Tag Archive for: Flower-tone

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

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VIDEO: Planting Daylilies with Summer Rayne Oakes 🌼

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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

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

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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. 

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VIDEO: 6 Container Gardening MISTAKES | Growing Joy with Maria

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Balcony gardening is a rewarding but sometimes tricky endeavor, especially for beginners. In this video tutorial, Maria shares six common mistakes that she and many others have made while gardening in containers on balconies. She also highlights how Espoma Organic products can help prevent these pitfalls and ensure healthy, thriving plants.

1: Choosing the Wrong Plant Varieties

Many beginners choose plants that are too large for container growth. Maria advises selecting micro, dwarf, or patio-specific varieties like ‘Patio Baby’ eggplant or ‘Tidy Treats’ cherry tomatoes. These are bred to be compact and manageable, ideal for small balcony spaces.

2: Using the Wrong Potting Mix

Standard garden soil is not suitable for containers as it can be too dense and poorly aerated. Maria recommends using Espoma Organic Potting Mix, which includes perlite and wood bark for proper aeration. This ensures that roots receive enough air and water, crucial for healthy plant growth.

 3: Inconsistent Watering

Balcony plants need regular watering, and failing to plan can lead to wilted or dead plants. Maria suggests using self-watering planters or multiple watering cans to maintain consistency. This strategy, along with early morning watering, ensures plants get the hydration they need.

4: Not Fertilizing Regularly

Container soil loses nutrients quickly. Maria uses Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus, an organic starter fertilizer at the time of planting to minimize transplant shock and boost initial growth. Throughout the season, she fertilizes monthly with Espoma’s specialized granular or liquid fertilizers such as Garden-tone, Flower-tone, Grow, or Tomato! liquid plant food.

5: Forgetting Plant Tags

Keeping track of which plant varieties perform best is essential. Maria emphasizes saving plant tags or using aesthetically pleasing labels. This simple step helps replicate success in future seasons.

6: Misunderstanding Light Exposure

Light availability is often overestimated. Balcony gardeners must consider shadows from buildings, railings, and trees. Maria advises using a compass to determine the direction of exposure and observing the balcony throughout the day to identify sunlight duration. Southern-facing balconies get the most sun, while northern ones are more limited.

Maria’s guidance is a blend of heartfelt experience and practical advice. By using Espoma Organic products and being mindful of these six common mistakes, balcony gardeners can transform small spaces into a gardening paradise. With the right organic soil, fertilizer, and planning, even a modest balcony can yield joy and an abundance of plants.

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How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden with the Right Plants ?

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Hummingbirds bring a magical touch to any garden with their vivid colors and swift, darting movements. Attracting these tiny birds is all about selecting the right plants that provide plenty of nectar and visual interest. Here are some of the best plants to add to your garden to make it a welcoming space for hummingbirds.

image of Salvia

1. Salvia (Sage)

Salvia is a hummingbird favorite due to its tubular flowers, which are perfect for their long beaks and tongues. With many varieties available, you can find salvias that bloom in shades of red, pink, purple, and blue—all of which will draw hummingbirds in.

Use Espoma Organic Flower-tone when planting to help provide the nutrients needed to produce these beautiful blooms.

Hummingbird next to bee balm plant

2. Bee Balm (Monarda)

Known for its unique, spiky blooms, bee balm is a magnet for hummingbirds. The bright red, pink, and purple flowers provide plenty of nectar and also attract butterflies and bees, adding even more life to your garden.

Trumpet vine flower

3. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)

As its name suggests, the trumpet vine produces large, trumpet-shaped flowers that are ideal for hummingbirds. This vigorous climber can cover fences and trellises, providing a striking backdrop of orange or red blooms that hummingbirds will love.

pink Fuchsia flowers and green foliage

4. Fuchsia

Fuchsia plants are well-loved by hummingbirds for their pendulous, brightly colored flowers. These plants do well in hanging baskets and shaded areas, making them versatile additions to your garden space.

5. Honeysuckle (Lonicera)

Honeysuckle vines offer fragrant, tubular flowers that are perfect for attracting hummingbirds. Look for non-invasive varieties to ensure your garden stays balanced and thriving.

A ruby-throated hummingbird hovers next to a cardinal flower.

6. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

With its stunning red spikes of flowers, the cardinal flower is a fantastic addition for attracting hummingbirds. This perennial thrives in moist areas, making it a good choice for gardens with water features.

A ruby-throated hummingbird gathering nectar from a butterfly bush.

7. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja)

Despite its name, the butterfly bush is not just for butterflies. Its clusters of small, tubular flowers are excellent sources of nectar for hummingbirds. This shrub comes in many colors, including purple, pink, and white, providing visual interest throughout the blooming season.

Planting Tips for Hummingbird Gardens

  • Variety is Key: Plant a mix of species that bloom at different times to ensure a steady supply of nectar from spring through fall.
  • Go Native: Whenever possible, choose native plants that hummingbirds are naturally attracted to and that will thrive in your local climate. When Planting, use Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus to provide the essential nutrients needed for these plants to establish strong roots in their new environment.
  • Provide Water: Hummingbirds are drawn to water sources for both drinking and bathing. Consider adding a birdbath or a water mister to your garden.

