A&S Tropical Cottage
@anstropicalcottage.bsky.social
Operating a clothing optional airbnb in America's Tropical Paradise, St Croix USVI
Becoming a Banana, Mango, Fig and maybe Cocoa farmer :)
Becoming a Banana, Mango, Fig and maybe Cocoa farmer :)
Since I'm changing focus for a bit I thought I would take the backhoe off. It went pretty good (Thankful for youtube 🤣). The tractor looks so much shorter with it off
Tomorrow I will do some mowing and see how the shorter base changes mowing. I'll also take the bucket off to save another 2-3 feet
Tomorrow I will do some mowing and see how the shorter base changes mowing. I'll also take the bucket off to save another 2-3 feet
December 19, 2025 at 10:56 PM
Since I'm changing focus for a bit I thought I would take the backhoe off. It went pretty good (Thankful for youtube 🤣). The tractor looks so much shorter with it off
Tomorrow I will do some mowing and see how the shorter base changes mowing. I'll also take the bucket off to save another 2-3 feet
Tomorrow I will do some mowing and see how the shorter base changes mowing. I'll also take the bucket off to save another 2-3 feet
The avocados are planted, fed and now mulch covered.
Great news, one of the bamboos has sent up a rhizome.
Great news, one of the bamboos has sent up a rhizome.
December 17, 2025 at 4:01 PM
The avocados are planted, fed and now mulch covered.
Great news, one of the bamboos has sent up a rhizome.
Great news, one of the bamboos has sent up a rhizome.
In order to reduce the PH of the homestead I found a local source of pure Canadian 😁 peat moss. Turns out a lot peat moss you buy (PRomix BX, etc.) contain lime, which defeats my purpose 🤣
December 17, 2025 at 3:59 PM
In order to reduce the PH of the homestead I found a local source of pure Canadian 😁 peat moss. Turns out a lot peat moss you buy (PRomix BX, etc.) contain lime, which defeats my purpose 🤣
Our gold Bougainville is doing pretty good
December 14, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Our gold Bougainville is doing pretty good
We have three new residence here at the homestead.
2 Avocados
a Cocoa. the local trail group got a grant to hand out trees, only one per family 🤣, so we got this one. I'll try not to kill it 🤣
see vitrails.org
2 Avocados
a Cocoa. the local trail group got a grant to hand out trees, only one per family 🤣, so we got this one. I'll try not to kill it 🤣
see vitrails.org
December 14, 2025 at 8:20 PM
We have three new residence here at the homestead.
2 Avocados
a Cocoa. the local trail group got a grant to hand out trees, only one per family 🤣, so we got this one. I'll try not to kill it 🤣
see vitrails.org
2 Avocados
a Cocoa. the local trail group got a grant to hand out trees, only one per family 🤣, so we got this one. I'll try not to kill it 🤣
see vitrails.org
then measure the height of the 3 types (Sand, Silt & Clay)
Turns out we are:
Sand 63.04%
Silt 24.22%
Clay 12.74%
Which according to the soil pyramid makes us Sandy Loam, which is good
Turns out we are:
Sand 63.04%
Silt 24.22%
Clay 12.74%
Which according to the soil pyramid makes us Sandy Loam, which is good
December 13, 2025 at 12:52 AM
then measure the height of the 3 types (Sand, Silt & Clay)
Turns out we are:
Sand 63.04%
Silt 24.22%
Clay 12.74%
Which according to the soil pyramid makes us Sandy Loam, which is good
Turns out we are:
Sand 63.04%
Silt 24.22%
Clay 12.74%
Which according to the soil pyramid makes us Sandy Loam, which is good
So it also got me to thinking what type of ground I have, so I collected 6 jars of earth from around the property, turn on the AC, collected the water (neutral PH 🤣 you can use distilled water, glad I'm on solar 😁) , added to the dirt, shook it up and let it settle for 24 hours,
December 13, 2025 at 12:51 AM
So it also got me to thinking what type of ground I have, so I collected 6 jars of earth from around the property, turn on the AC, collected the water (neutral PH 🤣 you can use distilled water, glad I'm on solar 😁) , added to the dirt, shook it up and let it settle for 24 hours,
So this post is going to be a bit geeky. So I am trying to maximize the homestead for growing fruit. It turns out that most fruit tress like it it slightly acidic (6.5-7.0), unfortunately it is looking like we are at 7.8 or higher
(1 of 3)
(1 of 3)
December 13, 2025 at 12:50 AM
So this post is going to be a bit geeky. So I am trying to maximize the homestead for growing fruit. It turns out that most fruit tress like it it slightly acidic (6.5-7.0), unfortunately it is looking like we are at 7.8 or higher
(1 of 3)
(1 of 3)
We haven't seen an iguana in a long time, this is a new one, se we will have to think of a new one 😁
You can see how they blend in really well
You can see how they blend in really well
December 11, 2025 at 3:41 PM
We haven't seen an iguana in a long time, this is a new one, se we will have to think of a new one 😁
You can see how they blend in really well
You can see how they blend in really well
A 100 water trough. This is a heavy duty tank that I hope will stand up up to the sun down here. It will be used for the pool overflow and the discharge from the AC units. The water then gets pumped into the large water buffaloes for irrigation
December 4, 2025 at 8:33 PM
A 100 water trough. This is a heavy duty tank that I hope will stand up up to the sun down here. It will be used for the pool overflow and the discharge from the AC units. The water then gets pumped into the large water buffaloes for irrigation
Got a couple new toys today, via Paradise Freight.
