Tag Archive for: Flower tips

VIDEO: Repotting Geraniums and a Kumquat tree ??? with Garden Answer!

/in , , , , , ,

Join Laura from @gardenanswer as she ventures into the greenhouse and guides us through the repotting process of her young geraniums and a stunningly large Kumquat tree. Along the way, Laura shares valuable plant care advice.

For this task, Laura uses Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix for her geraniums and Cactus Mix for the Kumquat tree, ensuring an optimal growing environment for her plants. To nourish and promote the growth of her green friends, she mixes in  Espoma Organic Flower-tone and Citrus-tone to provide the essential nutrients her plants need to flourish.

 

 

Featured products:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where to Buy

VIDEO: Blooming Wonders ??- Planting Anemone coronaria ‘Mr. Fokker’ || Flock Finger Lakes

/in ,

Join Summer Rayne Oakes from  @FlockFingerLakes  as she demonstrates planting the incredibly beautiful bloomer, Anemone coronaria ‘Mr. Fokker’ corms. Corms, which are fleshy underground stems that act as food storage structures in certain seed plants, take center stage in this tutorial. Summer will guide you through the process of preparing the corms for proper planting. Summer uses Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus when planting, ensuring that these Anemones yield magnificent, large blooms.

Learn more about Flock Finger Lakes here:

Website: flockfingerlakes.com

Instagram – @flockfingerlakes

YouTube –Flock Finger Lakes

Twitter – @flockny

Facebook –Flock Finger Lakes

 

Featured Products: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where to Buy

 

VIDEO: Planting Spring Flower Pots ?? || Wyse Guide

/in ,

Watch as Kaleb  @WyseGuide  adds some instant color to his decorative front flower pots.

Kaleb uses Espoma Organic All Purpose Potting Mix when adding new plants to his outdoor containers.

When planting, we always recommend adding in some Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus to help provide the nutrients plants need to thrive in their new location.

Featured Products:

Where to Buy

 

BAGR 118 Blog: Understanding Hardiness Zones, Frost Dates and Microclimates in the Garden

/in ,

As a beginner gardener, it can be overwhelming to navigate the various factors that can affect the success of your plants. One of the most important aspects to consider is your garden’s hardiness zone, frost dates, and microclimates.

This blog is inspired by Episode 118 of Growing Joy with Maria Podcast, where host Maria Failla interviewed Rochelle Greayer of the renowned garden design website Pith & Vigor.

 

What are Hardiness Zones?

Hardiness zones are a way to categorize regions based on average annual extreme minimum temperatures. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has divided the country into 13 zones, with each zone representing a range of temperatures. The lower the zone number, the colder the region.

Knowing your hardiness zone is crucial because it determines which plants are most likely to thrive in your area.

When selecting plants, make sure to choose the ones that are recommended for your zone. Plant tags or online descriptions will often indicate the plant’s hardiness zone.

It’s important to note that while hardiness zones provide a general guide, they are not foolproof. Other factors, such as soil type, rainfall, and elevation, can also affect a plant’s success. However, knowing your hardiness zone is a good starting point for selecting plants that are well-suited to your area.

What are Frost Dates?

Frost dates refer to the average dates of the first and last frost in your area. These dates are important because frost can damage or kill tender plants, so it’s best to avoid planting them until after the last frost in the spring.

To ensure good germination rates and healthy seedlings, consider using a soil mix specifically designed for starting seeds, such as Espoma Organic Seed Starter.

To determine your area’s frost dates, you can consult a gardening book or website, or contact your local extension office. Another great tip is to go to your local nursery and ask the workers when they plant their gardens, they are the true experts in your region!

Keep in mind that frost dates are just averages, so it’s always a good idea to stay vigilant and protect your plants during particularly cold spells. One way to protect your plants from frost is to cover them with a frost blanket or other protective covering. You can also plant tender plants in containers that can be moved indoors during cold spells.

 

What are Microclimates?

Microclimates are small areas within a garden that have slightly different growing conditions than the surrounding area. These differences can be caused by variations in temperature, humidity, sun exposure, and wind.

For example, a south-facing wall may be warmer and sunnier than the rest of the garden, making it an ideal spot for heat-loving plants. A low-lying area may be more prone to frost and moisture, making it a good spot for plants that prefer cooler and wetter conditions.

By paying attention to microclimates in your garden, you can make the most of the varying conditions and create a more diverse and successful garden.

To help improve soil health and promote plant growth, you may want to consider using a plant food like Espoma Garden-tone or Plant-tone. These products contain a blend of natural ingredients that provide essential nutrients to a wide variety of plants.

