VIDEO: Planting Boxwoods & Hydrangeas with Garden Answer

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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. 💧

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VIDEO: Tending to 🍇 Fruit, 🌽 Veggies & 🌸 Blooms with Garden Answer

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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 Organic Holly-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.

Garden Beds, Grains, and Greens Get Garden-tone

Out in the raised beds and dirt garden, Laura gives her corn, potatoes, onions, and garlic a second round of nutrients with Espoma Organic Garden-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 Organic Bio-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!”

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VIDEO: Planting Red Foliage Shrubs & Refreshing Patio Pots 🌺🌿 with Garden Answer

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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.

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VIDEO: Planting a NEW Tree 🌳 🍁 with Wyse Guide!

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There’s something hopeful about planting a new tree—especially when you know you’ve set it up to thrive. In this video, Kaleb Wyse from Wyse Guide walks us through planting a stunning Northwind Maple and shares the steps he takes to ensure long-term success. His secret? Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus, the must-have planting partner for strong root development and vigorous growth.

The Tree Planting Process:
Kaleb carefully prepares the site by loosening soil and checking for good drainage. After removing the tree from its container and scarifying the roots (to prevent circling), he sprinkles Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus into the planting hole. The blend of mycorrhizae, beneficial microbes, and organic nutrients helps reduce transplant shock and promotes deeper, stronger root growth.

Kaleb’s 6 Tree Planting Tips:

  1. Site before you plant: Walk around and view the tree from different perspectives.

  2. Check the root flare: Make sure the base of the trunk sits at or just above soil level.

  3. Loosen compacted roots: Lightly score or cut rootbound roots to encourage outward growth.

  4. Amend your soil: Always plant with a high-quality organic starter fertilizer like Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus to help promote strong establishment. 

  5. Always plant above grade: Kaleb recommends planting slightly high since the soil will settle.

  6. Water deeply after planting: Soak the tree well to eliminate air pockets and promote strong establishment.

Bonus tip: Kaleb recommends following up with a maintenance feeding later in the season using an organic fertilizer like Espoma Organic Tree-tone, specifically formulated to provide trees with the essential nutrients needed to grow strong, healthy roots. 

Kaleb finishes the project by installing a beautiful fountain nearby—bringing structure, color, and sound to his garden space. The result is a calming, cohesive area that’s rooted in good planning and organic care.

Ready to plant your own tree? Don’t forget the Bio-tone Starter Plus! It’s Kaleb’s go-to for everything from perennials to maples—and the results speak for themselves.

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Learn more about Wyse Guide here:

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@WyseGuide 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WyseGuide/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WyseGuide/

Website: https://www.wyseguide.com/

 

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VIDEO: Prune & Feed Trees Like a Pro with Wyse Guide 🌳

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Watch Kaleb Wyse of Wyse Guide takes us through his springtime ritual of pruning and fertilizing fruit trees on his Iowa farm. Kaleb emphasizes the importance of proper pruning to encourage healthy growth and feeding with a high-quality organic fertilizer like Espoma Organic Tree-tone.

🌿 Why Espoma Organic Tree-tone?

Kaleb trusts Espoma Organic Tree-tone for its all-natural, slow-release formula that provides essential nutrients to the entire tree—roots, trunk, and canopy. Its exclusive Bio-tone microbes enhance nutrient absorption, promoting robust growth and fruit production.

✂️ Kaleb’s Top Tree Pruning Tips

  • Timing is Key: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.

  • Shape Matters: Aim for an open center to allow sunlight and air circulation.

  • Clean Cuts: Use sharp tools to make precise cuts, reducing the risk of disease.

By combining these pruning techniques with the nourishment from Espoma Organic Tree-tone, Kaleb ensures his fruit trees are healthy and productive throughout the growing season.

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Learn more about Wyse Guide here:

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@WyseGuide 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WyseGuide/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WyseGuide/

Website: https://www.wyseguide.com/

 

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VIDEO: Spring Plantings & Seed Starting with Garden Answer

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Spring is officially here, and Laura from ⁨Garden Answer⁩ welcomes the season with a fresh round of planting and garden prep!

She kicks things off by sowing stock flower seeds saved from last year. Using Espoma Organic Seed Starter Mix and Potting Soil, she creates the perfect environment for strong germination and healthy growth. To support her young seedlings, Laura turns to Espoma Organic Grow!—a liquid organic fertilizer packed with essential nutrients that help plants thrive naturally. 🌱

Next, Laura adds lasting color and structure to her landscape by planting three Sgt. Pepper Dogwood shrubs. Known for their vibrant red twigs and variegated foliage, these shrubs are given the best start with Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus, a mycorrhizae-enhanced organic fertilizer designed to promote deep roots and long-term plant health. 🌿

Finally, she refreshes her hellebores by trimming back old foliage and feeding them with Espoma Organic Holly-tone. This slow-release organic fertilizer is ideal for acid-loving plants and ensures strong, beautiful spring blooms. 🌸

From seed starting to shrub planting, Laura shows just how easy it is to grow a healthy, thriving garden with the help of Espoma Organic. If you’re looking to boost your garden naturally this season, reach for the organic fertilizers trusted by gardeners for over 95 years.

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Learn more about Garden Answer here:

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VIDEO: Transplanting Trees & Planting Lilac Bushes 🌳🪻with Garden Answer

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Watch Laura from Garden Answer as she takes on another exciting gardening project—relocating trees and planting new lilac bushes in her garden.

Laura shares the reasoning behind moving the trees and walks you through the process of planting lilacs, offering helpful plant care tips along the way. She also emphasizes the importance of using a high-quality organic fertilizer, like Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus, to give plants the nutrients they need for strong, healthy root growth during establishment and recommends using Espoma Organic Plant-tone for follow-up feedings. 

Join Laura for practical advice and inspiration to transform your garden!

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VIDEO: Fall Garden Refresh with Wyse Guide

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Watch Kaleb Wyse from Wyse Guide tackle some fall gardening projects at his mom’s house. In this video, Kaleb transplants boxwoods that aren’t doing well and repots agave plants from outdoor containers that need to be brought indoors for the winter. When transplanting the boxwoods, Kaleb recommends using a high-quality organic starter fertilizer like Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus to ensure strong root growth. He also uses Espoma Organic Potting Soil when repotting the agave plants to give his plants a fresh growing medium for the winter months.

Learn more about Wyse Guide here:

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@WyseGuide 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WyseGuide/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WyseGuide/

Website: https://www.wyseguide.com/

Featured Products:

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VIDEO: Planting Boxwoods 🌿 with Garden Answer

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Join Laura from Garden Answer as she plants 500 Boxwoods in her new formal garden, transforming her space with lush greenery and a classic, structured look.

During planting, Laura recommends using a high-quality organic fertilizer like Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus. This essential step ensures her Boxwoods have the nutrients they need to establish quickly and thrive in their new home. Follow along to see her process and learn tips for planting success in your own garden!

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VIDEO: Planting Spruce Trees! ?with Wyse Guide!

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Join Kaleb Wyse from  @WyseGuide  as he takes you through his step-by-step process of properly planting spruce trees. In this video, Kaleb plants three large, balled, and burlapped trees. He uses Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus to stimulate the roots and Espoma Organic Holly-tone to provide essential nutrients for successful establishment. Additionally, Kaleb adds Espoma Organic Land & Sea Compost to enrich and loosen the native soil, aiding the tree’s ability to acclimate and thrive.

Learn more about Wyse Guide here:

? YouTube: www.youtube.com/@WyseGuide 

? Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WyseGuide/

? Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WyseGuide/

? Website: https://www.wyseguide.com/

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