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Tag Archive for: water

VIDEO: Planting Hydrangeas 🌸 with Wyse Guide

September 23, 2025/in Blog, Espoma Videos, Flowers, Kaleb Wyse

When it comes to hydrangeas, every gardener dreams of full, colorful blooms that light up the landscape. Watch as Kaleb Wyse of Wyse Guide shares how he plants and transplants hydrangeas in his Iowa garden. He walks us through his process step by step—using Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus to help roots establish, Espoma Organic Holly-tone to feed acid-loving plants, and how using Espoma Organic Soil Acidifier can create the perfect conditions for iconic blue blooms.

Here are six top tips and takeaways from Kaleb’s hydrangea planting project:

1. Choose the Right Variety for Your Climate

Not every hydrangea will thrive just because it’s rated for your USDA zone. Kaleb explains how some bigleaf hydrangeas struggled in his area, so he swapped them for hardier Seaside Serenade Cape Cod hydrangeas, better suited for his Zone 4 garden. Always match your plant choice to both your climate and the light conditions in your garden.

2. Protect Roots During Transplanting

Whether moving a shrub or planting a new one, Kaleb emphasizes the importance of keeping the root ball intact to reduce transplant shock. He carefully lifts and moves hydrangeas with as much surrounding soil as possible, ensuring minimal stress on the plant. 

3. Always Plant with a Good Organic Starter Fertilizer

Every hydrangea Kaleb plants gets a helping of Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus in the hole. Packed with beneficial microbes and mycorrhizae, Bio-tone encourages strong root development and helps plants adapt quickly to their new home. As Kaleb puts it, he treats transplants like brand-new plants—and Bio-tone gives them the best start possible.

4. Feed with Fertilizer for Acid-Loving Plants

Hydrangeas love soil on the acidic side. That’s why Kaleb sprinkles in Espoma Organic Holly-tone, a slow-release organic fertilizer crafted specifically for acid-loving plants like hydrangeas, azaleas, and blueberries. Holly-tone not only provides balanced nutrition but also contains elemental sulfur to help gently acidify soil over time.

5. Adjust Soil pH 

If your soil isn’t naturally acidic, hydrangeas may need a little extra help. Kaleb mentions how his soil leans neutral, so he often turns to Espoma Organic Soil Acidifier. Made from natural sulfur, it safely lowers soil pH, creating the right conditions for healthier growth and, in the case of bigleaf hydrangeas, can even shift blooms from pink to blue.

6. Prioritize Drainage and Consistent Moisture

Hydrangeas thrive in soil that’s both well-draining and consistently moist. Kaleb demonstrates checking drainage by filling the planting hole with water. If it drains well, you’re set! He also reminds us that even established hydrangeas benefit from supplemental water during dry spells to keep blooms from wilting or scorching in summer heat.

You Can Do It!

Healthy soil, the right plant food, and a watchful eye on moisture make all the difference in hydrangea success. With Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus, Holly-tone, and Soil Acidifier in your toolkit, you’ll be well on your way to lush, colorful hydrangea blooms—year after year.

*****

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag Image Espoma Organic Holly-tone Espoma Organic Soil Acidifier Bag

 

Where to Buy

https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Planting-Hydrangeas.jpg 720 1280 Matt Dauphinais https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.png Matt Dauphinais2025-09-23 11:51:362025-09-23 11:51:36VIDEO: Planting Hydrangeas 🌸 with Wyse Guide

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

September 19, 2025/in Blog

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:

🪴 YouTube

🪴 Website

🪴 Facebook

🪴 Instagram

Featured Products: 

Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag Image

 

Where to Buy

https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Espoma_0925_10Roses_Thumbnail-copy.jpg 720 1280 Matt Dauphinais https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.png Matt Dauphinais2025-09-19 13:56:342025-09-19 14:00:45VIDEO: Planting Beautiful Rugosa Roses! 🌹🌿 with Garden Answer

VIDEO: Planting in BIG Reused Planters 🪴🌿 with Summer Rayne Oakes

September 17, 2025/in Blog, Container Gardening, Summer Rayne Oakes

Summer Rayne Oakes of Flock Finger Lakes turns three massive terracotta planters—rescued from a second-hand store —into statement containers for the garden. Because the pots are deep and heavy, she creates a lightweight false bottom with Espoma Organic Perlite, then tops it with Espoma Organic Potting Mix before planting a mix of ornamental grasses, pollinator favorites, and trailing accents.

