When it comes to choosing the right organic fertilizer, two trusted options often come up: Bio-Tone and Plant-Tone. While both are made by Espoma and both promote healthy, vibrant growth, they serve slightly different purposes in your garden.
Let’s break it down—plus, we’ll explore the role of mycorrhizae, one of the most powerful (yet often overlooked) tools for healthy soil and strong roots.
What Is Bio-Tone?
Bio-Tone Starter Plus is designed specifically for use at planting time. It contains beneficial microbes and mycorrhizae, which help plants establish strong root systems right from the start. This makes it ideal for:
- New trees and shrubs
- Perennials
- Vegetables and herbs
- Annuals and bedding plants
If you’re planting something new, Bio-Tone should go in the hole with your plant. It gives your garden a head start—and many gardeners (myself included) won’t plant without it.
What Is Plant-Tone?
Plant-Tone is a general-purpose organic fertilizer used throughout the growing season. It’s great for feeding established plants, including:
- Flowering perennials
- Shrubs and trees
- Vegetables and herbs
Use Plant-Tone to provide ongoing, slow-release nutrients that support steady growth and healthy blooms. It’s part of a long-term care strategy, whereas Bio-Tone focuses on strong starts.
What Are Mycorrhizae (and Why Should You Care)?
You might be wondering about that tricky word on the Bio-Tone label: mycorrhizae.
Mycorrhizae are beneficial fungi that form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots. The word literally means “fungus root” in Greek. Don’t let the word “fungus” scare you—these organisms are some of the most valuable allies your plants can have. They help roots absorb water and nutrients more efficiently, making plants more resilient and vigorous.
But here’s the key: mycorrhizae and synthetic fertilizers do not mix.
If you apply a synthetic fertilizer (like Miracle-Gro or Jack’s Classic) after introducing mycorrhizal fungi, it can kill the fungi and undo all the good work you just started. So once you commit to using Bio-Tone, stick with an organic program for all future feedings.
Organic Fertilizing Tips
There are many excellent organic fertilizers you can use alongside Bio-Tone and Plant-Tone to feed your garden without harming beneficial soil life. Some favorites include:
- Fish emulsion
- Seaweed extract
- Seedlingers Fertilixir (our personal favorite!)
When Should You Fertilize?
A good rule of thumb: when your plants begin waking up from dormancy, it’s time to feed. Whether you’re planting something new or tending to established beds, feeding at the right time gives your plants a strong start to the growing season.
Whenever that season begins for you, make sure Bio-Tone is in the hole at planting time and Plant-Tone is ready to support ongoing growth.
Stop by The Great Big Greenhouse in Richmond to pick up everything you need for healthy, steady growth all season long.
PLANT A LITTLE HAPPINESS!!!!!!
Doug,
Looking for more info on your Fertelixer. How is it used? What size coverage of veggie garden will I get from 1 gallon? How often do yourecommeed re-application? Thanks
Is the Bio Tone only to be used when first planting flowers? Can it be used for anything else? I bought it and used it when planting my annuals and have a mostly full bag left.
Thank you
Lisa
Lisa,
Good Morning. Very good question.
Yes, Bio Tone is only used down inside the hole at the time of planting. It needs to come into direct contact with the plant roots. Bio Tone dies ifr exposed on top of the ground. Bio Tone will keep. Keep it dry. In a garage or shed would work out well. With all future feedings you want to stay organic so using Espoma Garden Tone or Plant Tone are good choices. Doug
Can you use bio tone starter plus on succulents?
Jamie,
I have been educated on Bio-Tone with that it can be used with all plants – including succulents. Good question. Doug
Can you use Bio-tone plant starter when planting in the fall?
Heather,
Absolutely!!! Bio-tone is an organic product that with the mycorrhizae is a root stimulator. You want to stimulate more root growth with all fall plantings. Personally, I would suggest using it anytime of the year with all plantings. Doug
Would Biotone work for a soil blocking mix?
Wanda,
Good Morning.
