Tag Archive for: liquid

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! 🌿

*****

Featured Products:

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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VIDEO: Edible Landscaping 🫑 🍓🌿 | Flock Finger Lakes

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Summer Rayne Oakes @FlockFingerLakes takes us on a tour of her garden packed with edible plants. From fruit trees and berry bushes to roses and kale, Summer shows how beauty and function can grow side by side. Along the way, she nourishes her plants with Espoma Organic products to build strong roots, vibrant blooms, and thriving harvests.

Espoma Products Summer Uses in Her Edible Landscape:

Summer Rayne with Bio-tone Starter Plus

  • Bio-tone Starter Plus
    Summer uses Bio-tone Starter Plus when planting apple trees and preparing new beds. With mycorrhizae and beneficial microbes, it jumpstarts root growth and helps plants establish quickly—like “planting insurance” for long-term success.

Summer Rayne with Raised Bed Mix

  • Espoma Organic Potting Soils 
    To build the foundation of her new garden beds, Summer used a mix of Espoma Organic Soils, including Raised Bed Mix, Potting Mix, Land & Sea Compost, and others. These mixes improve soil structure, boost microbial life, and provide the organic matter plants need for healthy growth.

Espoma Organic Rose-tone in a garden

  • Rose-tone
    For her roses, Summer sprinkles Espoma Organic Rose-tone around the root zone. With its 4-3-2 blend, it encourages lush foliage and beautiful blooms while being safe for the soil and pollinators.

Espoma Organic Soil Acidifier

  • Soil Acidifier
    Blueberries thrive in acidic soil, and Summer keeps them happy with Espoma Organic Soil Acidifier. Made from elemental sulfur and gypsum, it naturally lowers pH to match the needs of acid-loving plants.

Espoma Organic Tomato! liquid fertilizer

  • Tomato! Liquid Fertilizer
    Summer gives her tomato plants a boost with Espoma Organic Tomato! This easy-to-use liquid concentrate provides balanced nutrition and added calcium to prevent blossom end rot, ensuring plump, juicy fruits all season long.

Bringing It All Together

Summer’s edible landscape is proof that food gardens can be as beautiful as they are bountiful—with the right soil, thoughtful plant choices, and natural care. Ready to start your own edible landscape? Explore Espoma Organic products and discover how to feed your garden naturally. 🌱

*****

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag Image Espoma Organic Rose-tone bag Espoma Organic Soil Acidifier BagEspoma Organic Potting soil Mix Big bag Espoma Raised Bed Mix bag Espoma Organic Land and Sea Espoma Organic Tomato! Liquid Plant Food Image

 

 

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10 Time-Saving Tactics for a More Efficient Garden | Growing Joy with Maria

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Has your garden started to feel like a tedious task on your never-ending to-do list? Here are 10 ways to avoid garden burnout by making gardening more efficient and simple, so you can enjoy it without feeling weighed down.

This blog is inspired by Episode 266 of the Growing Joy with Plants Podcast, where Maria chats with CaliKim, YouTube gardening educator and author of The 10 Minute Gardener. Together, they share time-saving hacks to help you enjoy gardening again—without the stress.

Start Small, Stay Consistent

One of Kim’s foundational philosophies is to break down large tasks into smaller, manageable ones (3-, 5-, 8-, 10-, or 30-minute jobs), which is the basis of her book. The 10 Minute Gardener also organizes these by season (early, mid, late, dormant), so you can adapt them no matter where you garden.

Practical Time-Saving Tactics You Can Try Today

3 minute tasks

3-Minute Gardening Tasks

  • Fertilizer Fridays – Every Friday, while your tea kettle is boiling or you’re sipping coffee, take 3 minutes to fertilize your plants with an organic liquid fertilizer like Espoma Organic Indoor! Houseplant Food. You can also water them or pick off brown leaves.

  • Swift Growth Seed Sowing – Keep a small basket of seeds handy by your back door or in your pocket. During a quick break, pop a few pea seeds along a trellis or lettuce seeds into a container to keep succession planting going.

  • Three-Minute Tool Tidy – Clean and oil a few garden tools, like pruners, that may be getting rusty or sticky.

5-Minute Gardening Tasks

  • Tie-Up Tuesday (and Thursday!) – Dedicate a few minutes twice a week to trellis plants like cucumbers. Keep tie tape or twine in your pocket so you can do this quickly while walking through the garden.

  • Shade Cloth Oasis – Pre-clip shade cloth to trellises so you can dash out and cover plants when the sun is blazing.

  • End-of-Season Cleanups – Pull out dead plants and toss them into nearby trash bins or pop-up bins to keep your garden tidy.

8 & 10-minute tasks

8- & 10-Minute Gardening Tasks

  • Summer Salad Station – Plant a container with salad greens, a tomato or cucumber, and herbs for a quick, ready-to-harvest dinner garden.

  • Hustle & Bustle Garden Bed Prep – In spring, refresh your garden beds with soil amendments like Espoma Organic Land & Sea Gourmet Compost and worm castings.

