What Espoma Organic does

Espoma Organic is a family-owned manufacturer of organic fertilizers, lawn-care products, and potting mixes, founded in 1929 in Millville, New Jersey, and currently led by the founder's grandson, CEO Jeremy Brunner. The company's core product line is the "Tone" family of organic plant foods — including Plant-tone, Holly-tone, Tomato-tone, Tree-tone, and specialty formulations such as Citrus-tone and Palm-tone — supplemented by Espoma organic soils, potting mixes, Bio-tone professional products, liquid plant foods, and single-ingredient organic inputs. Technical differentiators include proprietary Bio-tone beneficial-microbe blends, Myco-tone mycorrhizae formulations, USDA BioPreferred and CDFA organic certifications, solar-powered manufacturing, and plant-based packaging derived from sugarcane.

Espoma sells through a B2B2C model, distributing its products to home gardeners via major national retailers — Home Depot, Lowe's, Walmart, Ace Hardware, True Value, Tractor Supply, and Amazon — alongside independent garden centers, while serving professional landscapers and growers through the Bio-tone line. Manufacturing is anchored at a 12,500-square-foot Millville, NJ headquarters and a new 60,000-square-foot, 260-million-pound-capacity facility in Hegins, Pennsylvania, opened in 2025. The business model is one-time consumable product sales at unit prices ranging from small bagged SKUs to bulk 50-pound professional sizes, with no subscription or recurring-revenue component disclosed; the company is privately held and does not publish revenue.

Name

Espoma Organic

Legal name

The Espoma Company

Website

https://espoma.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1929

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Espoma Organic is a family-owned, Millville, New Jersey-based manufacturer of organic fertilizers, potting mixes, and Bio-tone professional products, founded in 1929 and sold across Home Depot, Lowe's, Walmart, Ace, True Value, Tractor Supply, Amazon, and independent garden centers nationwide.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Organic Garden Fertilizers and Soil Mixes

NAICS

Pesticide, Fertilizer, and Other Agricultural Chemical Manufacturing (3253), Fertilizer and Compost Manufacturing (32531), Fertilizer (Mixing Only) Manufacturing (325314)

SIC

Agricultural Chemicals (2870)

akta.pro primary industry

Biofertilizers & Microbial Inoculants (IMAEAEAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Turf & Ornamental Specialty Fertilizers (Golf, Sports Turf, Landscaping) (AFABACAM), Liquid Specialty Fertilizers (Suspensions, Solutions, UAN Blends) (AFABACAF), Specialty Fertilizers for Horticulture & Controlled Environment (Greenhouse, Hydroponic, Nursery) (AFABACAL)

Keywords

• Organic fertilizers
• Potting soil mixes
• Garden plant foods
• Lawn care products
• Soil amendments

Headquarters

HQ city

Millville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Organic Fertilizer Sales: Sale of Tone family organic fertilizers (Plant-tone, Holly-tone, Tree-tone, Garden-tone, Rose-tone, Bulb-tone, Tomato-tone, Flower-tone, Citrus-tone, Palm-tone, Iron-tone, Turf-tone, Bio-tone) in various sizes from 4 lb to 50 lb bags
2. Soil Mix Sales: Sale of potting mixes, garden soils, and amendments including Potting Mix, Raised Bed Mix, Cactus Mix, Orchid Mix, Seed Starter, Lawn Soil, and specialty blends
3. Liquid Fertilizer Sales: Sale of liquid plant food products including Bloom!, Grow!, Indoor!, Tomato!, Orchid!, Cactus!, and Violet! formulations
4. Single Ingredient Products: Sale of 100% natural and organic single-ingredient products including alfalfa meal, blood meal, bone meal, chicken manure, kelp meal, rock phosphate, soil acidifier, garden gypsum, and garden lime
5. Conventional Fertilizer Sales: Sale of conventional (non-organic) fast-acting fertilizers including Garden Food 5-10-5, Garden Food 10-10-10, Potash, Triple Phosphate, and Urea for gardeners requiring immediate nutrient response

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels13 records

Core offering

Espoma Organic manufactures and sells organic and conventional fertilizers, potting mixes, and soil amendments for home gardeners and professional landscapers. Its portfolio includes the Tone family of granular fertilizers (Plant-tone, Holly-tone, Tree-tone, Bulb-tone, Garden-tone, Rose-tone, Tomato-tone, Flower-tone, Citrus-tone, Palm-tone, Iron-tone, Azalea-tone, Berry-tone, Evergreen-tone, Bio-tone Starter Plus), a complete line of soil mixes and amendments (potting mix, raised bed mix, cactus mix, orchid mix, seed starter, lawn soil, composts, earthworm castings, peat moss, perlite), the Turf-tone lawn care line, liquid plant foods (Bloom!, Grow!, Indoor!, Tomato!, Cactus!, Orchid!, Violet!), single-ingredient organic amendments, and conventional fast-acting fertilizers. Products are enhanced with proprietary Bio-tone beneficial microbes and Myco-tone mycorrhizae, manufactured at 100% solar-powered facilities in Millville, NJ and Hegins, PA.