Biotone is a natural organic product that stimulates root growth. I am not sure what you are asking about a “soil blocking mix”. If you are asking if you can add Biotone to this mix then my answer is yes. Doug
Will dogs be harmed if they eat Bio-Tome?
Our dog nibbled Bio-Tome off the surface of the ground around a large tree that was planted in our yard a month ago. She has had little appetite and GI trouble ever since.
Glenn,
Good Morning.
Sorry to read this about your dog. To be honest I wasn’t sure exactly if Bio-tone is toxic to animals. So I googled Espoma Bio-tone. You may want to do the same. What I read is that it could cause digestive problems. What I read is the ingredients, in its raw form, can be toxic. But,these ingredients broken down into Bio-tone is not considered strong enough to be considered toxic. Please read up on Bio-tone. Just to let you know, Bio-tone is not for topical spread around plants. It needs to be applied inside the hole and come in direct contact with the plants’ root system at the time of being planted. Bio-tone is a root stimulater. To be one the safe side, you may want to take your dog to see a veterinarian just to be on the safe side of things. I hope all will be well soon. Doug
Can I use bio tone in potting mix that contains fertilizer?
Joan,
Good Morning.
Bio-tone is a great product for stimulating root growth and developing healthy and thriving plants. I need to know what is the “fertilizer” in the potting mix. Bio-tone is organic and you need to stay organic with all future fertilizing. Switching to a synthetic fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, will kill the performance of bio-tone. I hope I explained myself clearly. If not, get back in touch. Thanks, Doug
Glen, my dogs eat all of the espoma products. I’ve had to stop using it within our fenced yard. Someone at my local garden center told me the bone meal is like candy for dogs. They had no permanent issues but one of the dogs had elevated liver levels fir a bit. She us fine now.
Carrie,
Good Morning.
First and foremost – I am so glad that your dog is ok. Yes, animals do seem to like the Espoma products to lick and roll in. It is an all natural product so I guess it stands to reason why dogs may like these products. My advice, just be careful when using. Maybe use it under mulch. Maybe having mulch on top will reduce the interest. Doug
How long is bio start good for? When should I reapply another fertilizer?
Thanks
Rick,
Good Morning.
Bio-tone will continue to work and grow the beneficial fungi in the ground as long as it stays active. Since it is an organic product then you need to stay organic with all future feedings of the plant(s). As a personal example – I just potted up my 3 tomato plants last week using biotone in the hole. Yesterday, I did a topical feeding using Espoma Tomato Tone. My point being you can feed anytime now. Doug
I forgot to add Bio-tone when planting my hostas this spring. Can I dig them up and add it to the hole and replant them now?
Good Morning,
Now that we are at the end of May and we are warming up more and more, I would rather you let them be because they are acclimating and rooting in as they grow. Let’s not disturb this process. One thing that you could do now, as a substitute to BioTone is to feed them with some Plant Tone. Enjoy your Memorial Weekend. Regards, Doug
Can I use bio-tone fertilizer with top soil and compost
Breane,
Good Morning.
Yes, you can use the ESPOMA BIO-TONE product with top soil and compost. Just be aware that Bio-Tone is a root stimulater. Bio-Tone is applied inside the hole at the bottom of the hole so that it comes into direct contact with the plants’ roots. You don’t use Bio-Tone as a top dressing type fertilizer. Doug
I used bio-tone mixed with water to water my vegetable garden. I didn’t realize it was only for new plantings. Will this harm my established plants?
Rhiammon,
Good Morning. No, your plants are not being hurt. Bio-tone is organic and is adding the beneficial fungi to the soil. Now that you have existing vegetables plants you may want to consider switching your feeding to Espoma Tomato Tone which is excellent for vegetables and it has calcium which are plants need. Thank you for this message. Doug
Good Morning Doug. Are you able to use Espoma Bio-tone Starter Plus when newly planting annuals and perennials in containers?
ABSOLUTELY!!!!!! Bio-tone is a great starter fertilizer for all plants in a container. I do it with all my container plantings. This fall, when I pull out my summer blooming annuals, I will use Bio-Tone when I plant my pansies and snapdragons. Thank you for taking the time to send me your question. Happy Planting, Doug