By incorporating these plants and following these tips, you can create a vibrant and inviting space that will attract hummingbirds to your garden, bringing color and life to your outdoor space. Enjoy the enchanting sight of these tiny birds flitting from flower to flower!

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VIDEO: Add Containers to Your Garden with Wyse Guide!

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Watch Kaleb Wyse from@WyseGuide demonstrate how to enhance flower beds with beautifully arranged containers.

In this video, Kaleb shares his tips for planting annuals in containers, highlighting the importance of proper drainage for plant health. He uses Espoma Organic potting soil and incorporates Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus and Flower-tone fertilizers to help with plant establishment and promote vibrant blooms.

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

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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.

 

 

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VIDEO: Plant Perennials & Vegetables with Wyse Guide ???️

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‘Tis the season to bring the gardens to life, and Kaleb of @Wyse Guide can help you start planting like a pro! Watch as he fills his perennial beds with Espoma Organic Flower-tone and Bio-tone Starter Plus to help flowers establish and blossom over time. Then, follow along as he plants tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant in fresh soil fueled by our Espoma Organic Land & Sea Gourmet Compost!

Kaleb speaks to how important it is to keep your soil healthy.

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Learn more about Wyse Guide here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/WyseGuide

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

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

 

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Growing Joy with Maria – Episode 91 Blog: 10 Tips For Beginning Gardeners And Edible Landscapers

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Edible landscaping is a fun way to add beauty and flavor to your garden. You can enjoy the beauty of plants and gorgeous curb appeal, while also harvesting delicious fruits, vegetables, and herbs. It can add flavor, nutrition, and beauty to your garden, and provide food for your family. Here are 10 tips to get started.

This blog is inspired by Episode 91 of Growing Joy with Maria Podcast, where host Maria Failla interviewed her mom, lovingly referred to as “Mama Failla” to share her top 10 tips for Edible Landscaping and Gardening.

Start Small

Take the time to familiarize yourself with your land and start with a small section or specific edible plants that you love to eat. This approach allows you to learn and adapt as you go. Maria and her Mom suggest starting with herbs, as they are easy to grow and provide a variety of flavors and colors. Basil is their favorite!

Understand your light and water

Keep an eye on your garden’s light and water needs. During the warmer months, track the sunlight patterns in your garden to ensure adequate exposure. For convenient watering, plan your garden near a hose or irrigation system. If you’re hand-watering, make sure your garden is a manageable size and within your ability to water effectively. When planting, you can use Espoma Organic Bio-Tone Starter Plus to promote strong root development. This will enhance water absorption for your plants.

Understand your soil 

Know your soil by getting a local soil test. Then get it ready for planting season by adding a healthy dose of compost and organic matter. Compost is like a multivitamin for your soil, providing essential nutrients and improving soil health. Choose soil and compost that you can transport easily such as Espoma Organic Land & Sea Gourmet Compost.

Check out this fun compost bag hack, Maria’s plant friend Melody taught her. 

Pick what you can do, what you want to do, and what you can afford to do

Choose plants that suit your taste, capabilities, and wallet. Divide and reuse perennials to keep costs down and select plants that grow joy. Consider a blend of annuals and perennials for season-long blooms, and boost the soil with Espoma Organic Bulb-Tone when planting bulbs like daffodils and tulips.

Get family and friends involved 

Turn gardening into a bonding experience by involving your loved ones in composting and gardening tasks. Assign different garden tasks to family members and share cuttings and plants with neighbors. Teach children in your neighborhood about how plants grow.

Get your gardener involved 

If you’re a novice or unsure about your soil, bring in a gardener to give you a hand. They can help pick the right plants and assist with composting and waste disposal. Espoma Organic Garden Lime can adjust your soil’s pH, creating the perfect environment for your plants under the guidance of your gardener.

Plan your seasons 

Strategize your garden layout with the seasons in mind. Plant bulbs in the fall for a burst of springtime flowers and add annuals for a summer color party. Plan for winter too with sturdy plants like cabbage and nourish your plants throughout the year with Espoma Organic Plant-tone and Garden-tone.

Start with annual color

Brighten up your garden with vibrant annuals like impatiens, begonias, and coleus. Play with textures for extra visual appeal, unless you’re aiming for a specific plant variety. Improve the growth and vitality of your flowers with Espoma Organic Flower-Tone, a premium flower food that promotes abundant blooms and vibrant colors.

Choose a time to devote to your garden

Gardening loves regular care, so it’s important to set aside specific time to tend to your garden. Three times a week should do the trick, preferably in the cooler mornings. Regular maintenance, like weeding,  keeps your garden looking tidy. Use Espoma Organic Weed Preventer to naturally control weeds and create a barrier that saves you time and effort.

Mama Failla’s rules for protecting yourself in the garden

Enjoy gardening but remember to stay safe. Dress in closed-toed shoes, long pants tucked into socks, and a long-sleeved shirt with cuffs that cover your hands. Double-glove to keep your hands clean. Top it off with a hat and sunglasses to protect your skin from the sun, and consider a visor to shield the back of your neck.

By following these tips and putting in the necessary time and effort, your edible landscape will flourish, providing you with a source of joy, beauty, and fresh, homegrown produce. Enjoy your gardening journey and reap the rewards of your efforts!

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

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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. 

 

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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?

 

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Tag Archive for: Flower-tone

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