Jenes Tropicals

It’s that magical time of year in Florida when mangos are dropping like sunshine-scented confetti from the sky—and Jene is here to catch ‘em all! 🍋🥭 In this episode of fruity fun, Jene peels back the layers on the mighty mango: the do’s, the don’ts, the health perks, and why your neighbor’s mango tree is suddenly your favorite neighbor. Whether you’re sl...

Buckle up, fruit freaks—this week, Jene goes full tropi-crazy with two mysterious, magical, and mildly suspicious fruits: the Lychee Nut and the Longan , aka the Dragon Eye Tree (yes, it’s watching you... and it’s delicious). As Florida turns into one big mango smoothie this July, Jene gears up for her legendary annual fruit tasting extravaganza —the event where locals gath...

Tampa Bay isn’t just a hotspot for sunshine and snowbirds—it’s a fruit lover’s paradise! Thanks to our glorious subtropic weather, you can grow goodies from just about anywhere in the world… right in your backyard. In this episode, Jene dives into the juicy world of subtropical fruit trees and plants—from mangoes that taste like your last vacation to guavas tha...

Is your landscape looking more "blah" than "ahh"? Don’t sweat it—literally! Sure, it's hotter than a jalapeño in a sauna here in Florida, but it’s never too late to spice things up in your yard. In this episode, Gene spills the soil on her top summer landscape pop picks—from the tropical flair of Hibiscus to the bold beauty of King’s Mantle and beyond. Whether...

Is your lawn looking more “crispy toast” than “lush paradise”? This week, Jene dives headfirst (safely) into the wild world of summer lawn care in Florida. From battling sad sod to decoding mysterious brown patches, she’s got the tips and tricks to turn your struggling yard into the neighborhood’s green envy. Don’t know what’s wrong with your grass?...

Calling all big kids, little kids, and dads—why not surprise Mom with something special and lasting? Starting a flower garden is a fun and meaningful way to spend time together as a family, learn something new, and create lasting memories. In this episode, Jene shares everything you need to know to get started, including her top flower picks for June in Florida. Whether you're a seasoned gar...

Ever wish you could grow your own tropical fruit—without the drama? Say hello to starfruit! In this juicy episode of Jene’s Tropicals , Jene spills the (composted) tea on why starfruit is the ultimate backyard MVP. It’s easy to grow, low-maintenance, and cranks out fruit like it’s on a mission. Whether you’ve got a green thumb or just wish you did, this episode is you...

Did you know jackfruit can grow up to 100 pounds? That’s basically a fruit the size of a 6th grader. And here’s the kicker—it smells like Juicy Fruit gum. Coincidence? We think not. Today, Jene peels back the layers (literally) on the world’s largest tree fruit. From wild facts to tasty tips, we’re talking everything jackfruit—how to grow it, eat it, and impress...

When's the best time to plant a tree? According to Jene, the answer is simple— yesterday! In this episode, Jene shares why there's truly never a bad time to get a tree in the ground, especially in the subtropical climate of Florida. From tropical fruit trees to flowering favorites, she highlights the best picks for planting in May and June , along with the unique benefits of getting started...

If you're dreaming of a lush, tropical vibe in your yard, look no further than the dazzling Hibiscus. In this episode, Jene dives into the vibrant world of Hibiscus plants—from classic reds and yellows to exotic hybrid varieties bursting with color. You'll get expert tips and tricks for growing and caring for these bold beauties, plus inspiration to create your own stunning combinations. Rea...

Did winter sneak up on your garden like a Florida man at a Christmas parade? 🌬️🥶 It’s been unusually cold in our usually toasty neck of the woods, and your poor plants might be wondering if they accidentally moved to Michigan. But don’t panic—Jene from Jene’s Tropicals is here to save the day (and your greenery)! In this episode, Jene dishes out hot tips for cold snaps&mda...

Wondering what to plant in cooler weather? Herbs are a great choice, and in this episode, Jene shares her best advice for growing them successfully. From choosing the right varieties to keeping them healthy, you'll get practical tips to boost your herb garden. We’re also talking tomatoes—how are yours doing? Jene opens up about some issues she's been having with her tomato plants, and...

