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VIDEO: Seed Starting Tips with Farmer Nick 🌱

March 5, 2025/in Blog, Farmer Nick, Seed Starting

Starting seeds is an essential part of gardening. It’s a great way to get a head start on the next season and ensure there are always fresh plants ready to replace spent ones—a method known as succession planting. Follow along with Farmer Nick as he shares his top tips to set seeds up for success!

1) Start with High-Quality Organic Potting Soil

The foundation of strong seedlings begins with the right soil. While seeds can germinate in regular potting or garden soil, a high-quality organic seed starting mix—like Espoma Organic Seed Starter—is specifically designed to be lightweight, allowing roots to spread easily while providing essential nutrients to support those first delicate sprouts.

Pro Tip: Always moisten the soil before planting. This keeps seeds in place, provides immediate hydration, and helps ensure an even pack in seed trays.

2) Provide Warmth for Germination

Once the seeds are planted, maintaining the right temperature is key. A heat mat can speed up germination by keeping the soil warm, but it also dries out the mix quickly, so it’s important to keep the soil consistently moist but not overly saturated. A misting bottle is a great tool for gentle hydration.

Pro Tip: Using a smart outlet to control the heat mat allows for easy scheduling. Nick typically runs his mat for about 8 hours overnight, when temperatures drop. Once most of the seedlings have sprouted, he removes them from the heat mat.

3) Light is Essential for Growth

While light isn’t necessary for germination, it becomes crucial once seeds sprout. A grow light helps seedlings develop strong, sturdy stems rather than becoming weak and leggy.

Pro Tip: Always plant a few more seeds than needed. Not every seed will germinate, and extra plants can be thinned out or shared with fellow gardeners.

4) Don’t Forget to Label!

It may sound simple, but labeling seeds is a step many gardeners—Nick included—tend to overlook. Without labels, it’s easy to mix up cucumbers and zucchinis, leading to a fun (but avoidable) guessing game when the plants mature.

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By following these seed-starting tips, gardeners can set themselves up for a successful season, ensuring healthy seedlings that are ready to thrive in the garden.

For the best results, start with a high-quality organic seed-starting mix like Espoma Organic Seed Starting Mix. When it’s time to repot your new plants, switch to Espoma Organic Potting Soil Mix for optimal growth. And don’t forget to feed your plants with a high-quality organic liquid fertilizer like Espoma Organic Indoor! to keep them strong and thriving!

Learn More about Farmer Nick here:

Website: Farmer Nick.com

Instagram: @farmernick

Facebook: @FarmerNick

TikTok: @farmer_nick

YouTube: @FarmerNickJr

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VIDEO: 7 Tips For Growing Herbs From Seed 🌿🌱with Garden Answer!

February 7, 2025/in Blog, Garden Answer

Follow along with Laura from @gardenanswer as she walks you through a step-by-step guide on planting herbs from seed. Laura recommends using a high-quality organic potting soil mix, like our Espoma Organic Seed Starter Mix, to create the ideal environment for seed germination.

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.

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Learn more about Garden Answer here:

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VIDEO: How to Plant Lettuce with Wyse Guide!

April 30, 2024/in Blog, Kaleb Wyse

Follow along with Kaleb Wyse from Wyse Guide as he shares his simple and effective method for planting delicious leafy lettuce in the garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started with growing your own produce, lettuce is one of the most straightforward and rewarding crops you can cultivate.

Kaleb’s Top 5 Tips for Planting Lettuce

Start seedlings indoors, using Espoma Organic Seed Starter mix. That way you’ll have nice heads of lettuce that you can plant and grow more easily in the garden. You can always sow seeds directly in a row in your garden if you prefer.
When planting in the garden, Kaleb digs holes 8 inches apart and puts a teaspoon of Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus in each hole to provide the essential nutrients needed to help the lettuce plants start growing.
Don’t plant too deep. Remember to keep the middle or crown of the plant above the soil level, so it doesn’t rot when you water.
Spread soil evenly around the plant and then water it lightly. Note: Do not water directly in the center of the lettuce plant.
Before planting, it’s a good idea to top-dress your garden bed with a nice layer of compost. Kaleb uses Espoma Organic Land & Sea Gourmet Compost. He also fills his raised beds with Espoma Organic Raised Bed Mix. Adding compost helps add additional nutrients and microorganisms and helps retain moisture in the soil.

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: Starting Lisianthus from Seed with Garden Answer!

February 23, 2024/in Blog, Flowers, Garden Answer

Follow along with Laura from Garden Answer as she demonstrates how to plant multiple varieties of Lisianthus from seeds.

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3 Tips for Anyone that Wants to Start Growing! ??|| Farmer Nick

February 22, 2024/in Blog, Farmer Nick, Indoor Gardening

3 Tips to Get GROWING! ?

1. Seeds!

Experiment with seeds! Yes, it may take longer, but it is incredibly rewarding and very cost-efficient. Plus you can start indoors with microgreens and level up to growing crops that can be transplanted (or succession planted) all throughout the growing season.