 

How to Use Hardiness Zones, Frost Dates, and Microclimates in Your Garden.

Now that you understand the basics of hardiness zones, frost dates, and microclimates, you can use this information to plan your garden more effectively.

Start by determining your hardiness zone and selecting plants that are recommended for your area. Make sure to also take into account your area’s frost dates and avoid planting tender plants until after the last frost in the spring.

Next, pay attention to the microclimates in your garden and use them to your advantage. Experiment with planting different plants in different areas to see which ones thrive best in each microclimate.

Finally, don’t be afraid to reach out to local gardening experts for more specific advice on your area’s growing conditions. With a little bit of research and planning, you can create a beautiful and successful garden that thrives in your unique environment.

 

*****

Additional Tips

 Here are some additional tips to help you make the most of your garden’s hardiness zone, frost dates, and microclimates:

1.  Consider using raised beds or containers to create microclimates within your garden. You can fill these containers with soil that is specifically tailored to the plants you want to grow. Espoma Organic Raised Bed Mix is perfect for filling raised beds.

2. Use mulch to help regulate soil temperature and moisture levels. It can also help prevent weeds from growing.

 3. Keep a gardening journal to track your successes and failures. This can help you refine your gardening techniques and learn from your mistakes.

4. Consider joining a local Garden Club or attending gardening workshops in your area. This can be a great way to learn from experienced gardeners and get advice on specific challenges you may be facing.

5. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Gardening is a constantly evolving process, and it’s okay to try new things and see what works best for you and your garden.

Understanding your garden’s hardiness zone, frost dates, and microclimates is important for successful gardening. By selecting plants that are recommended for your zone, planting after the last frost, and taking advantage of microclimates, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden!

 

Featured Products: 

Where to Buy

 

8 Terror-ific Plants to Spookify your Home & Garden for Halloween

/in , ,

Pumpkin-picking isn’t the only way to get into the Halloween spirit! With dark shades, peculiar shapes, and scientific names plucked right from the mad scientist’s shelf, plants are a crafty way to give your home and garden a spooky touch your trick-or-treaters will love. Plus, if October isn’t enough to motivate you, these eight plant picks are a great way to spice up your space year-round!

 

‘Black Velvet’ Elephant Ear— Alocasia reginula

This striking plant earns the name ‘Black Velvet’ for its gothic, nearly black foliage accented by silvery-white veins. This tropical houseplant, a dwarf variety of the Elephant Ear plant, loves warm, moist places and well-drained soil. We suggest a 50/50 combination of our Espoma Organic Potting Soil and Espoma Organic Cactus Mix to keep those ‘Black Velvet’ leaves nice and spooky!

 

‘Black Prince’ Echeveria— Echeveria affinis

Everyone loves a cutesy succulent, but a ‘Black Prince’ Echeveria is the key to adding some drama to your arrangement. Accented by salmon to red-colored flowers in the fall and early winter, this deep purple, nearly black succulent provides spooktacular color contrast against typical green succulents. Water sparingly and keep the ‘Black Prince’ in the bright light to prevent the dark foliage from fading. 

 

Venus Flytrap— Dionaea muscipula

Dun dun… dun dun… it’s everyone’s favorite insect-eating, horror-movie-starring plant: the Venus flytrap! The carnivorous Venus flytrap has “jaws” that can snap shut in less than a second, and while they’re nowhere near as frightening as Halloween decorations make them out to be, this plant can be a unique, scary-cool addition to your little garden of horrors. 

 

Doll’s Eyes— Actaea pachypoda

Doll’s eyes plant, also called white baneberry, has an alien appearance with creepy clusters of eyeball-like berries. A slow-growing perennial, Doll’s eyes plant is best planted during late fall or early spring, and it can be a low-maintenance, ornamental addition to your garden, especially with a boost from Espoma Organic Flower-Tone. Just beware of the plant’s berries because they are very toxic if ingested. (Eye wouldn’t be caught dead eating one!)

 

Raven ZZ— Zamioculcas zamiifolia

A group of ravens may be called an unkindness, but there’s nothing mean-spirited about the easy-to-grow Raven ZZ! One of the most loved and sought after houseplants for plant parents and interior designers alike, its shiny, dark foliage and upright form make it a bold way to add a gothic element to your space. To keep a Raven healthy, don’t overwater it!

 

Ornamental Peppers— Capsicum annuum

Want some witchy fingers clawing through your garden? Give your Halloween decor a little pepper-power with ornamental peppers! Coming in a variety of funky shapes and colors, including vibrant oranges, reds, greens, and purples, you can enjoy these plants before the first frost sets in by keeping them in a container in the fall months. 