Looking to add some tropical flair to your yard without a ton of hassle? In this episode, Jene shares her love for growing fruit trees and highlights a few easy-to-grow favorites that are perfect for beginners and seasoned growers alike. Learn about the beautiful and productive Passiflora edulis (passion fruit vine), hardy mulberries, ever-popular bananas, and the surprisingly simple pineapple pla...

January weather can be unpredictable, and your plants feel it too! In this episode, Jene shares essential tips for protecting your garden from the cold. While the golden rule is to choose plants suited for your area, Jene goes beyond that with practical advice, proven techniques, and insider knowledge to help your garden thrive—even when temperatures drop. Plus, don’t miss Jene’s...

Mangos, Mangos, Mangos! When most people think of mangos, they picture the standard varieties found at the grocery store—but there’s a whole world of mangos out there! In today’s episode, Jene dives into the amazing diversity of mango trees, from compact dwarf varieties perfect for small spaces to larger trees for serious growers. With hundreds of types to choose from, there&rsqu...

It’s February in Florida—which means the weather could be warm, cool, or both in a single day! But even with the temperature swings, many beautiful flowers are blooming this time of year. In this episode, Jene guides you through what’s blooming now, what to plant, and how to keep your garden thriving through Florida’s unpredictable winter weather. From choosing the right fe...

Dreaming of picking fresh fruit right from your own backyard? In this episode, Jene shares some of her favorite easy-to-grow fruit trees that are perfect for Florida gardens—including passion fruit, mulberries, bananas, plantains, and pineapples. Whether you're a beginner or just looking to add more to your edible landscape, these low-maintenance options are a great place to start. Jene&rsqu...

You’re not a true Floridian until there’s a palm tree in your yard—but why settle for the same old palm everyone else has? In this episode, Jene gives a master class on unique and beautiful palm varieties that thrive in the Florida landscape, plus tips on how to keep them looking their best. And with Valentine’s Day around the corner, Jene also shares some creative plant gi...

Looking for a fun and creative way to relax and lower your stress levels? Try Bonsai! This podcast explores the calming, artistic world of Bonsai—the Japanese art of growing and shaping miniature trees in containers. Whether you're a curious beginner or looking to deepen your practice, Bonsai & Beyond offers tips, inspiration, and expert advice to help you grow—literally and figura...

Got mangoes on your mind? In today’s episode, Jene dives deep into the delicious world of mango trees —sharing everything you need to know (and even a few things you didn’t know you needed to know!) about growing them successfully. Whether you’ve got a big backyard or just a sunny patio, Jene shows you how easy it is to grow mango trees right at home, even in a pot! Ready t...

From ice cream bananas to dwarf varieties and plantains, this episode peels back everything you need to know about growing your own bananas! If you’ve got full sun, good drainage, and access to plenty of water, you’ve got what it takes to grow bananas at home—and Jene is here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you're dreaming of tropical vibes in your backyard or curious...

Known as the "miracle tree," Moringa oleifera is a fast-growing, drought-resistant powerhouse packed with macronutrients, micronutrients, vitamins, phytohormones, alkaloids, and flavonoids. In this episode, Jene breaks down all the amazing health and garden benefits of this versatile, multipurpose plant—and why you might want to grow one in your own backyard. Curious to get started? Stop by...

Have you ever caught a whiff of something that instantly transported you to a cherished memory or simply made you feel better? In this episode, Jene explores the powerful connection between scent and the brain—and how you can create your own scent therapy garden using fragrant plants that spark joy, calm, and nostalgia. From jasmine to gardenia, find out which plants can help turn your garde...

Ever driven around the Tampa Bay area and spotted stunning purple, trumpet-shaped blossoms or roads blanketed in what looks like a purple flower carpet? That’s the breathtaking Jacaranda mimosifolia —just one of the many flowering trees Jene highlights in this colorful episode. From the elegant Hong Kong Orchid to the sunshine-drenched Golden Shower Tree ( Cassia fistula ), the fragran...

With Easter just around the corner, why not skip the candy and give the gift of blooms? In this fragrant and festive episode, Jene shares why hydrangeas and gardenias make the perfect seasonal bouquet—and how to grow them like a pro. Learn about the importance of soil pH, iron, and other key tips to get the biggest, healthiest, and most beautifully fragrant blooms on the block. Whether you'r...