2. Lights!

Invest in grow lights. Not only will grow lights be valuable for your edible plants, but they also supplement the lighting for your houseplants during the darker winter months. Grow lights nowadays are very energy efficient and can blend in with most house lighting fixtures.

3. Check in!

Perform daily check-ins with your plants. This will allow you to be proactive and catch potential problems early and often. I do this for my indoor and outdoor plants (time permitting depending on the size of your garden) and it will save you lots of time and heartache in the future.

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Learn More about Farmer Nick here:

Website: https://www.farmernick.com/

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCasGgFeyrf2V81w3KxnE4qQ

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Growing Joy with Maria – Episode 120 Blog: Raised Bed Gardening

May 12, 2023/in Fruits & Vegetables - None

Raised bed gardening is quickly gaining popularity among homeowners who are keen on growing their vegetables and flowers. In this article, we will discuss raised bed gardening, its benefits, designing a garden plot, plant propagation, and other gardening techniques you may find useful.

This blog is inspired by Episode 120 of Growing Joy with Maria Podcast, where host Maria Failla interviewed Nicole Burke from Gardenary to get personalized garden coaching, enriched with insightful perspectives on self-care, nature connection, and life overall.

Benefits of Raised Beds

Raised beds offer several benefits, making them an excellent choice for urban gardening enthusiasts. Here are some great reasons why raised beds might be just what you need for your garden:

Improved Soil Quality: With raised beds, you get to choose the soil, which means it can drain well, have a great structure, and be full of nutrients. A high-quality soil mix like Espoma Raised Bed Mix makes a big difference in your plants’ growth and health.

Easier to Manage: Since they’re up off the ground, raised beds are kinder to your back and easier to keep moist and weed-free. Less bending means it’s a great option for anyone with mobility issues, and the contained space makes it easier to manage.

Bigger Harvests: You can fit more plants in a raised bed, which means more tasty veggies for you to share! With increased planting density, you can optimize your growing space for a bountiful harvest.

Fewer Pests and Weeds: Being elevated helps keep pests and weeds at bay, and controlling them in a compact space is easier. The height can deter some pests, and the smaller area makes it more manageable to control weeds.

Creative Design Opportunities: Raised beds let you unleash your inner garden designer, and there are loads of possibilities to create something beautiful and functional! They offer flexible design options and can be adapted to fit even the tightest of spaces.

Designing Your Raised Bed Garden

When you’re planning your raised bed garden, here are things that you should think about:

Deciding the Size (because size matters!)

The minimum recommended size for a raised bed is 4×4 or 2×8 feet. It’s important to have a wide enough bed that can accommodate a trellis in the center to support vining plants like tomatoes, cucumbers, and squashes.

Choosing the Material

You can make raised beds from wood, bricks, or concrete blocks. Wood is popular because it’s cheap, easy to work with, and looks great in the garden! Consider using untreated wood to prevent chemicals from leaching into your soil.

Creating the Soil

Good-quality soil is a must for your raised bed! The right soil blend will support your plants’ growth and provide the necessary nutrients. Espoma Organic’s Raised Bed Mix is the perfect option.

Choosing the Plants

Choose plants based on your overall garden plan, and consider their size, growth habits, and needs. Make sure to select varieties that will thrive in your climate and the specific conditions of your garden.

Gardening Techniques for Raised Beds

Plant with Purpose:

It’s crucial to plant mindfully to ensure a bountiful harvest. To get the most out of your garden, plant smart! Know the ins and outs of different plant families and their growth patterns, and be sure to plant them in the right season. Companion planting can also help plants grow better together.

Starting Plants from Seeds

Starting plants from seeds can be intimidating, but it’s cheaper than buying seedlings, and fun! Just use high-quality seeds, clean containers, and good potting soil, and you’ll be good to go. We recommend using Espoma’s Organic Seed Starter to ensure successful germination. Be patient and provide the right conditions for germination.

Growing Plants on a Trellis

Cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, and beans love growing on trellises, which can save space and look fantastic. Planting vining plants on opposite sides of the trellis can make your garden even more gorgeous. Trellises also improve airflow, which can help prevent diseases.

Pest Control

Planting marigolds and basil can help keep pests away from your tomatoes. Plus, keeping your garden tidy, not over-fertilizing, and using organic pest control methods can help keep your raised bed garden pest-free. To help your plants grow strong and healthy, consider using Espoma’s Garden Tone as a natural, organic fertilizer.

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Raised bed gardening is an excellent option for urban gardeners with limited space and mobility and can provide bountiful harvests with creative design options. Learning about the benefits, principles, and techniques of raised bed gardening can make your gardening more enjoyable and give you a chance to get back in touch with nature!

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BAGR 118 Blog: Understanding Hardiness Zones, Frost Dates and Microclimates in the Garden

May 1, 2023/in Blog, Bloom and Grow Radio

As a beginner gardener, it can be overwhelming to navigate the various factors that can affect the success of your plants. One of the most important aspects to consider is your garden’s hardiness zone, frost dates, and microclimates.

