Tag Archive for: fall

VIDEO: How to Plant Spring Bulbs in Containers 🌱🌷 with Garden Answer

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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.

*****

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VIDEO: Bringing In Your Plants for Winter 🪴❄️ with Summer Rayne Oakes

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When the mornings turn chilly and frost threatens, it’s time to bring your non-cold-hardy plants indoors. In this video, Summer Rayne Oakes demonstrates how she gathers her Aloes, Pelargoniums, Euphorbias, air plants, and more, refreshing containers with Espoma Organic Cactus Mix, and Espoma Organic Perlite to help them settle in for the winter months.

Here are six quick tips to help you do the same.

1. Bring Plants In Before the First Freeze

Any tender plant—succulents, tropicals, Pelargoniums, air plants—needs to move indoors once nighttime temperatures dip into the 30s and low 40s °F. Cold snaps can damage foliage fast.

2. Check for Pests and Outdoor Debris

Before carrying your plants inside, give them a quick inspection:

  • Look for ants or insects in the soil
  • Remove spent leaves
  • Trim away any mushy or damaged growth

This keeps your indoor environment clean and your plants stress-free.

3. Give Overgrown Plants a Gentle Trim

A light haircut helps plants transition into winter dormancy. Summer trims her Pelargoniums to remove dead growth and tidy the shape, making them easier to overwinter.

4. Refresh Soil With a Fresh Organic Potting Mix

After a full season outdoors, potting soil can become compacted, washed out by rain, or depleted of nutrients. Refreshing the top few inches—or fully repotting—gives plants the clean, breathable foundation they need to stay healthy indoors.

For most houseplants, reach for Espoma Organic All-Purpose Potting Mix. It’s rich, airy, and packed with organic ingredients that support strong roots through winter.

Summer uses Espoma Organic Cactus Mix for her succulents because they need faster drainage and extra airflow around their roots. This helps prevent rot during the cooler months when succulents naturally take up less water.

Adding a scoop of Espoma Organic Perlite boosts drainage even more—great for Aloes, Agaves, and Euphorbias heading into low-light, low-growth winter conditions.

5. Repot or Divide Crowded Succulents

Aloes and other succulents often outgrow their pots by fall. Take a cue from Summer and divide offsets or repot into fresh soil so each plant has room to breathe indoors.

6. Feed Indoor Plants Through Winter

Even during slower growth, indoor plants still appreciate gentle nourishment. Use a high-quality organic liquid fertilizer—like Espoma Organic Indoor! —to keep roots strong and foliage healthy all winter long.

A little effort goes a long way!

A little trimming, a pest check, and a refresh with Espoma Organic potting soils and a little liquid fertilizer is all it takes to help your plants thrive indoors this winter.

Let’s get growing—indoors! 🌿

*****

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Espoma Organic Potting MixOrganic Potting soil -Espoma Organic Cactus MixEspoma Organic PerliteEspoma Organic Indoor! liquid fertilizer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Final Fall Plantings & Tips for Bringing Plants Inside for Winter 🍁🪴 with Wyse Guide

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Fall might feel like the end of the gardening season, but as Kaleb from Wyse Guide shows, it’s actually a perfect time to plant and bring in your favorite tropical plants for the winter months.

In this project, Kaleb refreshes the front of his home with hydrangeas, using Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus to support strong root growth, then replants a massive elephant ear and pots it up in Espoma Organic Potting Mix so he can enjoy it again next year.

Kaleb’s late fall gardening tips:

1. Plant for Roots, Not Blooms
Kaleb takes advantage of fall’s warm soil and cool air to give hydrangeas time to establish. Adding Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus helps new shrubs settle in quickly and build the strong root systems that lead to better growth next spring.

2. Build Healthy Soil & Keep Watering
Hydrangeas thrive in rich, well-draining soil, so Kaleb amends where needed and uses drip irrigation to keep moisture consistent on his sunny, south-facing porch. Even with drip, he checks soil weekly and waters during fall—and even winter warm-ups—so new roots never dry out.

3. Store Tropicals to Enjoy Them Again
Instead of letting frost take his elephant ear, Kaleb trims it back and pots it into Espoma Organic All-Purpose Potting Mix. Over winter, it rests indoors with minimal watering, ready to return outdoors next season.

Even as the season slows, there’s still so much you can do to care for your garden. A little fall planting, some root-focused feeding, and thoughtful winter storage of warm-season plants can set you up for an even more beautiful spring. 

