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VIDEO: Planting Hanging Pots with Mom🪴🌿 || Wyse Guide

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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.

Kaleb uses Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix and adds some extra nutrients to the soil with Espoma Organic Plant-tone.

 

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Want some other ideas for Mom? Check out these other ideas:

Grow A Garden Spa for Mother’s Day

DIY Mother’s Day Planter with Garden Answer

Mother’s Day Container Garden

 

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VIDEO: How to Plant Cabbage, Cauliflower & Broccoli 🥦 || Wyse Guide

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Are you ready to move your veggie seedlings outdoors?

Kaleb Wyse from @WyseGuide recommends planting these 3-4 weeks before your last spring frost.

When his seedlings are ready to move out to the garden, Kaleb preps his beds by adding a 1-2 inch layer of compost and also mixing in some @ESPOMAORGANIC Plant-tone or Garden-tone for extra nutrition and organic matter. He recommends planting these seedlings deep enough that they’re sturdy, but make sure their crown is exposed.

Follow along in the video below as Kaleb takes you with him in his garden to talk about the benefit of maintaining healthy soil in raised garden beds.

 

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Broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower are cole crops and all members of the cabbage family. Cole crops are cool-season vegetables that grow best at temperatures between 60o and 70oF.  A reminder that cabbage takes about 60-105 days to harvest, cauliflower takes around 80 days to harvest and broccoli takes about 80-100 days.

Wishing you had started some cabbage, cauliflower, or broccoli seeds this year. Don’t worry, you can still purchase seedlings and plant them! No need to miss out on growing your own fresh veggies this season!

 

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BAGR 118 Blog: Understanding Hardiness Zones, Frost Dates and Microclimates in the Garden

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As a beginner gardener, it can be overwhelming to navigate the various factors that can affect the success of your plants. One of the most important aspects to consider is your garden’s hardiness zone, frost dates, and microclimates.

This blog is inspired by Episode 118 of Growing Joy with Maria Podcast, where host Maria Failla interviewed Rochelle Greayer of the renowned garden design website Pith & Vigor.

 

What are Hardiness Zones?

Hardiness zones are a way to categorize regions based on average annual extreme minimum temperatures. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has divided the country into 13 zones, with each zone representing a range of temperatures. The lower the zone number, the colder the region.

Knowing your hardiness zone is crucial because it determines which plants are most likely to thrive in your area.

When selecting plants, make sure to choose the ones that are recommended for your zone. Plant tags or online descriptions will often indicate the plant’s hardiness zone.

It’s important to note that while hardiness zones provide a general guide, they are not foolproof. Other factors, such as soil type, rainfall, and elevation, can also affect a plant’s success. However, knowing your hardiness zone is a good starting point for selecting plants that are well-suited to your area.

What are Frost Dates?

Frost dates refer to the average dates of the first and last frost in your area. These dates are important because frost can damage or kill tender plants, so it’s best to avoid planting them until after the last frost in the spring.

To ensure good germination rates and healthy seedlings, consider using a soil mix specifically designed for starting seeds, such as Espoma Organic Seed Starter.

To determine your area’s frost dates, you can consult a gardening book or website, or contact your local extension office. Another great tip is to go to your local nursery and ask the workers when they plant their gardens, they are the true experts in your region!

Keep in mind that frost dates are just averages, so it’s always a good idea to stay vigilant and protect your plants during particularly cold spells. One way to protect your plants from frost is to cover them with a frost blanket or other protective covering. You can also plant tender plants in containers that can be moved indoors during cold spells.

 

What are Microclimates?

Microclimates are small areas within a garden that have slightly different growing conditions than the surrounding area. These differences can be caused by variations in temperature, humidity, sun exposure, and wind.

For example, a south-facing wall may be warmer and sunnier than the rest of the garden, making it an ideal spot for heat-loving plants. A low-lying area may be more prone to frost and moisture, making it a good spot for plants that prefer cooler and wetter conditions.

By paying attention to microclimates in your garden, you can make the most of the varying conditions and create a more diverse and successful garden.

To help improve soil health and promote plant growth, you may want to consider using a plant food like Espoma Garden-tone or Plant-tone. These products contain a blend of natural ingredients that provide essential nutrients to a wide variety of plants.