Why Espoma Organic Potting Mix?
Espoma Organic Potting Mix is crafted for container success—indoors or out. It’s rich and fluffy for easy root growth, holds moisture without getting waterlogged, and drains well to keep roots happy. The blend includes organic ingredients and Myco-tone, a proprietary blend of mycorrhizae that supports strong root systems and helps plants use water and nutrients more efficiently. In large planters where every inch counts, that balance of aeration, structure, and organic nutrition is exactly what new plantings need to establish quickly.

 Tips & Takeaways from Summer’s Container Build

  1. Use Perlite as a False Bottom. 
     A layer of Espoma Organic Perlite can work beautifully as a false bottom in oversized containers for shallower-rooted plants when you don’t need the full depth of soil. It also reduces the planter’s weight. But for deep tap-rooted or tree-like plantings, it’s best to skip this method. 
  2. Choose Plants for Season-Long Interest.
    Summer anchors the pot with Pennisetum ‘Ginger Love’ for structure and gorgeous backlit plumes into fall and winter, then layers in Verbena bonariensis ‘Meteor Shower’ (pollinator magnet), sneezeweed ‘Morheim Beauty’ for warm tones, Beautyberry ‘Pearl Glam’ for three-season appeal, ornamental oregano (Oregon Kent beauties) for texture, and a trailing annual morning glory to spill over the rim.
  3. Design for the View.
    Think about the angle most people will see. Summer places taller plants toward the back and lets trailers cascade in the foreground to create depth and a “finished” look from the main viewpoint.
  4. Shop Smart in Mid-Summer.
    July–August can be slim pickings at local nurseries. If inventory looks tired, consider ordering online, mixing annuals with perennials, or planting what you can now and editing later. Containers are wonderfully changeable.
  5. Plant for Pollinators and Wildlife.
    By mixing grasses, flowering perennials, and nectar-rich annuals, Summer builds a container that feeds bees, butterflies, and other pollinators—bringing life and movement to her garden space.

Share your container build with us using #EspomaOrganic on IG—we’d love to see what you create!

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Potting Mix Espoma Organic Potting Mix

 

Where to Buy

https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Title-22.jpg 720 1280 Matt Dauphinais https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.png Matt Dauphinais2025-09-17 15:39:232025-09-17 15:54:10VIDEO: Planting in BIG Reused Planters 🪴🌿 with Summer Rayne Oakes

VIDEO: Planting Hydrangeas and Yews 🌸🌲 with Wyse Guide

September 16, 2025/in Blog, Espoma Videos, Fall Gardening, Kaleb Wyse

In this Wyse Guide project, Kaleb refreshes the entry to his mom’s driveway with smooth hydrangeas and a Captain yew for four-season structure. He plants each shrub with Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus to jump-start strong root growth and reduce transplant stress, then adds Espoma Organic Holly-tone because hydrangeas and most yews thrive in slightly acidic soil. Bio-tone delivers beneficial microbes and gentle nutrition right where roots need it; Holly-tone provides a slow, steady feed tailored for acid-loving plants so they establish beautifully in his neutral Iowa soil.

Tips from Wyse Guide:

  1. Plant when you have the window. If the soil is workable and you can water, spring through fall is fair game—plants are often better off in the ground than in pots.
  2. Match plants to the site. Kaleb chose upright, weather-tough, smooth hydrangeas for bloom and a rugged Captain yew for year-round form in part shade with occasional dry spells.
  3. Call before you dig. Always locate underground utilities before starting holes. Safety first.
  4. Plant slightly high. Set the root ball a touch above grade to allow for settling and better oxygen at the crown, especially near thirsty maples.
  5. Prep the roots. Loosen or lightly score tight root balls so roots can spread into native soil. Then, pre-soak the root ball before backfilling.
  6. Feed and mulch smart. Mix Bio-tone and Holly-tone into the planting hole for establishment and acid-loving nutrition. Finish with a 2–3″ layer of compost like Espoma Organic Land & Sea Gourmet Compost mulch to add organic matter to lock in moisture and suppress weeds.

