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May 28, 2018 Update

So May almost gone, what a contrast with 2017. By the 27th May last year we had had 6″ of rain in May, so far this year less than 2″ with temperature today of 33’C. So yes, we have been watering to help the germination in the veg garden. So far so good, but with not much rain in the forecast the watering hose will be a much used piece of equipment. We use water from 3,000 gal rain water tanks.

We have been growing Ficus for quite a few years, this winter most of the varieties we had in the ‘cold’ greenhouse are not showing signs of growing. In the garden however eight of the eleven types are showing new buds, will keep a watch on the last three over the next two weeks. They are; Chicago Hardy, Yellow Long Neck and Little Ruby.

Most of the blossoming is now over, the next couple of weeks will show how much the wet and cool (at night) start to May has affected the setting of fruits. The most obvious thing missing this spring are Honey Bees. We have a medium sized Lilac in the front garden, by this time of year it is covered with Bees drinking in the nectar. Most days we can count the number of Bees in just a few seconds, when you have local Apiaries around as we have, this is not a good sign. We do have Mason Bees in the garden though, without honey Bees weather is very critical as shear numbers do matter in spring.

As Blossom time is mostly over, we have started our caterpillar (BTK as spray) and mite control (Neoseiulus Fallacis) in the orchard. Also Praying Mantis, Ladybug (both general predators), Lindorus Lophanthae (scale predator) and Delphastus Catalinae (white fly).

Harvesting from the cold greenhouse has started, Radish, Lettuce and Tomato. Sowing Radish and Lettuce every two weeks now until September.

Next garden sowings will be after the Broccoli is harvested, that will be third Pea crop and late Carrots. Second earthing up of Potatoes will be this week. Will be placing supports for climbing Beans this week. Planting out herbs that were earlier sown in pots.

Will know which trees in the orchard have not survived our last winter by mid June. We seem to have lost Apple, Apricot and Peach varieties. New plantings are mostly doing well, we have a couple of plants in pots due to poor spring growth. Just part of gardening and growing.

Plant Sale and Pick Up: Saturday May 19th, From 9AM until NOON

It’s TOMORROW!!!

Our first plant sale is tomorrow, Saturday May 19th, from 9AM until 12 Noon. You don’t need to book an appointment. Come out and see our plants and garden, and talk to our gardeners (Michelle and Keith). If you’re looking for something specific, feel free to email us to reserve your plants: customer_service@tropicofcanada.ca

*CASH ONLY*

Address: 63023 Perry Rd. Wainfleet. Look for our signs!

Ready to go this weekend:

KIWI: ACTINIDIA arguta ‘ISSAI’

PINEAPPLES: ANANAS ‘FLORIDA SPECIAL’ ANANAS ‘SMOOTH CAYENNE’ ANANAS ‘SUGARLOAF’ ANANAS ‘WHITE JADE’

BANANAS: MUSA ‘DOUBLE (MAHOI)’ MUSA ‘DWARF GREEN’. MUSA ‘DWARF IHOLENA’ MUSA ‘DWARF ORINOCO’ MUSA ‘LACATAN’ MUSA ‘GRAN NAIN’

COFFEE: COFFEA ARABICA

FIG: FICUS ‘GE NERI’.

GINGER: ZINGIBER OFFICINALE

GUAVAS: PSIDIUM ‘BARBIE PINK’ PSIDIUM ‘PERUVIAN WHITE’ PSIDIUM ‘TIKAI’

OLIVE: OLEA EUROPAEA ‘Manzanillo’ 4-032.

PAPAYAS: CARICA ‘T.R. HOVEY’ CARICA ‘TAINUNG-1’

PEPPER: PIPER nigrum BLACK PEPPER VINE

Photo Garden Update May 13, 2018

Photo Update Week 19

The garden is waking up, and blossoms are appearing on the fruit trees! A later season than years previous, but we’ll see what nature brings. As promised, here’s what we’ve plants this year from Whiffletree Farms:

Apples;-Ambrosia, Frostbite, Akane.

Blueberry;- Arlen, Chippewa, Duke, Nelson, Reka, Top Hat.

Peach;- Contender, Crimson Rocket, Flaming Fury, Harrow Diamond.

Pear;- AC Harrow Sweet.

What for more photos as blossoms continue. We’ll keep you updated on how things grow!