 

How to Use Hardiness Zones, Frost Dates, and Microclimates in Your Garden.

Now that you understand the basics of hardiness zones, frost dates, and microclimates, you can use this information to plan your garden more effectively.

Start by determining your hardiness zone and selecting plants that are recommended for your area. Make sure to also take into account your area’s frost dates and avoid planting tender plants until after the last frost in the spring.

Next, pay attention to the microclimates in your garden and use them to your advantage. Experiment with planting different plants in different areas to see which ones thrive best in each microclimate.

Finally, don’t be afraid to reach out to local gardening experts for more specific advice on your area’s growing conditions. With a little bit of research and planning, you can create a beautiful and successful garden that thrives in your unique environment.

 

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Additional Tips

 Here are some additional tips to help you make the most of your garden’s hardiness zone, frost dates, and microclimates:

1.  Consider using raised beds or containers to create microclimates within your garden. You can fill these containers with soil that is specifically tailored to the plants you want to grow. Espoma Organic Raised Bed Mix is perfect for filling raised beds.

2. Use mulch to help regulate soil temperature and moisture levels. It can also help prevent weeds from growing.

 3. Keep a gardening journal to track your successes and failures. This can help you refine your gardening techniques and learn from your mistakes.

4. Consider joining a local Garden Club or attending gardening workshops in your area. This can be a great way to learn from experienced gardeners and get advice on specific challenges you may be facing.

5. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Gardening is a constantly evolving process, and it’s okay to try new things and see what works best for you and your garden.

Understanding your garden’s hardiness zone, frost dates, and microclimates is important for successful gardening. By selecting plants that are recommended for your zone, planting after the last frost, and taking advantage of microclimates, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden!

 

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VIDEO: Kaleb Wyse Answers Prayers With New Church Planter!

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When there’s an important gardening project to be done… you call Kaleb Wyse. 🦸 And he always brings his trusty Espoma Organic products to make sure it’s a job well done! This time he’s tackling a tricky planter in front of his grandparents’ church that gets a lot of sun, a lot of wind, and a lot of eyes on it. Fortunately with our Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix and Plant-tone, those plants will stay looking heavenly! Check out the full video below to watch Wyse Guide work his magic. 

Learn more about Wyse Guide here:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheGrayBoxwood 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WyseGuide/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WyseGuide/ 

Website: https://www.wyseguide.com/ 

 

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Video: Covering Fertilizer Basics with Garden Answer

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Fertilizers may seem confusing at first glance, but Laura from Garden Answer​ is here to walk you through some of her favorites!

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5 Veggies to Plant in August

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Have you thought ahead to your fall harvest yet? August is prime time to plant delicious and nutritious vegetables that will come to life in the cooler months. And there’s nothing better than being able to spice up your home-cooked dishes using your very own garden — no need to run to the supermarket! Read on to find out which veggies you should be planting right now.

 

Lettuce

Did you know lettuce cannot be frozen, dried, pickled, or canned? That’s why you have to eat it fresh! Luckily, planting it right now means you’ll be able to enjoy it in just a few months. A fall harvest is ideal as lettuce’s sturdiness prevents any frost from destroying it. These leafy greens are a good source of vitamin C, calcium, iron, and copper — making it the perfect base for a healthy salad. Keep an eye out for the dark green leaves when harvesting as they’re even healthier than the light green ones. 

Spinach

Spinach is well known for its low-calorie count and high levels of vitamin A, C, and iron — making it the perfect addition to that healthy salad. This veggie also gives you the highest turnover out of all the others. If collected in small quantities, you can keep harvesting them late until May! The best time to start planting them is now, at the tail end of summer.

Parsley

Ready for another healthy addition to that salad we’re working on? Parsley is a rich source of Vitamin K, C, and A, and minerals like magnesium, potassium, iron, and calcium. It’s no wonder this veggie has been used in dishes since ancient Rome! It’s also believed to have anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, and antifungal properties. Plant your parsley now to make sure you can reap all these benefits in the fall.