A simple, well-chosen pairing—hydrangeas for flowers and yew for structure—turned this entry into a welcoming focal point. Take your time, let inspiration strike at the nursery, and set new plants up for success with Bio-tone and Holly-ton

Ready to plant? Visit your local garden center for Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus,  Holly-tone, Land & Sea Compost, and let’s get growing!

*****

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag Image Espoma Organic Holly-tone Organic Fertilizer for all acid loving plants Espoma Organic Land and Sea gourmet compost

 

 

Where to Buy

https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Title-21.jpg 720 1280 Matt Dauphinais https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.png Matt Dauphinais2025-09-16 15:28:182025-09-16 15:28:18VIDEO: Planting Hydrangeas and Yews 🌸🌲 with Wyse Guide

10 Time-Saving Tactics for a More Efficient Garden | Growing Joy with Maria

September 11, 2025/in Blog, Gardening, Growing Joy with Maria

Has your garden started to feel like a tedious task on your never-ending to-do list? Here are 10 ways to avoid garden burnout by making gardening more efficient and simple, so you can enjoy it without feeling weighed down.

This blog is inspired by Episode 266 of the Growing Joy with Plants Podcast, where Maria chats with CaliKim, YouTube gardening educator and author of The 10 Minute Gardener. Together, they share time-saving hacks to help you enjoy gardening again—without the stress.

Start Small, Stay Consistent

One of Kim’s foundational philosophies is to break down large tasks into smaller, manageable ones (3-, 5-, 8-, 10-, or 30-minute jobs), which is the basis of her book. The 10 Minute Gardener also organizes these by season (early, mid, late, dormant), so you can adapt them no matter where you garden.

Practical Time-Saving Tactics You Can Try Today

3 minute tasks

3-Minute Gardening Tasks

  • Fertilizer Fridays – Every Friday, while your tea kettle is boiling or you’re sipping coffee, take 3 minutes to fertilize your plants with an organic liquid fertilizer like Espoma Organic Indoor! Houseplant Food. You can also water them or pick off brown leaves.

  • Swift Growth Seed Sowing – Keep a small basket of seeds handy by your back door or in your pocket. During a quick break, pop a few pea seeds along a trellis or lettuce seeds into a container to keep succession planting going.

  • Three-Minute Tool Tidy – Clean and oil a few garden tools, like pruners, that may be getting rusty or sticky.

5-Minute Gardening Tasks

  • Tie-Up Tuesday (and Thursday!) – Dedicate a few minutes twice a week to trellis plants like cucumbers. Keep tie tape or twine in your pocket so you can do this quickly while walking through the garden.

  • Shade Cloth Oasis – Pre-clip shade cloth to trellises so you can dash out and cover plants when the sun is blazing.

  • End-of-Season Cleanups – Pull out dead plants and toss them into nearby trash bins or pop-up bins to keep your garden tidy.

8 & 10-minute tasks

8- & 10-Minute Gardening Tasks

  • Summer Salad Station – Plant a container with salad greens, a tomato or cucumber, and herbs for a quick, ready-to-harvest dinner garden.

  • Hustle & Bustle Garden Bed Prep – In spring, refresh your garden beds with soil amendments like Espoma Organic Land & Sea Gourmet Compost and worm castings.

30 min tasks

30-Minute Gardening Tasks

  • Compost Pile Refresh – Toss together kitchen scraps and yard waste to build your compost pile. Give it a splash of water, then walk away and let nature do the work.

  • Tree Branch Trellis – Gather a few sturdy sticks and lash them together to create a simple, rustic trellis for climbing plants.

Be Consistent and Keep Things Within Reach

The key is to keep everything handy and accessible. You don’t need complicated strategies to make gardening easier. Keep a basket of seeds by the door, stash pruners in multiple spots, and have tie tape at the ready. Making tools and supplies accessible ensures you stay consistent and efficient.

