Laura from Garden Answer brings a burst of fresh autumn color to the garden! ๐ป She shares an update on her sunflowers, plants new boxwoods with Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus to help the roots establish naturally, and refreshes her fall containers with vibrant ornamental kale, rudbeckia, and pansies. Using Espoma Organic Potting Mix, Laura ensures every plant has the rich, healthy soil it needs to thrive this season.
From planning to petals, follow along as Laura from Garden Answer plants ten Rugosa roses in three beautiful varieties: the classic single pink Rosa rugosa, the crisp white Rosa rugosa โAlbaโ, and the fluffier double white โBlanc Double de Coubert.โ These own-root roses (no grafts here!) were chosen for their strength, fragrance, and show-stopping hips that carry color from summer into winter.
Lauraโs #1 Planting Tip:
Always plant with a high-quality organic starter fertilizer like Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus!
When Laura plants, she reaches for Espoma Organic Bio-toneยฎ Starter Plus. Itโs her go-to because it:
Builds stronger roots fast.Bio-tone is packed with beneficial microbes and mycorrhizae that help new plantings establish quickly.
Reduces transplant stress. Healthier roots mean better water and nutrient uptakeโso plants settle in and start growing.
Feeds gently and naturally. An organic, starter-grade fertilizer that supports early growth without pushy top growth.
Works for everything you plant. Ideal for shrubs, perennials, trees, veggies, and roses of all kinds. If itโs going in the ground, mix in Bio-tone.
How Laura uses it: At planting time, she mixes Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plusinto the backfill soil and sets each rose at its current soil level (since these are own-root roses). Then she waters in well to activate the microbes and help eliminate air pockets.
Planting Pro Tip: Always backfill, then water deeply to settle soil around roots. Consistent moisture after planting helps Bio-toneโs microbes go to work.
Rugosa Roses: Tough, textural, and full of seasonal interest
Laura is planting Rugosas for their resilience and beauty:
Cold-hardy and adaptable. Depending on variety, Rugosas can thrive from roughly Zones 2โ10, making them a great choice for many climates.
Size & presence. Expect a medium to tall shrubโoften 5โ7+ feet at maturityโso give them room to show off.
Sun & low maintenance. They love full sun and donโt need deadheading. Occasional shaping and removal of dead wood keeps them tidy.
Iconic hips. Big, colorful hips provide long-lasting interestโand look gorgeous against evergreens and conifers, just like Lauraโs pairings.
Own-root reliability. Because these roses are grown on their own roots, if they die back and regrow, theyโll still return true to variety.
No matter what youโre planting, success starts below the soil line. Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plussets roots up to thriveโfrom shrubs like Rugosas to perennials, edibles, and young treesโso your garden establishes faster, stays healthier, and looks better, sooner.
Spend an early morning with Laura from Garden Answeras she plants hibiscus and silverthorn, adding vibrant blooms and silvery foliage for fresh contrast in her garden. To give these new shrubs the best start, she uses Espoma Organic Bio-toneย Starter Plus, ensuring strong roots and healthy growth from day one.
Later, Laura moves to the vegetable garden to harvest onionsโplanted with Bio-tone and later fed with Espoma OrganicGarden-toneโwhile sharing her favorite tips for growing, curing, and storing a successful harvest.
4 Key Takeaways from Lauraโs Garden Day
Start with a high-quality starter fertilizer Using a starter fertilizer like Espoma OrganicBio-tone Starter Plus at planting gives shrubs and perennials a strong foundation. It promotes quick root establishment, reduces transplant shock, and sets the stage for healthier growth and more abundant blooms.
Planting shrubs: water, spacing, and layout matter Place shrubs where theyโll have room to grow to full size, then step back to check balance and flow in the garden. After planting, create a shallow watering basin around the root zone to ensure deep, even moisture while they establish.
Feed onions consistently through the season Laura planted her onions with Bio-tone, then followed up with Garden-toneย to keep them growing strong. A steady supply of organic nutrients helps onions size up properly and develop great flavor.
Harvest onions at the right stage Onions are ready when their necks soften and the tops flop over. Gently pull them, then cure in a shaded, airy space for 7โ10 days to allow skins to dry and harden for better storage.
From thoughtful planting to a plentiful harvest, Laura shows how preparation and care lead to success. A starter fertilizer like Bio-toneStarter Plus sets new plants up for stronger roots, while follow-up feedings with Garden-tonekeep vegetables productive and delicious.
Ready to put these tips into action? Try Espoma OrganicBio-tone Starter Plus on your next planting day, and donโt forget to keep edibles thriving with Espoma Organic Garden-tone. Share your garden moments with us @EspomaOrganic on IGโletโs grow together! ๐ฑ
Laura from Garden Answer shows us how to plant five sun-loving perennialsโeven in the peak of summer heat. From elegant Siberian iris to bold salvia, she layers color and texture into her garden while reminding us that planting in hot weather can still be successful with the right care. To set her new perennials up for success, Laura uses Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus, the ultimate โplanting insuranceโ that boosts root growth and helps prevent transplant loss.
6 Quick Tips for Planting Perennials in Summer Heat
Expect a little wilting โ Itโs normal for new plants to droop in full sun, but theyโll perk back up once the day cools.
Water consistently โ Keep soil evenly moist during establishment to reduce stress.
Plant early or late โ Beat the midday sun by working in the morning or evening.
