Smokey: Work first. Celebrations later. Sunshine: I am celebrating efficient workflow. Smokey: Impressive. Somehow your workflow smells like
tacos. Sunshine: I assembled mango tacos. Join my festivities.
Cinco de Mayo has a way of sneaking up the right way. The weather
settles, the evenings stretch a little longer, and suddenly everything moves
outside -
plants, people, and whatever happens to be for lunch. It is the kind of day
where you stay out longer than planned, something cold is sweating on the
table,
and dinner becomes whatever sounds good.
This year, it was mango tacos. Not a recipe we planned - just a few ripe
mangoes that needed a purpose and the kind of lazy
inspiration that shows up around 5pm in the garden. Nothing complicated.
Just something warm from the pan and a quick assembly that somehow feels
like a celebration.
It's funny how a good meal can send you down a rabbit hole. One bite of
something fresh and you start wondering where it came from, whether you
could grow it yourself, and how much better it might taste if you did.
That is really the point. A small shift from planning to picking, where
the line between the garden and the kitchen starts to blur. If you are
growing fruit, or thinking about it, this is your reminder: the best meals
usually start about ten feet from your back
door.
Q: Can I grow an olive tree in Florida and have
my own olives? How long does it take to fruit?
A:Olive trees can indeed thrive and fruit in various regions of Florida.
Their adaptability to different climates makes them suitable for the state's
diverse conditions. In the northern and central parts of Florida olive trees
can flourish.
Easy to grow. Olive trees prefer well-drained soil, and they
thrive in full sun, which Florida offers in abundance. While they may not produce
as prolifically as in their native Mediterranean habitats, with proper care
and suitable varieties, such as Arbequina, Coratina and Leccino, you can
still enjoy a bountiful harvest.
Cold hardy. One advantage of olive trees in Florida is their cold
hardiness. They can withstand occasional frosts and freezes, particularly
when they are mature.
Heat- and drought-tolerant. Olive trees also offer additional
benefits beyond their fruit production. They are drought-tolerant once
established, making them well-suited to Florida's sometimes erratic rainfall patterns.
Beautiful in landscape. Evergreen foliage of olive trees adds
aesthetic appeal to landscapes year-round, and their gnarled trunks and
silvery-green leaves create a Mediterranean ambiance reminiscent of warmer
climates.
Fertilize for quick fruit. Olives will start flowering within 1-2
years of planting, providing regular fertilizing program. We recommend Sunshine Boosters C-Cibus liquid fertilizer, perfect for edibles and
organic gardens.
Symbol of Prosperity. The olive branch has long been revered for
its symbolic significance, representing peace, prosperity, and hope across
cultures and centuries. It transcends mere botanical importance to embody the
enduring power of goodwill.
Healthy Olive Oil. Similarly, olive oil, extracted from these
timeless fruits, has been celebrated not only for its culinary excellence but
also for its remarkable health benefits. Rich in antioxidants and heart-healthy
fats, olive oil has sustained generations with its nourishing properties,
earning it a cherished place in both culinary traditions and holistic wellness
practices worldwide. So, whether adorning Olympic crowns or enriching
Mediterranean cuisine, the olive and its offerings continue to inspire and enrich
our lives with their timeless allure and profound significance.
🌸Dombeya seminole - Tropical Rose Hydrangea: everyone who sees this plant falls in love at first sight. Exceptional rose-pink flower clusters cover the shrub, and butterflies and bees go wild over it. While it is considered a winter bloomer, here at Top Tropicals garden we regularly see it flower multiple times a year, with peak bloom from November through January and surprise blooms the rest of the year.
🌸 Here is how to keep your Dombeya seminole happy and blooming more:
💋 1. Full sun
The more sun it gets, the more flowers it produces. Sun equals bloom power.
💋 2. Adequate water
Dombeyas are heavy drinkers. Regular watering fuels fast growth and heavier flowering.
💋 3. Feed for flowers
Use Sunshine Megaflor bloom booster with regular watering, or apply Green Magic controlled-release fertilizer every 6 months.
💋 4. Trim after flowering
Prune once blooms fade. A bushier plant means more flowering points next season.
💋 5. Give it space
This is a round, airy shrub. Allow at least 6 x 6 ft for good air circulation and even light exposure.
🌸 Quick facts you will appreciate:
💋Often called Tropical Hydrangea because of its hydrangea-like flower clusters
💋Blooms fall through spring, often all winter
💋Reaches about 6-7 ft tall and wide, but can be kept smaller with pruning
💋Thrives in full sun to partial shade and tolerates poor soil
💋An excellent nectar source for butterflies
If you want a beautiful color that refuses to quit, this shrub earns its spotlight.
Aquarius - 1/22 - 2/18.
Aquarius is an AIR sign ruled by odd-ball Uranus.
The water-bearer's plants will often grow in unusual places and may vary in appearance. They often have purple or blue flowers, or may have unusual colors.
The most healing and beneficial plants for Aquarius are the ones that help circulation, relax the nervous system, or promote inspiration. When Uranus was discovered, it replaced Mercury as ruler of Aquarius. Physiologically, Uranus rules the bioelectrical impulses that power the body's nervous system (nervous tension and nervous exhaustion brought on by powerful changes in the environment are related to both Mercury and Uranus). Physically, Aquarius rules the lower legs, the calves, and the ankles, and the electrical impulses that travel through the body's nervous system. The nervous system itself is ruled by Mercury, and Uranus is said to be a "higher octave" of Mercury. Since Uranus was discovered after the correspondences with plants had been established, the herbs used in Aquarius are Mercury herbs. Always difficult to pinpoint, quirky Aquarius appreciates the unusual and complex flavor of star anise. Use this star-shaped spice when you wish to bring happy surprises into your life.
New Video: TopTropicals at TPIE show in Ft Lauderdale. Last week, your friends at Top Tropicals attended the 2017 Tropical Plant International Expo in sunny Ft. Lauderdale Florida. The Expo was an opportunity for Top Tropicals to introduce our SUNSHINE in a Bottle plant boosters as well as to bring a very rare plant Enchanted Incense to the tropical plant market!
Stay updated with TopTropicals Videos by subscribing to our channel at YouTube.com/TopTropicals and get our latest video news of what's fruiting and blooming!
Date: 10 Nov 2022
Fertilizing indoor plants in Winter
What is the best fertilizer for
indoor plants?
Can I fertilize house plants in Winter?
The best fertilizer for indoor plants is liquid fertilizer Sunshine Boosters
(TM). It is amino-acid based, natural, and is safe to use with every watering and year around. Unlike dry fertilizers that are not recommended to use during Winter, Sunshine Boosters formula is mild and scientifically balanced. Your houseplants will consume exactly as much nutrients as they need even during cooler months of less active growth. Sunshine boosters will not burn roots and won't create nutrient lockup (excessive salts that often caused by dry fertilizers). Sunshine Boosters is a perfect food for all kinds of plants, and different boosters available for different plant types (flowering, fruiting, even for orchids). Check out Sunshine Boosters selection.