Listen to the Growing Joy with Plants Podcast

For more time-saving tips, listen to Episode 266 of the Growing Joy with Plants Podcast!

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Land and Sea Espoma Organic Indoor! liquid fertilizer

 

Where to Buy

https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Time-Saving-1.jpg 1080 1080 Matt Dauphinais https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.png Matt Dauphinais2025-09-11 16:15:582025-09-11 16:15:5810 Time-Saving Tactics for a More Efficient Garden | Growing Joy with Maria

VIDEO: Planting Shrubs & Harvesting Onions 🌺🧅🌿 with Garden Answer

September 10, 2025/in Blog, Espoma Videos, Flowers, Fruits & Vegetables, Garden Answer

Spend an early morning with Laura from Garden Answer as she plants hibiscus and silverthorn, adding vibrant blooms and silvery foliage for fresh contrast in her garden. To give these new shrubs the best start, she uses Espoma Organic Bio-tone  Starter Plus, ensuring strong roots and healthy growth from day one.

Later, Laura moves to the vegetable garden to harvest onions—planted with Bio-tone and later fed with Espoma Organic Garden-tone—while sharing her favorite tips for growing, curing, and storing a successful harvest.

4 Key Takeaways from Laura’s Garden Day

  1. Start with a high-quality starter fertilizer
    Using a starter fertilizer like Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus at planting gives shrubs and perennials a strong foundation. It promotes quick root establishment, reduces transplant shock, and sets the stage for healthier growth and more abundant blooms.
  2. Planting shrubs: water, spacing, and layout matter
    Place shrubs where they’ll have room to grow to full size, then step back to check balance and flow in the garden. After planting, create a shallow watering basin around the root zone to ensure deep, even moisture while they establish.
  3. Feed onions consistently through the season
    Laura planted her onions with Bio-tone, then followed up with Garden-tone to keep them growing strong. A steady supply of organic nutrients helps onions size up properly and develop great flavor.
  4. Harvest onions at the right stage
    Onions are ready when their necks soften and the tops flop over. Gently pull them, then cure in a shaded, airy space for 7–10 days to allow skins to dry and harden for better storage.

From thoughtful planting to a plentiful harvest, Laura shows how preparation and care lead to success. A starter fertilizer like Bio-tone Starter Plus sets new plants up for stronger roots, while follow-up feedings with Garden-tone keep vegetables productive and delicious.

Ready to put these tips into action? Try Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus on your next planting day, and don’t forget to keep edibles thriving with Espoma Organic Garden-tone. Share your garden moments with us @EspomaOrganic on IG—let’s grow together! 🌱

*****

Learn more about Garden Answer here:

🪴 YouTube

🪴 Website

🪴 Facebook

🪴 Instagram

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag Image

Espoma Garden-tone

Where to Buy

 

https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Espoma_0925_PlantingHibiscus_Thumbnail.jpg 1080 1920 Matt Dauphinais https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.png Matt Dauphinais2025-09-10 16:19:022025-09-10 17:46:14VIDEO: Planting Shrubs & Harvesting Onions 🌺🧅🌿 with Garden Answer

VIDEO: Planting Trees and Perennials 🌳🌺 with Wyse Guide

September 3, 2025/in Blog, Espoma Videos, Flowers, Kaleb Wyse, Summer Gardening

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.

*****

Learn More about Wyse Guide:

🪴 YouTube

🪴 Facebook

🪴 Instagram

🪴Website

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag Image

 

Where to Buy

https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Title-19.jpg 720 1280 Matt Dauphinais https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.png Matt Dauphinais2025-09-03 15:58:012025-09-03 15:58:01VIDEO: Planting Trees and Perennials 🌳🌺 with Wyse Guide

VIDEO: Late Summer Plantings ☀️🌿 with Wyse Guide

August 28, 2025/in Blog, Espoma Videos

Late summer might not seem like the ideal time to dig into new plantings, but our friend Kaleb Wyse of Wyse Guide thinks differently. In his latest video, Kaleb reminds us that gardening isn’t about rigid rules—it’s about understanding your plants, your soil, and the care you’re willing to give.

