Tag Archive for: Sage

How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Garden with the Right Plants ?

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Hummingbirds bring a magical touch to any garden with their vivid colors and swift, darting movements. Attracting these tiny birds is all about selecting the right plants that provide plenty of nectar and visual interest. Here are some of the best plants to add to your garden to make it a welcoming space for hummingbirds.

image of Salvia

1. Salvia (Sage)

Salvia is a hummingbird favorite due to its tubular flowers, which are perfect for their long beaks and tongues. With many varieties available, you can find salvias that bloom in shades of red, pink, purple, and blue—all of which will draw hummingbirds in.

Use Espoma Organic Flower-tone when planting to help provide the nutrients needed to produce these beautiful blooms.

Hummingbird next to bee balm plant

2. Bee Balm (Monarda)

Known for its unique, spiky blooms, bee balm is a magnet for hummingbirds. The bright red, pink, and purple flowers provide plenty of nectar and also attract butterflies and bees, adding even more life to your garden.

Trumpet vine flower

3. Trumpet Vine (Campsis radicans)

As its name suggests, the trumpet vine produces large, trumpet-shaped flowers that are ideal for hummingbirds. This vigorous climber can cover fences and trellises, providing a striking backdrop of orange or red blooms that hummingbirds will love.

pink Fuchsia flowers and green foliage

4. Fuchsia

Fuchsia plants are well-loved by hummingbirds for their pendulous, brightly colored flowers. These plants do well in hanging baskets and shaded areas, making them versatile additions to your garden space.

5. Honeysuckle (Lonicera)

Honeysuckle vines offer fragrant, tubular flowers that are perfect for attracting hummingbirds. Look for non-invasive varieties to ensure your garden stays balanced and thriving.

A ruby-throated hummingbird hovers next to a cardinal flower.

6. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

With its stunning red spikes of flowers, the cardinal flower is a fantastic addition for attracting hummingbirds. This perennial thrives in moist areas, making it a good choice for gardens with water features.

A ruby-throated hummingbird gathering nectar from a butterfly bush.

7. Butterfly Bush (Buddleja)

Despite its name, the butterfly bush is not just for butterflies. Its clusters of small, tubular flowers are excellent sources of nectar for hummingbirds. This shrub comes in many colors, including purple, pink, and white, providing visual interest throughout the blooming season.

Planting Tips for Hummingbird Gardens

  • Variety is Key: Plant a mix of species that bloom at different times to ensure a steady supply of nectar from spring through fall.
  • Go Native: Whenever possible, choose native plants that hummingbirds are naturally attracted to and that will thrive in your local climate. When Planting, use Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus to provide the essential nutrients needed for these plants to establish strong roots in their new environment.
  • Provide Water: Hummingbirds are drawn to water sources for both drinking and bathing. Consider adding a birdbath or a water mister to your garden.

By incorporating these plants and following these tips, you can create a vibrant and inviting space that will attract hummingbirds to your garden, bringing color and life to your outdoor space. Enjoy the enchanting sight of these tiny birds flitting from flower to flower!

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Five Herbs to Plant This Fall

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You may think that when the weather cools, the gardening stops. But it doesn’t have to be that way! Planting herbs in the fall can make for a great head start in the spring. Plus, who doesn’t love to garden year-round? Here are our top five picks to get you started.

 

Parsley

 

Did you know that parsley planted in the fall actually produces more harvest than parsley planted in the spring? Grow it in part shade to full sun and keep the soil moist by watering regularly. Give it the healthiest start by using organic potting mix.

 

Thyme

Thyme is a great addition to almost any dish and the perfect garnish for your fall cocktails! Grow this herb in full sun near your brightest window. As a bonus, you can plant thyme alongside rosemary, which has the same light and watering needs.

 

organic herb

Sage

Sage is a fragrant herb that also makes a great addition to your kitchen for special meals. Make sure this herb gets plenty of sunlight and water once the top layer of soil is dry. Be wary of mildew growing on your sage, and be sure to give it proper air circulation. Give it a head start with Espoma Bio-tone Starter Plus.

Lavender

Who doesn’t love the smell of lavender? Whether dried or fresh, this fragrant herb can change the ambiance of your home with its calming scent and its beautiful purple appearance. Give your lavender full sun — at least six hour a day — and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Be careful not to overwater this herb, especially in the cooler months.

Chives 

As another great culinary herb, chives can add the ideal amount of seasoning to so many dishes. Grow them in a sunny spot and be careful not to keep them too close to your heater. Let the soil dry between waterings.

Don’t let the cooler weather stop you from gardening! If you’re struggling to get enough light for any of these herbs, consider supplementing with grow lights.

 

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Thyme to Plant an Indoor Herb Garden

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Add a dash of delight to your daily routine while keeping winter blues at bay. Start an indoor herb garden today.

Each time you grab sprigs of fresh herbs, you’ll forget all about winter! At that moment, all you’ll think of are the fresh, invigorating flavors of summer.

Plus, starting an indoor herb garden is simple with these tips.

Grow Superb Herbs Indoors

Give savory and sweet herbs these five ingredients, and they’ll flourish inside! Use fresh, flavorful herbs in cocktails, teas and recipes all winter long.

 Ray of Sunshine. Place indoor herbs in the sunniest spot possible. They love natural light and need at least 4 hours of sun every day. Keep herbs warm by avoiding chilly windows.

  1. Heaps of Herbs. Not every herb thrives indoors. Plant these herbs that grow best inside: mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, sage, thyme, lemongrass, chives and bay.
  2. Pile of Pots. Choose pots or upcycle containers with drainage holes on the bottom. Or place stones in the bottom of the pot before adding soil. For unique, DIY planter ideas, check out our Pinterest page.
  3. Settle in Soil. Plant herbs in Organic Potting Soil. Pick an organic potting soil that contains earthworm castings and Myco-tone® to ensure herbs grow strong roots.
  4. Feed and Repeat. Indoor! is an organic plant food that helps you grow bigger and better herbs. Continue fertilizing herbs once each month.

With your just-plucked herbs, cook up dishes that harness herbs’ intensity. Try a few of our favorite recipes that include herbs here. Bon appétit!

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