Tag Archive for: perennials

VIDEO: Planting Beautiful Rugosa Roses! 🌹🌿 with Garden Answer

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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 ‘Alba’, and the fluffier double white ‘Blanc Double de Coubert.’ These own-root roses (no grafts here!) were chosen for their strength, fragrance, and show-stopping hips that carry color from summer into winter.

Laura’s #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-tone® Starter Plus. It’s 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 uptake—so 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 it’s going in the ground, mix in Bio-tone.

How Laura uses it: At planting time, she mixes Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus into 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-tone’s 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 2–10, making them a great choice for many climates.
  • Size & presence. Expect a medium to tall shrub—often 5–7+ feet at maturity—so give them room to show off.
  • Sun & low maintenance. They love full sun and don’t need deadheading. Occasional shaping and removal of dead wood keeps them tidy.
  • Iconic hips. Big, colorful hips provide long-lasting interest—and look gorgeous against evergreens and conifers, just like Laura’s pairings.
  • Own-root reliability. Because these roses are grown on their own roots, if they die back and regrow, they’ll still return true to variety.

No matter what you’re planting, success starts below the soil line. Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus sets roots up to thrive—from shrubs like Rugosas to perennials, edibles, and young trees—so your garden establishes faster, stays healthier, and looks better, sooner.

Let’s get growing—with roots first. 🌱

Learn more about Garden Answer here:

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VIDEO: Planting in BIG Reused Planters 🪴🌿 with Summer Rayne Oakes

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Summer Rayne Oakes of Flock Finger Lakes turns three massive terracotta planters—rescued from a second-hand store —into statement containers for the garden. Because the pots are deep and heavy, she creates a lightweight false bottom with Espoma Organic Perlite, then tops it with Espoma Organic Potting Mix before planting a mix of ornamental grasses, pollinator favorites, and trailing accents.

Why Espoma Organic Potting Mix?
Espoma Organic Potting Mix is crafted for container success—indoors or out. It’s rich and fluffy for easy root growth, holds moisture without getting waterlogged, and drains well to keep roots happy. The blend includes organic ingredients and Myco-tone, a proprietary blend of mycorrhizae that supports strong root systems and helps plants use water and nutrients more efficiently. In large planters where every inch counts, that balance of aeration, structure, and organic nutrition is exactly what new plantings need to establish quickly.

 Tips & Takeaways from Summer’s Container Build

  1. Use Perlite as a False Bottom. 
     A layer of Espoma Organic Perlite can work beautifully as a false bottom in oversized containers for shallower-rooted plants when you don’t need the full depth of soil. It also reduces the planter’s weight. But for deep tap-rooted or tree-like plantings, it’s best to skip this method. 
  2. Choose Plants for Season-Long Interest.
    Summer anchors the pot with Pennisetum ‘Ginger Love’ for structure and gorgeous backlit plumes into fall and winter, then layers in Verbena bonariensis ‘Meteor Shower’ (pollinator magnet), sneezeweed ‘Morheim Beauty’ for warm tones, Beautyberry ‘Pearl Glam’ for three-season appeal, ornamental oregano (Oregon Kent beauties) for texture, and a trailing annual morning glory to spill over the rim.
  3. Design for the View.
    Think about the angle most people will see. Summer places taller plants toward the back and lets trailers cascade in the foreground to create depth and a “finished” look from the main viewpoint.
  4. Shop Smart in Mid-Summer.
    July–August can be slim pickings at local nurseries. If inventory looks tired, consider ordering online, mixing annuals with perennials, or planting what you can now and editing later. Containers are wonderfully changeable.
  5. Plant for Pollinators and Wildlife.
    By mixing grasses, flowering perennials, and nectar-rich annuals, Summer builds a container that feeds bees, butterflies, and other pollinators—bringing life and movement to her garden space.

Share your container build with us using #EspomaOrganic on IG—we’d love to see what you create!