 

Dracula Orchid— Dracula vampira

Based on its name, it’s no surprise that the Dracula Orchid would be a perfect addition to your home and garden this Halloween. At the center of the bloom, the plant has a vampire-like (or for the Netflix buffs, a Demogorgon-like) mouth that looks ready to bite you. Want to add a festive touch? Wrap your container in a cape and paint it red down the sides to give your Dracula Orchid the proper outfit. 

 

Dracula orchid, small purple flower

 

Garlic— Allium sativum

More of a vampire hunter than a Twilight lover? Time to stock up on garlic. Folklore has taught us that garlic is the best way to ward off vampires, and in addition to its protective properties, allium vegetables also do very well this time of year. Kickstart the bulb-planting process with our Espoma Organic Bio-Tone Starter Plus. 

 

*****

Espoma’s All Purpose Potting Mix and Indoor! fertilizer will help ensure those peculiar plants grow healthy and strong. We hope these eight plants help you and your garden get in the Halloween spirit! Have a spooky suggestion we left out?

 

Visit our Facebook page

Or on our YouTube Page

Tag us on Instagram!

 

Featured Products:

 

   

 

 

Where to Buy

 

 

 

 

Beginners Guide to Growing Cut Flowers

/in , ,

Beginners Guide to Growing Cut Flowers

Growing flowers in your garden can be as appealing as growing food, because not only are flowers beautiful, but they’re pollinator magnets. Let’s get into the basics of growing cut flowers. 

This blog is inspired by Episode 128 of Bloom and Grow Radio Podcast, where host Maria Failla interviewed Brooklyn Sherri, owner of Petal and Herb Farm.

Why Are Seed Packets Important? 

Seed packets can be crucial in helping you understand all the components that go into growing your cut flower garden. They provide information on when to plant, how long until germination, plant description, growing habits, how deep the seed should be planted, and helpful details on growth and harvesting. Make sure you do your homework on the seed company of your choosing to make sure they fit your needs. 

What Is My Growing Zone? 

Your growing zone helps you determine how long your frost-free growing season is. If you’re in the U.S., you can find your USDA plant hardiness zone by entering your zip code. 

Once you find your hardiness zone, you can also search for the last frost date in your zip code. Your first and last frost dates will show you how many frost-free growing days you have in a season. This can help you figure out when to plant each of your cut flower varieties. 

What Growing Conditions Do Flowers Need? 

Most flowers prefer well-draining soil. If you’re starting with clay soil that tends to hold water, you want to amend it with compost or peat moss to provide more drainage. Additionally, you can mix in bagged garden soil, like Espoma’s Vegetable & Flower Garden Soil to add structure and drainage. 

Sun needs will also vary by flower, but a general rule is 6 hours of direct sun for flowers. Whether you’re direct sowing seeds outdoors or transplanting plants, make sure each variety is in a location with enough sun. 

Water requirements for annual flowers may be higher during Summer months, but in general, deep, infrequent watering is best. About one inch of water per week is enough. 

Fertilizing requirements will depend on the specific flower you’re growing. If you notice foliage yellowing, it can often mean your plant is low in nitrogen. Or if you have lots of green foliage but no blooms, that could indicate you have a phosphorous problem. Try Espoma’s Flower-Tone Fertilizer to get large, healthy blooms. 

 

Now that you know basic care for growing cut flowers, check out our list of the 7 best flowers to grow from seed as a beginner! 

1) Sunflowers

Sunflowers are some of the easiest annual flowers to grow from seed. You can directly sow them outdoors in full sun with minimal effort. They come in so many sizes and colors too! 

2) Zinnias

Zinnias are another easy annual flower to grow from seed in full sun. They only take about 60-70 days to bloom from seed, and there are tons of varieties like double flowered, dwarfs, cactus, and giant zinnias. They also come in a wide range of stunning colors! 

3) Daisies

Unlike sunflowers and zinnias, daisies are a perennial flower that will come back year after year. You can start them from seed outdoors as long as you keep them moist for up to twenty days. Otherwise, they grow great from transplants and continue to spread every year. They come in whites, yellows, pinks, and reds.

4) Sweet Peas

Sweet peas are an annual flower that can deal with cooler temperatures. Plant them in very early Spring and you’ll have beautiful pastel bouquets in a couple of months. Since they are vining plants, give them something to climb like a trellis.

5) Snapdragons

While snapdragons will need to be started from seed indoors 2-3 months before your last frost, the payoff in blooms will be worth it. Pay attention to the seed packet for best germination methods. The more you cut snapdragon blooms and create branching, the more blooms you’ll get. And snapdragons come in so many different colors that you’ll be creating gorgeous bouquets for weeks! 

