Disclaimer
Just a quick heads-up: the info on this website is here to guide you on your green journey, but it's not the final word. We do our best to keep everything accurate, but Troppo and our team can't take responsibility for every opinion or detail shared. If you're diving into planting—whether it’s a cozy backyard project or a big commercial venture—we highly recommend chatting with local experts who know the ropes in your neck of the woods. They’ll help you pick the perfect plants and make sure your crops are a smashing success! Happy gardening! 🌱🌷
Posts by Troppo
Fruit Gardener’s Diary for the Year in New Zealand
Flower Gardener’s Diary for the Year in New Zealand
Vegetable Gardener’s Diary for the Year in New Zealand
Fruit Tree, Vegetable, and Gardening Planting Calendar – A Broad Brushstroke for our NZ climate
How much Tui Enrich Controlled Release fertiliser do I feed my citrus in a wine barrel?
Citrus Growing Guide for New Zealand: From Seed to Juicy Success! 🍋🌿
Ready to create a cozy retreat for insects, also known as a bug hotel?
The Enchanting World of Frangipani (Plumeria)
Holly Havoc: The Invasive Charm of Ilex aquifolium & Ilex cornuta in New Zealand
When should I prune tamarillo?
Feijoa Growing Guide for New Zealand: Sweet, Tangy, and Easy to Grow! 🌿🍈
5 Steps to Feijoa Success Autumn and spring are an ideal time to plant feijoas in most areas of New Zealand. Plant at least two different varieties. Even self-fertile varieties will produce a better crop if pollinated by other varieties. Prepare your soil with organic matter like compost and sheep pellets. Add a layer of citrus & fruit mix to plant into. Feed fejioas regularly from spring to harvest. Water deeply and regularly from mid to late summer when the fruit is developing and ripening. Follow our full guide below to a bumper crop of homegrown feijoas.
Collaborating on a Food Forest Installation in the Bay of Plenty 🌳🍇
Why are my hydrangea leaves turning black?
Beware the Beauty: The Invasive Charm of Bear’s Breeches in New Zealand
Cultivating Tropical Fruit Plants in New Zealand: A Gardener’s Guide
Cucumber Growing Guide for New Zealand: Fresh and Crunchy Success! 🥒🌿
5 Steps to Cucumber Planting Success Create a support structure or frame for cucumbers to grow up. Choose a warm, sunny spot. Spring and summer are the best times to plant cucumbers in New Zealand. Prepare your soil with organic matter like compost and sheep pellets, then add a layer of vegetable mix to plant into. Water and feed your cucumbers regularly as they grow in spring and summer. Also ensure good ventilation around plants. Harvest cucumbers regularly to encourage flowering and fruiting. Follow our full guide below to a bumper crop of homegrown cucumbers.
Why are my herbs hardly growing?
The Tangled Tale of Old Man’s Beard: An Invasive Invader in New Zealand
Beetroot Growing Guide for New Zealand: From Seed to Sweet Success! 🌱🌟
5 Steps to Beetroot Planting Success Choose a spot in full sun and prepare your soil with organic matter like sheep pellets and compost. Add a layer of vegetable mix to plant into. Beetroot can be planted year round in New Zealand. Plant beetroot in rows about 50cm apart. Feed beetroot with vegetable food throughout the growing season. Water regularly and keep the soil moist. Follow our full guide below to a bumper crop of homegrown beetroot.
Bulb Growing Guide for New Zealand Gardens: Your Path to a Blooming Paradise 🌷🌿
The Future of Food Forests and Syntropic Agroforestry: Cultivating Sustainable Ecosystems
What would cause my lemons to go mouldy on the tree?
Black Sapote Ice Cream Recipe
Growing Green Thumbs: Sparking Gardening Interest in Kids
Pear Growing Guide for New Zealand: Juicy Delights from Your Garden! 🍐🌿
5 Steps to Pear Planting Success Choose an open, sunny position sheltered from strong winds for your pear tree. Pears are partially self-fertile. Prepare your soil with organic matter like compost and sheep pellets. Add a layer of citrus and fruit mix to plant into. In New Zealand winter is the optimum time to plant pear trees. Feed your pears in spring and summer to encourage maximum flowering and fruiting. Mulch and water well, particularly over the warmer months. Follow our full guide below to a bumper crop of homegrown pears.
Caribbean Cobb Salad with Salmon: A Tropical Twist on a Classic 🌴🐟
Dahlia Growing Guide for New Zealand: Your Path to Stunning Blooms 🌸🌟
5 Steps to Dahlia Success Choose a sunny spot with plenty of room for dahlias to flourish. Spring, after frosts have passed, is the best time to plant dahlias in New Zealand. Prepare your soil with organic matter like compost and sheep pellets. Add a layer of rose and shrub mix to plant into. Feed in spring and autumn for optimum flowering. Water regularly to keep the soil moist, and deadhead to prolong the flowering season. Follow our full guide below to vibrant beautiful dahlias.
The Puzzling Problem of Contorta Pine: An Invader of New Zealand
Seasonal Lawn Care Tips for New Zealand Gardens
The Fluffy Foe: Battling Woolly Mullein – Verbascum thapsus in New Zealand
Creating Enchanted Worlds: Building a Fairy Garden with Kids
What do I fertilise my young banana tree with and how often?
Should You Be Deadheading Hydrangeas? Here’s What an Expert Recommends
Deadheading hydrangeas can be a beneficial practice, enhancing the plant’s appearance and encouraging more blooms. By understanding the specific needs of your hydrangea variety and following expert guidelines, you can keep your garden looking vibrant and healthy. As Dr. Greene advises, “A little care and attention go a long way in maintaining the beauty of your hydrangeas. Happy gardening!”
Help, I have whitefly in my glasshouse.
The Perfect Potting Mix for Hibiscus: A Comprehensive Guide
Creating the perfect potting mix for your hibiscus is essential for ensuring healthy growth and abundant blooms. By understanding the specific needs of hibiscus plants and using the right mix of ingredients, you can provide an ideal growing environment. Remember to water, fertilize, and prune your hibiscus regularly to keep it thriving. With these tips, your hibiscus will be a stunning addition to your garden or home.
Refreshing Pomegranate Drink Recipe: Pomegranate Sparkler
This Pomegranate Sparkler not only quenches your thirst but also delights your taste buds with its tangy and fizzy profile. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply relaxing at home, this drink is sure to be a hit. Cheers to enjoying the goodness of pomegranates in a refreshing and flavorful way!
Camellia Growing Guide for New Zealand: Blooming Beauties in Your Garden! 🌸🌿
5 Steps to Camellia Success Choose a sheltered spot, protected from harsh midday sun, strong winds and frosts. Spring is the best time to plant camellias in New Zealand. Prepare your soil with organic matter like compost and sheep pellets. Add a layer of rose & shrub mix to plant into. Feed after flowering and once again during its growing season. Water regularly to keep the soil moist, and mulch around the plants to protect its shallow roots. Follow our full guide below for quintessential camellias.