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Tag Archive for: fert

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

July 29, 2025/in Blog, Espoma Videos, Garden Answer, Summer Gardening, Trees & Shrubs

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!”

*****

Learn more about Garden Answer here:

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Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag ImageEspoma Organic Holly-toneEspoma Organic Garden-tone

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Espoma_0725_Fertilizing_Thumbnail.jpg 1080 1920 Matt Dauphinais https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.png Matt Dauphinais2025-07-29 11:46:502025-07-29 11:48:56VIDEO: Tending to 🍇 Fruit, 🌽 Veggies & 🌸 Blooms with Garden Answer

VIDEO: Agave Repot & Care Tips 🪴 with Summer Rayne Oakes

July 22, 2025/in Blog, Container Gardening, Espoma Videos, Succulents, Summer Rayne Oakes

Follow along with Summer Rayne Oakes as she repots and cares for agave plants and succulents, including cold-hardy varieties that can withstand Zone 5 conditions (–20°F). She highlights the importance of using high-quality organic soils and fertilizers—like those from Espoma Organic—to help these resilient plants thrive.

Key Planting and Repotting Tips for Agave:

  • Soil Mix: Summer recommends blending Espoma Organic Cactus Mix with Espoma Organic Perlite and Espoma Organic Bonsai Mix to create a gritty, well-draining soil that helps prevent root rot.
  • Container Choice: Choose terracotta or fluted-edge pots to promote airflow and support strong root development.
  • Watering: Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings to prevent overwatering.
  • Fertilizing: Summer prefers high-quality organic fertilizer like Espoma Organic Cactus! Liquid Fertilizer for steady, healthy growth and vibrant plants.

Take a cue from Summer and give your agaves the best start with Espoma Organic.

*****

Learn more about Summer Rayne Oakes here:

Website: homesteadbrooklyn.com

YouTube: @summerrayneoakes

Facebook: facebook.com/homesteadbrooklyn

Instagram: instagram.com/homesteadbrooklyn

 

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Cactus Mix Espoma Organic Bonsai Mix

Espoma Organic Cactus - organic Liquid Fertilizer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Ep-413-Cold-Hardy-Agave-3.jpg 1080 1920 Matt Dauphinais https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.png Matt Dauphinais2025-07-22 12:27:222025-07-22 12:27:22VIDEO: Agave Repot & Care Tips 🪴 with Summer Rayne Oakes

VIDEO: How to Fertilize Roses 🌹 with Skye Hamilton

July 8, 2025/in Blog, Espoma Videos, Flowers, Skye Hamilton

Skye Hamilton @hamiltonhousedesigns shares her secret to achieving multiple flushes of gorgeous rose blooms—feeding them with Espoma Organic Rose-tone! In this video, Skye walks us through her process, showing exactly how to apply Rose-tone to keep roses healthy, vibrant, and blooming repeatedly throughout the season.

 Skye’s top tips for feeding roses:

1) Fertilize & Prune Regularly: Consistent pruning and fertilization encourage repeat blooming and healthier plants.

2) Monthly Feeding: For the most spectacular blooms, feed your roses at least once every month during the growing season.

3) Choose a Quality Fertilizer: Skye recommends Espoma Organic Rose-tone, specially formulated for roses. Rose-tone is a granular, slow-release organic fertilizer enriched with humates and beneficial microbes, providing a rich blend of natural and organic ingredients that promote bigger, more beautiful blooms.

4) Apply Around the Dripline: Skye emphasizes applying fertilizer around the dripline of the plant. The dripline is the area directly beneath the outer circumference of the plant’s branches, where rain naturally drips off the leaves. This is the most effective spot for feeding, as the feeder roots, which absorb nutrients, are concentrated in this location.

5) Water Thoroughly: After applying Rose-tone, water it in thoroughly to ensure nutrients penetrate deep into the soil and reach the roots.

Ready to give your roses the royal treatment? Try Espoma Organic Rose-tone for roses that flourish all season long!

