Espoma Organic
  • Products
    • Close
    • Product Line Overview
    • Plant food finder
    • Garden Fertilizers
    • Potting Soils
    • Liquid Fertilizers
    • Lawn Fertilizers
    • Single Ingredients
    • Conventional Plant Foods
    • Animal Care Products
  • Where to Buy
  • Our Story
    • Close
    • Our Story
    • Locations
    • Historical Timeline
    • Our Commitment
    • Directions
    • Solar
    • Join our Team
    • Espoma Brand Partners
  • Learn
    • Close
    • Espoma Blog
    • FAQ’s
    • Pocket Guide
    • Espoma Guides
    • Garden Clubs
    • Safe Paws Lawn
    • PRODUCT FACT SHEETS
    • Fertilizer Fundamentals
      • Close
      • Understanding Plant Nutrition
      • Reading Labels
      • Choosing the Right Type of Fertilizer
      • Terms & Definitions
    • Gardening Projects
    • Resource Links
  • Contact Us
  • Menu Menu

Tag Archive for: planting tips

VIDEO: Porch-Perfect Ferns: 🌿 Planting Hanging Baskets with Wyse Guide

June 17, 2025/in Blog, Espoma Videos, Kaleb Wyse, Spring Gardening

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.

Ferns Chosen with Purpose

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’s Planting Tips:

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.

Build Your Own Porch Sanctuary

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.

*****

🌷YouTube

🌷 Facebook

🌷 Instagram

🌷 Website

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Potting Mix Bag Espoma Organic Holly-tone Organic Fertilizer for all acid loving plants

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where to Buy

https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/WG_Porch_ferns.jpeg 1080 1920 Matt Dauphinais https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.png Matt Dauphinais2025-06-17 16:15:452025-06-17 16:15:45VIDEO: Porch-Perfect Ferns: 🌿 Planting Hanging Baskets with Wyse Guide

VIDEO: Planting a NEW Tree 🌳 🍁 with Wyse Guide!

June 11, 2025/in Blog, Espoma Videos, Kaleb Wyse, Trees & Shrubs

There’s something hopeful about planting a new tree—especially when you know you’ve set it up to thrive. In this video, Kaleb Wyse from Wyse Guide walks us through planting a stunning Northwind Maple and shares the steps he takes to ensure long-term success. His secret? Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus, the must-have planting partner for strong root development and vigorous growth.

The Tree Planting Process:
Kaleb carefully prepares the site by loosening soil and checking for good drainage. After removing the tree from its container and scarifying the roots (to prevent circling), he sprinkles Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus into the planting hole. The blend of mycorrhizae, beneficial microbes, and organic nutrients helps reduce transplant shock and promotes deeper, stronger root growth.

Kaleb’s 6 Tree Planting Tips:

  1. Site before you plant: Walk around and view the tree from different perspectives.

  2. Check the root flare: Make sure the base of the trunk sits at or just above soil level.

  3. Loosen compacted roots: Lightly score or cut rootbound roots to encourage outward growth.

  4. Amend your soil: Always plant with a high-quality organic starter fertilizer like Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus to help promote strong establishment. 
  5. Always plant above grade: Kaleb recommends planting slightly high since the soil will settle.

  6. Water deeply after planting: Soak the tree well to eliminate air pockets and promote strong establishment.

Bonus tip: Kaleb recommends following up with a maintenance feeding later in the season using an organic fertilizer like Espoma Organic Tree-tone, specifically formulated to provide trees with the essential nutrients needed to grow strong, healthy roots. 

Kaleb finishes the project by installing a beautiful fountain nearby—bringing structure, color, and sound to his garden space. The result is a calming, cohesive area that’s rooted in good planning and organic care.

Ready to plant your own tree? Don’t forget the Bio-tone Starter Plus! It’s Kaleb’s go-to for everything from perennials to maples—and the results speak for themselves.

*****

Learn more about Wyse Guide here:

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@WyseGuide 

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

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

Website: https://www.wyseguide.com/

 

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag Image

Espoma Organic Tree-tone

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where to Buy

https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Planting-a-New-Tree.jpg 720 1280 Matt Dauphinais https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.png Matt Dauphinais2025-06-11 16:57:532025-06-11 16:57:53VIDEO: Planting a NEW Tree 🌳 🍁 with Wyse Guide!

VIDEO: Planting Potatoes & Ranunculus 🥔🌱🌸 with Garden Answer

May 20, 2025/in Blog, Espoma Videos, Flowers, Fruits & Vegetables, Garden Answer, Spring Gardening

Follow along as Laura from Garden Answer plants some ranunculus and potatoes! 🥔🌱

To save time and money, Laura is using leftover potatoes from last year’s crop and planting the entire spud directly on the ground. Plus, planting with a high-quality organic starter fertilizer like Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus and top-dressing with a nutrient-rich organic compost like Espoma Organic Land & Sea Gourmet Compost, she’s creating the perfect environment for a stronger, more delicious yield.

