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.
Join Kaleb Wyse from Wyse Guide in this gardening guide as he prepares strawberry beds, plants onions, and fertilizes fruit trees using different types of organic fertilizer.
Strawberry Beds Preparation: Kaleb uses Espoma Organic Berry-tone to boost blooms and improve soil health. He also beds the strawberries with weed-free straw to protect the berries and reduce pest issues.
Planting Onions: Espoma Organic Garden-tone is applied to promote healthy green growth in the onion bed. Kaleb carefully selects long-day onion varieties for better growth and storage.
Fertilizing Fruit Trees: In his orchard, Kaleb uses Espoma Organic Tree-tone to support healthy growth and enhance fruit production. He also showcases the benefits of the open vase pruning method for better light and air circulation.
Enhance your garden’s health and productivity with Kaleb’s tips and the help of Espoma organic fertilizers. ?
https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Fertilize-your-Plants.png10801920Matt Dauphinaishttps://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.pngMatt Dauphinais2024-07-18 17:35:422024-07-26 15:36:37VIDEO: Using Different Types of ORGANIC Fertilizers ??? with Wyse Guide
Has your plant collection started taking over your home? Do you feel overwhelmed trying to care for all of them? Many plant parents go through phases of filling their homes with plants, but eventually, may feel fatigue, anxiety, and even shame over the size of their collections.
This might be the ideal time to adopt a minimalist plant parent lifestyle.
A key sign that your plant collection has become too large is when caring for your plants starts feeling like a chore rather than a hobby. You sigh, thinking about the next watering or repotting session, and no longer finding joy in the task.
Your plants are also likely to become nameless masses rather than individual living things you connect with. This overwhelm often results in neglecting plants, which leads to guilt and dismay.
But don’t dwell on the past. Instead, use these feelings as motivation to shift your habits moving forward.
Tip: Try using Espoma Organic Indoor! Plant Food in your plant care routine to make your life a little easier. It helps your plants grow well, so you don’t have to spend lots of time worrying about them. This means less work for you and beautiful happy plants..
Breaking the Compulsion to Buy
Many plant parents experience strong compulsions to buy new plants, even when our spaces are already overflowing. Try putting up barriers between yourself and new purchases.
The number one tip is to pause – take a picture of the plant you want, leave the store, and reflect at home about whether you need another addition. Ask yourself how the plant will improve your life and consider the work of caring for another plant.
Taking time to reflect often helps to reduce that initial dopamine rush.
Decluttering Your Plant Collection
If certain plants no longer spark joy, consider responsibly rehoming them through gifting, donating, selling cuttings, or even composting.
Don’t forget to also declutter your plant care product supply. Have products stored that you’ll likely not use again or that don’t meet your current plant collection needs? Minimize that stash along with your plants. Consider restocking with trusted products that will help your plants thrive like Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix or their Espoma Organic Indoor! Houseplant Food.
Biggest Minimalist Takeaways
A few of Stephanie’s top minimalist lessons include:
Evaluating “cost per use” rather than sticker price alone. A $100 wool sweater worn 50 times has a lower cost per use than a $20 synthetic sweater worn 5 times.
Valuing free space over stuff. Too much clutter can rob peace and turn homes into chaotic environments.
Understanding that memories reside in us, not objects. Appreciate your plants for their inherent qualities rather than solely as mementos or reminders of joyful moments.
Avoid multiples that contribute to excess clutter. In a world where goods are easily acquired, most of us do not require 5 spatulas or 16 winter boots.
When to Buy New Plants
Instead of using shopping to self-soothe negative emotions, plan purchases around positive events. Each new plant can become a living reminder of accomplishments, joyful milestones, or celebrations with loved ones.
While minimalism is not for everyone, having a plant collection and home that you feel happy to have and be in is still a lesson everyone can take from this lifestyle. At the end of the day, our plants thrive when we also feel connected to ourselves and our space.
https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Minimalism-1-1.png10801080Matt Dauphinaishttps://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.pngMatt Dauphinais2024-04-15 15:36:252024-04-15 15:36:25Growing Joy with Maria Blog: Minimalism and Plants
Join Laura @GardenAnswer as she takes you on a tour through her vegetable gardens. Experience the joy she feels bringing her harvest to the table and learn what it takes to maintain healthy vegetable plants.
Laura enriches her soil with Espoma Organic Land & Sea Compost, creating a nutritious medium for her vegetables. At the time of planting, she uses Bio-tone Starter Plus to provide essential nutrients for establishment. For ongoing care, Laura feeds her established plants with Garden-tone, ensuring they remain healthy throughout the season and yield a bountiful harvest.
