Date: 29 Jul 2019
When to fertilize and prune tropical fruit trees?
Q: Can tropical fruit trees (Soursop, Mango, Star fruit, etc) be given plant food any time of year? Also can they be trimmed this time of year/summer?
A: True tropical plants (including fruit trees) need plant food most of the year in real Tropics, where temperatures have very little fluctuations, and active growth season is close to 12 months a year. In subtropical areas when temperatures in winter drop below 65F, plant metabolism slows down, so it is recommended to fertilize only during the warmest period (March through November). So yes, Summer is the perfect time for fertilizing your trees; their metabolism is at the highest point and they can use more food!
Trim your fruit trees right after harvesting. Obviously, you don't want to prune branches before or during flowering or fruiting. The specific time of the year for pruning depends on the plant - every tree has its own flowering/fruiting season. However, avoid pruning right before winter: young shoots promoted by pruning are tender and can be cold damaged.
Recommended fertilizers for fruit trees:
Fruit Festival Plant Food - Super Crop Booster
Mango-Food - Smart Release Fruit Tree Booster
SUNSHINE-Honey - for sweeter fruit
SUNSHINE SuperFood - microelement supplement
Date: 8 Jun 2019
10 trees to graduate
A new law hopes to fix deforestation and teach young people about
environmental stewardship. Students in the Philippines now have a final requirement
in order to graduate from school: they must plant 10 trees. The new law,
which came into effect on May 15, 2019, will apply to graduates from elementary
and high schools, and college or university.
With 12 million kids graduating from elementary school, 5 million from
high school, and 500 thousand from university every year, that means 175
million trees will be planted annually! Over the course of a generation, that
will mean 525 billion trees, although Alejano has said that even if only 10
percent of the trees survived, that's still an impressive 525 million in a
generation!
It sounds like the Philippines has introduced a wonderful program that
other countries would do well to emulate. Anything that gives young people a
sense of connection and responsibility for the natural environment bodes well
for its future... Continue reading...
See Tropical Treasures article: How to Plant a Tree (pdf file)
.
Date: 31 Jul 2024
Why we want to plant a tree today
Code red: Study reveals
human degradation of tropical forests
is greater than previously estimated
This summer has been scorching hot across the globe, with every summer month breaking temperature records in recorded history.
Have you ever wondered what kind of natural world your children or grandchildren will inherit? Will they grow up surrounded by lush forests and greenery, or will they only know cities made of metal and concrete?
Tropical forests are super important for biodiversity and fighting climate change, but humans are messing them up more than we thought. Using fancy tech from the International Space Station, scientists found that human activities like logging and road-building are degrading these forests a lot. Even edges of forests are suffering, reducing canopy height and biomass significantly. This degradation is often overlooked, even though it has a huge impact on carbon emissions and biodiversity loss.
Planting trees in your yard, or even better, several trees, helps combat this problem by restoring some of the lost biodiversity and absorbing carbon dioxide. Plus, it's a fun way to make your space greener and contribute to a healthier planet!
Together, we've planted over 15,000 trees this year!
This year at TopTropicals, we have planted quite a few trees. Let's
see...
- 44 mango trees planted at our BFarm...
- 49 tropical fruit trees
- 127 flowering trees and shrubs... (special thanks to Mick and Aurelio)
- 15,282 plants were ordered and, hopefully, planted by our customers this
year so far...
Join us. Plant a tree today to make the difference!
"Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago." - Warren Buffett
Date: 23 Sep 2024
Ten
top fruiting plants you'll ever need
for your health benefits
Q: I planted Mango and Avocado trees, and I still have room for more trees but want to use the space wisely. What other trees should I plant to get the most benefits out of the fruit?
A: Everyone loves planting Mango or Avocado trees for their well-known benefits. But did you know that adding a variety of other fruit trees to your garden can expand those benefits even more? If you plant just one of each of these 10 trees, you'll have a complete spectrum of nutrients and health-boosting ingredients you ever need. With a diverse range of healthy fruits, you'll boost your diet, improve your health, and elevate your lifestyle. Let's check out the TOP TEN most rewarding and useful fruit...
1. Guava
Guava is rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and helps protect
against colds and infections.
Guava helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it a good option for people
with diabetes.
Its potassium content helps maintain healthy blood pressure.
Guava's antioxidants, like lycopene and vitamin C, contribute to glowing
skin and may reduce the risk of cancer.
