Tag Archives: soil health

20 Apr

Food Forests of New Zealand (www.foodforests.nz)

How to Maximize Sunlight in Your Te Puke Garden for Tropical Fruit Production

• April 14, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Welcome, fellow fruit enthusiasts, to the Troppo.nz blog! Here in sunny Te Puke, we're blessed with a fantastic climate for growing all sorts of delicious tropical and subtropical fruits. But even with our abundant sunshine, understanding how to make the most of it is key to a truly thriving garden ...

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18 Apr

Food Forests of New Zealand (www.foodforests.nz)

Best Soil Amendments for Te Puke’s Soil Conditions: A Local Guide

• April 14, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Welcome to Troppo.nz, your go-to source for all things growing in our beautiful corner of the world, Te Puke! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting to get your hands dirty, understanding your soil is the first step to a thriving garden or orchard. Here in the Bay of Plenty, we're bless...

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14 Apr

Crop Swap Te Puke region, Food Forests of New Zealand (www.foodforests.nz), Te Puke Community Garden, Te Puke Region Food Co-op, Troppo Articles, TROPPO's Food Forest in Te Puke, BOP (www.foodforest.org.nz)

A Community Building Toolkit for Bay of Plenty, New Zealand: Cultivating Edible Landscapes Together

• April 28, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

1. Introduction: Sowing Seeds for Community Resilience The Vision of Community Food Forests in the Bay of Plenty Community food forests, also referred to as forest gardens, represent a holistic approach to land management that draws inspiration from natural forest ecosystems.1 Unlike conventional ...

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11 Apr

Food Forests of New Zealand (www.foodforests.nz)

Creating Your Own Urban Food Forest in Te Puke, NZ: A Step-by-Step Guide

• April 14, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Imagine stepping out your back door and into a lush, edible paradise. A place where fruit trees, berry bushes, and useful herbs grow in harmony, providing fresh, nutritious food right at your fingertips. This isn't a far-off dream – it's the reality of an urban food forest, and you can create one ri...

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10 Apr

Food Forests of New Zealand (www.foodforests.nz)

Designing a Low-Maintenance Food Forest: Tips for Te Puke’s Climate

• April 14, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Welcome to the Troppo.nz blog! For those of us lucky enough to call the beautiful Bay of Plenty home, particularly the fertile lands around Te Puke, the idea of a thriving, edible garden is often top of mind. But who has endless hours to dedicate to weeding, watering, and pest control? The good news...

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08 Apr

Food Forests of New Zealand (www.foodforests.nz)

The Benefits of Guild Planting in a Small Urban Space

• April 14, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

(Featured on www.troppo.nz) Living in a town or city often means limited space for gardening. You might have a tiny backyard, a balcony, or just a few pots on a windowsill. But even with these small areas, you can create a thriving and productive mini-ecosystem using a clever technique called guild...

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06 Apr

Food Forests of New Zealand (www.foodforests.nz)

Understanding Soil Health in a Permaculture Garden: Te Puke Edition

• April 14, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Welcome, fellow green thumbs and aspiring permaculturists! Here at Troppo.nz, we’re passionate about creating thriving, resilient gardens that work with nature, not against it. And at the heart of a successful permaculture system lies one crucial element: healthy soil. Especially here in our beauti...

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04 Apr

Food Forests of New Zealand (www.foodforests.nz)

Composting Secrets for a Nutrient-Rich Food Forest in Your Backyard

• April 14, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Imagine stepping into your backyard and being greeted by a thriving food forest – lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and the promise of delicious, homegrown fruits, vegetables, and herbs. It sounds like a dream, right? Well, one of the biggest secrets to making this dream a reality lies right under you...

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25 Feb

Events and Community Engagement, Food Forests of New Zealand (www.foodforests.nz)

🌱 Youth Getting Into Syntropic Agroforestry: A Visit from Jared 🌱

• April 27, 2025
• By Troppo
• 2 comments

The future of regenerative agriculture and food security is bright when young growers step up! 🌿🌏 It’s always exciting to see passionate youth diving into the world of syntropic agroforestry. Recently, I had the pleasure of hosting Jared and his father, Steve, for a tour of Troppo’s tropical food fo...