In this video, Kaleb is planting Calamint ‘Montrose White’ along a garden path and transplanting prairie dropseed grass. Kaleb always plants with Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus to give his new plants the best chance to thrive. He calls Bio-tone his go-to “planting insurance” because it enriches the soil, encourages root growth, and helps plants settle in quickly.

6 Late-Summer Planting Tips from Kaleb

  1. Don’t fear the season. If a plant is sitting in a nursery pot, it will be happier in the ground than waiting on the sidelines. With care, late-summer planting can be successful.
  2. Choose the right variety. Kaleb swapped out a self-seeding Calamint for ‘Montrose White’, showing how selecting the right cultivar prevents future headaches.
  3. Use a good starter fertilizer. Kaleb never skips this step. He recommends using a high-quality organic starter fertilizer like Espoam Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus. It not only feeds the soil but also helps roots acclimate quickly—critical when planting mid-season.
  4. Loosen, don’t stress. When transplanting, gently loosen roots but avoid overly rough handling. The goal is to encourage healthy outward growth.
  5. Water wisely. Start with well-watered plants and give them a deep drink after planting. Consistent moisture is key during hot stretches.
  6. Think in groupings. Kaleb recommends planting in odd-number groupings (three, five, seven) for stronger visual impact and healthier stands of perennials.

A Season for Learning and Growing

Kaleb’s message is clear: gardening is as much about learning as it is about planting. By experimenting with timing and varieties—and by feeding the soil naturally with Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus—you can enjoy beautiful results well into the season.

Let’s get growing!

Learn More about Wyse Guide:

🪴 YouTube

🪴 Facebook

🪴 Instagram

🪴Website

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag Image

 

Where to Buy

https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Title-19.jpg 720 1280 Matt Dauphinais https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.png Matt Dauphinais2025-08-28 11:56:562025-08-28 12:09:37VIDEO: Late Summer Plantings ☀️🌿 with Wyse Guide

VIDEO: Planting Perennials in Full Sun ☀️🌿🌸 with Garden Answer

August 20, 2025/in Blog, Espoma Videos, Flowers, Garden Answer, Gardening

Laura from Garden Answer shows us how to plant five sun-loving perennials—even in the peak of summer heat. From elegant Siberian iris to bold salvia, she layers color and texture into her garden while reminding us that planting in hot weather can still be successful with the right care. To set her new perennials up for success, Laura uses Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus, the ultimate “planting insurance” that boosts root growth and helps prevent transplant loss.

6 Quick Tips for Planting Perennials in Summer Heat

  1. Expect a little wilting – It’s normal for new plants to droop in full sun, but they’ll perk back up once the day cools.

  2. Water consistently – Keep soil evenly moist during establishment to reduce stress.

  3. Plant early or late – Beat the midday sun by working in the morning or evening.

  4. Amend your soil – Blend in organic compost like Espoma Organic Land & Sea Gourmet Compost or Espoma Organic All-Purpose Garden Soil for better drainage and nutrient retention.

  5. Feed at planting – Mix Bio-tone Starter Plus right into the hole to encourage strong root growth and long-term success.

  6. Mulch generously – A layer of organic mulch helps conserve water and keep roots cool.

Even on the hottest days, your garden can keep growing with the right prep and care. 🌱 Whether you’re adding in new perennials or refreshing containers, remember that feeding the soil naturally makes all the difference.

👉 Watch Laura’s full video for inspiration, then grab your favorite Espoma Organic products and let’s get growing!

*****

Learn more about Garden Answer here:

🪴 YouTube

🪴 Website

🪴 Facebook

🪴 Instagram

Featured Products:

Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus Bag ImageEspoma Organic Land and SeaEspoma Organic All-Purpose Garden Soil image

 

Where to Buy

https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/1-6.jpg 1080 1920 Matt Dauphinais https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/espoma-logo340w-1.png Matt Dauphinais2025-08-20 12:28:582025-08-20 12:28:58VIDEO: Planting Perennials in Full Sun ☀️🌿🌸 with Garden Answer

Bird Friendly Gardening 🕊️🌸 | Growing Joy with Maria

August 13, 2025/in Blog, Flowers, Fruits & Vegetables, Growing Joy with Maria

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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