Tag Archive for: trees

VIDEO: Edible Landscaping 🫑 🍓🌿 | Flock Finger Lakes

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Summer Rayne Oakes @FlockFingerLakes takes us on a tour of her garden packed with edible plants. From fruit trees and berry bushes to roses and kale, Summer shows how beauty and function can grow side by side. Along the way, she nourishes her plants with Espoma Organic products to build strong roots, vibrant blooms, and thriving harvests.

Espoma Products Summer Uses in Her Edible Landscape:

Summer Rayne with Bio-tone Starter Plus

  • Bio-tone Starter Plus
    Summer uses Bio-tone Starter Plus when planting apple trees and preparing new beds. With mycorrhizae and beneficial microbes, it jumpstarts root growth and helps plants establish quickly—like “planting insurance” for long-term success.

Summer Rayne with Raised Bed Mix

  • Espoma Organic Potting Soils 
    To build the foundation of her new garden beds, Summer used a mix of Espoma Organic Soils, including Raised Bed Mix, Potting Mix, Land & Sea Compost, and others. These mixes improve soil structure, boost microbial life, and provide the organic matter plants need for healthy growth.

Espoma Organic Rose-tone in a garden

  • Rose-tone
    For her roses, Summer sprinkles Espoma Organic Rose-tone around the root zone. With its 4-3-2 blend, it encourages lush foliage and beautiful blooms while being safe for the soil and pollinators.

Espoma Organic Soil Acidifier

  • Soil Acidifier
    Blueberries thrive in acidic soil, and Summer keeps them happy with Espoma Organic Soil Acidifier. Made from elemental sulfur and gypsum, it naturally lowers pH to match the needs of acid-loving plants.

Espoma Organic Tomato! liquid fertilizer

  • Tomato! Liquid Fertilizer
    Summer gives her tomato plants a boost with Espoma Organic Tomato! This easy-to-use liquid concentrate provides balanced nutrition and added calcium to prevent blossom end rot, ensuring plump, juicy fruits all season long.

Bringing It All Together

Summer’s edible landscape is proof that food gardens can be as beautiful as they are bountiful—with the right soil, thoughtful plant choices, and natural care. Ready to start your own edible landscape? Explore Espoma Organic products and discover how to feed your garden naturally. 🌱

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Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag Image Espoma Organic Rose-tone bag Espoma Organic Soil Acidifier BagEspoma Organic Potting soil Mix Big bag Espoma Raised Bed Mix bag Espoma Organic Land and Sea Espoma Organic Tomato! Liquid Plant Food Image

 

 

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VIDEO: Planting Beautiful Rugosa Roses! 🌹🌿 with Garden Answer

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From planning to petals, follow along as Laura from Garden Answer plants ten Rugosa roses in three beautiful varieties: the classic single pink Rosa rugosa, the crisp white Rosa rugosa ‘Alba’, and the fluffier double white ‘Blanc Double de Coubert.’ These own-root roses (no grafts here!) were chosen for their strength, fragrance, and show-stopping hips that carry color from summer into winter.

Laura’s #1 Planting Tip:

Always plant with a high-quality organic starter fertilizer like Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus!

When Laura plants, she reaches for Espoma Organic Bio-tone® Starter Plus. It’s her go-to because it:

  • Builds stronger roots fast. Bio-tone is packed with beneficial microbes and mycorrhizae that help new plantings establish quickly.
  • Reduces transplant stress. Healthier roots mean better water and nutrient uptake—so plants settle in and start growing.
  • Feeds gently and naturally. An organic, starter-grade fertilizer that supports early growth without pushy top growth.
  • Works for everything you plant. Ideal for shrubs, perennials, trees, veggies, and roses of all kinds. If it’s going in the ground, mix in Bio-tone.

How Laura uses it: At planting time, she mixes Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus into the backfill soil and sets each rose at its current soil level (since these are own-root roses). Then she waters in well to activate the microbes and help eliminate air pockets.

Planting Pro Tip: Always backfill, then water deeply to settle soil around roots. Consistent moisture after planting helps Bio-tone’s microbes go to work.

Rugosa Roses: Tough, textural, and full of seasonal interest

Laura is planting Rugosas for their resilience and beauty:

  • Cold-hardy and adaptable. Depending on variety, Rugosas can thrive from roughly Zones 2–10, making them a great choice for many climates.
  • Size & presence. Expect a medium to tall shrub—often 5–7+ feet at maturity—so give them room to show off.
  • Sun & low maintenance. They love full sun and don’t need deadheading. Occasional shaping and removal of dead wood keeps them tidy.
  • Iconic hips. Big, colorful hips provide long-lasting interest—and look gorgeous against evergreens and conifers, just like Laura’s pairings.
  • Own-root reliability. Because these roses are grown on their own roots, if they die back and regrow, they’ll still return true to variety.