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20 Feb

Crop Swap Te Puke region, Food Forests of New Zealand (www.foodforests.nz), Te Puke Community Garden, Te Puke Region Food Co-op, TROPPO's Food Forest in Te Puke, BOP (www.foodforest.org.nz)

Our Mission: Cultivating a Thriving, Regenerative Future

• April 27, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Our Mission: Cultivating a Thriving, Regenerative Future We are committed to creating a thriving, sustainable food forest that not only nourishes our local community but also serves as a model for regenerative agriculture in the Bay of Plenty and beyond. By fostering deep connections between people...

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16 Feb

Troppo's Plant Collection

Creating a Thriving Food Forest with Tropicals in Te Puke

• February 22, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

In Te Puke, Bay of Plenty, we are bringing together a diverse selection of plants to create a thriving food forest, incorporating a mix of tropical and subtropical species suited to our unique climate. By carefully selecting and layering plants—ranging from hardy bananas and taro to rare exotic frui...

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20 Jan

Events and Community Engagement, Food Forests of New Zealand (www.foodforests.nz)

Brett’s Omanawa Food Forest Tour in the Bay of Plenty

• April 27, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Brett’s down-to-earth, true blue Kiwi approach to cultivating a thriving food forest in the Bay of Plenty is nothing short of inspiring. His philosophy revolves around keeping things simple, practical, and genuinely accessible, ensuring that anyone—whether a seasoned grower or a complete newbie—can ...

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09 Jul

Troppo Articles

Planting different species together to enhance growth, repel pests, and improve soil health.

• April 28, 2025
• By Troppo
• 7 comments

Companion planting is a gardening technique where different plant species are grown together to benefit one another. This method can enhance growth, repel pests, and improve soil health. Here’s a guide on how to use companion planting to create a thriving and harmonious garden. Benefits of Companio...

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06 Jul

Events and Community Engagement

Shout out!! Food Forest Workshop Tauranga Sunday 7th July

• April 27, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Kia Ora Food Forests Tauranga Community! My name is Jim and my wife and I live in Mount Maunganui. In previous years I have help manage organic markets gardens and am currently working as a landscaper. I have learnt so much this year about Food Forests and Syntropic Agroforestry via studying from By...

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20 Oct

Troppo Articles

The Future of Food Forests and Syntropic Agroforestry: Cultivating Sustainable Ecosystems

• June 21, 2024
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

In a world facing escalating challenges of climate change, soil degradation, and food insecurity, innovative agricultural practices are more crucial than ever. Food forests and syntropic agroforestry stand out as two transformative approaches with the potential to revolutionize how we grow food and ...

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22 Feb

Events and Community Engagement, Food Forests of New Zealand (www.foodforests.nz)

Byron’s Vision: Cultivating a Thriving Food Forest in Aotearoa

• April 27, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

From Soil to Sustenance: A Journey of Regenerative Growing Tucked away in the lush landscapes of New Zealand, Byron is weaving a vision of food sovereignty, biodiversity, and resilience through his food forest. His journey is not just about growing food—it’s about reconnecting with nature, restorin...

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28 Jul

Troppo Articles

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

• April 28, 2025
• By Troppo

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...

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08 Jan

Troppo Articles

Which plants are good companions for strawberries?

• April 28, 2025
• By Troppo

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...

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22 Nov

Troppo Articles

What can I plant under my fruit trees?

• April 28, 2025
• By Troppo

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...

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10 Nov

Troppo Articles

What can I grow near my tomatoes?

• April 28, 2025
• By Troppo

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...

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11 Oct

Troppo Articles

Lawn Care Essentials: Maintaining a Lush Green Lawn in New Zealand

• April 28, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Welcome to the ultimate guide for achieving a lush, green lawn in New Zealand! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a lawn care novice, we've got you covered with fun and practical tips to keep your grass looking fabulous all year round. Let's dive into the essentials of lawn care! 1. Mowing Magic...

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13 Jun

Troppo Articles

Are marigolds good companions to runner beans?

• April 28, 2025
• By Troppo

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 ...

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