30 min tasks

30-Minute Gardening Tasks

  • Compost Pile Refresh – Toss together kitchen scraps and yard waste to build your compost pile. Give it a splash of water, then walk away and let nature do the work.

  • Tree Branch Trellis – Gather a few sturdy sticks and lash them together to create a simple, rustic trellis for climbing plants.

Be Consistent and Keep Things Within Reach

The key is to keep everything handy and accessible. You don’t need complicated strategies to make gardening easier. Keep a basket of seeds by the door, stash pruners in multiple spots, and have tie tape at the ready. Making tools and supplies accessible ensures you stay consistent and efficient.

Listen to the Growing Joy with Plants Podcast

For more time-saving tips, listen to Episode 266 of the Growing Joy with Plants Podcast!

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Land and Sea Espoma Organic Indoor! liquid fertilizer

 

Where to Buy

How to Care for Alocasia | Growing Joy with Maria

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Do you think it’s difficult to care for Alocasia? They are so easy to fall in love with because of their alien-like leaves and colors, but many plant parents feel confused when they suddenly drop leaves or look unhappy. This is particularly true if you’re not a Mindful Plant Parent (find your Plant Parent Personality Here). But the answer is no. Alocasia isn’t a difficult plant; it’s just particular. 

This blog is inspired by Episode 219 of the Growing Joy with Plants podcast with Maria Failla. After years of trial and error, she finally cracked the code on keeping Alocasia alive indoors, and now you can too.

Why So Many People Struggle with Alocasia

Alocasia isn’t “difficult.” It just has high standards. They are native to Southeast Asian rainforests, so they are used to high humidity, indirect light, and evenly moist soil. So most modern homes are not exactly a match. But if you can recreate that environment indoors, your Alocasia will gift you with its stunning leaves that you see all over Pinterest and social media..

How to Care for Alocasia

1) What light do Alocasia need?

Alocasia like bright indirect light

Bright, Indirect Light

This means “filtered sunlight,” not direct rays. Alocasias prefer to be a few feet from a sunny window or under a grow light. If it’s only holding onto 2 to 3 leaves, that’s a sign it’s starving for more light.

2) How often should I water an Alocasia?

Alocasia like even moisture

Keep the soil evenly moist at all times.

Alocasia like even moisture, so make sure you’re using quality organic soil like Espoma Organic Potting Mix. Let only the top inch dry out before watering. It stores water in little tuber-like roots that look like mini potatoes, so don’t be alarmed when you see them while repotting!

3) What type of humidity does my Alocasia need?

Alocasia like 50% to 70% humidity

High Humidity is Everything

Crispy tips? Curling leaves? That’s low-humidity talking. Alocasia loves 50%–70% humidity, which is achievable with a humidifier, a grouped plant setup, or a closed terrarium. Note that misting is not enough and can even cause fungal issues.

4) When do I fertilize my Alocasia? 

Fertilizer with Espoma Organic Indoor! liquid plant food

Fertilize When It’s Growing

Whenever new leaves appear, it’s time to feed. You can feed them using Espoma Organic Indoor! liquid plant food for greener leaves! Simply dump a capful into your watering can. Many Alocasia under grow lights continue growing through winter, so adjust your fertilizer routine to match the plant and not the calendar.

5) Do Alocasia go dormant? 

Not exactly….In winter, Alocasia may drop a few leaves. This is a natural rest period (also known as quiescence) and not a full dormancy. So don’t freak out if you see a few yellow or dropped leaves come wintertime. It’s natural.

Troubleshooting Common Alocasia Problems

 

1) Why does my Alocasia have yellowing leaves? 

Yellow leaves on Alocasia are likely due to overwatering. Trim the leaf and let the soil dry slightly before watering again.

2) Why is my Alocasia drooping or wilting?

Drooping or wilting is likely due to underwatering, overwatering, or low humidity.

3) Why can’t my Alocasia grow more than 3 leaves at a time?

It likely needs more light to support a larger leaf system..

4) Why are the edges of my Alocaisa leaf crispy and brown? 

This is usually due to dry air and humidity.

Favorite Alocasia Varieties to Try

If you’re ready to bring one home, here are the top picks for you:

  • Alocasia Ninja – almost black leaves with bold stripes.
  • Alocasia Cuprea (Red Secret) – copper-toned leaves with deep purple backs.
  • Alocasia Dragon Scale – pale green leaves with deep veining!
  • Alocasia Polly (African Mask) –  small, classic that you’ll see in so many garden centers.
  • Alocasia Lola – taller than Polly
  • Alocasia Watsoniana (White Vein) – Glossy leaves with striking white veins.
  • Alocasia Stingray – wild, tail-shaped leaves that really do look like a stingray.

The Alocasia isn't difficult to grow, give it a try! (graphic)

Give Alocasia a Try

The Alocasia is a diva… in the best way. It isn’t impossible to care for, but it just wants what it wants. Give it good light, humidity, and care, and it will grow and give you stunning leaves and be the envy of all your plant friends! Think of it as a little green alien that just needs the right home environment to feel at peace.

