Photo above: Christmas time in Ukraine (left) and Florida (right)
Q: Are there any tropical plants that will do well if I order them in Winter?
We just bought a house in New Jersey with a large sunroom, and I can't wait to
fill it with tropical beauties! Should I wait until Spring, or do you have something for a Winter start?
A: This is indeed a very good question, as many tropical plant collectors grow their treasures
outside the tropics. The short answer is - yes! You can start filling your tropical sunroom any time of the year, but some plants
are easier to deal with in Winter than others. Below are some guidelines.
6. Winter plant care. During Winter the daylight is shorter and temperatures are
cooler.
- Reduce watering
- Use only liquid amino-acid based fertilizer Sunshine Boosters (safe to use year around)
- Monitor insects.
7. Shipping in Winter. We ship year around. However, if it gets
below freezing in your area, you may use FedEx Hold location, they are temperature controlled so you don't have
to worry about a box being dropped off at your cold porch outside.
8. A note for mild climate residents. Most tropical plants can be
planted in the ground year around. Some ultra-tropical tender species such
Chocolate tree, Ylang Ylang, or small size Mango trees can be grown in pots until Spring and planted out once
chances of cold spell are gone. Until then, they can be moved indoors for cold
nights.
Think outside the box and bring tropical paradise indoors during the
time when we need warmth the most! Tropical plants will brighten your short winter days and help you to have truly HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Q: I live in the area with cooler winters so I am
keeping my mango tree in a pot. What fertilizer do you recommend for the best growth and fruit production?
A: If you're growing fruit trees in pots, using liquid
fertilizers is a great choice. And when it comes to liquid fertilizers, ones that are based on amino acids are super cool because they're natural and
plants can gobble up all the good stuff without any problems. So, if you have a mango
tree, the absolute star in amino acid-based fertilizers is -
Your tree will be doing a happy dance with this stuff!
Why Sunshine Boosters liquid fertilizers are so
popular?
Here are a few awesome reasons:
1. Speedy nutrients:Sunshine Boosters liquid fertilizers are like a fast pass for plants. They get absorbed by the roots super quick, giving your fruit tree a
speedy delivery of all the nutrients it needs. This is especially great for
potted plants with limited soil space, like those yummy fruit trees.
2. Nutrients for all: Sunshine Boosters are like the fairy godmothers of
nutrients. When you pour them around the base of your tree, they spread out evenly, making sure every bit of the tree
gets its fair share of the good stuff. No nutrient deficiencies allowed!
3. The power of precision: Sunshine Boosters liquid fertilizers and other cool plant supplements let you become a master
mixologist for your plant. You can measure and mix them just right, giving your tree the exact nutrients it craves. It's
like creating a customized cocktail for your tree's taste buds. Try adding the
magic works of SUNSHINE
Microelement Supplement Kit - that improves hardiness, vigor, and production.
4. Leafy goodness: Sunshine Boosters have a secret talent - they can be sprayed directly on the leaves! It's
like giving your tree a refreshing nutrient-packed spa treatment. The leaves slurp up
those nutrients, bypassing any soil limitations. Talk about a VIP treatment!
Remember, while liquid fertilizers are awesome, they work best when you team them up with other good plant care practices. So don't forget to water properly, keep that soil in
tip-top shape, and give your tree plenty of sunshine. With this dream team, your
potted mango tree will thrive and grow like a champ!
Seven reasons to use Sunshine Boosters fertilizers
Now with REDUCED SHIPPING
COST
Q: I used horse manure for my veggies garden but
it caused mold and burned my plants. I've heard of Sunshine boosters as a
good organic alternative. What are the benefits of Sunshine Boosters
fertilizers?
A:Sunshine Boosters fertilizers can be a good choice for gardeners who
want to promote healthy plant growth, while also considering the environment.
The brand offers a wide range of formulations and high-quality ingredients to
meet the specific needs of different types of plants, making it easier for
gardeners to achieve the results they want.
Sunshine Boosters fertilizers are a good choice for several reasons:
1. Improved plant growth: Sunshine Boosters fertilizers contain
essential nutrients that plants need to grow healthy and strong, such as
nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients can help improve plant growth
and increase crop yields.
2. Balanced nutrition: Sunshine Boosters fertilizers are
formulated to provide plants with a balanced ratio of nutrients. This means that the
nutrients are present in the right proportions to promote healthy growth and
development.