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Potting Mix Espoma Organic Potting Mix

 

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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! 🌱

*****

Learn more about Garden Answer here:

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🪴 Website

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Featured Products:

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Espoma Garden-tone

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VIDEO: Planting Tips 🌿 with Wyse Guide

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Kaleb Wyse of Wyse Guide brings his nephew, Kyan, into the garden to plant new perennials and share the joy of hands-on learning. To give their young plants the best start, Kaleb sprinkles Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus into each hole. This organic fertilizer acts like “planting insurance”—reducing transplant shock, stimulating stronger root growth, and improving soil health so perennials establish quickly and thrive for years.

Kaleb’s Planting Tips

  1. Plant in Masses
    Fill in open spaces with groups of perennials. Their foliage shades soil, suppresses weeds, and helps create a full, finished look.
  2. Loosen Roots Before Planting
    Tightly bound roots need a little teasing apart. This helps them spread into native soil and soak up water and nutrients more efficiently.
  3. Dig Smart
    Make your hole twice the size of the rootball. In tough soils, dig wider and mix in compost. Always set plants at the same depth they were in the pot.
  4. Feed with a high-quality Organic Starter Fertilizer
    Kaleb always plants with a good organic starter fertilizer like Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus. Sprinkle a handful in every hole. With beneficial microbes and mycorrhizae, Bio-tone promotes bigger roots, healthier soil, and faster establishment.
  5. Amend with Compost
    Kaleb recommends improving planting holes with a good organic compost. Try Espoma Organic Land & Sea Gourmet Compost, which blends lobster and crab shells with rich compost to boost soil fertility, structure, and microbial life.

Watching Kaleb and Kyan plant together is a reminder that gardens grow best with patience, care, and a little teamwork. With Bio-tone by your side, you’ll help every planting thrive from day one.

Ready to get growing? Grab your perennials, a bag of Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus. Then share your garden journey with us @EspomaOrganic on IG.

Learn More about Wyse Guide:

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🪴Website

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag ImageEspoma Organic Land and Sea gourmet compost

 

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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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Learn More about Wyse Guide:

🪴 YouTube

🪴 Facebook

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🪴Website

Featured Products:

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Where to Buy

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:

🪴 YouTube

🪴 Facebook

🪴 Instagram

🪴Website

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag Image

 

Where to Buy

VIDEO: August Garden Refresh ☀️🌿🌸 with Skye Hamilton

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Gardening in August isn’t for the faint of heart — it’s hot, it’s scraggly, and it takes motivation.  Skye Hamilton reminds us that the effort is well worth it. With just a few key steps, you can transform your late-summer beds and set the stage for a gorgeous fall garden.

One of Skye’s favorite tips? Feed tired annuals and perennials with a high-quality organic fertilizer like Espoma Organic Plant-tone. This slow-release, all-purpose organic fertilizer gives plants a natural boost without burning, helping them put on their final flush of blooms.

Skye’s August Garden Checklist

  • 🌱 Weed control: Stay on top of weeds to instantly refresh the look and health of your beds.

  • ✂️ Cut back overgrowth: Trim plants for a tidier appearance and encourage reblooming where possible.

  • 🌸 Deadhead rebloomers: Keep flowers coming with consistent deadheading.

  • 🌿 Fertilize: Apply a high-quality organic fertilizer like Espoma Organic Plant-tone to revive perennials and annuals for their late-season show.

  • 🐛 Treat issues: Address pests and diseases before they spread.

So while August gardening may feel intense, remember: a little care now means a thriving, colorful fall garden later. Discover more natural gardening tips and find Espoma Organic Plant-tone at your local garden center today. 🌱

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Learn More about Skye Hamilton:

🌸 Website

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🌸 Pinterest

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Featured Products: 

Espoma Organic Plant-tone organic fertilizerEspoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag Image

 

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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!

*****

Learn more about Garden Answer here:

🪴 YouTube

🪴 Website

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Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag ImageEspoma Organic Land and SeaEspoma Organic All-Purpose Garden Soil image

 

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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:

🪴 YouTube

🪴 Facebook

🪴 Instagram

🪴Website

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag ImageEspoma Organic Holly-toneEspoma Organic Land and Sea

 

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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

Instagram – @flockfingerlakes

YouTube –Flock Finger Lakes

X – @flockny

Facebook –Flock Finger Lakes

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Espoma Organic Flower-tone bag Espoma Organic Bulb-tone Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag Image

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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