A lawn sweeper, it attaches to the back of the tractor to sweep up leaves and grass for the compost pile
A lawn sweeper, it attaches to the back of the tractor to sweep up leaves and grass for the compost pile
December 4, 2025 at 8:33 PM
Got a couple new toys today, via Paradise Freight.
A lawn sweeper, it attaches to the back of the tractor to sweep up leaves and grass for the compost pile
A lawn sweeper, it attaches to the back of the tractor to sweep up leaves and grass for the compost pile
The false frangipani and the Custard Apple have new homes
December 3, 2025 at 9:28 PM
The false frangipani and the Custard Apple have new homes
This weeks project starts with the change of plans, again 🤣🤣🤣
We thought we would get a lot of usage out of this firepit. Turns out we used it twice 🤣🤣🤣
So the stones get repurposed
We thought we would get a lot of usage out of this firepit. Turns out we used it twice 🤣🤣🤣
So the stones get repurposed
December 3, 2025 at 9:25 PM
This weeks project starts with the change of plans, again 🤣🤣🤣
We thought we would get a lot of usage out of this firepit. Turns out we used it twice 🤣🤣🤣
So the stones get repurposed
We thought we would get a lot of usage out of this firepit. Turns out we used it twice 🤣🤣🤣
So the stones get repurposed
Today is Saturday, which means, more often then not, plant shopping.
Say hello to our newest member of the homestead: A Custard Apple, relative of the sugar apple
We are going to remove the plants at the front and plant this lady. Hopefully it will provide sweet tasting fruit for the neighborhood
Say hello to our newest member of the homestead: A Custard Apple, relative of the sugar apple
We are going to remove the plants at the front and plant this lady. Hopefully it will provide sweet tasting fruit for the neighborhood
November 29, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Today is Saturday, which means, more often then not, plant shopping.
Say hello to our newest member of the homestead: A Custard Apple, relative of the sugar apple
We are going to remove the plants at the front and plant this lady. Hopefully it will provide sweet tasting fruit for the neighborhood
Say hello to our newest member of the homestead: A Custard Apple, relative of the sugar apple
We are going to remove the plants at the front and plant this lady. Hopefully it will provide sweet tasting fruit for the neighborhood
A nice video showcasing 5 of our beaches.
Personally I have a few other beaches that I really enjoy. If you visit we'll be happy to share those as well
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1i4X...
Personally I have a few other beaches that I really enjoy. If you visit we'll be happy to share those as well
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1i4X...
Top 5 Beaches on St Croix! [USVI]
YouTube video by thewrightsights
www.youtube.com
November 28, 2025 at 2:35 PM
A nice video showcasing 5 of our beaches.
Personally I have a few other beaches that I really enjoy. If you visit we'll be happy to share those as well
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1i4X...
Personally I have a few other beaches that I really enjoy. If you visit we'll be happy to share those as well
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1i4X...
