No garden space? No worries! Summer shows us how to create a lush container garden filled with flavorful herbs and delicious berries right on your patio, balcony, or windowsill.
Summer highlights how easy it is to cultivate favorites like thyme, basil, oregano, cilantro, chives, strawberries, blueberries, and even dwarf huckleberries using containers. To ensure success, she recommends Espoma Organic products, including:
Espoma Organic Potting Mix: Provides balanced moisture and drainage, perfect for promoting healthy root growth.
Espoma Organic Perlite: Improves soil aeration and drainage to prevent root rot.
Espoma Organic Cactus Mix: Ideal for Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and lavender that prefer dry conditions.
Espoma Organic Soil Acidifier: Essential for acid-loving fruits like blueberries and huckleberries.
Container gardening not only maximizes your space but also creates visually appealing and edible arrangements.
There’s nothing quite like a porch full of lush, thriving greenery to welcome in the warmer months—and no one brings that vision to life quite like Kaleb Wyse of Wyse Guide. In his latest video, Kaleb shares how he transforms his sunny front porch into a shaded retreat using one of our favorite combinations: Boston ferns, Kimberly Queen ferns, and a trusted mix of Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix and Holly-tone.
Ferns Chosen with Purpose
Kaleb’s front porch faces south, which means intense sunlight, reflected heat, and the occasional gusty breeze. Instead of fighting nature, Kaleb leans into it—selecting Kimberly Queen ferns for their upright habit and sun tolerance, while reserving traditional Boston ferns for shadier spots near the house.
His secret to keeping these ferns happy? It starts with the soil.
Kaleb’s Planting Tips:
Kaleb chooses our Espoma Organic Potting Mix because it offers the perfect balance of drainage and moisture retention—critical for ferns, which love even moisture but hate soggy roots. This mix includes:
Perlite for improved aeration
Organic compost for slow-release nutrition
Natural, eco-safe ingredients—no synthetic fillers or plastic beads here
As Kaleb puts it: “It holds on to the moisture needed but also drains really well.”
He also adds a light sprinkle of Espoma Organic Holly-tone, our acidic plant food typically used for hydrangeas and evergreens. Since ferns thrive in slightly acidic conditions, Holly-tone gives them an extra boost without overstimulating growth—perfect for those who prefer a light-touch fertilizing routine.
🌱 Pro tip from Kaleb: Gently loosen or score the roots of pot-bound ferns before planting. It encourages them to branch into the fresh potting mix and establish faster.
Build Your Own Porch Sanctuary
Looking to create your own front porch oasis? Let Kaleb’s video be your inspiration. And when you’re ready to pot up your ferns, reach for the products trusted by generations of gardeners.
Watch Summer Rayne Oakes of Flock Finger Lakes dig into one of the summer’s easiest and most rewarding perennials—daylilies! She plants standout varieties like the ‘Jersey Spider’ and shares helpful tips for getting them established in both containers and garden beds.
To give her plants the best start, Summer uses Espoma Organic Potting Mix, a rich, organic, well-draining blend that includes mycorrhizae to support deep root growth. Then she feeds with Espoma Organic Flower-tone, our organic slow-release fertilizer formulated to promote strong stems and lasting blooms.
Ever notice how a moment spent tending your plants feels like a mindful pause in a busy day? You’re not just watering—you’re nurturing calm, presence, and connection. We believe that caring for your green companions is one of the most natural forms of self-care. And just like you thrive on nourishing food, your plants thrive when you feed them regularly with Espoma Organic fertilizer —gentle, effective, and safe for people, pets, and the planet.
The Science Behind the Serene
Sharper Mind + Better Mood Studies show that being around plants can boost memory and attention by about 20%, while reducing background noise and enhancing productivity and creativity—especially in home or little work-from-home nooks.
Soil for the Soul That earthy scent? It comes from microbes like Mycobacterium vaccae (lovingly nicknamed “outdoorphins”), and they don’t just feed your plants—they may help boost your mood and immunity, too.
Self-Care That Doesn’t Feel Selfish
Pulling weeds, misting leaves, or simply observing new growth—these are gentle rituals that anchor us in the now. As one soothing tip from our brand partner, Maria Failla of Growing Joy with Maria, reminds us:
“Use watering or caring for them as an excuse to get up from your computer and take some ‘me-time’—because plant care is self-care.”
Pair that with feeding your plants Espoma Organicfertilizer, and you’re nourishing life in every sense.
Indoor Joy: Caring for Your Plants with a Gentle Boost
Your indoor plants do more than brighten a room—they improve your air, calm your mind, and remind you to slow down. To keep them thriving year-round, a little extra nourishment goes a long way.
That’s where Espoma Organic Indoor! liquid fertilizer comes in. This gentle, balanced formula is made from natural ingredients and feeds instantly, giving your leafy friends the nutrients they need for lush growth and vibrant color—even in the lower light of winter months.
Self-Care Tip: Pair your plant feeding with your own wellness ritual. Set a reminder every 2–4 weeks to water and feed your plants, then take a few minutes to enjoy a cup of tea nearby. Watch how your plants respond over time—you’ll notice deeper greens, healthier new leaves, and a little spark of joy in your day.
Festive Downtime: Holiday-Ready Green Retreats
During the busy holiday season, a mini Christmas cypress or Norfolk Island Pine—with its fresh sap-like scent—can be both a peaceful décor choice and a mindful project. Pot it up in our Espoma Organic Potting Mix, give it a slow sip of water, and feed it with an organic fertilizer like Indoor! for lasting joy. It’s a gift that grows for you, not just from you.
Fresh Ways to Deepen Plant-Based Self-Care
Micro-Meditation Moments Set a daily two-minute ritual—touch the soil, check a leaf, breathe deeply. Call it a “plant-powered reset.”
Create a Kitchen Corner of Calm A small shelf of herbs like basil, lavender, or even mint provides an aromatic escape and practical joy when cooking. Watering and feeding them with organic fertilizer like Indoor! can become a lovely action in your daily rhythm.
Mindful Mondays with Biophilia Start your week by simply sitting with your plants—observing new buds, leaf shapes, and subtle color shifts. This biophilic practice connects you to growth and groundedness.
Let Your Care Shine Through
Plant care is not just about pretty greenery—it’s caring for yourself, too. You pause, breathe, tune in, and the soil responds. Whether it’s a festive tree, a potted herb, or a tranquil succulent, your green space is your sanctuary. And with a little love, light, and organic fertilizer, your plants—and your spirit—can truly thrive.
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https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/IMG_3162.jpeg33686000espomahttps://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.pngespoma2019-12-11 11:54:012025-08-13 14:53:41Plant Care Is Self-Care: Nurture Yourself as You Nurture Your Plants
