grow in water for a fun and easy hydroponic garden.
A group of hanging basket plants

The 6 best indoor hanging plants to add to your inside garden

Indoor hanging plants are delightful, and there are plenty of great options to choose from. If you're having trouble picking, try one of our six favorites.
Pink hoya flowers

Hoya care: A complete guide to the ‘wax plant’

Hoya plants are beautiful and easy to grow. Here's everything you need to know to get started growing your own hoya plants today.
A snail on a leaf

These organic pest control methods are proven winners

Dealing with pests is a big issue inside of homes, around gardens, and in other structures. We list organic and effective pest-control methods.
A small echeveria in a beige pot on a wooden table.

How to care for echeveria, a shrub-like succulent

Echeveria is popular for homes, offices, and succulent gardens, because it's a beautiful and low-maintenance plans. If you want to grow your own, here's how.
A cluster of stargazer lily flowers

Stargazer lilies – how to grow them for stunning blooms

Add stargazer lilies to your home or garden for stunning flowers this summer. This simple care guide will tell you how.
A white coffee cup tipped over on a matching saucer with roasted coffee beans spilling out of it

How to grow a coffee plant (and how many beans it can produce)

Coffee is delicious, but did you know you can grow your own? Here's everything you need to know about growing your own coffee plant.
Cast iron plant

Cast iron plant: A complete guide to this hardy plant

Cast iron plants are lovely and lush. Luckily, they're also easy to grow. Here's everything you need to know to keep your cast iron plant happy and healthy.
Areca palm

A complete guide on how to care for an areca palm

Areca palms add a touch of tropical flair to any indoor space. This guide will explain everything you need to know to care for your own areca palm tree.
Asparagus fern

Asparagus fern care guide: Everything you need to know

Asparagus ferns have beautiful, feathery leaves and are easy to grow. Here's everything you need to know about caring for these lovely indoor plants.
Light brown slug

The best ways to control slugs and snails organically

Try these methods to help you get rid of uninvited guests in your garden without causing harm to your family, pets, or plants. 
Close-up of caladium leaves that are mostly red with a little bit of white and green edges

Caldium care: A complete guide to this indoor/outdoor plant

Caladium plants are beautiful and easy to care for, both indoors and out. Here's what you need to know to keep yours happy and healthy.
Small pine tree

6 stunning types of evergreen trees for your yard

Winter can be a dreary time of year, but evergreens can liven things up. Here are our six favorite types of evergreen trees for you to add to your yard.
A small pumpkin sitting on top of a fence post

This is how many pumpkins per plant you can grow

Pumpkins are delicious and decorative, but how many can you expect to harvest this season? Here's what to expect when pumpkin harvest season comes around.
Basil plant bathed in sunlight

6 incredible types of basil for your herb garden

Basil is a delicious and versatile herb, but which type is right for you? Here are our six favorite types of basil for you to try growing this year.