As the season winds down, Laura from Garden Answer takes on her final bulb planting of the year, sharing practical planting and bulb-care tips along the way. In this project, she plants more than 300 Thalia daffodils alongside a mix of spring bloomers, including Persian Pearl, Snowdrops, and Lilac Wonder—showing how late-season planting can still deliver impressive results.
Laura walks us through her process, emphasizing the importance of proper bulb depth, spacing, and soil preparation. These foundational steps help bulbs establish strong roots before winter, setting the stage for healthy growth and vibrant blooms in spring.
To support early root development, Laura incorporates Espoma Organic Bulb-tone at the time of planting. This organic, slow-release fertilizer is specially formulated for bulbs and helps:
Encourage strong root growth before dormancy
Support bigger, more vibrant spring blooms
Feed gradually over time for long-term plant health
Reduce the risk of burning young roots compared to quick-release fertilizers
By combining proven planting techniques with the right nutrition, this end-of-season bulb planting shows how a little extra care now can make a big difference when spring arrives.
https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Espoma_1225_GardenAnswer_Bulbs_Thumbnail.png7201280Matt Dauphinaishttps://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.pngMatt Dauphinais2025-12-23 10:38:372025-12-23 11:06:16VIDEO: Planting the Last Bulbs of the Season with Garden Answer
Laura from Garden Answer shows how to plant spring-blooming bulbs in large containers for a big, colorful show next season. She fills eight pots with Menton tulips and Spanish bluebells, feeding them with Espoma Organic Bulb-tone and then topdressing with Espoma Organic Land & Sea Compost to refresh the tired soil and support strong, natural growth.
The Planting Plan: A “Bouquet” in Every Pot
Laura creates a layered “bouquet” effect in each container:
Center: Menton tulips
Outer edge: Spanish bluebells
Both bloom late in the season, so the colors overlap beautifully. Spanish bluebells grow about 14–18″ tall, while Menton tulips reach 23–25″, giving each pot a soft, tiered look. Planting in raised containers keeps everything at waist height, which makes bulb planting much easier than digging in the ground.
Step-by-Step: How Laura Plants Her Bulb Containers
1. Prepare the Container
Laura removes soil down to about 6 inches deep. This makes room for the first layer of bulbs and ensures they’re planted at the proper depth.
2. Amend the Soil with an Organic Fertilizer
Before placing any bulbs, she sprinkles Espoma Organic Bulb-tone into the container.
Why it helps:
Provides slow-release, organic nutrition right where roots grow.
Encourages strong root development, which is key for bulbs to overwinter and bloom well.
Gentle, natural formula that’s safe for people, pets, and pollinator-friendly gardens when used as directed.
3. Plant Tulips “Shoulder to Shoulder”
Menton tulip bulbs go in first at 6 inches deep, planted:
Pointy side up, flat side down.
Very close together—“shoulder to shoulder”—rather than spaced as they would be in the ground.
This tight spacing lets her fit about 100 tulip bulbs per pot, creating a dense, show-stopping spring display.
4. Add Spanish Bluebells
She covers the tulips with a couple of inches of soil, then plants the Spanish bluebells in a ring around the outer edge at about 4 inches deep. Bluebell bulbs look a bit different, but the rule still applies: roots down, growth point up.
5. Add compost
Because the potting mix has been used before and is showing roots and wear, Laura doesn’t just add more regular soil. Instead, she topdresses each container with Espoma Organic Land & Sea Compost.
Why it helps:
Adds rich organic matter back into tired soil.
Improves soil structure and moisture retention, which bulbs love.
Supplies a gentle nutrient boost from premium ingredients like lobster and kelp meal, helping bulbs grow strong and bloom beautifully.
6. Water Thoroughly
After planting and topdressing, Laura waters each container deeply.
Her key watering tip:
Aim for even moisture across the entire soil surface, not just one side of the pot.