Carrots

If you’re planning on sowing some veggies that aren’t leafy greens, carrots should definitely be your first choice! As this vegetable grows into the fall season, the cool weather turns the starch to sugar, making them extra delicious. This sweet flavor makes them the perfect side or snack — sauteed, roasted, or even raw! Keep in mind that this plant does need a little extra care compared to some of the others on this list, so be sure to use vegetable food like Garden-tone to provide them with the energy they need to grow.

Beets

Last but not least, beets should definitely be on your August to-plant list. Did you know beets are edible from the tip of their green leaves to the bottom of their brown roots? They also help capture some hard-to-catch toxins and flush them out. These same antioxidants provide anti-inflammatory agents that provide a wide array of health benefits. Still not convinced? Since beet juice helps cleanse your liver, it’s thought that it can even help cure hangovers! If you want to make use of the entire plant and enjoy all these delicious benefits, make sure to sow the seeds now — about 8 weeks before the first frost.

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Just because summer is winding down, doesn’t mean it’s time to pack up your gardening supplies. August is the perfect time to plant some of your favorite vegetables! Cooking primarily with these veggies straight from your garden will give you some of the freshest and tastiest dishes. So get your family together, head outside, and get planting!

 

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No Fuss Roses – REALLY!

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Photo Courtesy of Kerry Ann Mendez

I used to consider growing roses a form of self-punishment. It was a tedious, never-ending job that more often than not, ended in disaster.   Thankfully there are stunning roses now available that don’t need pampering.  These game-changers require less water, fertilizer and pesticides – plus some are even ‘self-cleaning’ (no deadheading required). And if the thorns are a ‘thorn in your side’, there are thornless varieties.

As a garden writer and passionate gardener, I’ve trialed many roses. Praise-worthy contenders are held to high standards by this no-fuss gardener. Not surprisingly, I primarily evaluate roses grown on their own roots (not grafted) and hardy to at least Zone 5, if not colder.

Below are a few favorites:

‘At Last’  I was spellbound by this 30”-36”, fragrant, sunset orange rose with deep green, shiny leaves.  And I wasn’t the only one. Last year the garden center where I work sold out of this winner by mid-summer!

Photo Courtesy of Kerry Ann Mendez

Knock Out Roses  Knockout roses have become highly popular, given their superior performance requiring little input.  There are many cultivars to choose from. My personal favorites are Double Knock Out (red), Pink Double Knock Out and Peachy Knock Out – one of 2018 winners of the American Rose Trials for Sustainability (A.R.T.S).

Courtesy of Star® Roses and Plants

Earth-Kind Roses  Roses earning the Earth-Kind award do well in a variety of soils plus they require minimum fertilizer, pesticides and water. These trials for sustainable roses began at the Texas AgriLife Extension Service but are now operational in 27 states. ‘Carefree Beauty’ is one of these exceptional performers. To discover others, click here.

Photo Courtesy of Kerry Ann Mendez



No matter how praiseworthy a rose is, if it is not sited in the right location, all bets are off. Roses like full sun (six or more hours, preferable mostly afternoon sun in hardiness zones 6 or colder). They also do best in well drained, organically enriched soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.  Treat roses to Rose-tone, a slow-release organic fertilizer in spring and then 6 weeks later to boost the bloomathon.  Japanese beetles and rose sawfly (caterpillar-like larvae) can sometimes pester roses, even superstars mentioned above. Handpicking, as well as organic products containing Neem oil or Spinosad, will solve the problem.  The time to prune shrub roses is in late winter or early spring. Prune back canes by 1/3 to half their height.

About the author: As an award-winning garden designer, author and lecturer, Kerry Ann Mendez focuses on time-saving gardening techniques, workhorse plants and sustainable practices.  She has been on HGTV and in numerous magazines including Horticulture, Fine Gardening, Garden Gate and Better Homes & Gardens.  Kerry Ann was awarded the 2014 Gold Medal from the Massachusetts Horticultural Society for her horticultural accomplishments.  She has published four popular gardening books, her most recent being, The Budget-Wise Gardener (February 2018). In 2016 Kerry Ann introduced National Gardening Webinars that are attended by thousands.  For more about Kerry Ann visit www.pyours.com  