No matter what you’re planting, success starts below the soil line. Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus sets roots up to thrive—from shrubs like Rugosas to perennials, edibles, and young trees—so your garden establishes faster, stays healthier, and looks better, sooner.

Let’s get growing—with roots first. 🌱

Learn more about Garden Answer here:

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VIDEO: Planting Trees and Perennials 🌳🌺 with Wyse Guide

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Kaleb Wyse from Wyse Guide shows us that with the right care, you can plant trees and perennials with confidence. In this video, Kaleb is adding an Afterburner black gum tree and fresh perennials to his backyard. To give his new plantings the strongest foundation, Kaleb uses Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus. This trusted starter fertilizer helps reduce transplant shock, stimulates strong root growth, and enriches the soil—so plants establish quickly and thrive for years to come.

Featured Tips from Kaleb’s Planting Process

  1. Plant year-round when conditions allow
    Don’t wait for the “perfect” season. If you have the time, energy, and right weather, get plants in the ground. They’ll be happier growing in your soil than sitting in containers at a nursery.
  2. Choose the site carefully
    Take time to visualize how a tree or plant will look from multiple angles of your yard and home. Think ahead about how it will grow into the landscape.
  3. Prepare the site well
    Dig a wide hole—wider than the root ball—to give roots room to spread into the native soil. Remove rocks and other large debris.
  4. Prep the roots before planting
    Inspect roots for tight circling, then gently loosen or scarify them to encourage outward growth. Be sure to expose the root flare so the tree can breathe properly.
  5. Always plant with a quality organic starter fertilizer
    Using a starter like Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus helps reduce transplant shock and promotes strong, lasting roots. Unlike synthetic fertilizers, Bio-tone is gentle, organic, and builds long-term soil health.
  6. Water, stake, and mulch for success
    Give trees a deep initial watering—Kaleb used 10 gallons for his black gum—and continue watering consistently, especially in summer heat. Stake young trees for support and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Kaleb finished his project by planting Phantom Joe Pyeweed and Kerodonis Salvia, filling in garden beds with color and texture. His approach shows that planting is less about waiting for the “right” season and more about giving your plants what they need: thoughtful placement, healthy roots, good soil, and consistent care.

Ready to Plant?

For all your plantings, give your plants the best start with Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus. Build stronger roots, reduce transplant stress, and set your garden up for long-term success.

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Learn More about Wyse Guide:

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Featured Products:

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Bird Friendly Gardening 🕊️🌸 | Growing Joy with Maria

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Bird-Friendly Gardening with Jen McGuinness, Ep 239

Do you love watching hummingbirds, chickadees, or sparrows right outside your window? One of the key benefits of having a garden is the wildlife that comes to visit your beautiful blooms. Our friend Maria Failla of Growing Joy with Maria gardens specifically for her local birds, because they bring her so much joy, and this blog shares everything she’s learned about bird-friendly gardening.

This blog is inspired by Episode 239 of the Growing Joy with Plants Podcast, where Maria sits down with Jen McGuinness, author of Bird-Friendly Gardening, about how we can make our outdoor spaces safe and welcoming for birds.

Why Should We Help Birds in Our Gardens?

Birds can help pollinate plants and eat harmful insects, which can help keep our garden healthy. But they need our help. Since 1970, about 3 billion birds have disappeared in North America because of habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.

But there’s a way you can make a difference right in your backyard.

What Makes a Garden Bird-Friendly?

A lot of people are probably thinking that bird feeders are enough when they want to help birds, but a bird-friendly garden means using your whole garden to support them by offering them food, water, and shelter.

A bird-friendly garden includes:

  • Native plants that supply seeds, berries, or attract insects (Hummingbirds especially love nectar from flowers)
  • Fresh water sources for drinking and cleaning themselves (and if you have a budget, you can add a solar fountain or mister to your birdbath
  • Safe shelter from predators and bad weather
  • Places to build nests, like trees, grasses, or birdhouses (thick bushes, trees, and tall native grasses are great)

Native plants = natural food for birds in the garden

Add Native Plants to Your Garden

Select native plants when building a bird-friendly garden. You can check your USDA growing zone or use the Audubon Native Plant Finder by simply typing in your zip code to get local recommendations. Garden center employees are also a huge resource that you can ask questions to.