Feed at planting โ Mix Bio-tone Starter Plus right into the hole to encourage strong root growth and long-term success.
Mulch generously โ A layer of organic mulch helps conserve water and keep roots cool.
Even on the hottest days, your garden can keep growing with the right prep and care. ๐ฑ Whether youโre adding in new perennials or refreshing containers, remember that feeding the soil naturally makes all the difference.
๐ Watch Lauraโs full video for inspiration, then grab your favorite Espoma Organic products and letโs get growing!
https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/1-6.jpg10801920Matt Dauphinaishttps://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.pngMatt Dauphinais2025-08-20 12:28:582025-08-20 12:28:58VIDEO: Planting Perennials in Full Sun โ๏ธ๐ฟ๐ธ with Garden Answer
In midsummer, when the sun beats down and gardens are in full swing, our plants need us more than ever. Thatโs 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. โThey have nowhere to draw from,โ 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 OrganicHolly-toneย as a midseason maintenance feeding.
Even though Holly-tone is crafted for acid-loving plants, it still offers a gentle, balanced boostโperfect for these fruiting favorites when Tree-tone isnโt on hand. โHonestly,โ Laura laughs, โI use whatever tone I have in the back of the Gator,โ and with Espoma, that flexibility works. Each Tone is crafted with premium organic ingredients and enhanced with Bio-toneยฎ microbes for slow-release, soil-building nutrition.
Out in the raised beds and dirt garden, Laura gives her corn, potatoes, onions, and garlic a second round of nutrients with Espoma OrganicGarden-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 weekโlike cabbage, broccoli, and lettuceโfocusing her efforts on whatโs 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 OrganicBio-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.
โItโs like planting insurance,โ she says, echoing a sentiment we hear often from gardeners nationwide.
Why Feeding Organically Matters
Lauraโs 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 gardenโs long-term vitality too.
๐ Pro Tip from Laura: โFertilize container plants regularlyโthey rely on you for everything!โ
Spend a day with Laura from Garden Answer as she decorates her garden with a variety of flourishing colors! ๐ธ She starts by prepping her front porch containers with Espoma Organic Potting Mix, the perfect base for Fairytrail Green Hydrangeas.
Later on, she adds plants to more containers throughout her garden and adds a pop of bright color with Bubblegum Petunias, applying Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus, giving her new plants the nutrients needed to grow deeper roots and bigger blooms.
https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Espoma_0725_FairytrailHydrangeas_Thumbnail.jpg10801920Matt Dauphinaishttps://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.pngMatt Dauphinais2025-07-15 11:05:362025-07-15 11:05:36VIDEO: Planting Hydrangeas in containers ๐ชด๐ธ and more with 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 Bioโtone Starter Plusโa 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 aย high-quality organic starter fertilizer likeย Bio-Toneย Starter Plus, youโre set up for lots of beautiful blooms.
Follow along as Laura from Garden Answerplants some ranunculus and potatoes! ๐ฅ๐ฑ
To save time and money, Laura is using leftover potatoes from last yearโs 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, sheโs 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.ย
๐ฑ Join Laura from @gardenanswer as she gets her hands dirty setting up beautiful raised beds for her strawberry patch!
She fills her new beds with Espoma Organic Raised Bed Mix, the perfect foundation for thriving plants. Then, she mixes in our organic starter fertilizer Bio-tone Starter Plusโour secret to strong, healthy root development from day one.
To finish, Laura tops it all off with Espoma Organic Land & Sea Gourmet Compost, adding rich nutrients and moisture-retaining goodness for strawberries that canโt help but flourish. ๐โจ
Laura from Garden Answer Preps Her Garden for Blooming Success!
Spring is in full bloom, and Laura from Garden Answer is busy giving her garden the nutrients it needs to thrive! In her latest video, Laura shares essential care tips for roses and hydrangeas, starting with careful pruning to encourage healthy new growth. After pruning, she feeds these beautiful flowering shrubs with Espoma Organic Rose-tone, a gentle yet effective slow-release fertilizer specially formulated to deliver vibrant blooms without the risk of burning plantsโsomething common with synthetic fertilizers.
While Rose-tone is primarily designed for roses and other flowering plants, it’s safe for use on hydrangeas as well. However, for optimal results, especially if you’re aiming for blue blooms, Espoma Organic Holly-tone is typically recommended. Holly-tone is formulated for acid-loving plants and contains elemental sulfur, which helps lower soil pHโa key factor in achieving those sought-after blue hydrangea flowers . That said, using Rose-tone won’t harm your hydrangeas and can still provide beneficial nutrients.
Meanwhile, her husband Aaron works to ensure the rest of the garden plants get some love too, applying Espoma Organic Plant-tone to arborvitae and boxwoods. Plant-tone is enriched with beneficial microbes and humates, promoting robust growth and enhancing overall plant vitality.
Watch Laura’s full video for detailed tips on how to care for your garden and learn why Espoma Organic fertilizers are her go-to choice for healthy, flourishing plants!
For more hydrangea care tips, check out our complete guide to growing hydrangeas!
https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/How-to-Care-for-Hydrangeas-Roses_Thumbnail_WP.jpg338600Matt Dauphinaishttps://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.pngMatt Dauphinais2025-05-02 15:42:052025-05-02 16:36:28VIDEO: How to Care for Roses ๐น & Hydrangeas ๐ธ with Garden Answer