This blog is inspired by Episode 118 of Growing Joy with Maria Podcast, where host Maria Failla interviewed Rochelle Greayer of the renowned garden design website Pith & Vigor.

What are Hardiness Zones?

Hardiness zones are a way to categorize regions based on average annual extreme minimum temperatures. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has divided the country into 13 zones, with each zone representing a range of temperatures. The lower the zone number, the colder the region.

Knowing your hardiness zone is crucial because it determines which plants are most likely to thrive in your area.

When selecting plants, make sure to choose the ones that are recommended for your zone. Plant tags or online descriptions will often indicate the plant’s hardiness zone.

It’s important to note that while hardiness zones provide a general guide, they are not foolproof. Other factors, such as soil type, rainfall, and elevation, can also affect a plant’s success. However, knowing your hardiness zone is a good starting point for selecting plants that are well-suited to your area.

What are Frost Dates?

Frost dates refer to the average dates of the first and last frost in your area. These dates are important because frost can damage or kill tender plants, so it’s best to avoid planting them until after the last frost in the spring.

To ensure good germination rates and healthy seedlings, consider using a soil mix specifically designed for starting seeds, such as Espoma Organic Seed Starter.

To determine your area’s frost dates, you can consult a gardening book or website, or contact your local extension office. Another great tip is to go to your local nursery and ask the workers when they plant their gardens, they are the true experts in your region!

Keep in mind that frost dates are just averages, so it’s always a good idea to stay vigilant and protect your plants during particularly cold spells. One way to protect your plants from frost is to cover them with a frost blanket or other protective covering. You can also plant tender plants in containers that can be moved indoors during cold spells.

What are Microclimates?

Microclimates are small areas within a garden that have slightly different growing conditions than the surrounding area. These differences can be caused by variations in temperature, humidity, sun exposure, and wind.

For example, a south-facing wall may be warmer and sunnier than the rest of the garden, making it an ideal spot for heat-loving plants. A low-lying area may be more prone to frost and moisture, making it a good spot for plants that prefer cooler and wetter conditions.

By paying attention to microclimates in your garden, you can make the most of the varying conditions and create a more diverse and successful garden.

To help improve soil health and promote plant growth, you may want to consider using a plant food like Espoma Garden-tone or Plant-tone. These products contain a blend of natural ingredients that provide essential nutrients to a wide variety of plants.

How to Use Hardiness Zones, Frost Dates, and Microclimates in Your Garden.

Now that you understand the basics of hardiness zones, frost dates, and microclimates, you can use this information to plan your garden more effectively.

Start by determining your hardiness zone and selecting plants that are recommended for your area. Make sure to also take into account your area’s frost dates and avoid planting tender plants until after the last frost in the spring.

Next, pay attention to the microclimates in your garden and use them to your advantage. Experiment with planting different plants in different areas to see which ones thrive best in each microclimate.

Finally, don’t be afraid to reach out to local gardening experts for more specific advice on your area’s growing conditions. With a little bit of research and planning, you can create a beautiful and successful garden that thrives in your unique environment.

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Additional Tips

Here are some additional tips to help you make the most of your garden’s hardiness zone, frost dates, and microclimates:

1. Consider using raised beds or containers to create microclimates within your garden. You can fill these containers with soil that is specifically tailored to the plants you want to grow. Espoma Organic Raised Bed Mix is perfect for filling raised beds.

2. Use mulch to help regulate soil temperature and moisture levels. It can also help prevent weeds from growing.

3. Keep a gardening journal to track your successes and failures. This can help you refine your gardening techniques and learn from your mistakes.

4. Consider joining a local Garden Club or attending gardening workshops in your area. This can be a great way to learn from experienced gardeners and get advice on specific challenges you may be facing.

5. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Gardening is a constantly evolving process, and it’s okay to try new things and see what works best for you and your garden.

Understanding your garden’s hardiness zone, frost dates, and microclimates is important for successful gardening. By selecting plants that are recommended for your zone, planting after the last frost, and taking advantage of microclimates, you can create a beautiful and thriving garden!

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VIDEO: Starting Onions from seed! ??☀️

March 29, 2023/in Blog, Garden Answer

Have you ever wanted to grow your own onions?

Watch Laura @GardenAnswer with help from Espoma, as she shows you how to start her favorite onion varieties from seed.

Learn more about Garden Answer here:

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Video: How to grow and care for geraniums with Garden Answer!

March 17, 2023/in Blog, Fruits & Vegetables - None, Garden Answer

Watch as Laura from @GardenAnswer along with the help of Espoma Organic Seed Starter, takes you step by step through the process of planting and caring for multiple varieties of geraniums.

Laura feeds her indoor geraniums with Indoor! Espoma Organic liquid plant food.

Learn more about Garden Answer here:

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