Product overview

Espoma Organic is a family-owned manufacturer of organic fertilizers and soil products founded in 1929. The company offers a diversified portfolio organized into six main product lines: (1) Garden Fertilizers (the 'Tone' family including Plant-tone, Holly-tone, Tree-tone, Bulb-tone, Garden-tone, Rose-tone, Tomato-tone, Flower-tone, and specialty tones for azaleas, berries, citrus, palms, evergreens, and iron); (2) Soil Mixes (potting mixes, garden soils, raised bed mixes, and specialty mixes for cacti, orchids, African violets, and seed starting); (3) Lawn Fertilizers (Turf-tone line including All Season, Weed Preventer, Lawn Starter, and Fall Winterizer, plus Lightning Lime and Espoma Lawn Food); (4) Liquid Fertilizers (Bloom!, Grow!, Indoor!, Tomato!, Cactus!, Orchid!, and Violet! with Easy Measure cap); (5) Single Ingredients (alfalfa meal, blood meal, bone meal, kelp meal, rock phosphate, cottonseed meal, and soil amendments); and (6) Conventional Fertilizers (fast-acting synthetic blends for gardeners needing immediate results). All organic products are enhanced with proprietary Bio-tone beneficial microbes and/or Myco-tone mycorrhizae. The company manufactures in solar-powered facilities in Millville, NJ and Hegins, PA.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Plant-tone The original all-purpose organic plant food. A rich blend of natural and organic ingredients enhanced with humates and Bio-tone beneficial microbes, for annuals, perennials, vegetables, trees, and shrubs.
• Holly-tone The #1 organic fertilizer for acid-loving plants including azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, blueberries, and hollies. Contains elemental sulfur to help acidify soil and is enhanced with Bio-tone beneficial microbes.
• Tree-tone Organic fertilizer for all shade, fruit, and ornamental trees. Rich blend of natural and organic ingredients enhanced with humates and Bio-tone beneficial microbes; marketed as the #1 choice for fruit and shade trees for over 50 years.
• Bulb-tone Organic plant food for all spring and fall bulbs including tulips, daffodils, crocus, and hyacinths. Produces bigger and more colorful blooms.
• Garden-tone The organic fertilizer choice for feeding herbs and vegetables. A rich blend enhanced with humates and Bio-tone beneficial microbes; #1 choice for growing vegetables for over 60 years.
• Rose-tone Organic fertilizer formulated specifically for roses; provides nutrients for blooms and healthy growth.
• Tomato-tone Organic fertilizer specifically formulated for tomato growers, designed to produce plump, juicy tomatoes.
• Flower-tone Ninth Tone product, specially formulated for annuals and perennials; low in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus and potash to promote blooming.
• Citrus-tone Organic fertilizer for citrus plants, added to the product line in 2007 for southern tropical markets.
• Palm-tone Organic fertilizer for palm trees, added to the product line in 2007 for southern tropical markets.
• Iron-tone All-natural organic product that turns yellow plants green without staining concrete surfaces. 12th addition to the Tone family.
• Azalea-tone Specialized organic fertilizer formulated for azaleas and rhododendrons, part of the acid-loving plant product line.
• Berry-tone Organic fertilizer formulated for berry plants including blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries.
• Evergreen-tone Organic fertilizer for evergreen trees and shrubs including pines, spruces, firs, and junipers.
• Bio-tone Starter Plus Professional-grade organic starter fertilizer enhanced with beneficial microbes. Originally part of the Bio-tone family for the professional landscape market, later added to the consumer line as one of the most popular products.
• Organic Potting Mix Premium potting mix for indoor and outdoor container gardening, crafted with a rich blend of natural ingredients and enhanced with Myco-tone mycorrhizae for strong roots.
• All-Purpose Garden Soil Nutrient-rich garden soil for in-ground plantings, enhanced with earthworm castings, alfalfa meal, kelp meal, and Myco-tone mycorrhizae.
• Raised Bed Mix Specially formulated soil mix for raised bed gardening with a rich blend of natural ingredients optimized for container and raised bed growing.
• Cactus Mix Fast-draining soil mix specially formulated for cacti and succulents, ensuring proper drainage and air circulation.
• Orchid Mix Bark-based mix for orchid growing, providing optimal drainage and air circulation for epiphytic plants.
• African Violet Mix Soil mix specially formulated for African violets and other gesneriads, providing moisture retention and proper drainage.
• Organic Seed Starter Fine-textured mix designed for starting seeds and rooting cuttings, providing optimal conditions for germination.
• Lawn Soil Premium soil mix for lawn establishment and repair.