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Awesome Astilbe

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Astilbes are the drama queens of the shade garden.  You cannot help but admire these ‘no-fuss’ divas for their beauty and grace. Flowers can be delicate and frothy or stiff and compact.  Blooms range in color from red, burgundy, white, purple, rosy-purple, peach and various shades of pink. The handsome, fern-like foliage is a delightful contrast to heftier leaves like those of Hosta and Rodgersia. Leaves can be shiny, matted or coarse.  I like to insert additional zing to the garden by incorporating Astilbe with foliage that is bronze or burgundy tinged (‘Delft Lace’, ‘Fanal’, ‘Maggie Daley’), chocolate (‘Chocolate Shogun’), chartreuse rimmed in red (‘Amber Moon’) or chameleon-like (‘Color Flash’) – the leaves start out brilliant green and then morph to burgundy-purple before closing the season in blazing orange, red and yellow.

Photo Courtesy of Kerry Ann Mendez


Even though Astilbe is typically known as a shade perennial, it tolerates full sun, as long as there is enough moisture.  Those in the chinensis species are best suited for drier conditions.  These beauties also make wonderful container plants. Hardy in Zones 4 to 9 (many references claim Zone 3), pollinator-friendly Astilbe provides four seasons of appeal (leave the dried flower stalks up for winter interest) with little effort on your part!

Astilbes flower for three to four weeks but by mixing early, mid and late season cultivars, you can enjoy glorious blooms from mid-June until mid-August. These deer and rabbit resistant workhorses range in height from only around 8” (‘Lilliput’) to spectacular back of the border giants that can reach 4’ (‘Purple Candles’, ‘Mighty Pip’).  Astilbe ‘Pumila’ makes a terrific, weed-smothering ground cover with low, overlapping leaves and late season, lilac-pink flowers that top out at 10”.

Photo courtesy of Kerry Ann Mendez


Astilbe does best in organically enriched, moisture retentive soil.  You can achieve this by simply amending soil – or mulching – with compost, aged manures or similar materials.  Further boost the floral display by fertilizing with Plant-tone, a slow release, organic fertilizer. Astilbe prefers an acidic soil (pH in the high 5’s or low 6’s).  Check soil pH by taking a sample to your local extension office or use a do-it-yourself-kit such as Rapitest. To lower pH apply Espoma’s organic Soil Acidifier (elemental sulfur).

About the author: As an award-winning garden designer, author and lecturer, Kerry Ann Mendez focuses on time-saving gardening techniques, workhorse plants and sustainable practices.  She has been on HGTV and in numerous magazines including Horticulture, Fine Gardening, Garden Gate and Better Homes & Gardens.  Kerry Ann was awarded the 2014 Gold Medal from the Massachusetts Horticultural Society for her horticultural accomplishments.  She has published four popular gardening books, her most recent being, The Budget-Wise Gardener (February 2018). In 2016 Kerry Ann introduced National Gardening Webinars that are attended by thousands.  For more about Kerry Ann visit www.pyours.com  

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6 Beautiful and Deer Resistant Perennials

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A beautiful garden that returns year after year and repels hungry deer sounds like a dream, but it can be real! Create an entire deer-resistant garden using plants these creatures strongly dislike.

Of course, a hungry deer will eat just about anything. These plants repel because they are fragrant, prickly or sap-filled. Utilize them strategically in your garden to keep deer away from favorites such as garden phlox or hosta.

Bee Balm

Bee balm repels deer with its minty scent, but pollinators can’t get enough. Bee Balm blooms in violet blue, red, pink or white from July through August and grows relatively tall, 2-3 feet. Boost your Bee Balm with Espoma’s Organic Flower-tone fertilizer for big, healthy flowers. Best suited for zones 4-8.

Lavender

Besides being a garden must-have, lavender deters both mosquitoes and deer. Its fuzzy and fragrant leaves just do not appeal to deer. Most varieties flower between June and August. Lavender prefers full sun with well-drained soil. Feed with Espoma’s Plant-tone throughout the growing season. Hardy in Zones 5 through 9.

Black-eyed Susans

Named for their dark brown centers peeking out of the gold or bronze petals, black-eyed susans thrive in the sun. Because its covered in course hair, deer and rabbits stay far away from it. These daisy-like blooms are perfect for a late summer or fall bouquet. They tend to grow to about 2 feet tall and handle high heat and drought conditions well. Grow in full sun in zones 3-9.