Laura recommends following up with some organic fertilizer in her routine garden maintenance. She will feed her potato plants with Espoma Organic Garden-tone and her Ranunculus with Espoma Organic Flower-tone, providing each plant type with the specific fertilizer specially formulated to produce happy healthy plants. 

*****

Learn more about Garden Answer here:

https://www.youtube.com/@gardenanswer/featured

https://www.gardenanswer.com/

https://www.facebook.com/gardenanswer

https://www.instagram.com/gardenanswer/

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag Image Espoma Organic Land and Sea gourmet compost Espoma Organic Garden-tone Espoma Organic Flower-tone

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where to Buy

 

https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/1-6.jpg 1080 1920 Matt Dauphinais https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.png Matt Dauphinais2025-05-20 15:50:062025-05-20 15:51:12VIDEO: Planting Potatoes & Ranunculus 🥔🌱🌸 with Garden Answer

VIDEO: Planting Raised Beds 🌿 with Wyse Guide

May 19, 2025/in Blog

Watch Kaleb Wyse of Wyse Guide as he gets to work prepping and planting his raised beds for spring. His go-to formula? Healthy soil and smart planting techniques.

Kaleb starts by refreshing his beds with Espoma Organic Raised Bed Mix, a rich, fluffy blend made specifically for raised garden beds. It’s well-draining, holds adequate moisture, and helps create the ideal environment for Kaleb’s spring vegetables.

To give his New plants a strong start, Kaleb uses Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus, sprinkling it into the planting holes. This organic fertilizer promotes strong root growth and helps plants establish quickly.

Kaleb’s Top Spring Planting Tips:

  1. Refresh raised beds each year with an organic soil mix like Espoma Organic Raised Bed Mix

  2. Use Bio-tone Starter Plus when transplanting any type of plant

  3. Try soil blocking to reduce transplant shock

  4. Protect young plants with covers from critters and cold

  5. Take it slow—gardening is a learning process!

*****

Learn more about Wyse Guide here:

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@WyseGuide 

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

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

Website: https://www.wyseguide.com/

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag Image Espoma Organic Raised Bed Mix Bag

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where to Buy

 

https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Wyse-GUide_spring-Checklist-Thumbnail-copy.jpeg 1080 1920 Matt Dauphinais https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.png Matt Dauphinais2025-05-19 13:46:272025-05-19 13:46:27VIDEO: Planting Raised Beds 🌿 with Wyse Guide

Video: Time for Fall Wall Planters with Garden Answer

September 29, 2020/in Blog, Fall Gardening, Garden Answer

Watch as Laura from Garden Answer creates a beautiful planter for Fall using Flower-tone and Potting Soil Mix!

Learn more about Garden Answer here:

https://www.youtube.com/c/gardenanswer

https://www.gardenanswer.com/

https://www.facebook.com/gardenanswer

https://www.instagram.com/gardenanswer/

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Flower-tone bagEspoma Organic Potting Mix bag

 

Where to Buy

 

 

https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Screen-Shot-2020-09-29-at-9.59.14-AM.png 397 806 Danielle Kirschner https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.png Danielle Kirschner2020-09-29 10:22:172024-09-26 15:55:18Video: Time for Fall Wall Planters with Garden Answer
Where to Buy

Get News & Updates

Recent Posts

  • VIDEO: Porch-Perfect Ferns: 🌿 Planting Hanging Baskets with Wyse Guide
  • VIDEO: Euphorbia Repotting 🌵 with Summer Rayne Oakes
  • VIDEO: Planting a NEW Tree 🌳 🍁 with Wyse Guide!
  • VIDEO: Planting Daylilies with Summer Rayne Oakes 🌼
  • VIDEO: Planting ‘Evelyn’ Roses 🌹 with Garden Answer

Tags

All-Purpose Potting Mix bio-tone Bio-tone Starter Bio-tone Starter Plus cactus and succulents Cactus Mix caring for houseplants Container Gardening DIY project Espoma espoma grown espoma organic Espoma Organics Espoma Video fall gardening flower garden flowers garden Garden Answer Gardening gardening tips gardens grow holly-tone houseplants Indoor! indoor gardening indoor plants Kaleb Wyse organic organic fertilizer Organic Gardening organic plant food Organic Potting Mix Outdoor Gardening Planting plants Potting Mix potting soil Spring Gardening succulents summer rayne oakes vegetable garden Vegetable Gardening Wyse Guide

Espoma. A Family Tradition Since 1929.

Espoma Organic logo
  • Espoma Dealer
  • Espoma Pro
  • Garden Club
  • Privacy Policy

Scroll to top