*****

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag Image Espoma Organic Potting soil Mix Big bag

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VIDEO: Planting in BIG Reused Planters 🪴🌿 with Summer Rayne Oakes

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Summer Rayne Oakes of Flock Finger Lakes turns three massive terracotta planters—rescued from a second-hand store —into statement containers for the garden. Because the pots are deep and heavy, she creates a lightweight false bottom with Espoma Organic Perlite, then tops it with Espoma Organic Potting Mix before planting a mix of ornamental grasses, pollinator favorites, and trailing accents.

Why Espoma Organic Potting Mix?
Espoma Organic Potting Mix is crafted for container success—indoors or out. It’s rich and fluffy for easy root growth, holds moisture without getting waterlogged, and drains well to keep roots happy. The blend includes organic ingredients and Myco-tone, a proprietary blend of mycorrhizae that supports strong root systems and helps plants use water and nutrients more efficiently. In large planters where every inch counts, that balance of aeration, structure, and organic nutrition is exactly what new plantings need to establish quickly.

 Tips & Takeaways from Summer’s Container Build

  1. Use Perlite as a False Bottom. 
     A layer of Espoma Organic Perlite can work beautifully as a false bottom in oversized containers for shallower-rooted plants when you don’t need the full depth of soil. It also reduces the planter’s weight. But for deep tap-rooted or tree-like plantings, it’s best to skip this method. 
  2. Choose Plants for Season-Long Interest.
    Summer anchors the pot with Pennisetum ‘Ginger Love’ for structure and gorgeous backlit plumes into fall and winter, then layers in Verbena bonariensis ‘Meteor Shower’ (pollinator magnet), sneezeweed ‘Morheim Beauty’ for warm tones, Beautyberry ‘Pearl Glam’ for three-season appeal, ornamental oregano (Oregon Kent beauties) for texture, and a trailing annual morning glory to spill over the rim.
  3. Design for the View.
    Think about the angle most people will see. Summer places taller plants toward the back and lets trailers cascade in the foreground to create depth and a “finished” look from the main viewpoint.
  4. Shop Smart in Mid-Summer.
    July–August can be slim pickings at local nurseries. If inventory looks tired, consider ordering online, mixing annuals with perennials, or planting what you can now and editing later. Containers are wonderfully changeable.
  5. Plant for Pollinators and Wildlife.
    By mixing grasses, flowering perennials, and nectar-rich annuals, Summer builds a container that feeds bees, butterflies, and other pollinators—bringing life and movement to her garden space.

Share your container build with us using #EspomaOrganic on IG—we’d love to see what you create!

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Potting Mix Espoma Organic Potting Mix

 

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VIDEO: Planting Hydrangeas and Yews 🌸🌲 with Wyse Guide

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In this Wyse Guide project, Kaleb refreshes the entry to his mom’s driveway with smooth hydrangeas and a Captain yew for four-season structure. He plants each shrub with Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus to jump-start strong root growth and reduce transplant stress, then adds Espoma Organic Holly-tone because hydrangeas and most yews thrive in slightly acidic soil. Bio-tone delivers beneficial microbes and gentle nutrition right where roots need it; Holly-tone provides a slow, steady feed tailored for acid-loving plants so they establish beautifully in his neutral Iowa soil.

Tips from Wyse Guide:

  1. Plant when you have the window. If the soil is workable and you can water, spring through fall is fair game—plants are often better off in the ground than in pots.
  2. Match plants to the site. Kaleb chose upright, weather-tough, smooth hydrangeas for bloom and a rugged Captain yew for year-round form in part shade with occasional dry spells.
  3. Call before you dig. Always locate underground utilities before starting holes. Safety first.
  4. Plant slightly high. Set the root ball a touch above grade to allow for settling and better oxygen at the crown, especially near thirsty maples.
  5. Prep the roots. Loosen or lightly score tight root balls so roots can spread into native soil. Then, pre-soak the root ball before backfilling.
  6. Feed and mulch smart. Mix Bio-tone and Holly-tone into the planting hole for establishment and acid-loving nutrition. Finish with a 2–3″ layer of compost like Espoma Organic Land & Sea Gourmet Compost mulch to add organic matter to lock in moisture and suppress weeds.

A simple, well-chosen pairing—hydrangeas for flowers and yew for structure—turned this entry into a welcoming focal point. Take your time, let inspiration strike at the nursery, and set new plants up for success with Bio-tone and Holly-ton

Ready to plant? Visit your local garden center for Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus,  Holly-tone, Land & Sea Compost, and let’s get growing!