Here are some bird-friendly flowers:

  • Coneflowers and asters
  • Sunflowers
  • Blueberry bushes and crab apple trees
  • Oak trees (they attract insects that the birds eat)
  • Native grasses like Big Bluestem

Using a nutrient-rich soil like Espoma Organic Garden Soil helps these plants grow strong and healthy, which then supports more birds and insects.

add fresh clean water to your bird friendly garden

It’s important to maintain your bird feeders

Make sure to keep your bird feeders clean to stop the spread of diseases like House Finch Eye Disease. Utilize squirrel guards to keep them from stealing from your feathered friends. Different feeders attract different types of birds, so ideally, have a seed feeder and a hummingbird feeder to ensure all your local birds are well fed. 

Note: Maria and Jen love monitoring birds using electronic bird feeders with cameras in them, which use AI to identify the birds that come to visit.

add nesting materials for birds in your garden

Don’t forget nesting areas

To help birds build nests, try leaving out:

  • Twigs
  • Pet hair (like chicken feathers or alpaca furs)
  • Feathers
  • Native grasses

start your bird friendly garden today

Start Small

You don’t need a huge property to create a bird-friendly garden. If you have a small space, you can plant native flowers in containers or hanging baskets. A beautiful hanging basket of fuchsia will keep your hummingbirds happy all summer long!

To keep your plants blooming and productive, feed them during the growing season with a gentle organic fertilizer like Espoma Flower-tone or Berry-tone, depending on what you’re growing.

Birds Bring Joy

Watching birds fly, sing, and raise their babies reminds us that our gardens are part of a whole ecosystem where every creature matters. And when we help birds, we help the Earth. Bird care is ecosystem care.

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Learn more about Growing Joy with Maria:

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Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Flower-tone bag Espoma Organic Berry-tone.Espoma Organic Tree-toneEspoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag ImageEspoma Organic All-Purpose Garden Soil image

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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VIDEO: Planting A Shade Garden 🌿 with Wyse Guide

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Whether you’re working with dry shade or full sun, Kaleb Wyse of Wyse Guide proves that every pocket of your garden can thrive with the right planning—and a little help from Espoma Organic.

In his latest video, Kaleb brings us along as he refreshes his shade beds and layers in new perennials in full-sun areas, showing how he builds textured, healthy spaces across his Iowa homestead. He’s not just planting—he’s feeding the soil and supporting every root with care.

Kaleb’s shade garden is a great example of adapting to conditions. Not all shade is the same—some spots, often under large trees, are dry shade, where roots compete for moisture and soil drains quickly. Other shady areas, like low spots or places near downspouts, hold more water, creating wet shade. Kaleb’s property has dry shade under mature maple and crabapple trees, so he selects plants that can handle lower moisture while still brightening dim areas.

To get his new additions off to the best start, Kaleb relies on Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus, his go-to for all new plantings. For hostas and other acid-loving favorites, Espoma Organic Holly-tone is also in his toolkit, enriching the soil with just the right nutrients for long-term success.

🌿 Kaleb’s Top Tips for Planting Success

1) Water Before You Plant
Always begin with a well-watered root ball so plants adjust quickly and absorb water efficiently post-planting.

2) Use a high-quality organic Starter Fertilizer
“It’s like planting insurance!” Kaleb says. He sprinkles Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus in every hole to encourage strong root development and minimize transplant shock.

3) Only Disturb Roots When Necessary
If roots aren’t bound tightly, skip scarification. Gentle handling helps reduce stress.

4) Embrace Compost—Even Last Year’s Leaves
Kaleb layers homemade compost—or a high-quality mix like Espoma Organic Land & Sea Gourmet Compost, a rich blend of natural ingredients enhanced with lobster and crab shells—right over last year’s fallen leaves. This creates a living mulch that enriches the soil naturally and builds long-term garden health.

5) Group Plants in Odd Numbers
Repeating clusters of five or seven create harmony and visual rhythm, especially in larger beds.

6) Prioritize Soil Coverage
From epimedium to hosta to Agastache, Kaleb aims for dense plantings that naturally suppress weeds and conserve moisture.

Ready to Grow Like Kaleb?

If Kaleb’s video inspires one thing, it’s that soil health is at the heart of every thriving garden. Whether your shade is dry or wet—or your planting area is in full sun—start with rich compost, thoughtful watering, and organic support from Espoma, and your plants will thank you season after season.

Let’s get growing—whether you’re filling a shady nook or bringing a sunlit border to life.

*****

Learn More about Wyse Guide:

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Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag ImageEspoma Organic Holly-toneEspoma Organic Land and Sea

 

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VIDEO: Tending to 🍇 Fruit, 🌽 Veggies & 🌸 Blooms with Garden Answer

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In midsummer, when the sun beats down and gardens are in full swing, our plants need us more than ever. That’s why Laura from Garden Answer spends the day fertilizing her container trees, row crops, raised beds, and flower beds.