In winter, check containers every 2–3 weeks. The goal is soil that’s slightly moist, never soggy, and never bone dry.
Bulb-Specific Tips for Container Success
Laura’s main bulb care reminders:
Chill time matters:
Tulips and daffodils generally need 12–16 weeks of consistent cold (around 35–45°F).
Hyacinths often need 8–10 weeks; crocus and snowdrops around 6–8 weeks.
Mild climate? Go pre-chilled: If you garden in a warmer region, order pre-chilled bulbs so they arrive ready to plant and still bloom well.
Drainage is essential: Containers must have drainage holes so bulbs don’t sit in water and rot. In very wet climates, you may need to protect pots from constant rainfall; in dry climates, remember to water occasionally.
With the right chill, good drainage, consistent moisture, and organic nutrition from Bulb-tone and Land & Sea Compost, these containers are now set up for a spectacular spring show—naturally.
https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Espoma_1225_BulbTone_Thumbnail-copy.jpg10801920Matt Dauphinaishttps://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.pngMatt Dauphinais2025-12-09 16:44:432025-12-23 09:58:46VIDEO: How to Plant Spring Bulbs in Containers 🌱🌷 with Garden Answer
Laura from Garden Answer brings a burst of fresh autumn color to the garden! 🌻 She shares an update on her sunflowers, plants new boxwoods with Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus to help the roots establish naturally, and refreshes her fall containers with vibrant ornamental kale, rudbeckia, and pansies. Using Espoma Organic Potting Mix, Laura ensures every plant has the rich, healthy soil it needs to thrive this season.
Laura from Garden Answer is back in the garden with three beautiful new plants—hydrangeas, calycanthus, and stokes’ asters—giving them a strong start using Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus.
Then it’s husband Aaron’s turn to step in with lawn care. He’s using Espoma Organic All Season Lawn Food to keep their grass lush and green. His tip? Fertilize monthly to keep the lawn healthy and thriving!
https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Espoma_1025_Fertilizing_Thumbnail.jpg10801920Matt Dauphinaishttps://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.pngMatt Dauphinais2025-10-20 15:08:152025-10-20 15:08:15VIDEO: Planting Beautiful New Plants and Feeding the Lawn Organically 🌸🚜🌱 with Garden Answer
From planning to planting, follow along as Laura from Garden Answer transforms her front flower beds with beautiful Fire Light Hydrangeas and New Gen Boxwoods! With the help of an auger, she navigates tough soil to get everything in place. To promote strong root growth and long-term plant health, Laura uses Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus and installs a drip irrigation setup to keep these new blooms watered and thriving all season long.
Tips from Laura
1. Use a High-Quality Organic Starter Fertilizer
When planting new shrubs like hydrangeas and boxwoods, apply a starter fertilizer such as Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus. It reduces transplant shock, encourages strong, healthy root growth, and helps plants establish successfully for long-term thriving. 🌿
2. Take Time to Measure and Space Plants Carefully
Laura measured from consistent points (pillars, driveway edges) to ensure hydrangeas and boxwoods were evenly placed on both sides of the entry. Even small adjustments matter for symmetry and a polished final look. 📏
3. Adapt to Tough Soil Conditions
Hard or compacted soil can make digging difficult. Laura and Aaron used both hand tools and a tractor with an auger to create planting holes, showing the importance of being flexible with the tools and methods you use depending on site conditions. 💪
4. Choose Low-Maintenance Plants for Structure & Beauty
Fire Light Hydrangeas, boxwoods, and arborvitae provide year-round structure, seasonal interest, and require minimal maintenance—no deadheading, no heavy cleanup, and they even look pretty through the winter. 🌸🌲
5. Use Simple Tools for Consistent Spacing
Instead of guessing, Laura cut a branch to use as a measuring stick when spacing boxwoods (around 14–15 inches apart). This simple trick ensured consistency when replicating the layout on both sides. 🌿
6. Install Drip Irrigation for Long-Term Success
Drip lines were set up with rings around each hydrangea and evergreen, ensuring consistent moisture at the roots. This helps plants get established and reduces stress during hot weather. 💧
Spend an early morning with Laura from Garden Answeras she plants hibiscus and silverthorn, adding vibrant blooms and silvery foliage for fresh contrast in her garden. To give these new shrubs the best start, she uses Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus, ensuring strong roots and healthy growth from day one.
