Ripe blackberries on a plant

Blackberries in October

Berries, Spring and Summer Gardening in the Subtropics, What is thriving this season? / /

The Kiowa blackberry is an American variety known for its large, sweet-tart berries and prolific year-round growth, peaking in summer. The fruits are versatile and the rapidly growing vine requires minimal maintenance, is pest-resistant, and offers good yields even when potted. However, its thorny vines can be injurious and may spread quickly. Proper gloves, mulching, and composting are recommended during pruning and handling.

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Berries, Spring and Summer Gardening in the Subtropics, What is thriving this season?
Collage of potted garden produce

Plants that can thrive in pots

Potted Plants / /

There are many missed opportunities to improve food security in urban areas because of space limitations and residing on leased properties. However many plants are able to produce reasonable yields in pots, recycled drums or buckets. Match the names with the pictures of the plants we grow in the Subtropical Urban Eden. You have more options than we think. Happy Independence day, Zambia.

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Potted Plants

Pomegranate Trees in October

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

Pomegranates demonstrate wide diversity in aspects like size, color, taste! Their cultivation is done from air layers, cuttings or seeds, with seeds potentially not being true to type. These plants thrive as shrubs in subtropical conditions, requiring well-drained, organic-rich soil. Key to their maintenance is preventing fruit fly infestation, adequate watering, and proper soil amendments. Despite occasional susceptibility to fungal diseases, pomegranates offer advantages like

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Spring and Summer Gardening in the Subtropics, What is thriving this season?
Baskets of assorted fruits, herbs and vegetables

Garden and Orchard Maintenance in October

Post-winter Gardening Priorities, Spring and Summer Gardening in the Subtropics, What is thriving this season? / /

In Zambia, October’s heat poses challenges for maintaining orchards, including dehydration, fruit drop, flowering issues, pests, and weeds. Still, drought-resistant plants like figs, mangoes, and potted herbs flourish. Key maintenance tactics include frequent watering, mulching, pest control, and avoiding transplanting. Long-term solutions include multi-cropping and planting multiple canopy levels to protect from sunlight.

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Post-winter Gardening Priorities, Spring and Summer Gardening in the Subtropics, What is thriving this season?
Peaches in a basket

Peaches in October

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

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?
Vegetables and herbs in a basket

Herb and vegetable drying in October

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

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?
Two Pomelo fruit on a branch

Pomelo, grapefruit, and others word search

Citrus fruits, Interactive Content / /

The post discusses the variety of citrus fruits and their differing levels of Vitamin C. It highlights that beyond oranges, lemons, and limes, there are less common but flavorful varieties suitable for juices, cocktails, jams, and pickles. It encourages an exploration and comparison of favorite citrus varieties.

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Citrus fruits, Interactive Content
Cluster of key limes

Limes and lemons word search

Citrus fruits, Interactive Content / /

Several varieties of limes and lemons, each with unique features like acidity level and size, are cultivated in a garden. A word search game encourages readers to familiarize themselves with these varieties. Participating in this interactive process aids with memory preservation and promotes healthier, fulfilling lifestyles.

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Citrus fruits, Interactive Content
Sliced Cara Cara Orange

Oranges et al. Word search

Citrus fruits, Interactive Content / /

Oranges and other citrus varieties thrive in subtropical conditions, producing reliable, abundant fruit. Before purchasing and planting, it’s important to consider the characteristics of the variety, which influence fruit size, flavor, color, and utility. This post also encourages participation in an interactive word search game to boost memory and learn more about oranges, promoting a healthier, interactive, and fulfilling lifestyle.

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Citrus fruits, Interactive Content
Bees in a tamarind tree

Bees and other Pollinators

Useful Insects / /

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
Niagara grape vine

Backyard Niagara Grapes

What is thriving this season? / /

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?
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