6) Cosmos

Cosmos are another easy-to-grow annual that produce tons of Summer blooms. They come in a variety of heights and colors, and their long, slender stems make for an easy addition to any cut flower bouquet.

7) Strawflower

And finally we have the humble, yet unmistakable strawflower. This annual is another easy-to-grow flower from seed that can handle any soil quality you have. Its textured petals feel similar to straw and make gorgeous cut or dried flower bouquets. 

*****

To give your cut flowers a healthy start, try using Espoma’s Flower-Tone Fertilizer during the growing season for larger, more abundant blooms. 

About Bloom & Grow Radio Podcast

 Bloom & Grow Radio Podcast helps people care for plants successfully and cultivate more joy in their lives. Host Maria Failla, a former plant killer turned happy plant lady, interviews experts on various aspects of plant care, and encourages listeners to not only care for plants, but learn to care for themselves along the way.

About Our Interviewee

Brooklyn Sherri is a flower farmer with many skills. She runs her own flower farm, Petal & Herb, where they produce flowers, vegetables, berries, herbs, and microgreens all on 5 acres of land in Colorado. Brooklyn also hosts Ya Grandma’s Garden & Houseplants on Clubhouse and teaches horticulture at The Cool Choice to improve the opportunities for children and families in her neighborhood. 

​​Follow Brooklyn:

Instagram

Petal and Herb Farm

Ya Grandma’s Garden & Houseplants on Clubhouse

Featured Products:

Where to Buy

 

Video: Planting Roses with Garden Answer

/in , ,

Laura from @Garden Answer plants some new roses in her backyard with the help of some Espoma products! Follow along and learn some tips to ensure your roses are in tip-top shape!

 

Featured Products:

 

 

Where to Buy

Build a Butterfly Garden for National Pollinators Month

/in

What’s better than decorating your home with summer bouquets of flowers directly from your garden? Having a cut flower garden is not only convenient for on-demand bouquets, but also for adding color to your garden with stunning oranges, yellows, purples, pinks, and blues. While you often choose plants for bees, these flowers are for butterflies.

Pollinators need love year-round and that starts with gardening organically. In honor of National Pollinators Month, here are our best tips for celebrating by building a butterfly bouquet with the flowers they love!

 Breathtaking Flowers Butterflies Will Love

Yarrow (Achillea)

Yarrow is a vibrant yellow perennial. It has a lengthy flowering time from June through September. It is a relatively tall flower with an average growth height of 2.5-3 feet. Butterflies love these flowers because they’re easy to land on and also loaded with sweet nectar. Give your flowers a strong soil base to help them thrive through the hot summer months with Espoma’s Organic Garden Soil. Best suited for zones 3-8.

Ox-Eye Daisies

Ox-Eye Daisies are a classic addition to your garden. Their flowering time covers the summer months from May to August. With their white rays and yellow centers, they will be sure to brighten up your cut flower garden. They grow 1-3 feet tall so they will not take up too much space. Butterflies love Ox-Eye Daisies because they are nectar-rich. Best suited for zones 3-8.

 

English Lavender

English Lavender is a garden essential! Their flowering period covers the summer months of June to August. They grow to the perfect height of 1.5-2 feet. People and butterflies love English Lavender for its fragrance and remarkable blue-purple color… Best suited for zones 5-8.

Blanket Flower (Gaillardia)

The Blanket Flower is a vivid, color-rich butterfly flower to add to your garden. They flower in summer months from May through August. Blanket Flowers tend to be on the shorter side, only growing 6-12 inches tall. Their stunning blood-orange red petals and yellow tips will have your jaw on the floor by the time flowering season rolls around. Butterflies cannot pass up the nectar and vivid colors on these stunning flowers. In order to get the biggest flowers, fertilize with Espoma’s Bloom! liquid plant food. Best suited for zones 3-10.

Bee Balm

Bee balm is another pollinator favorite that should earn a spot in your pollinator garden. The Bee Balm’s flowering period only covers July through August, but their violet blue, red, pink, or white color will be worth it. They thrive in zones 4-8 and are relatively tall, growing an average of 2-3 feet. Bee balm is nectar-rich and its bright coloring makes it an easy sell to butterflies. Boost your Bee Balm with Espoma’s Organic Flower-tone fertilizer for big, healthy flowers. Best suited for zones 4-8.

 

Featured Products:

 

 

Where to Buy

 

Espoma. A Family Tradition Since 1929.

Espoma Organic logo