Later, Laura moves to the vegetable garden to harvest onions—planted with Bio-tone and later fed with Espoma OrganicGarden-tone—while sharing her favorite tips for growing, curing, and storing a successful harvest.
4 Key Takeaways from Laura’s Garden Day
Start with a high-quality starter fertilizer Using a starter fertilizer like Espoma OrganicBio-tone Starter Plus at planting gives shrubs and perennials a strong foundation. It promotes quick root establishment, reduces transplant shock, and sets the stage for healthier growth and more abundant blooms.
Planting shrubs: water, spacing, and layout matter Place shrubs where they’ll have room to grow to full size, then step back to check balance and flow in the garden. After planting, create a shallow watering basin around the root zone to ensure deep, even moisture while they establish.
Feed onions consistently through the season Laura planted her onions with Bio-tone, then followed up with Garden-tone to keep them growing strong. A steady supply of organic nutrients helps onions size up properly and develop great flavor.
Harvest onions at the right stage Onions are ready when their necks soften and the tops flop over. Gently pull them, then cure in a shaded, airy space for 7–10 days to allow skins to dry and harden for better storage.
From thoughtful planting to a plentiful harvest, Laura shows how preparation and care lead to success. A starter fertilizer like Bio-toneStarter Plus sets new plants up for stronger roots, while follow-up feedings with Garden-tonekeep vegetables productive and delicious.
Ready to put these tips into action? Try Espoma OrganicBio-tone Starter Plus on your next planting day, and don’t forget to keep edibles thriving with Espoma Organic Garden-tone. Share your garden moments with us @EspomaOrganic on IG—let’s grow together! 🌱
Laura from Garden Answer shows us how to plant five sun-loving perennials—even in the peak of summer heat. From elegant Siberian iris to bold salvia, she layers color and texture into her garden while reminding us that planting in hot weather can still be successful with the right care. To set her new perennials up for success, Laura uses Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus, the ultimate “planting insurance” that boosts root growth and helps prevent transplant loss.
6 Quick Tips for Planting Perennials in Summer Heat
Expect a little wilting – It’s normal for new plants to droop in full sun, but they’ll perk back up once the day cools.
Water consistently – Keep soil evenly moist during establishment to reduce stress.
Plant early or late – Beat the midday sun by working in the morning or evening.
Feed at planting – Mix Bio-tone Starter Plus right into the hole to encourage strong root growth and long-term success.
Mulch generously – A layer of organic mulch helps conserve water and keep roots cool.
Even on the hottest days, your garden can keep growing with the right prep and care. 🌱 Whether you’re adding in new perennials or refreshing containers, remember that feeding the soil naturally makes all the difference.
👉 Watch Laura’s full video for inspiration, then grab your favorite Espoma Organic products and let’s get growing!
https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/1-6.jpg10801920Matt Dauphinaishttps://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.pngMatt Dauphinais2025-08-20 12:28:582025-08-20 12:28:58VIDEO: Planting Perennials in Full Sun ☀️🌿🌸 with Garden Answer
In midsummer, when the sun beats down and gardens are in full swing, our plants need us more than ever. That’s why Laura from Garden Answer spends the day fertilizing her container trees, row crops, raised beds, and flower beds.
Container Plants Need a Helping Hand
Unlike plants rooted in the ground, container-grown edibles and ornamentals depend entirely on us for nutrients and water. “They have nowhere to draw from,” Laura explains, as she tends to her grape trees and miniature peaches and nectarines. To keep these potted trees healthy and productive, she applies Espoma OrganicHolly-tone as a midseason maintenance feeding.