*****

Learn More about Skye Hamilton:

🌹Website

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Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Rose-tone

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/SKYE_Rose-tone_Edited.jpg 1920 1080 Matt Dauphinais https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.png Matt Dauphinais2025-07-08 12:59:202025-07-08 12:59:20VIDEO: How to Fertilize Roses 🌹 with Skye Hamilton

VIDEO: Tulip Garden Tour with Summer Rayne Oakes 🌷

June 24, 2025/in Blog, Bulbs, Flowers, Summer Rayne Oakes

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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https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-design-23.jpg 1080 1920 Matt Dauphinais https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.png Matt Dauphinais2025-06-24 12:03:052025-06-24 12:15:44VIDEO: Tulip Garden Tour with Summer Rayne Oakes 🌷

VIDEO: Planting a Reblooming Lilac 🌸 with Garden Answer

June 18, 2025/in Blog, Espoma Videos, Garden Answer

Watch Laura from Garden Answer as she plants a reblooming lilac (Syringa x), a perfect focal-point shrub that offers multi-season interest with more than one flush of fragrant blooms.

For every planting, Laura recommends Espoma Organic Bio‑tone Starter Plus—a high-quality organic starter fertilizer that:

  • Promotes strong root development

  • Improves transplant success

  • Delivers long-lasting, soil-enriching microbes and Mycorrhizae

Lilacs are wonderfully adaptable, tolerating a range of soil pH levels, but they thrive in well-draining soil and full sun. With the right planting approach and a high-quality organic starter fertilizer like Bio-Tone Starter Plus, you’re set up for lots of beautiful blooms.

*****

Learn more about Garden Answer here:

YouTube

Website

Facebook

Instagram

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag Image

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/laura_lilac-copy.jpg 1920 1080 Matt Dauphinais https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.png Matt Dauphinais2025-06-18 16:00:282025-06-18 16:00:28VIDEO: Planting a Reblooming Lilac 🌸 with Garden Answer

VIDEO: Porch-Perfect Ferns: 🌿 Planting Hanging Baskets with Wyse Guide

June 17, 2025/in Blog, Espoma Videos, Kaleb Wyse, Spring Gardening

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.

*****

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https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/WG_Porch_ferns.jpeg 1080 1920 Matt Dauphinais https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.png Matt Dauphinais2025-06-17 16:15:452025-06-25 13:34:41VIDEO: Porch-Perfect Ferns: 🌿 Planting Hanging Baskets with Wyse Guide

VIDEO: Euphorbia Repotting 🌵 with Summer Rayne Oakes

June 12, 2025/in Blog, Espoma Videos, Succulents, Summer Rayne Oakes

Join Summer Rayne Oakes as she repots her beautiful Euphorbia plants to prepare them for the summer outdoors. While Euphorbias and cacti may look similar with their spines and upright growth, they belong to entirely different plant families. Euphorbias are part of the Euphorbiaceae family and exude a white, often toxic latex sap. Cacti, part of the Cactaceae family, do not produce this sap and typically have areoles (small, cushion-like structures) from which spines, flowers, and new growth emerge—something Euphorbias lack. Often mistaken for cacti, Euphorbias are succulents native to Africa and require specific care.

Repotting:

Summer creates a well-draining soil mix using Espoma Organic Cactus Mix combined with Espoma Organic Perlite (70% Cactus Mix, 30% Perlite) to ensure excellent aeration and drainage, reducing the risk of root rot. To nourish the plants through the growing season, she applies Espoma Organic Cactus! Liquid Fertilizer every 4–6 weeks.

As a final touch, she tops off the containers with Espoma Organic Bonsai Mix, which helps protect the soil surface, reduces moisture loss, and adds a clean, finished look to each pot.

Summer also explains a common condition called “corking,” a natural process where the stems of Euphorbias become woody at the base due to aging, which is not a sign of disease.

Summer’s Euphorbia Care Tips:

  • Wear gloves when repotting to avoid skin and eye irritation.
  • Inspect roots and prune away dead or damaged areas.
  • Water thoroughly, then allow the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry out.
  • Fertilize regularly during the growing season, pausing in winter.