Container Plants Need a Helping Hand

Unlike plants rooted in the ground, container-grown edibles and ornamentals depend entirely on us for nutrients and water. “They have nowhere to draw from,” Laura explains, as she tends to her grape trees and miniature peaches and nectarines. To keep these potted trees healthy and productive, she applies Espoma Organic Holly-tone as a midseason maintenance feeding.

Even though Holly-tone is crafted for acid-loving plants, it still offers a gentle, balanced boost—perfect for these fruiting favorites when Tree-tone isn’t on hand. “Honestly,” Laura laughs, “I use whatever tone I have in the back of the Gator,” and with Espoma, that flexibility works. Each Tone is crafted with premium organic ingredients and enhanced with Bio-tone® microbes for slow-release, soil-building nutrition.

Garden Beds, Grains, and Greens Get Garden-tone

Out in the raised beds and dirt garden, Laura gives her corn, potatoes, onions, and garlic a second round of nutrients with Espoma Organic Garden-tone. This midseason feeding ensures her crops stay vigorous as they push toward harvest, supporting everything from root growth to fruit development.

She skips feeding the crops she plans to harvest this week—like cabbage, broccoli, and lettuce—focusing her efforts on what’s still maturing. It’s a smart reminder: timing matters, and so does listening to your plants.

Starting New Flowers With Strong Roots

In a forgotten corner near a thirsty willow tree, Laura refreshes the space with drought-tolerant sedum and her favorite Super Bells. While she typically reaches for Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus to reduce transplant shock and encourage strong root growth, this time she used Holly-tone, which she had on hand. It’s still a great choice, providing essential nutrients to help these new plantings settle in and thrive.

“It’s like planting insurance,” she says, echoing a sentiment we hear often from gardeners nationwide.

Why Feeding Organically Matters

Laura’s approach is simple but powerful: feed plants what they need, when they need it, and choose fertilizers that build soil health over time. Each Espoma Organic product she uses nourishes more than just the plant. With slow-release nutrients, enhanced microbial life, and no synthetic fillers, they improve the garden’s long-term vitality too.

💚 Pro Tip from Laura: “Fertilize container plants regularly—they rely on you for everything!”

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Learn more about Garden Answer here:

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

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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.

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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/

 

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Espoma Organic Tree-tone

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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VIDEO: Prune & Feed Trees Like a Pro with Wyse Guide 🌳

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Watch Kaleb Wyse of Wyse Guide takes us through his springtime ritual of pruning and fertilizing fruit trees on his Iowa farm. Kaleb emphasizes the importance of proper pruning to encourage healthy growth and feeding with a high-quality organic fertilizer like Espoma Organic Tree-tone.

🌿 Why Espoma Organic Tree-tone?

Kaleb trusts Espoma Organic Tree-tone for its all-natural, slow-release formula that provides essential nutrients to the entire tree—roots, trunk, and canopy. Its exclusive Bio-tone microbes enhance nutrient absorption, promoting robust growth and fruit production.

✂️ Kaleb’s Top Tree Pruning Tips

  • Timing is Key: Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.

  • Shape Matters: Aim for an open center to allow sunlight and air circulation.

  • Clean Cuts: Use sharp tools to make precise cuts, reducing the risk of disease.

By combining these pruning techniques with the nourishment from Espoma Organic Tree-tone, Kaleb ensures his fruit trees are healthy and productive throughout the growing season.

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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/

 

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VIDEO: 6 Container Gardening MISTAKES | Growing Joy with Maria

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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.

1: Choosing the Wrong Plant Varieties

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.

2: Using the Wrong Potting Mix

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.

 3: Inconsistent Watering

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.

4: Not Fertilizing Regularly

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.

5: Forgetting Plant Tags

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.

6: Misunderstanding Light Exposure

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 more about Growing Joy with Maria:

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Featured Products:


Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag ImageEspoma Organic Garden-toneEspoma Organic Flower-tone bag

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Espoma Organic Potting MixGrow! Liquid FertilizerEspoma Organic Tomato! Liquid Plant Food Image

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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VIDEO: Transplanting Trees & Planting Lilac Bushes 🌳🪻with Garden Answer

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Watch Laura from Garden Answer as she takes on another exciting gardening project—relocating trees and planting new lilac bushes in her garden.

Laura shares the reasoning behind moving the trees and walks you through the process of planting lilacs, offering helpful plant care tips along the way. She also emphasizes the importance of using a high-quality organic fertilizer, like Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus, to give plants the nutrients they need for strong, healthy root growth during establishment and recommends using Espoma Organic Plant-tone for follow-up feedings. 

Join Laura for practical advice and inspiration to transform your garden!

Learn more about Garden Answer here:

 

 

 

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