Garden Questions - Troppo - Plants that Make you Happy

26 Jun

How much Tui Enrich Controlled Release fertiliser do I feed my citrus in a wine barrel?

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

Question. I have purchased some Tui Enrich for my citrus trees which are in 1/2 wine barrels which hold a couple of bags of container mix. Now after a year they need a feed. They are large advanced grade trees, how much Enrich do I put in each barrel. Answer. Feeding your citrus trees is essentia...

12 Feb

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When should I prune tamarillo?

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

Question. Hi, when should I prune tamarillo in Northland? Answer. Pruning your tamarillo (also known as tree tomato) at the right time is essential for promoting healthy growth, improving fruit quality, and maintaining a manageable tree size. In Northland, New Zealand, the climate is generally mi...

Woman With Black and Red Flower Tattoo Standing Behind Blue Flowers

23 Dec

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Why are my hydrangea leaves turning black?

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

Question. My hydrangeas have flowered well but has not been very leafy this year. The leaves are lush green for a short time, then turn grey, then black and drop off. When I cleaned up the black leaves and dead-headed, the cycle started again. Ive never seen the leaves go grey before. It seems a bad...

07 Dec

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Why are my herbs hardly growing?

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

Question. Hi there, my coriander and basil are hardly growing - my favourite herbs! Any suggestions? I live in South Canterbury. Answer. Hi there! It's frustrating when your favorite herbs like coriander (cilantro) and basil struggle to grow. These herbs are not only delicious but also add a fres...

20 Sep

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What would cause my lemons to go mouldy on the tree?

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

Question. Hi, I have a very robust and heavy bearer lemon tree. This year the fruit is going mouldy on the tree. What would be the cause? Answer. Having a robust and heavy-bearing lemon tree is wonderful, but it's concerning when the fruit starts going mouldy on the tree. Understanding the potent...

28 Mar

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What do I fertilise my young banana tree with and how often?

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

Question. Hello, what do I fertilise my young banana tree with and how often? Answer. Hey there, banana enthusiasts! 🌿 If you’re nurturing a young banana tree and wondering how to keep it happy and thriving, you’ve come to the right place. Let's dig into the best fertilizers for your banana tree ...

a close up of a broccoli plant with leaves

18 Mar

Troppo Articles

Help, I have whitefly in my glasshouse.

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

Question. Hi, I live in Taranaki, and have just picked and uprooted my broccoli plants which were growing in a hothouse, they had loads of white bugs under the leaves. Will these affect other things in the hothouse even though the infected plants are now removed. Please help as I am new to vegetaria...

12 Mar

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The Perfect Potting Mix for Hibiscus: A Comprehensive Guide

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

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.

Close-up of Fly Agaric Mushroom on Field

09 Jan

Troppo Articles

How do I treat toadstools/fungi in my lawn?

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

Question. Hi, fungus/toadstool growing in our lawn, how do we get rid of this without killing the lawn? Answer. Finding fungus or toadstools growing in your lawn can be concerning, but it's a common issue that can be managed effectively. Here are some steps to get rid of these unwanted fungi whil...

A Green Grass with White Clouds on the Blue Sky

08 Dec

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How can I rejuvenate my patchy lawn?

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

Question. My lawn is not growing very well. It is patchy. What can i do to rejuvenate the lawn and when? Answer. Having a lush, green lawn is a dream for many homeowners, but sometimes, despite our best efforts, the grass just doesn't grow as well as we'd like. If your lawn is patchy and struggli...

23 Oct

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Can I use Tui Strawberry Food on my strawberries in pots?

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

Question. I have planted my early strawberries in large plastic containers only to find that Tui Strawberry food is not suitable for plants in pots and containers. Why is this as they have ample root space? Answer. Planting strawberries in large plastic containers is a great way to enjoy fresh f...

06 Aug

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Is it helpful to pinch out the first flower heads to promote a fuller flowering plant?

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

Question. Hi, is it helpful to pinch out the first flower heads to promote a fuller flowering marigold plant? Answer. Marigolds are beloved by gardeners for their vibrant colors and ease of growth. To achieve a fuller and more abundant display of marigold blooms, one effective technique is pinchi...

What are the best companion plants for feijoas?

28 Jul

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What Are the Best Companion Plants for Feijoas in New Zealand?

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

Feijoas, also known as pineapple guavas, are beloved in New Zealand gardens for their delicious fruit and attractive appearance. To maximize the health and productivity of your feijoa plants, consider companion planting. This guide explores the best companion plants for feijoas in New Zealand, helpi...

12 Jul

Troppo Articles

Feijoa Bambina: Can This Little Fruit Handle the Heat?