Yarrow

Yarrow is a vibrant yellow perennial with fuzzy foliage that deers hate. It has a lengthy flowering time from June through September. It is a relatively tall flower with an average growth height of 2.5-3 feet. Give your flowers a strong soil base to help them thrive with Espoma’s Organic Garden Soil. Best suited for Zones 3-8.

 

Foxglove

The colorful bell shaped flower with freckles on the inside is lovely addition to deer-resistant gardens. This plant earns its deer-resistant label because it’s poisonous to deer (and humans). Many foxgloves are a biennial, so flowers don’t show up until the second year in the ground. Newer hybrid varieties are perennial, though. They are self-sowers, so if you leave the stalks in, they will continue to bloom year after year. Use Espoma’s liquid Bloom! to keep the flowers coming. Grow in Zones 4-9.

 

Bleeding heart

Known as a classic cottage staple, bleeding heart has a sap that deer find disagreeable. Beautiful blooms develop quickly in late spring and will last throughout summer and foliage stays lovely into fall. It’s easy to see why their floral pendants, in shades of rose pink and white, will pack a punch. You can never go wrong with a bit of romance. Hardy in Zones 4-8.

 

 

 

 

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If you’re looking for the basics, learn how to plant veggies in containers!

 

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Bug OFF: Plants to Repel Mosquitoes

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It is that time of year again when those tiny whining noises can be heard buzzing by your ear. Mosquitoes are back! You can keep these pests at bay by using nature’s own recipe for effective mosquito repellents.

It is a matter of comfort to keep the mosquitoes away, but it is also a matter of your family’s safety. By keeping the mosquito population around your house to a minimum, you reduce the risk of being exposed to mosquito-borne diseases.

Tell those mosquitoes to bug off by fighting them naturally. Avoid chemicals by planting a mosquito repellent garden. Read about our top choices for mosquito-repelling plants below.

Geraniums

These bright red and pink blooms have a fragrant lemon and citronella-like scent, which is delightful to humans but extremely repugnant to mosquitos. Geraniums prefer a warm, sunny, and dry climate and work in the garden or in pots. Hardy in Zones 3 through 9. Plant with Espoma’s Bio-tone Starter Plus to give plants the nutrients they need.

 

Basil

Basil is one of the handiest plants around. Add it to your favorite meal, drink or simply enjoy its wonderful smell. One of the biggest perks is that it emits a mosquito-repelling aroma without having to crush the leaves. Prevent mosquito bites by rubbing a handful of basil leaves on exposed areas of the skin. Research in the 2011 Malaria Journal found that basil was discovered to be up to 100% effective in preventing mosquito bites. Hardy in Zones 1 through 10.

 

Marigolds

Marigolds have earned the “most pungent” superlative from the plants on this list. Their smell has not only proven to be offensive to mosquitos, but also to rabbits, deer and some people. Despite the smell, their luminous orange and yellow petals brighten up your garden. They enjoy full sun and fertile soil. A major plus is that marigolds make great companion plants for tomatoes, protecting against other insects that eat the plants. Hardy in Zones 2 through 10. Fertilize with Espoma’s Bloom! liquid fertilizer for great looking marigolds.

 

 

Lavender

Add vibrant purple to your garden by planting lavender. Lavender gives off a sweet aroma that is attractive to humans, but most definitely not to mosquitoes. You can rub lavender on your skin to use as a natural mosquito repellent, too. Lavender prefers full sun with well-drained soil. Hardy in Zones 5 through 9. Feed with Espoma’s Plant-tone throughout the growing season.

Rosemary 

Rosemary, a member of the mint family, will most definitely keep the mosquitoes away. This Mediterranean favorite is one of the most aromatic herbs you can grow. Grow in full sun and water when dry. Although you don’t need to prune, you can cut back branches to help your rosemary bush stay in shape. Both fresh cuts and dry cuts are effective in repelling mosquitoes. Add rosemary to your summer fire pit so when it burns it gives off incense that is offensive to mosquitoes. You can also make rosemary into oils, add it to meals, or even make natural repellents. Hardy in Zones 6 through 9.

 

 

Espoma Products for Plants that Help Repel Mosquitoes:

Bloom! Plant Food

 

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