Guava is eaten fresh, made into juices, jams, and jellies, or added to
desserts and smoothies.
2. Coffee
Coffee is widely enjoyed as a beverage and is used in various desserts and
drinks.
It is rich in antioxidants, which may reduce inflammation and lower the
risk of chronic diseases.
It improves focus and mental alertness due to its caffeine content.
Coffee boosts metabolism and aid in fat burning, supporting weight
management.
3. Noni
Noni
is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce joint
pain and arthritis symptoms.
Fresh noni fruit and juice are popular in traditional herbal medicine and
drinks.
It boosts the immune system due to its rich vitamin C content.
Noni juice is used traditionally to improve digestion and fight infections.
4. Papaya
Papaya is a popular ingredient in salads, smoothies, and tropical desserts.
It contains enzymes like papain that aid digestion and reduce bloating.
It is high in vitamin C and vitamin A, the antioxidants in papaya may
protect against heart disease and reduce cancer risk.
5. Banana
Bananas
are rich in potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure and supports
heart health.
They provide a quick source of energy and are great for post-workout
recovery.
The fiber in bananas aids digestion and promotes gut health.
East them fresh, add to smoothies, bake into breads and desserts, or use in
various savory dishes.
6. Dragon fruit
Dragon
fruit is often used in smoothies, fruit salads, and refreshing drinks.
It is high in fiber, aiding digestion and promoting gut health.
Low in calories and packed with nutrients, it's great for weight
management.
7. Tamarind
Tamarind is a common ingredient in sauces, chutneys, and beverages.
Rich in antioxidants, it protects the liver and reduces inflammation.
It contains natural compounds that help lower cholesterol and improve heart
health.
Tamarind has a mild laxative effect, aiding digestion and relieving
constipation.
8. Loilita (Surinam) Cherry
Surinam cherry is rich
in vitamin C, boosting the immune system and skin health.
Its antioxidants reduce inflammation and protect against free radical
damage.
It contains fiber, which supports healthy digestion.
Surinam cherries are used in jams, sauces, and desserts or eaten fresh.
9. Nescafe
Nescafe - Mucuna pruriens - is used in herbal supplements or ground into powder for teas and health drinks.
It is known for its potential to boost dopamine levels, improving mood and reducing stress.
It supports cognitive function, muscle growth and increases energy levels.
10. Loquat
Loquat are very popular and are eaten fresh or used in making jams, jellies, pies, and fruit salads.
Loquat is rich in vitamin A, supporting eye health.
It contains antioxidants that help fight inflammation and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
The fiber in loquats aids digestion and helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
By planting these 10 diverse fruit trees, you'll not only enjoy a delicious and abundant harvest but also ensure your garden provides all the nutrients needed for a healthier, more vibrant life.
Date: 29 Sep 2024
Discover three must-have fruit
for every tropical garden
Q: I love tropical fruit and want to plant all of them but I have room for only a couple of trees. Help me make the best selection.
A: Here is your perfect list for 2+ fruiting plants: every tropical garden must have a Mango Tree, an Avocado Tree, and - you can plant as many as you want - Pineapples! And here is why...
1. Pineapple
Pineapple is a tropical favorite that's incredibly easy to grow, making it a perfect choice for beginners. With minimal care, Pineapples don't take mush space, you can grown them underneath other fruit trees. Plant good varieties, and when you get your crop, plant the tops and you will have your little Pineapple plantation in no time: you'll enjoy sweet, juicy fruit from those little babies in about 18-24 months. Freshly harvested pineapples are delightful in smoothies, salads, or grilled, adding a tropical flair to your garden.
2. Mango
Mango trees are not only a staple in tropical gardens but are also easy to cultivate. They flourish in sunny spots and well-drained soil, requiring little maintenance once established. These vigorous trees can yield an abundance of juicy, flavorful fruit in just a few years. They are perfect for fresh eating or adding to salsas and chutneys. Condo varieties are dwarf trees and can be grown in containers.
3. Avocado
Avocado trees are fun to grow and add both beauty and nutrition to tropical gardens. Grafted cultivars start yielding fruit within a few months with proper care. The rich, creamy avocados are a culinary favorite, perfect for salads, spreads, and smoothies. With their lush foliage and bountiful harvests, avocado trees are a fantastic choice for gardeners looking for ease and abundance.
