Date: 30 Mar 2016
Spring time fun: fertilizing and pruning
Q: When is a proper time to start fertilizing my garden in Spring? Also, when can I cut back cold damaged branches? Should I wait until end of April?
A: As a rule of thumb, fertilizer can be applied during period of active growth, when a plant needs additional nutrients. With indoor plants, you can fertilize pretty much year round as long as the plant continues growing and not dormant. For in-ground tropical plants, start fertilizing when new growth appears. In subtropical areas, with cooler winter months, most tropical plants slow down their metabolism when temperature drops below 65F. Many of them become dormant, and may even lose leaves (especially deciduous plants like Annona, or Peaches/Plums
Date: 7 Mar 2016
Black Pepper Vine - grow a real spice at home!
Q: What plants are used for commercial production of black pepper, red pepper, and green pepper? I started organic garden and would like to try growing pepper. I live in Georgia, will it survive here?
A: Pungent and aromatic Pepper is grown in Southern India since more than two thousand years, has always been much valued all over the world. Along with other spices from India and lands farther east, it changed the course of world history. Depending on harvest time and processing, peppercorns can be black, white, green and red (reddish-brown). So, the same fruit is also used to produce white pepper, red/pink pepper, and green pepper. The pungency is strongest in white pepper and weakest in green pepper, while black and green pepper are more aromatic than the white one.
The vine can be easily grown in a pot on a trellis, in mild (frost-free) climates it can be grown in the ground providing a tree support. Try growing this legendary plant and taste the real spice!
For more info, see article about Black Pepper.
Date: 4 Mar 2016
Growing from seeds
Q: What is the best time to start tropical plants from seeds? Should I wait till summer?
A: Traditionally, people prefer sowing seeds in spring, especially temperate species for vegetable garden: tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers...
When dealing with tropical plants, you may want to start your babies indoors, providing additional heating when needed. If you keep your living space around 75F (ideal for many species), this is a perfect temperature to get your seeds started. Tropical plants are not like annual tomatoes that try to grow through the season as fast as possible. They may take time. So the sooner you start, the more chances to get small seedlings just in time when spring air outside is warm enough - at least in 70's F.
A great advantage of starting tropical seeds indoors is controlled temperature and moisture. In the plant world, environment extremes are not good for germination process. Mild conditions of your home or a greenhouse create better chances for successful growth. Seeds won't get overheated in hot summer sun, and won't get rotten because of a sudden heavy rain. Just keep in mind that some species require light for good germination. Using an old fish tank or covering with plastic wrap will help to keep constant humidity.
Date: 22 Sep 2025
Shana Tova from TopTropicals PeopleCats!
Cat Macaron in Jewish hat
Cat Jim II in Jewish hat
🍯 Shana Tova from TopTropicals PeopleCats!
🐈📸 Cats Macaron and Jim II are celebrating Jewish New Year 5786 at PeopleCats.Garden
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Date: 20 Sep 2025
The more you learn - the more treats you earn
Cat Macaron and the Books at TopTropicals
Cat Macaron on a sunny window
💻 The more you learn - the more treats you earn
"Hit the books, human, study hard, work harder! Somebody’s gotta bring home the tuna. Remember, the more you learn - the more treats you earn. I'll stay here supervising from the sunshine."
🐈📸 Cat Macaron and the Books at TopTropicals PeopleCats.Garden.
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