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VIDEO: Planting Shrubs & Harvesting Onions 🌺🧅🌿 with Garden Answer

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Spend an early morning with Laura from Garden Answer as 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-tone  Starter Plus, ensuring strong roots and healthy growth from day one.

Later, Laura moves to the vegetable garden to harvest onions—planted with Bio-tone and later fed with Espoma Organic Garden-tone—while sharing her favorite tips for growing, curing, and storing a successful harvest.

4 Key Takeaways from Laura’s Garden Day

  1. Start with a high-quality starter fertilizer
    Using a starter fertilizer like Espoma Organic Bio-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.
  2. Planting shrubs: water, spacing, and layout matter
    Place shrubs where they’ll 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.
  3. Feed onions consistently through the season
    Laura planted her onions with Bio-tone, then followed up with Garden-tone to keep them growing strong. A steady supply of organic nutrients helps onions size up properly and develop great flavor.
  4. 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 7–10 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-tone Starter Plus sets new plants up for stronger roots, while follow-up feedings with Garden-tone keep vegetables productive and delicious.

Ready to put these tips into action? Try Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus on your next planting day, and don’t forget to keep edibles thriving with Espoma Organic Garden-tone. Share your garden moments with us @EspomaOrganic on IG—let’s grow together! 🌱

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VIDEO: Planting Trees and Perennials 🌳🌺 with Wyse Guide

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Kaleb Wyse from Wyse Guide shows us that with the right care, you can plant trees and perennials with confidence. In this video, Kaleb is adding an Afterburner black gum tree and fresh perennials to his backyard. To give his new plantings the strongest foundation, Kaleb uses Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus. This trusted starter fertilizer helps reduce transplant shock, stimulates strong root growth, and enriches the soil—so plants establish quickly and thrive for years to come.

Featured Tips from Kaleb’s Planting Process

  1. Plant year-round when conditions allow
    Don’t wait for the “perfect” season. If you have the time, energy, and right weather, get plants in the ground. They’ll be happier growing in your soil than sitting in containers at a nursery.
  2. Choose the site carefully
    Take time to visualize how a tree or plant will look from multiple angles of your yard and home. Think ahead about how it will grow into the landscape.
  3. Prepare the site well
    Dig a wide hole—wider than the root ball—to give roots room to spread into the native soil. Remove rocks and other large debris.
  4. Prep the roots before planting
    Inspect roots for tight circling, then gently loosen or scarify them to encourage outward growth. Be sure to expose the root flare so the tree can breathe properly.
  5. Always plant with a quality organic starter fertilizer
    Using a starter like Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus helps reduce transplant shock and promotes strong, lasting roots. Unlike synthetic fertilizers, Bio-tone is gentle, organic, and builds long-term soil health.
  6. Water, stake, and mulch for success
    Give trees a deep initial watering—Kaleb used 10 gallons for his black gum—and continue watering consistently, especially in summer heat. Stake young trees for support and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Kaleb finished his project by planting Phantom Joe Pyeweed and Kerodonis Salvia, filling in garden beds with color and texture. His approach shows that planting is less about waiting for the “right” season and more about giving your plants what they need: thoughtful placement, healthy roots, good soil, and consistent care.

Ready to Plant?

For all your plantings, give your plants the best start with Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus. Build stronger roots, reduce transplant stress, and set your garden up for long-term success.

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VIDEO: Late Summer Plantings ☀️🌿 with Wyse Guide

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Late summer might not seem like the ideal time to dig into new plantings, but our friend Kaleb Wyse of Wyse Guide thinks differently. In his latest video, Kaleb reminds us that gardening isn’t about rigid rules—it’s about understanding your plants, your soil, and the care you’re willing to give.

In this video, Kaleb is planting Calamint ‘Montrose White’ along a garden path and transplanting prairie dropseed grass. Kaleb always plants with Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus to give his new plants the best chance to thrive. He calls Bio-tone his go-to “planting insurance” because it enriches the soil, encourages root growth, and helps plants settle in quickly.