• Vegetable & Flower Garden Soil Nutrient-rich soil specifically formulated for vegetable and flower gardens, enhanced with organic amendments.
• Land & Sea Gourmet Compost Premium compost blend combining land-based and sea-based ingredients, rich in organic matter for soil enrichment.
• Peat Moss Organic soil amendment for moisture retention and soil structure improvement.
• Perlite Volcanic glass additive for improved soil drainage and aeration.
• Earthworm Castings 100% pure earthworm castings for natural soil enrichment, rich in beneficial microorganisms and nutrients.
• Cow Manure with Aged Forest Products Aged cow manure blended with forest products for soil enrichment.
• Horticultural Charcoal Horticultural charcoal for soil amendment and drainage improvement.
• Mushroom Compost Blend Compost blend featuring mushroom compost for soil amendment and enrichment.
• Turf-tone All Season Lawn Food Premium organic lawn fertilizer for year-round lawn care. Part of the Turf-tone line for thick, greener turf.
• Turf-tone Weed Preventer Organic weed prevention for lawns; prevents weeds while feeding grass naturally.
• Turf-tone Lawn Starter Organic fertilizer for establishing new lawns that helps roots establish quickly.
• Turf-tone Fall Winterizer Fall lawn fertilizer for winter preparation that helps lawns survive cold months.
• Lightning Lime Fast-acting lime product for raising soil pH, part of the lawn care program.
• Espoma Lawn Food General organic lawn fertilizer from the Espoma brand.
• Bloom! Liquid Plant Food Liquid fertilizer for flowering plants, enhanced with kelp extracts, humic acids, and beneficial microbes for bigger blooms.
• Grow! Liquid Plant Food General-purpose liquid plant food for vigorous growth; fast-acting nutrition for indoor and outdoor plants.
• Indoor! Liquid Plant Food Liquid fertilizer specifically formulated for houseplants; easy-to-use concentrate.
• Tomato! Liquid Plant Food Liquid fertilizer for tomatoes and vegetables; fast-acting formula for abundant harvests.
• Cactus! Liquid Plant Food Liquid fertilizer for cacti and succulents.
• Orchid! Liquid Plant Food Liquid fertilizer for orchids with specialized nutrition for epiphytic plants.
• Violet! Liquid Plant Food Liquid fertilizer for African violets and flowering houseplants.
• Alfalfa Meal 100% natural organic nitrogen source from alfalfa that adds organic matter and promotes microbial activity.
• Blood Meal High-nitrogen organic fertilizer from dried blood that promotes lush green foliage growth.
• Bone Meal Organic phosphorus source from ground bone that promotes root growth and flowering.
• Kelp Meal Organic fertilizer from dried kelp, rich in micronutrients and growth hormones.
• Rock Phosphate Slow-release organic phosphorus source that promotes root development and flowering.
• Cottonseed Meal Organic nitrogen source from cottonseed that adds organic matter and slightly acidifies soil.
• Chicken Manure Aged chicken manure for soil enrichment, adds organic matter and nutrients.
• Soil Acidifier Lowers soil pH for acid-loving plants like blueberries, azaleas, and rhododendrons.
• Garden Gypsum Natural calcium and sulfur source for soil improvement that helps loosen clay soil without changing pH.
• Garden Lime Natural soil amendment to raise pH and reduce soil acidity.
• Greenrock Natural calcium source for soil amendment and pH adjustment.
• Compost Starter Organic compost accelerator to speed decomposition, containing beneficial microorganisms.
• Soil Perfector Soil amendment for improving drainage and aeration in heavy soils.
• Garden Food 5-10-5 Conventional fast-acting fertilizer blend with 5% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 5% potassium.
• Garden Food 10-10-10 Balanced conventional fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
• Potash 0-0-60 High-potassium conventional fertilizer for fruit and flower development.
• Triple Phosphate 0-45-0 High-phosphorus conventional fertilizer for root growth and flowering.
• Urea 45-0-0 High-nitrogen conventional fertilizer for rapid green growth.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 95 years of proven results in organic gardening
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• National Garden Clubs (NGC)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 October 2025Plant America grant program partnership providing up to $250 in Espoma products to selected garden clubs with vision projects. Grant applications accepted October 1, 2025 through May 31, 2026, with up to 20 clubs selected for 2026.
• Garden Answer (Laura LeBoutillier)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand partnership with YouTube gardening influencer Laura LeBoutillier who has over 6 million social fans. She produces inspirational and educational gardening videos featuring Espoma products, with thousands of videos published since founding the channel over a decade ago.