There’s nothing better than the gift of greenery, and Kaleb of @Wyse Guideknows his grandma deserves the best! That’s why he uses Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix and Plant-toneto give these container plants a strong head-start to last for seasons to come. Follow along for all his tips and tricks for a beautiful addition to any home.
Bonus tip: We also recommend using Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plusat the time of planting to help produce large root systems very quickly. This will help ensure that new plantings get maximum water and nutrients from the soil to minimize transplant loss.
https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/WG-Flower-pot-for-grandma.jpg10801920Matt Dauphinaishttps://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.pngMatt Dauphinais2023-06-23 16:17:502023-06-23 16:46:33VIDEO: The Perfect Flower Pot for Grandma || Wyse Guide ??
Raised bed gardening is quickly gaining popularity among homeowners who are keen on growing their vegetables and flowers. In this article, we will discuss raised bed gardening, its benefits, designing a garden plot, plant propagation, and other gardening techniques you may find useful.
This blog is inspired by Episode 120 of Growing Joy with Maria Podcast, where host Maria Failla interviewed Nicole Burke from Gardenary to get personalized garden coaching, enriched with insightful perspectives on self-care, nature connection, and life overall.
Benefits of Raised Beds
Raised beds offer several benefits, making them an excellent choice for urban gardening enthusiasts. Here are some great reasons why raised beds might be just what you need for your garden:
Improved Soil Quality: With raised beds, you get to choose the soil, which means it can drain well, have a great structure, and be full of nutrients. A high-quality soil mix like Espoma Raised Bed Mix makes a big difference in your plants’ growth and health.
Easier to Manage: Since they’re up off the ground, raised beds are kinder to your back and easier to keep moist and weed-free. Less bending means it’s a great option for anyone with mobility issues, and the contained space makes it easier to manage.
Bigger Harvests: You can fit more plants in a raised bed, which means more tasty veggies for you to share! With increased planting density, you can optimize your growing space for a bountiful harvest.
Fewer Pests and Weeds: Being elevated helps keep pests and weeds at bay, and controlling them in a compact space is easier. The height can deter some pests, and the smaller area makes it more manageable to control weeds.
Creative Design Opportunities: Raised beds let you unleash your inner garden designer, and there are loads of possibilities to create something beautiful and functional! They offer flexible design options and can be adapted to fit even the tightest of spaces.
Designing Your Raised Bed Garden
When you’re planning your raised bed garden, here are things that you should think about:
Deciding the Size (because size matters!)
The minimum recommended size for a raised bed is 4×4 or 2×8 feet. It’s important to have a wide enough bed that can accommodate a trellis in the center to support vining plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, and squashes.
Choosing the Material
You can make raised beds from wood, bricks, or concrete blocks. Wood is popular because it’s cheap, easy to work with, and looks great in the garden! Consider using untreated wood to prevent chemicals from leaching into your soil.
Creating the Soil
Good-quality soil is a must for your raised bed! The right soil blend will support your plants’ growth and provide the necessary nutrients. Espoma Organic’s Raised Bed Mix is the perfect option.
Choosing the Plants
Choose plants based on your overall garden plan, and consider their size, growth habits, and needs. Make sure to select varieties that will thrive in your climate and the specific conditions of your garden.
Gardening Techniques for Raised Beds
Plant with Purpose:
It’s crucial to plant mindfully to ensure a bountiful harvest. To get the most out of your garden, plant smart! Know the ins and outs of different plant families and their growth patterns, and be sure to plant them in the right season. Companion planting can also help plants grow better together.
Starting Plants from Seeds
Starting plants from seeds can be intimidating, but it’s cheaper than buying seedlings, and fun! Just use high-quality seeds, clean containers, and good potting soil, and you’ll be good to go. We recommend using Espoma’s Organic Seed Starter to ensure successful germination. Be patient and provide the right conditions for germination.
Growing Plants on a Trellis
Cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, and beans love growing on trellises, which can save space and look fantastic. Planting vining plants on opposite sides of the trellis can make your garden even more gorgeous. Trellises also improve airflow, which can help prevent diseases.
Pest Control
Planting marigolds and basil can help keep pests away from your tomatoes. Plus, keeping your garden tidy, not over-fertilizing, and using organic pest control methods can help keep your raised bed garden pest-free. To help your plants grow strong and healthy, consider using Espoma’s Garden Tone as a natural, organic fertilizer.