*****

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag Image Espoma Organic Holly-tone Organic Fertilizer for all acid loving plants Espoma Organic Land and Sea gourmet compost

 

 

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VIDEO: Planting Trees and Perennials 🌳🌺 with Wyse Guide

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Kaleb Wyse from Wyse Guide shows us that with the right care, you can plant trees and perennials with confidence. In this video, Kaleb is adding an Afterburner black gum tree and fresh perennials to his backyard. To give his new plantings the strongest foundation, Kaleb uses Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus. This trusted starter fertilizer helps reduce transplant shock, stimulates strong root growth, and enriches the soil—so plants establish quickly and thrive for years to come.

Featured Tips from Kaleb’s Planting Process

  1. Plant year-round when conditions allow
    Don’t wait for the “perfect” season. If you have the time, energy, and right weather, get plants in the ground. They’ll be happier growing in your soil than sitting in containers at a nursery.
  2. Choose the site carefully
    Take time to visualize how a tree or plant will look from multiple angles of your yard and home. Think ahead about how it will grow into the landscape.
  3. Prepare the site well
    Dig a wide hole—wider than the root ball—to give roots room to spread into the native soil. Remove rocks and other large debris.
  4. Prep the roots before planting
    Inspect roots for tight circling, then gently loosen or scarify them to encourage outward growth. Be sure to expose the root flare so the tree can breathe properly.
  5. Always plant with a quality organic starter fertilizer
    Using a starter like Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus helps reduce transplant shock and promotes strong, lasting roots. Unlike synthetic fertilizers, Bio-tone is gentle, organic, and builds long-term soil health.
  6. Water, stake, and mulch for success
    Give trees a deep initial watering—Kaleb used 10 gallons for his black gum—and continue watering consistently, especially in summer heat. Stake young trees for support and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Kaleb finished his project by planting Phantom Joe Pyeweed and Kerodonis Salvia, filling in garden beds with color and texture. His approach shows that planting is less about waiting for the “right” season and more about giving your plants what they need: thoughtful placement, healthy roots, good soil, and consistent care.

Ready to Plant?

For all your plantings, give your plants the best start with Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus. Build stronger roots, reduce transplant stress, and set your garden up for long-term success.

*****

Learn More about Wyse Guide:

🪴 YouTube

🪴 Facebook

🪴 Instagram

🪴Website

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag Image

 

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VIDEO: August Garden Refresh ☀️🌿🌸 with Skye Hamilton

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Gardening in August isn’t for the faint of heart — it’s hot, it’s scraggly, and it takes motivation.  Skye Hamilton reminds us that the effort is well worth it. With just a few key steps, you can transform your late-summer beds and set the stage for a gorgeous fall garden.

One of Skye’s favorite tips? Feed tired annuals and perennials with a high-quality organic fertilizer like Espoma Organic Plant-tone. This slow-release, all-purpose organic fertilizer gives plants a natural boost without burning, helping them put on their final flush of blooms.

Skye’s August Garden Checklist

  • 🌱 Weed control: Stay on top of weeds to instantly refresh the look and health of your beds.

  • ✂️ Cut back overgrowth: Trim plants for a tidier appearance and encourage reblooming where possible.

  • 🌸 Deadhead rebloomers: Keep flowers coming with consistent deadheading.

  • 🌿 Fertilize: Apply a high-quality organic fertilizer like Espoma Organic Plant-tone to revive perennials and annuals for their late-season show.

  • 🐛 Treat issues: Address pests and diseases before they spread.

So while August gardening may feel intense, remember: a little care now means a thriving, colorful fall garden later. Discover more natural gardening tips and find Espoma Organic Plant-tone at your local garden center today. 🌱

*****

Learn More about Skye Hamilton:

🌸 Website

🌸 Instagram

🌸 Facebook

🌸 YouTube

🌸 Pinterest

🌸 TikTok

Featured Products: 

Espoma Organic Plant-tone organic fertilizerEspoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag Image

 

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VIDEO: Planting A Shade Garden 🌿 with Wyse Guide

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Whether you’re working with dry shade or full sun, Kaleb Wyse of Wyse Guide proves that every pocket of your garden can thrive with the right planning—and a little help from Espoma Organic.

In his latest video, Kaleb brings us along as he refreshes his shade beds and layers in new perennials in full-sun areas, showing how he builds textured, healthy spaces across his Iowa homestead. He’s not just planting—he’s feeding the soil and supporting every root with care.

Kaleb’s shade garden is a great example of adapting to conditions. Not all shade is the same—some spots, often under large trees, are dry shade, where roots compete for moisture and soil drains quickly. Other shady areas, like low spots or places near downspouts, hold more water, creating wet shade. Kaleb’s property has dry shade under mature maple and crabapple trees, so he selects plants that can handle lower moisture while still brightening dim areas.