• Summer Rayne Oakes (Flock Finger Lakes, Plant One On Me)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand partnership with Summer Rayne Oakes, famous for growing over 1,000 houseplants in Brooklyn. She produces content for two YouTube channels covering houseplants, home tours, botanical field trips, outdoor gardening, landscaping, agroforestry, and permaculture. Also created Houseplant Masterclass and author of plant care books.
• Growing Joy with Maria (Maria Failla)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand partnership with Maria Failla, host of top Home & Garden/Houseplant & Gardening podcast. Former 'Plant Killer Turned Plant Lady' who interviews plant care experts and has written 'Growing Joy: The Plant Lover's Guide to Cultivating Happiness (and Plants)'.
• Wyse Guide (Kaleb Wyse)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand partnership with Kaleb Wyse, fourth-generation family farmer from Iowa with degrees in business and accounting. Creates instructional videos, recipes, and home gardening tips through Wyse Guide platform.
• Farmer Nick (Nick Cutsumpas)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand partnership with Nick Cutsumpas, 'plantrepreneur' and plant coach who is a full-time landscape designer, author, and environmentalist. Appeared on Netflix's 'The Big Flower Fight' and 'Instant Dream Home', creator of Farmer Nick Jr. educational show for kids.
• Skye Hamilton (Hamilton House)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerBrand partnership with Skye Hamilton, known as the 'Hydrangea Queen', self-taught backyard gardener and former interior designer. Creates bite-sized, info-packed content blending education with entertainment about gardening, home design, and DIY renovations.
• Professional Potting Soil MarketminorOthersEspoma participates in the professional potting soil market projected to grow from USD 1.8 billion in 2025 to USD 3.0 billion by 2035, driven by demand in horticulture, landscaping, and urban farming with sustainability trends favoring organic products.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Dr. Earth: California-based organic fertilizer and soil manufacturer specializing in probiotic and OMRI-listed organic inputs. Competes directly with Espoma's Tone family and soil mixes in independent garden centers and natural-foods retail channels.
• Whitney Farms: Organic-based lawn and garden fertilizer brand originally launched by Scotts Miracle-Gro and now positioned as a natural/organic alternative. Competes directly with Espoma's Turf-tone and Tone family at big-box retail.
• Black Gold: Brand of Sun Gro Horticulture producing organic potting mixes, garden soils, and amendments. Sells through the same Home Depot, Lowe's, and independent garden center channels as Espoma's soil mix line.
• Bonide Products: Manufacturer of organic and conventional lawn, garden, and pest-control products sold through independent garden centers and regional retailers. Competes with Espoma on organic inputs in the same independent channel.
• FoxFarm Soil & Fertilizer Company: Premium organic potting soils, fertilizers, and liquid nutrients sold through independent garden centers and hydroponic retailers. Directly comparable to Espoma's premium soil mix and Tone family positioning.
• Jobes Organics: The organic fertilizer line of The Jobe's Company, offering spikes, granulars, and water-soluble plant foods. Sells through Home Depot, Lowe's, and Walmart alongside Espoma and targets similar home-gardener and specialty-plant use cases.
• Down To Earth All Natural Fertilizers: Oregon-based manufacturer of natural and organic fertilizers, soil amendments, and single-ingredient inputs (alfalfa meal, blood meal, kelp meal). Overlaps with Espoma's single-ingredient and Tone product lines.

Broad incumbents

• BioAdvanced (SBM Life Science): Lawn-and-garden chemical brand of SBM Life Science covering fertilizer, weed control, and pest management. Comparable to Espoma on retail distribution and the Turf-tone weed-preventer and lawn fertilizer SKUs.
• Miracle-Gro Performance Organics: The organic sub-line of the Miracle-Gro brand, sold across mass retail and grocery. Closest direct big-box rival to Espoma's Tone family for entry-level organic gardeners.
• Scotts Miracle-Gro Company: The dominant US lawn and garden consumer-products company with the Miracle-Gro, Scotts, and Ortho brands. It competes with Espoma across organic and synthetic fertilizer, soil, and lawn care categories, and possesses dramatically larger marketing, retail, and R&D resources.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/espoma
• Facebookfacebook.com/EspomaOrganic
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-espoma-company

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Espoma Organic