Garden-Tone by Espoma

I give this product 7 out of 10 acorns.

Out of all of the off-the-shelf fertilizers, I am drawn to Garden Tone.

Espoma Garden Tone Analysis

I can understand the ingredients, the product is pretty consistent in shape/form, and my plants appreciate the added boost. I don't usually utilize a fertilizer addition but I had a bag sitting around from who-knows-when so I tried it out.

I give this product 1 out of 10 acorns. Mostly for the shady marketing practices.

It probably is still one of the best off the shelf fertilizers. I used to use it thinking it was organic because it says ORGANIC in big letters in the branding. If you do a little digging you will find it is a mixture of "natural and organic" stuff. Whatever that means.

The safety data sheet is pretty worthless.
https://www.espoma.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/GT.SDS_.7.2025.pdf

I still have some of this and their others. Trying to figure out what to use them for but will not be on anything I eat.

What I really want to know is what is in the feather meal etc. Lots of possible "toxic gicks" can be in those ingredients. Without test results all you have to go on is marketing.

If I need fertilizer now I will test soil and add only the organic amendments I need until the soil is well built and doesn't need any purchased inputs to feed itself. Any and all amendments should have test results for the heavy metals and other gicks.

Marketing is just a huge turnoff for me.

Let the products sell themselves. - D. Boon