To get his new additions off to the best start, Kaleb relies on Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus, his go-to for all new plantings. For hostas and other acid-loving favorites, Espoma Organic Holly-tone is also in his toolkit, enriching the soil with just the right nutrients for long-term success.

🌿 Kaleb’s Top Tips for Planting Success

1) Water Before You Plant
Always begin with a well-watered root ball so plants adjust quickly and absorb water efficiently post-planting.

2) Use a high-quality organic Starter Fertilizer
“It’s like planting insurance!” Kaleb says. He sprinkles Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus in every hole to encourage strong root development and minimize transplant shock.

3) Only Disturb Roots When Necessary
If roots aren’t bound tightly, skip scarification. Gentle handling helps reduce stress.

4) Embrace Compost—Even Last Year’s Leaves
Kaleb layers homemade compost—or a high-quality mix like Espoma Organic Land & Sea Gourmet Compost, a rich blend of natural ingredients enhanced with lobster and crab shells—right over last year’s fallen leaves. This creates a living mulch that enriches the soil naturally and builds long-term garden health.

5) Group Plants in Odd Numbers
Repeating clusters of five or seven create harmony and visual rhythm, especially in larger beds.

6) Prioritize Soil Coverage
From epimedium to hosta to Agastache, Kaleb aims for dense plantings that naturally suppress weeds and conserve moisture.

Ready to Grow Like Kaleb?

If Kaleb’s video inspires one thing, it’s that soil health is at the heart of every thriving garden. Whether your shade is dry or wet—or your planting area is in full sun—start with rich compost, thoughtful watering, and organic support from Espoma, and your plants will thank you season after season.

Let’s get growing—whether you’re filling a shady nook or bringing a sunlit border to life.

*****

Learn More about Wyse Guide:

🪴 YouTube

🪴 Facebook

🪴 Instagram

🪴Website

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag ImageEspoma Organic Holly-toneEspoma Organic Land and Sea

 

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VIDEO: Tulip Garden Tour with Summer Rayne Oakes 🌷

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Watch as Summer Rayne Oakes of Flock Finger Lakes takes us on a tour of her stunning tulip garden at her Meadow House Gardens. Last fall, Summer planted over 4,000 tulip bulbs using Espoma Organic Bulb-tone, and today her garden bursts with color from more than 100 tulip cultivars.

In this video, Summer showcases her favorite tulips, including the elegant ‘Sarah Raven,’ captivating ‘Flaming Flag,’ and dreamy ‘Ume no Murasaki.’ She also demonstrates how she feeds her tulips with Espoma Organic Flower-tone, ensuring healthy, vibrant blooms all season.

Summer Rayne Oakes Feeding tulips with Espoma Organic Flower-tone

Summer’s Tips for Planting and Caring for Tulips:

  • Plant bulbs in the fall using a high-quality organic fertilizer like Espoma Organic Bulb-tone for optimal nutrition.
  • Water bulbs thoroughly after planting to help establish roots.
  • Feed tulips after sprouting with a high-quality organic fertilizer like Espoma Organic Flower-tone for lush blooms.
  • Avoid fertilizer contact with blooms or foliage to prevent burning.
  • Consider naturalizing tulip varieties that are known to return each spring.

Bonus Tip: In addition to tulips, Summer planted a variety of perennials throughout her garden beds. Summer recommends planting with a high-quality organic starter fertilizer like Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus to reduce transplant shock and help promote strong, healthy roots for big, beautiful blooms.

Learn more about Flock Finger Lakes here:

Website: flockfingerlakes.com

Instagram – @flockfingerlakes

YouTube –Flock Finger Lakes

X – @flockny

Facebook –Flock Finger Lakes

Featured Products:


Espoma Organic Flower-tone bag Espoma Organic Bulb-tone Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag Image

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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VIDEO: How to Plant Daffodil Bulbs in Late Fall for Beautiful Spring Flowers 🌼 with Wyse Guide!

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Planting daffodil bulbs in late fall is the perfect way to prepare for a colorful spring garden. Kaleb Wyse from Wyse Guide shares his top tips for planting bulbs to set them up for success. A key step is using a high-quality organic fertilizer like Espoma Organic Bulb-tone when planting. The fertilizer provides essential nutrients that will be ready and waiting when the soil thaws, helping bulbs quickly establish roots and produce vibrant, healthy blooms in spring.

Don’t miss your window to plant before the ground freezes. With just a little effort now, you’ll enjoy bright, cheerful daffodils when spring arrives!

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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Espoma Organic Bulb-tone bag

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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