6 Late-Summer Planting Tips from Kaleb

  1. Don’t fear the season. If a plant is sitting in a nursery pot, it will be happier in the ground than waiting on the sidelines. With care, late-summer planting can be successful.
  2. Choose the right variety. Kaleb swapped out a self-seeding Calamint for ‘Montrose White’, showing how selecting the right cultivar prevents future headaches.
  3. Use a good starter fertilizer. Kaleb never skips this step. He recommends using a high-quality organic starter fertilizer like Espoam Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus. It not only feeds the soil but also helps roots acclimate quickly—critical when planting mid-season.
  4. Loosen, don’t stress. When transplanting, gently loosen roots but avoid overly rough handling. The goal is to encourage healthy outward growth.
  5. Water wisely. Start with well-watered plants and give them a deep drink after planting. Consistent moisture is key during hot stretches.
  6. Think in groupings. Kaleb recommends planting in odd-number groupings (three, five, seven) for stronger visual impact and healthier stands of perennials.

A Season for Learning and Growing

Kaleb’s message is clear: gardening is as much about learning as it is about planting. By experimenting with timing and varieties—and by feeding the soil naturally with Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus—you can enjoy beautiful results well into the season.

Let’s get growing!

Learn More about Wyse Guide:

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VIDEO: Planting Perennials in Full Sun ☀️🌿🌸 with Garden Answer

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Laura from Garden Answer shows us how to plant five sun-loving perennials—even 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 “planting insurance” that boosts root growth and helps prevent transplant loss.

6 Quick Tips for Planting Perennials in Summer Heat

  1. Expect a little wilting – It’s normal for new plants to droop in full sun, but they’ll perk back up once the day cools.

  2. Water consistently – Keep soil evenly moist during establishment to reduce stress.

  3. Plant early or late – Beat the midday sun by working in the morning or evening.

  4. Amend your soil – Blend in organic compost like Espoma Organic Land & Sea Gourmet Compost or Espoma Organic All-Purpose Garden Soil for better drainage and nutrient retention.

  5. Feed at planting – Mix Bio-tone Starter Plus right into the hole to encourage strong root growth and long-term success.

  6. Mulch generously – 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. 🌱 Whether you’re adding in new perennials or refreshing containers, remember that feeding the soil naturally makes all the difference.

👉 Watch Laura’s full video for inspiration, then grab your favorite Espoma Organic products and let’s get growing!

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Learn more about Garden Answer here:

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VIDEO: Planting A Shade Garden 🌿 with Wyse Guide

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Whether you’re working with dry shade or full sun, Kaleb Wyse of Wyse Guide proves that every pocket of your garden can thrive with the right planning—and a little help from Espoma Organic.

In his latest video, Kaleb brings us along as he refreshes his shade beds and layers in new perennials in full-sun areas, showing how he builds textured, healthy spaces across his Iowa homestead. He’s not just planting—he’s feeding the soil and supporting every root with care.

Kaleb’s shade garden is a great example of adapting to conditions. Not all shade is the same—some spots, often under large trees, are dry shade, where roots compete for moisture and soil drains quickly. Other shady areas, like low spots or places near downspouts, hold more water, creating wet shade. Kaleb’s property has dry shade under mature maple and crabapple trees, so he selects plants that can handle lower moisture while still brightening dim areas.

To get his new additions off to the best start, Kaleb relies on Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus, his go-to for all new plantings. For hostas and other acid-loving favorites, Espoma Organic Holly-tone is also in his toolkit, enriching the soil with just the right nutrients for long-term success.

🌿 Kaleb’s Top Tips for Planting Success

1) Water Before You Plant
Always begin with a well-watered root ball so plants adjust quickly and absorb water efficiently post-planting.

2) Use a high-quality organic Starter Fertilizer
“It’s like planting insurance!” Kaleb says. He sprinkles Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus in every hole to encourage strong root development and minimize transplant shock.

3) Only Disturb Roots When Necessary
If roots aren’t bound tightly, skip scarification. Gentle handling helps reduce stress.

4) Embrace Compost—Even Last Year’s Leaves
Kaleb layers homemade compost—or a high-quality mix like Espoma Organic Land & Sea Gourmet Compost, a rich blend of natural ingredients enhanced with lobster and crab shells—right over last year’s fallen leaves. This creates a living mulch that enriches the soil naturally and builds long-term garden health.