When I am diving I really try & live by the idea of take nothing, leave nothing ( I don't do bubbles 😁)
Every once in a while I see a shell I really want. To keep from killing anything I've learned that to find the best empty ones, find an octopus 🤣 & steal one of theirs, guaranteed to be empty 🤣
Every once in a while I see a shell I really want. To keep from killing anything I've learned that to find the best empty ones, find an octopus 🤣 & steal one of theirs, guaranteed to be empty 🤣
November 26, 2025 at 4:06 PM
When I am diving I really try & live by the idea of take nothing, leave nothing ( I don't do bubbles 😁)
Every once in a while I see a shell I really want. To keep from killing anything I've learned that to find the best empty ones, find an octopus 🤣 & steal one of theirs, guaranteed to be empty 🤣
Every once in a while I see a shell I really want. To keep from killing anything I've learned that to find the best empty ones, find an octopus 🤣 & steal one of theirs, guaranteed to be empty 🤣
The tractor got a new set of dentures 🤣🤣🤣
This will help the downriggers dig in better and keep the tractor from sliding while digging
This will help the downriggers dig in better and keep the tractor from sliding while digging
November 24, 2025 at 8:27 PM
The tractor got a new set of dentures 🤣🤣🤣
This will help the downriggers dig in better and keep the tractor from sliding while digging
This will help the downriggers dig in better and keep the tractor from sliding while digging
Turns out that all it did was encourage weeds and make mowing and weed whacking harder. So now I have to remove all those rocks. I do have another use for them in a later post
November 22, 2025 at 11:33 PM
Turns out that all it did was encourage weeds and make mowing and weed whacking harder. So now I have to remove all those rocks. I do have another use for them in a later post
You ever have one of the projects, that at the time you did them it seemed like a really good one?
Well, long time ago we thought bordering the bananas with rock would keep the mulch contained.
Well, long time ago we thought bordering the bananas with rock would keep the mulch contained.
November 22, 2025 at 11:32 PM
You ever have one of the projects, that at the time you did them it seemed like a really good one?
Well, long time ago we thought bordering the bananas with rock would keep the mulch contained.
Well, long time ago we thought bordering the bananas with rock would keep the mulch contained.
Finally gave the Aloe plants a new home, by the Sourop tree
If you get burned while visiting we make the real salve from these guys 😂
If you get burned while visiting we make the real salve from these guys 😂
November 22, 2025 at 11:26 PM
Finally gave the Aloe plants a new home, by the Sourop tree
If you get burned while visiting we make the real salve from these guys 😂
If you get burned while visiting we make the real salve from these guys 😂
Back to the clumping bamboo, 3 more planted just inside the front gate. When grown these will provide a little more privacy.
I have two ideas of what to plant in front of them, either move a Flame of the Woods shrub there, or get a couple of fruit trees
I have two ideas of what to plant in front of them, either move a Flame of the Woods shrub there, or get a couple of fruit trees
November 12, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Back to the clumping bamboo, 3 more planted just inside the front gate. When grown these will provide a little more privacy.
I have two ideas of what to plant in front of them, either move a Flame of the Woods shrub there, or get a couple of fruit trees
I have two ideas of what to plant in front of them, either move a Flame of the Woods shrub there, or get a couple of fruit trees
Banana update, I removed the 3 pups and planted them in their new home. Broke 3 shovel handles dong the job. I've bought some fiberglass handle ones 🤣
November 11, 2025 at 11:04 PM
Banana update, I removed the 3 pups and planted them in their new home. Broke 3 shovel handles dong the job. I've bought some fiberglass handle ones 🤣
The sifter was done yesterday and today we put it to work. Sifting out the rocks and other debris. The dirt (caliche) is being used to fill around the pool. Sharon and Debi supervising.
Rick took the pictures
Rick took the pictures
November 7, 2025 at 10:09 PM
The sifter was done yesterday and today we put it to work. Sifting out the rocks and other debris. The dirt (caliche) is being used to fill around the pool. Sharon and Debi supervising.
Rick took the pictures
Rick took the pictures
The dirt/rock sifter is done and already put to use. Maclean did a great job. I unfortunately gave him a height about 6" too much for loading from the back, so now I need a ramp to move the front of the tractor up.
November 6, 2025 at 11:27 PM
The dirt/rock sifter is done and already put to use. Maclean did a great job. I unfortunately gave him a height about 6" too much for loading from the back, so now I need a ramp to move the front of the tractor up.
Sharon has here new raised beds set, at least for now. Once we put the dirt in we noticed that the plastic beds have a hard time handling the weight. So we will keep these and do a plan B 🤣🤣🤣
November 6, 2025 at 11:21 PM
Sharon has here new raised beds set, at least for now. Once we put the dirt in we noticed that the plastic beds have a hard time handling the weight. So we will keep these and do a plan B 🤣🤣🤣