3. Environmentally friendly: Sunshine Boosters fertilizers are
made from natural and organic ingredients, which can be beneficial for the
environment. These fertilizers may also be safer for pets and children who may
come into contact with them.
4. High-quality ingredients: Sunshine Boosters fertilizers are
made with high-quality ingredients that are carefully selected to provide the
best possible nutrition for plants. The brand uses a variety of ingredients to
create a well-balanced fertilizer that is suitable for a range of plants.
5. Improved plant health: Sunshine Boosters fertilizers contain a
range of beneficial nutrients, such as micronutrients, amino acids, and
enzymes, which can help to improve overall plant health. This can lead to
stronger plants that are more resistant to pests and diseases.
6. Sustainable and eco-friendly: Sunshine Boosters' fertilizers
are made with natural and organic ingredients, which can be more
environmentally friendly than synthetic fertilizers.
7. Easy to use: Sunshine Boosters fertilizers are easy to use.
The brand also offers detailed instructions and resources on their website to
help gardeners use their fertilizers effectively.
Q: I purchased an avocado tree from local garden centers three
times but every time it dies on me. My neighbor has a nice tree in his yard and
it grows beautifuly. I just purchased one online from you and I need to know
what I was doing wrong? Are there any secrets how to make an Avocado tree
happy? I have a big garden and several mango trees, but no luck with
Avocado...
A:Avocado tree is famous for being such a pain to establish. But once it
starts growing, it's growing! We will share a few simple tricks how to make
it right.
1. Plant high and provide good drainage. Wet feet is number one
reason for failing an avocado tree. It doesn't like wet soil and won't
tolerate soggy conditions. Plant it in the highest spot of your yard and slightly on
a "hill" (3-4"higher than the surrounding ground).
DO NOT plant Avocado tree in low spots or wet spots of your yard. Save
those spots for Cannas or Black Sapote or even a Mango if you want a fruit tree there. 2. Use quality soil. Use only well-drained soil with high content of
organic matter. You may add compost to existing sandy soil, or add some professional potting mix that contains pine bark and perlite. Remove
rocks from the hole if you see any while digging. Dig a big hole and fill it
with a good soil; compact the soil in the hole very well before setting the
root ball. Reminder: plant the tree high! 3. Water regularly. After planting an Avocado tree in a nice high
spot with a good drainage, start watering it... daily! Avocado likes water,
although it doesn't like wet feet! Once you figure out this combination, you've
got the recipe of success. Water by hand daily for the first week after
planting, then twice a week for couple weeks, then once you notice new growth -
you may rely on sprinklers, but keep watching the tree and don't let the soil
over-dry. It must be slightly moist, but not soggy. 4. Fertilize. For such finicky tree, we suggest mild formulas of
fertilizers. Dry fertilizers may burn roots, especially of a young tree. Even
smart-release granulated fertilizers should be used very carefully. The best
way to feed your young avocado tree - get a complete set of Sunshine Boosters Pro system. It has all necessary elements for all
stages of plant development and never burns the roots. Sunshine Boosters Pro can
be used with every watering - no need to guess how much and when. Besides,
it is a natural fertilizer based on amino acids - exactly what you want to use
on your fruit trees and other edibles! 5. Boost immune system of the tree. Apply Sunshine Epi plant hormone every 2 weeks as a foliar spray to boost
immune system and metabolism of the tree and protect it from diseases. Epi makes
plants (especially young plants) grow twice faster! It also enhances effect
of fertilizers by increasing plant metabolism. 6. Do not prune until you see significant growth. The tree is small
and can use as many leaves and branches as possible for photosynthesis and
healthy metabolism. We suggest to avoid pruning for at least the first year. On
the second year your tree most likely will be covered with flowers (assuming
you followed fertilizer program). Let it go through the blooming stage and
setting fruit; prune in Fall after fruiting is over. 7. Keep number of fruit to minimum for the first crop. Don't let the
small tree exhaust itself. Keep just 2-3 fruit to develop. The next year, no
need to control fruit quantity, the tree will develop as many as it can
support. P.S. If you got the tree from a mail-order, remember to establish it
in a pot before planting in the ground; move gradually from shade to sun.
Follow planting instructions.