5) Group Plants in Odd Numbers
Repeating clusters of five or seven create harmony and visual rhythm, especially in larger beds.

6) Prioritize Soil Coverage
From epimedium to hosta to Agastache, Kaleb aims for dense plantings that naturally suppress weeds and conserve moisture.

Ready to Grow Like Kaleb?

If Kaleb’s video inspires one thing, it’s that soil health is at the heart of every thriving garden. Whether your shade is dry or wet—or your planting area is in full sun—start with rich compost, thoughtful watering, and organic support from Espoma, and your plants will thank you season after season.

Let’s get growing—whether you’re filling a shady nook or bringing a sunlit border to life.

*****

Learn More about Wyse Guide:

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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.

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VIDEO: Planting 🍅 Tomatoes, 🫑 Peppers & 🌿 Herbs with Wyse Guide

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Watch as Kaleb Wyse from Wyse Guide refreshes his raised beds and herb containers. He tops off his raised beds with Espoma Organic Raised Bed Mix and mixes in Espoma Organic Land & Sea Gourmet Compost to improve soil structure and health. He plants heirloom tomatoes and peppers using Espoma Organic Tomato-tone and Bio-tone Starter Plus to give his new plants the nutrients they need to develop strong roots and big blooms.

Kaleb fills terracotta pots with Espoma Organic Potting Mix and mixes in Bio-tone Starter Plus to support healthy growth of basil, rosemary, thyme, and more.

Kaleb’s Top Plant Care Tips:

  • Refresh raised beds as needed—especially if the soil has settled or it’s time to replant—using high-quality organic soil like Espoma Organic Raised Bed Mix and compost like Espoma Organic Land & Sea Gourmet Compost to improve soil structure, boost microbial activity, and maintain healthy growing conditions.
  • Feed tomato plants with a high-quality organic fertilizer like Espoma Organic Tomato-tone, which provides calcium to help support proper fruit production.
  • Whether planting in the ground or containers, mix in an organic starter fertilizer like Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus to encourage strong root growth and quick establishment.
  • Regularly harvest herbs to stimulate continuous growth.
  • Ensure containers receive consistent watering to prevent drying out.

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

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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!”

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VIDEO: Planting Red Foliage Shrubs & Refreshing Patio Pots 🌺🌿 with Garden Answer

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Follow along with Laura of Garden Answer as she brings bold beauty to her landscape by planting a vibrant mix of red-foliage shrubs. These richly colored plants are perfect for adding contrast in sunny areas. As she plants, Laura uses Espoma Organic Garden-tone to feed each shrub with long-lasting nutrients and Bio-tone Starter Plus to promote strong root growth. She also refreshes several containers near her kitchen patio, using Espoma Organic Potting Mix to give her annuals a healthy start and keep them thriving all season.

🌳 Tips for Planting Shrubs

  • Feed while you plant. Laura adds Espoma Organic Garden-tone to each hole to provide organic, slow-release nutrients that support long-term growth and vibrant foliage.
  • Jumpstart root growth. She uses Bio-tone Starter Plus to help newly planted shrubs establish quickly and reduce transplant shock.
  • Design for color and space. Laura mixes bold varieties like Black Ninebark, Weigela, and Beautybush, giving each plant the room it needs to shine at maturity.

🪴 Tips for Planting Containers 

  • Use the right soil. Laura fills her pots with Espoma Organic Potting Mix, which helps retain moisture and provides a healthy growing foundation for container plants.
  • Choose plants for the conditions. She selects shade-tolerant plants to thrive on her partially shaded patio.
  • Add visual balance. Each container includes a focal point, surrounded by fillers and spillers for a lush, finished look.

*****

Learn more about Garden Answer here:

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Featured Products:

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VIDEO: Planting Hydrangeas in containers 🪴🌸 and more with Garden Answer

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Spend a day with Laura from Garden Answer as she decorates her garden with a variety of flourishing colors! 🌸 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.

Learn more about Garden Answer here:

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