With Summer’s guidance and Espoma’s organic products, your Euphorbias will thrive outdoors this summer!

*****

Learn more about Summer Rayne Oakes here:

Website: homesteadbrooklyn.com

YouTube: @summerrayneoakes

Facebook: facebook.com/homesteadbrooklyn

Instagram: instagram.com/homesteadbrooklyn

Twitter (X): twitter.com/sroakes

 

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Cactus Mix Espoma Organic Bonsai Mix

Espoma Organic Cactus - organic Liquid Fertilizer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where to Buy

https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Title-10.jpg 1080 1920 Matt Dauphinais https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.png Matt Dauphinais2025-06-12 17:59:302025-06-12 17:59:30VIDEO: Euphorbia Repotting 🌵 with Summer Rayne Oakes

VIDEO: Planting Daylilies with Summer Rayne Oakes 🌼

June 10, 2025/in Blog, Container Gardening, Espoma Videos, Flowers, Summer Rayne Oakes

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.

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 Potting Mix Espoma Organic Flower-tone bag

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/frame-000003Daylily-Planting-.jpg 1080 1920 Matt Dauphinais https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.png Matt Dauphinais2025-06-10 14:26:222025-06-10 14:26:22VIDEO: Planting Daylilies with Summer Rayne Oakes 🌼

VIDEO: Planting ‘Evelyn’ Roses 🌹 with Garden Answer

June 5, 2025/in Blog, Espoma Videos, Flowers, Garden Answer

Laura from Garden Answer teams up with her mom to spruce up her parents’ garden by planting David Austin Evelyn Roses. Laura amends her soil with her favorite organic starter fertilizer, Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus, and Espoma Organic Land & Sea Compost.

Laura also spends some time weeding and repotting plants into the garden beds. The hearty soil combo of Bio-tone Starter Plus and Land & Sea Compost will help ensure all the roots stay strong and healthy blooms are forthcoming.

Learn more about Garden Answer here:

https://www.youtube.com/@gardenanswer/featured

https://www.gardenanswer.com/

https://www.facebook.com/gardenanswer

https://www.instagram.com/gardenanswer/

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag Image Espoma Organic Land and Sea gourmet compost

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/05.04.25-Planting-‘Evelyn-Roses-in-My-Parents-Garden-copy.jpg 1080 1920 Matt Dauphinais https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.png Matt Dauphinais2025-06-05 11:53:162025-06-05 11:53:16VIDEO: Planting ‘Evelyn’ Roses 🌹 with Garden Answer

VIDEO: Planting Potatoes & Ranunculus 🥔🌱🌸 with Garden Answer

May 20, 2025/in Blog, Espoma Videos, Flowers, Fruits & Vegetables, Garden Answer, Spring Gardening

Follow along as Laura from Garden Answer plants some ranunculus and potatoes! 🥔🌱

To save time and money, Laura is using leftover potatoes from last year’s crop and planting the entire spud directly on the ground. Plus, planting with a high-quality organic starter fertilizer like Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus and top-dressing with a nutrient-rich organic compost like Espoma Organic Land & Sea Gourmet Compost, she’s creating the perfect environment for a stronger, more delicious yield.

Laura recommends following up with some organic fertilizer in her routine garden maintenance. She will feed her potato plants with Espoma Organic Garden-tone and her Ranunculus with Espoma Organic Flower-tone, providing each plant type with the specific fertilizer specially formulated to produce happy healthy plants. 

*****

Learn more about Garden Answer here:

https://www.youtube.com/@gardenanswer/featured

https://www.gardenanswer.com/

https://www.facebook.com/gardenanswer

https://www.instagram.com/gardenanswer/

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag Image Espoma Organic Land and Sea gourmet compost Espoma Organic Garden-tone Espoma Organic Flower-tone

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1-6.jpg 1080 1920 Matt Dauphinais https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.png Matt Dauphinais2025-05-20 15:50:062025-05-20 15:51:12VIDEO: Planting Potatoes & Ranunculus 🥔🌱🌸 with Garden Answer
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