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

Feijoa Bambina is a resilient, drought-tolerant plant that can thrive even in challenging conditions. Its deep root system, combined with appropriate soil and water management, makes it an excellent choice for gardens aiming to conserve water while still enjoying the beauty and bounty of a productive fruiting plant. Whether you’re in a Mediterranean climate or facing periodic droughts, Feijoa Bambina can be a valuable addition to your garden, offering both aesthetic appeal and delicious rewards.

What Can I Do About Mosquitoes in My Glasshouse?

31 May

Troppo Articles

What can I do about mosquitoes in my glasshouse?

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

Mosquitoes and fungus gnats can be a persistent nuisance in glasshouses, disrupting your gardening efforts and creating an unpleasant environment. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to manage and eliminate these pests. This guide will provide practical tips to control mosquitoes and...

How Can I Control Whitefly in My Flower Garden?

30 May

Troppo Articles

How can I control white fly in my flower garden?

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

Whiteflies can be a persistent and damaging pest in flower gardens, but with the right strategies, you can keep them under control. This guide will provide you with practical tips to manage and eliminate whiteflies from your flower garden, ensuring healthy and beautiful plants. Identifying Whitefly...

20 Apr

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Do I need to cut the leaves on my banana tree before planting?

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

Question. Do I need to cut the leaves on my banana tree before planting to grow healthy roots? Answer. Hey there, banana enthusiasts! 🌿 If you’re gearing up to plant a banana tree, you might be wondering whether you need to cut the leaves before getting it in the ground. The short answer? It depe...

Which plants are good companions for strawberries?

08 Jan

Troppo Articles

Which plants are good companions for strawberries?

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

Strawberries are a favorite in many New Zealand gardens, prized for their delicious fruit and attractive appearance. Companion planting can enhance the growth and yield of strawberries, while also helping to deter pests and improve soil health. This guide explores the best companion plants for straw...

04 Dec

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What herbs can I grow to deter flies?

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

Question. What herbs can I grow to keep flies away? Answer. Flies can be a nuisance, especially during the warmer months. Growing certain herbs can help deter these pesky insects while adding beauty and fragrance to your garden. Here’s a list of herbs that are known for their fly-repelling proper...

What Can I Plant Under My Fruit Trees in New Zealand?

22 Nov

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What can I plant under my fruit trees?

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

Planting under fruit trees can enhance the health and productivity of your orchard while creating a more diverse and resilient garden ecosystem. This guide explores the best plants to grow under fruit trees in New Zealand, helping you maximize the benefits of companion planting. The Benefits of Und...

What Can I Grow Near My Tomatoes in New Zealand?

10 Nov

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What can I grow near my tomatoes?

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

Tomatoes are a staple in many New Zealand gardens, and companion planting can enhance their growth, yield, and health. This guide explores the best plants to grow near your tomatoes, helping you create a thriving and productive garden. The Benefits of Companion Planting Companion planting involves...

29 Sep

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How do I move worms in a worm farm?

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

Question. Hi, I have had a worm farm for about 11 months. Is it safe to transfer the compost and worms to my garden? I understood these tiger worms are not the same as wild worms? There is no way of separating the worms from the composted material. Is it safe to introduce them into my garden? Ans...

Photo of Person Sitting Near Potted Plants

02 Aug

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How and when do I refresh my pot plants?

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

Question. Hi, we have been using garden pots for some years now and the soil in some of the pots with shrubs in them is very compacted. Do I try to refresh the pots and put in new potting mix, or is there another way? Answer. Over time, soil in garden pots can become compacted, leading to poor d...

Are Marigolds Good Companions to Runner Beans

13 Jun

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Are marigolds good companions to runner beans?

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

Marigolds are popular in New Zealand gardens for their vibrant blooms and pest-repelling qualities. But do they make good companions to runner beans? In this guide, we explore the benefits and potential drawbacks of planting marigolds alongside runner beans specifically in New Zealand. This article ...

23 May

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What flower seeds germinate quickly?

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

Question. Hi there, can you tell me which seed varieties germinate in about 7 days. I am making miniature scenes (instant fairy gardens) for our school calf club display and I was wondering if there was anything that I could bulk buy that was suitable. I am also looking for best non-toxic wild flowe...

a pile of dirty potatoes sitting in the dirt

04 Feb

Troppo Articles

Which Potato varieties are indeterminate and determinate?

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

Question. Hi, which potatoes are indeterminate, these are best container ones as they make more potatoes as soil is mounded and added. Also the determinate ones don't need mounding up, this would save on buying vegetable mix to know this. I grow on an old riverbed and for me indeterminate potatoes g...

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