Spring is in full bloom, and Laura from Garden Answer is busy giving her garden the nutrients it needs to thrive! In her latest video, Laura shares essential care tips for roses and hydrangeas, starting with careful pruning to encourage healthy new growth. After pruning, she feeds these beautiful flowering shrubs with Espoma Organic Rose-tone, a gentle yet effective slow-release fertilizer specially formulated to deliver vibrant blooms without the risk of burning plants—something common with synthetic fertilizers.

While Rose-tone is primarily designed for roses and other flowering plants, it’s safe for use on hydrangeas as well. However, for optimal results, especially if you’re aiming for blue blooms, Espoma Organic Holly-tone is typically recommended. Holly-tone is formulated for acid-loving plants and contains elemental sulfur, which helps lower soil pH—a key factor in achieving those sought-after blue hydrangea flowers . That said, using Rose-tone won’t harm your hydrangeas and can still provide beneficial nutrients.

Meanwhile, her husband Aaron works to ensure the rest of the garden plants get some love too, applying Espoma Organic Plant-tone to arborvitae and boxwoods. Plant-tone is enriched with beneficial microbes and humates, promoting robust growth and enhancing overall plant vitality.

Watch Laura’s full video for detailed tips on how to care for your garden and learn why Espoma Organic fertilizers are her go-to choice for healthy, flourishing plants!

For more hydrangea care tips, check out our complete guide to growing hydrangeas!

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She kicks things off by sowing stock flower seeds saved from last year. Using Espoma Organic Seed Starter Mix and Potting Soil, she creates the perfect environment for strong germination and healthy growth. To support her young seedlings, Laura turns to Espoma Organic Grow!—a liquid organic fertilizer packed with essential nutrients that help plants thrive naturally.

Next, Laura adds lasting color and structure to her landscape by planting three Sgt. Pepper Dogwood shrubs. Known for their vibrant red twigs and variegated foliage, these shrubs are given the best start with Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus, a mycorrhizae-enhanced organic fertilizer designed to promote deep roots and long-term plant health.

Finally, she refreshes her hellebores by trimming back old foliage and feeding them with Espoma Organic Holly-tone. This slow-release organic fertilizer is ideal for acid-loving plants and ensures strong, beautiful spring blooms.

From seed starting to shrub planting, Laura shows just how easy it is to grow a healthy, thriving garden with the help of Espoma Organic. If you’re looking to boost your garden naturally this season, reach for the organic fertilizers trusted by gardeners for over 95 years.

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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:

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:

But the gardening fun doesn’t stop there! Laura also repots String of Watermelon Succulents using Espoma Organic Cactus Mix, sharing expert plant care tips to keep these unique trailing plants thriving.

1) Choose your herbs! – Everyone has their food preferences. choose the herbs that you want to grow and eat!

2) Growing Location – Choose a location that provides adequate sunlight. Most herbs require at least 6-8 hours of full sunlight for germination.

3) Gather supplies:

• Herb seeds.
• I.D. tags or labels.
• Grab a writing utensil.
• Planting containers or pots.
• Humidity dome.
• High-quality organic potting soil mix like Espoma Organic Seed Starter Mix.
• Spray bottle or water mister.

4) Gather Information– Understanding how to care for the seeds you’ve chosen is key to successful growth. Most seed packets include planting and care instructions on the back to guide you in properly planting and nurturing your herbs.

5) Prep Your Soil – It’s important to use a high-quality seed-starting mix like Espoma Organic Seed Starter. These mixes are lighter than traditional potting soils, promoting better root development for young plants. Adding water to the soil will help provide adequate moisture for germination and will help with the soil structure by preventing settling in your container. 

6) Make Your Plant I.D. Tags – Labeling your pots before planting helps keep everything organized, ensuring you know exactly what to plant in each pot and preventing any mix-ups.

7) Plant your seeds! – plant at least 2-3 seeds per container you should always Refer to your seed packets for proper planting instructions.

Bonus Tip! – Skip the watering can! Laura recommends using a spray bottle or mister to gently water your seeds without disturbing them.

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!

During planting, Laura recommends using a high-quality organic fertilizer like Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus. This essential step ensures her Boxwoods have the nutrients they need to establish quickly and thrive in their new home. Follow along to see her process and learn tips for planting success in your own garden!

Laura adds Espoma Organic Blood Meal to balance the carbon-rich leaves with a nitrogen source, creating an ideal mix for a quick breakdown of the leaves and soil nourishment. A leaf mulch layer can be a natural insulator for delicate plants, shielding them from winter chill and enriching the soil for the next season.

To ensure her potted plants thrive, Laura uses Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix for the perfect growing medium. When planting, she adds Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus to give the essential nutrients needed for strong roots and big beautiful blooms.

To give her plants the best start, Laura uses Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix for an ideal growing medium and adds Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus to ensure strong roots and big beautiful blooms.