Spring and Summer Gardening in the Subtropics Archives - Page 16 of 16

Peaches in October

Spring and Summer Gardening in the Subtropics, Stone fruits, What is thriving this season? / The Subtropical Urban Gardener / 12/10/2022

Peaches, ripening mostly in September and October, are aromatic fruits, popular across age groups, with characteristics varying by variety. Despite susceptibility to fruit fly infestations, fungal diseases, and damage from birds or dry heat, proper care like bird deterrent strategies and regular watering can maintain the fruit’s quality. These fruits can serve as a wholesome snack option, suitable for school lunches.

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Spring and Summer Gardening in the Subtropics, Stone fruits, What is thriving this season?

Herb and vegetable drying in October

Interactive Content, Post-winter Gardening Priorities, What is thriving this season? / The Subtropical Urban Gardener / 09/10/2022

October in the southern subtropics is ideal for harvesting, drying, and preserving herbs and vegetables, grown in pots. Green sorrel and giant fennel, both resilient herbs, grow well here. The dried produce can stay viable for two years based on the storage conditions. Additionally, the text includes a quiz for identifying certain herbs.

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Interactive Content, Post-winter Gardening Priorities, What is thriving this season?

Bees and other Pollinators

Useful Insects / The Subtropical Urban Gardener / 03/10/2022

Pollination is crucial to fruit tree yields, with bees being vital pollinators. Their absence can lead to loss in fruit production. Some plants require specific pollinators, which is why certain plants don’t fruit outside native regions. In commercial setups, bees are often rented to facilitate pollination. Pest control should also be applied mindfully to preserve pollinators. Companion plants can attract bees but shouldn’t overshadow fruit trees.

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Useful Insects

Backyard Niagara Grapes

What is thriving this season? / The Subtropical Urban Gardener / 02/10/2022

Niagara grapes are a green, seeded, slipskin variety noted for their sweet, tangy flavor and distinct aroma when ripe. They thrive in semi-shade conditions, and each plant can produce up to 50 bunches of grapes. They withstand drought and are relatively low maintenance, ideal for subtropical climates. The vines resist recommended pruning due to rapid rebound growth.

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What is thriving this season?

Harmful Insects: Fruit fly alert

Pest Control / The Subtropical Urban Gardener / 18/09/2022

Fruit flies are the primary cause of global fruit spoilage. They lay eggs in developing fruits, which appear as rotten with maggots in ripe fruits. The insects target fruits like guava, mango, apple, and more but spare some like raspberries and figs. Effective control measures include traps and extermination of infected fruits. Synchronized community efforts and consistent year-round surveillance are crucial for successful prevention.

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Pest Control

Spring and Dry Summer Gardening Priorities Part 2: Fruit Thinning

Fruit thinning / The Subtropical Urban Gardener / 04/09/2022

Fruit thinning is a critical process in orchard management that’s often overlooked by backyard gardeners. It results in larger, higher-quality fruit by reducing the competition for nutrients and preventing damage caused by overcrowding. Naturally spaced commercial fruit varieties need less thinning, making them suitable for small gardens maintained by part-time gardeners. Thinned fruits can be composted or preserved if large enough.

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Fruit thinning

Spring and Dry Summer Gardening Priorities Part 1

Post-winter Gardening Priorities / The Subtropical Urban Gardener / 03/09/2022

Post-winter gardening activities make an orchard resilient and productive till the rainy season’s end. Activities include controlling pests, increasing watering, enriching soil, mulishing, transplanting, and pruning, among others. Increased care should be taken during higher temperatures as plants require more hydration and nutrients. Soils should be amended periodically and mulching should be frequent to retain soil moisture and improve plant survival during droughts.

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Post-winter Gardening Priorities