Even though Holly-tone is crafted for acid-loving plants, it still offers a gentle, balanced boost—perfect for these fruiting favorites when Tree-tone isn’t on hand. “Honestly,” Laura laughs, “I use whatever tone I have in the back of the Gator,” and with Espoma, that flexibility works. Each Tone is crafted with premium organic ingredients and enhanced with Bio-tone® microbes for slow-release, soil-building nutrition.
Out in the raised beds and dirt garden, Laura gives her corn, potatoes, onions, and garlic a second round of nutrients with Espoma OrganicGarden-tone. This midseason feeding ensures her crops stay vigorous as they push toward harvest, supporting everything from root growth to fruit development.
She skips feeding the crops she plans to harvest this week—like cabbage, broccoli, and lettuce—focusing her efforts on what’s still maturing. It’s a smart reminder: timing matters, and so does listening to your plants.
Starting New Flowers With Strong Roots
In a forgotten corner near a thirsty willow tree, Laura refreshes the space with drought-tolerant sedum and her favorite Super Bells. While she typically reaches for Espoma OrganicBio-tone Starter Plus to reduce transplant shock and encourage strong root growth, this time she used Holly-tone, which she had on hand. It’s still a great choice, providing essential nutrients to help these new plantings settle in and thrive.
“It’s like planting insurance,” she says, echoing a sentiment we hear often from gardeners nationwide.
Why Feeding Organically Matters
Laura’s approach is simple but powerful: feed plants what they need, when they need it, and choose fertilizers that build soil health over time. Each Espoma Organic product she uses nourishes more than just the plant. With slow-release nutrients, enhanced microbial life, and no synthetic fillers, they improve the garden’s long-term vitality too.
💚 Pro Tip from Laura: “Fertilize container plants regularly—they rely on you for everything!”
Follow along with Laura of Garden Answer as she brings bold beauty to her landscape by planting a vibrant mix of red-foliage shrubs. These richly colored plants are perfect for adding contrast in sunny areas. As she plants, Laura uses Espoma Organic Garden-tone to feed each shrub with long-lasting nutrients and Bio-tone Starter Plus to promote strong root growth. She also refreshes several containers near her kitchen patio, using Espoma Organic Potting Mix to give her annuals a healthy start and keep them thriving all season.
🌳 Tips for Planting Shrubs
Feed while you plant. Laura adds Espoma Organic Garden-tone to each hole to provide organic, slow-release nutrients that support long-term growth and vibrant foliage.
Jumpstart root growth. She uses Bio-tone Starter Plus to help newly planted shrubs establish quickly and reduce transplant shock.
Design for color and space. Laura mixes bold varieties like Black Ninebark, Weigela, and Beautybush, giving each plant the room it needs to shine at maturity.
🪴 Tips for Planting Containers
Use the right soil. Laura fills her pots with Espoma Organic Potting Mix, which helps retain moisture and provides a healthy growing foundation for container plants.
Choose plants for the conditions. She selects shade-tolerant plants to thrive on her partially shaded patio.
Add visual balance. Each container includes a focal point, surrounded by fillers and spillers for a lush, finished look.
Spend a day with Laura from Garden Answer as she decorates her garden with a variety of flourishing colors! 🌸 She starts by prepping her front porch containers with Espoma Organic Potting Mix, the perfect base for Fairytrail Green Hydrangeas.
Later on, she adds plants to more containers throughout her garden and adds a pop of bright color with Bubblegum Petunias, applying Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus, giving her new plants the nutrients needed to grow deeper roots and bigger blooms.
https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Espoma_0725_FairytrailHydrangeas_Thumbnail.jpg10801920Matt Dauphinaishttps://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.pngMatt Dauphinais2025-07-15 11:05:362025-07-15 11:05:36VIDEO: Planting Hydrangeas in containers 🪴🌸 and more with Garden Answer