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Raised bed gardening is an excellent option for urban gardeners with limited space and mobility and can provide bountiful harvests with creative design options. Learning about the benefits, principles, and techniques of raised bed gardening can make your gardening more enjoyable and give you a chance to get back in touch with nature!
https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Espoma-Raised-Bed-Garden.png10801080Matt Dauphinaishttps://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.pngMatt Dauphinais2023-05-12 15:44:502024-09-17 09:03:13Growing Joy with Maria – Episode 120 Blog: Raised Bed Gardening
Want a Mother’s Day gift that keeps on giving? Consider planting for Mom or anyone special in your life. Or maybe you just like to decorate with hanging plants? Watch Kaleb from @WyseGuide demonstrate how to properly plant your own hanging potted plants.
Are you ready to bring succulents into your home but not sure where to start? Laura from Garden Answerhas you covered! In this video, she shares her top seven beginner-friendly indoor succulents and simple care tips to help them thrive. Laura recommends starting with a high-quality organic potting soil like Espoma Organic Cactus Mixand feeding with an organic fertilizer like Espoma Organic Cactus! Liquid Plant Food.
English cottage gardens date back centuries. They were used to grow vegetables, herbs for healing, fruit trees, perhaps a beehive, and common flowers. The informal style went through a renaissance in the late 1800’s when they became somewhat more nostalgic than practical.
The informal aesthetic of dense planting and natural materials is still en vogue today. In this video, Laura outlines 10 design principles to help you design a cottage garden. Before you start, make sure you have plenty of Espoma’s organic Bio-tone Starter Plus plant food to make sure your plants get the best possible start.
No Straight Lines
Cottage gardens are always informal and a touch whimsical. Avoid straight lines. Gently curving edging looks more natural and playful. If your site restricts you to a straight edge, let the plants spill over it to create an unrestrained look.
Large Groups of the Same Plant
White cottage gardens are more relaxed in their design, it is still best to use large sweeps of the same plant. Think of planting in groups of three, five or seven. That is far more restful to the eye than a jumble of onsies and twosies.
Spacing Doesn’t Matter
This is one time you do not have to follow the advice on the plant tag. Cottage gardens are always densely planted and generally grow more densely packed with time. Annuals and biennials are often used in cottage gardens and will self-sow in the border. Biennials are plants that take two years to grow and flower from seed like the foxgloves shown. Another advantage to planting things close together is that there is less room for weeds to grow.
Color Harmony
It’s very important to pick a collection of plants that have harmonious colors. Without that the border would look chaotic. Garden Answer uses a collection of soft pinks and peaches with touches of blue and lavender. It needn’t always be soft colors, but they do need to be unified in some way.
Use Varied Heights and Textures
In any planting, it’s a good idea to think about texture, height and foliage color as major design elements. Nothing blooms all the time. Varied foliage forms and colors will create interest even when the flowers aren’t in bloom. Laura uses Heuchera specifically for the silvery foliage color.
Anchor Plants/Structural Elements
This is sometimes referred to as the “bones” of a garden. It’s a structural element that all of the other plants get woven around. In this case, it’s a beautiful shrub rose named Rose ‘The Lady Gardener’, a fragrant beauty with full, apricot blossoms. The rose is repeated three times. Repetition is soothing to the eye. It’s possible to use evergreens for a slightly more formal feel, or whatever peaks your interest.
Fragrance
The first thing everyone does when they pick a flower is to hold it up to their nose. Cottage gardens are known for their fragrance. Try to select varieties that smell good at the garden center. Roses, lavender, sweet peas, and sweet alyssum are all good choices.
Not Perfectly Maintained
Along with relaxed design principles, comes relaxed maintenance. Planting tightly will discourage weeds. Annuals like poppies will self-seed and move around the border, just like the biennial foxgloves. Weeding everything that comes up might mean that you weed out these plants and inhibit their spontaneous movements.
The Look Will Change Over Time
This style of gardening is the exact opposite of a formal border filled with geometric shaped boxwood. By its very nature this is meant to be more random. People often sow cosmos, violas and other plants that have a tendency to move around. Let them surprise you. If you really don’t like where one popped up, it’s easy enough to remove.
Be Patient
Being patient is really what gardening is all about. A garden is never really finished. Enjoy the journey!
Garden Answers Plant List
Nepeta ‘Cat’s Pajamas’ – catmint
Achillea – pink yarrow
Allium ‘Serendipity’ – ornamental onion
Rose ‘The Lady Gardener’
Heuchera Dolce ‘Spearmint’ – Coral Bells
Clematis ‘Brother Stephan’
Digitalis Foxy Hybrids – foxglove
Lobularia ‘Blushing Princess’ – sweet alyssum
Here are more videos from Garden Answer we hope you will enjoy.
