Skip to main content
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.

Blue larkspur delphinium flowers

The essential delphinium care guide for healthy, vibrant plants

Delphiniums are known for their vibrant flowers and tall flower spikes. If you want to add some to your home or garden, here's everything you need to know.
Hands scooping soil out of a flower pot

How to make potting soil for healthier plants

Healthy soil makes for happy plants. If you want to make your own potting soil to ensure your plants thrive, here's what you need to know.
Dark coffee grounds in a silver measuring scoop

How to use coffee grounds as fertilizer

Blueberry bushes love high nitrogen and acidic soil, and coffee grounds can provide both. Here's what to know about using coffee grounds as fertilizer.
Purple and white columbine flowers

Flowers to plant in spring: Your guide to beautiful blooms

Spring gardens full of bright, colorful flowers are the perfect way to celebrate the warmer weather. Here are some of the best flowers to plant in spring.
Butterflies on butterfly bush

Butterfly bushes 101: A complete guide for gardeners

Butterflies are a beautiful sight in any garden. To attract tons of them, here's how to grow your own butterfly bushes.
A line of birches beside a river

Best trees for wet areas: Top 6 picks for your garden

If part of your yard or garden is too wet for most plants to grow in, try planting one of these trees that thrive in wet areas.
A forsythia bush with yellow flowers

Add beauty to your garden with these stunning spring flowering shrubs

Spring flowering shrubs add life and color to an early spring garden. Here are some of our favorites to consider adding to your yard or garden this year.
Banana tree with ripe fruit

When and how do bananas reproduce? All your questions answered

This is everything you need to know about banana reproduction, whether you want to grow your own or are just curious.
Spring flowering bulbs

How to prepare your garden for spring: Tips for a successful season

It's time to start getting your garden ready for spring. If you're not sure where to start, here's an easy-to-follow guide to ensure your garden is ready.
Stargazer lily bloom

The best bulbs to plant in spring for lasting beauty in summer and fall

A summer garden full of vibrant colors can start as just a few bulbs planted in spring. If you want to get started, here are some of the best bulbs to plant.
A kitchen compost bin

DIY compost bin: How to make one from a 5-gallon bucket

You can compost at home without dedicating too much time or space. Here's how to make your own DIY compost bin with a 5-gallon bucket.
Ripe blackberries on the bush

The best spring fruits to grow: Add these to your garden

Fresh fruit from your own garden is a tasty treat. Prepare for a delicious and bountiful harvest by planting these fruits in the spring.
Hands holding soil

Can potting soil go bad? The signs and solutions you should know

Potting soil is an important part of most container gardens, but can it go bad? Here's what you need to know to ensure your plants have the best soil.
Pink hellebore flowers

7 stunning early spring flowers to plant right now

Early spring flowers are a great way to welcome the changing season. If you want to fill your garden with spring colors, here are seven of the best.
A small bear paw succulent in a pink pot by a window

Bear paw succulent care: Keep this cute plant healthy and happy

Thinking of adding an adorable bear paw succulent to your home or garden? Here's what you need to know about caring for it.
Small palm tree with fan shaped leaves in a gray pot on a windowsill

Which palms thrive indoors? Find the best types for your home

Palm trees can be a great way to inject some tropical relaxation to your home. Here are the best house palm tree types for you to add to your collection.
Saffron crocus flowers

Learn how to grow saffron at home with these simple tips

Saffron is one of the most expensive spices, but did you know you can grow it at home? Here's everything to know to get started growing your own saffron.
Dogwood tree with pink flowers

Best trees for home gardens: Beautify your space with these top picks

Trees can add a lot to a garden, but it can be hard to choose the right one. Here are some of our favorite trees for home gardens to help you get started.
ZZ plant

ZZ plant leaves turning yellow? Here’s how to fix it fast

ZZ plants are known for their beautiful leaves, so it can be shocking when they turn yellow! Here's what's going on and how to fix it.
Pile of bell peppers

Are peppers fruits or vegetables? Here’s the final answer

Are all peppers the same, or are some peppers fruits and others vegetables? If you’ve ever wondered about pepper classification, we have the answers.
Jasmine plant blooming

The best types of jasmine to enhance your garden’s fragrance and beauty

Jasmine flowers are known for their beauty and scent. If you want to grow your own but aren't sure which type of jasmine to plant, here's a guide for you.
A branch of holly

The truth about holly leaves: Surprising facts you didn’t know

We've got four interesting facts about holly leaves for you to share with your friends.
A small mimosa plant in a black pot

How to grow mimosa plants: Tips for this fascinating, responsive shrub

Mimosa plants are known for their unique quirk of closing their leaves after being touched. Experience it for yourself by growing your own. Here's how.
Colorful croton plant

Croton plant care guide: Grow this colorful beauty with ease

Crotons are so colorful, it's no wonder they're popular houseplants. If you want to grow your own, here's what you need to know about croton plant care.
Purple orchid flowers with white stripes

Growing orchids in water made easy: Your guide to a stunning display

Combining orchids and hydroponics can do wonderful things. We list everything you need to know to successfully grow orchids in water.
Dark pink desert rose flowers

Desert rose care guide: How to grow this stunning succulent

Desert rose succulents are beautiful and easy to grow. Here's how to care for yours indoors.
Orange California poppy flowers

How to grow and care for California poppies: Tips for vibrant blooms

California poppies are known for their gorgeous, vibrant color. If you want to grow your own, here's what you need to know about this stunning flower.
Banana tree with ripe fruit

When do banana trees fruit? Here’s what you should know

Growing your own banana tree can be exciting, but when can you expect your first fruit to appear? We have the answers.
Borage flowers close-up

Grow borage like a pro: Tips for healthy, thriving plants

Borage is a beautiful flowering herb, and it's quite easy to grow. If you want to add this plant to your garden, here's everything you need to know.
Many cacti with brightly colored flowers

How often does a cactus flower? Here’s your complete guide

Cacti are popular for their fun shapes and easy care, but did you know they also have stunning flowers? Here's which cacti have the best blooms.
Lobelia erinus blooming in a container

How to grow lobelia: A simple guide for bright blue-purple blooms

Lobelia flowers are gorgeous and easy to grow. Want to add them to your home or garden? Here's everything you need to know about caring for lobelia.
Ripe dragon fruit

Dragon fruit plant care: How to grow this tropical beauty

Dragon fruit is delicious, but did you know you can grow your own at home? Here's everything you need to know about caring for your own dragon fruit plant.
A pile of brown potatoes up close

Are potatoes fruits or vegetables? The answer might surprise you

Are you wondering if potatoes are fruits or vegetables? Here's what you need to know about categorizing this delicious and hearty harvest.
American beautyberry shrub

Beautyberry care made easy: Your complete guide to growing this shrub

Beautyberry shrubs are gorgeous, with bright purple berries so vibrant they almost don't seem real! Here's everything you need to know about growing your own.
Lavender in a yellow flower pot

Can you grow lavender indoors? The answer may surprise you

Lavender is a beautiful flower and useful herb, but it can take up quite a lot of room outdoors. To save space, here's how to grow lavender indoors.