Listen to episode 209 of the Growing Joy with Maria Podcast

To learn more about Alocasia care, listen to Episode 219 of the Growing Joy with Plants podcast, all about Alocasia, with Maria Failla.

Learn more about Growing Joy with Maria:

🪴🌿 Website

🪴🌿 Facebook

🪴🌿 Instagram

🪴🌿 YouTube

 

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Indoor! liquid fertilizer Espoma Organic Potting Mix

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

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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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VIDEO: Euphorbia Repotting 🌵 with Summer Rayne Oakes

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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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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VIDEO: Spring Garden Awakening with Summer Rayne Oakes 🌿

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Spring is stirring in the Finger Lakes, and Summer Rayne Oakes of  Flock Finger Lakes is already deep into her garden chores. In this video, she takes us on an early-season walk through her ever-evolving landscape highlighting emerging bulbs, sharing design plans, and laying the groundwork for a bountiful, sustainable year ahead.

Summer uses organic products for all her gardening projects—including our trusted Tone line of organic fertilizers, premium Potting Mixes, and organic Liquid Fertilizers—to create healthy, thriving spaces across her property. When planting new bulbs like daffodils and tulips, she relies on Espoma Organic Bulb-tone to set them up for success. And whenever she plants something new, Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus is her go-to to support strong root development from day one.

For all her new garden beds, Summer builds nutrient-rich soil from the ground up with Espoma Organic Raised Bed Mix, Land & Sea Gourmet Compost, and our premium Potting Mix—ensuring each planting area is full of organic matter, supports microbial life, and has optimum moisture-holding capacity.

From rewilding meadows and restoring forest edges to designing pollinator patches and building a 60-foot sustainable chicken coop, Summer’s garden isn’t just beautiful—it’s intentional. Her approach reflects a great mission: to nourish plants, support biodiversity, and build a healthier planet from the soil up. 🌱

Watch the full garden walk to get inspired for your own spring garden reset!

*****

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag Image Espoma Organic Bulb-tone bag Espoma Raised Bed Mix bag Espoma Organic Land and Sea Espoma Organic Potting soil Mix Big bag

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VIDEO: Spring Plantings & Seed Starting with Garden Answer

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Spring is officially here, and Laura from ⁨Garden Answer⁩ welcomes the season with a fresh round of planting and garden prep!

She kicks things off by sowing stock flower seeds saved from last year. Using Espoma Organic Seed Starter Mix and Potting Soil, she creates the perfect environment for strong germination and healthy growth. To support her young seedlings, Laura turns to Espoma Organic Grow!—a liquid organic fertilizer packed with essential nutrients that help plants thrive naturally. 🌱

Next, Laura adds lasting color and structure to her landscape by planting three Sgt. Pepper Dogwood shrubs. Known for their vibrant red twigs and variegated foliage, these shrubs are given the best start with Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus, a mycorrhizae-enhanced organic fertilizer designed to promote deep roots and long-term plant health. 🌿

Finally, she refreshes her hellebores by trimming back old foliage and feeding them with Espoma Organic Holly-tone. This slow-release organic fertilizer is ideal for acid-loving plants and ensures strong, beautiful spring blooms. 🌸

From seed starting to shrub planting, Laura shows just how easy it is to grow a healthy, thriving garden with the help of Espoma Organic. If you’re looking to boost your garden naturally this season, reach for the organic fertilizers trusted by gardeners for over 95 years.

*****

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 Holly-tone Organic Fertilizer for all acid loving plants

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Espoma Organic Potting Mix Espoma Organic Seed Starter bag Grow! Liquid Fertilizer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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.

*****

Learn more about Growing Joy with Maria:

🪴🌿 Website

🪴🌿 Facebook

🪴🌿 Instagram

🪴🌿 YouTube

Featured Products:


Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag ImageEspoma Organic Garden-toneEspoma Organic Flower-tone bag

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Espoma Organic Potting MixGrow! Liquid FertilizerEspoma Organic Tomato! Liquid Plant Food Image

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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How to Repot Rosemary and Blue Ginger Using Organic Soils 🌿 | Summer Rayne Oakes

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 Learn how to repot Rosemary and Blue Ginger plants with Summer Rayne Oakes, using organic soils and fertilizer from Espoma.

In this easy-to-follow guide, Summer creates a customized soil blend ideal for Rosemary—a Mediterranean herb sensitive to moisture—by mixing Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix, Espoma Organic Cactus Mix, and Perlite for excellent drainage. She then tops the soil with Espoma Organic Bonsai Mix to provide a protective layer that helps retain moisture and prevents rapid drying.

Additionally, Summer shares essential tips on repotting Weeping Blue Ginger using Espoma Organic Cactus Mix, perfect for plants that prefer higher humidity and ample root space.

For optimal plant health, fertilize your container plants regularly with Espoma Organic Grow! Liquid Plant Food.

 

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 Potting Mix Espoma Organic Cactus Mix Espoma Organic Bonsai Mix

Grow! Liquid Fertilizer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where to Buy

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