Watch as Summer Rayne Oakes plants herbs and berries in containers using Espoma Organic Potting Mix, Cactus Mix, Perlite, and Soil Acidifier.
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
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There’s nothing quite like a porch full of lush, thriving greenery to welcome in the warmer months—and no one brings that vision to life quite like Kaleb Wyse of Wyse Guide. In his latest video, Kaleb shares how he transforms his sunny front porch into a shaded retreat using one of our favorite combinations: Boston ferns, Kimberly Queen ferns, and a trusted mix of Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix and Holly-tone.
Kaleb’s front porch faces south, which means intense sunlight, reflected heat, and the occasional gusty breeze. Instead of fighting nature, Kaleb leans into it—selecting Kimberly Queen ferns for their upright habit and sun tolerance, while reserving traditional Boston ferns for shadier spots near the house.
His secret to keeping these ferns happy? It starts with the soil.
Kaleb chooses our Espoma Organic Potting Mix because it offers the perfect balance of drainage and moisture retention—critical for ferns, which love even moisture but hate soggy roots. This mix includes:
Perlite for improved aeration
Organic compost for slow-release nutrition
Natural, eco-safe ingredients—no synthetic fillers or plastic beads here
As Kaleb puts it: “It holds on to the moisture needed but also drains really well.”
He also adds a light sprinkle of Espoma Organic Holly-tone, our acidic plant food typically used for hydrangeas and evergreens. Since ferns thrive in slightly acidic conditions, Holly-tone gives them an extra boost without overstimulating growth—perfect for those who prefer a light-touch fertilizing routine.
🌱 Pro tip from Kaleb: Gently loosen or score the roots of pot-bound ferns before planting. It encourages them to branch into the fresh potting mix and establish faster.
Looking to create your own front porch oasis? Let Kaleb’s video be your inspiration. And when you’re ready to pot up your ferns, reach for the products trusted by generations of gardeners.
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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:
With Summer’s guidance and Espoma’s organic products, your Euphorbias will thrive outdoors this summer!
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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
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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
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Watch as Summer Rayne Oakes from @homesteadbrooklyn shares her repotting process for a collection of Anthurium plants. She chooses Espoma Organic Potting Mix, Orchid Mix, and Perlite, to craft the perfect potting blend. Summer feeds her plants with Espoma Organic Indoor! liquid plant food to provide the right balance of nutrients to promote healthy foliage and blooms.
The Potting Mix serves as a nutrient-rich foundation for strong root development, while the Orchid Mix adds essential bark pieces for better aeration, mirroring the natural environment of Anthuriums. Perlite improves drainage and helps prevent root rot, making it perfect for these water-sensitive plants.
Get inspired by Summer’s approach to plant care and see how she transforms her Anthuriums’ new home.
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
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Looking for a cute DIY plant project to brighten up your home? ?? Join @summerrayneoakes as she combines Espoma Organic Bonsai Mix, Cactus Mix, and Perlite to create a unique potted diorama.
Summer feeds her cactus plants with Espoma’s Cactus! Liquid Plantfood. It provides the essential nutrients ideal for all succulents and cacti to grow and thrive.
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:
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