Since this is the last blog post of 2012, I thought I'd post a quick list to summarize some of the things I learned during the past year.
Rootstock Table
I built a rootstock table and put it in the greenhouse, but it really doesn't belong there. I'm not producing citrus trees commercially, and it is taking up valuable space that could be used to grow mangoes or some other delicious tropical fruit. The rootstock table is getting moved outside.
I built a rootstock table and put it in the greenhouse, but it really doesn't belong there. I'm not producing citrus trees commercially, and it is taking up valuable space that could be used to grow mangoes or some other delicious tropical fruit. The rootstock table is getting moved outside.
Bananas
Just like the rootstock table, the Dwarf Cavendish banana I planted in the greenhouse has got to go. I know there are other bananas, but they're not really a pick-and-eat fruit, which is what I want for my kids. Besides, bananas are 50 cents a pound at the grocery store. I'd much rather buy bananas, and grow more grumichamas or pineapples.
Just like the rootstock table, the Dwarf Cavendish banana I planted in the greenhouse has got to go. I know there are other bananas, but they're not really a pick-and-eat fruit, which is what I want for my kids. Besides, bananas are 50 cents a pound at the grocery store. I'd much rather buy bananas, and grow more grumichamas or pineapples.
Pineapple Guavas
I got to eat a couple pineapple guavas this year, but I didn't think they tasted good at all. I'd rate them as edible, but certainly not very tasty. I would much rather use that real estate to grow more citrus or figs. Pineapple guavas are out.
I got to eat a couple pineapple guavas this year, but I didn't think they tasted good at all. I'd rate them as edible, but certainly not very tasty. I would much rather use that real estate to grow more citrus or figs. Pineapple guavas are out.
Blackberries
Blackberries love full sun. I transplanted my blackberries from the shady side yard to a very sunny place, and they have grown exceptionally well there. I'm really looking forward to the berry crop this year, and wish I had room to plant more.
Blackberries love full sun. I transplanted my blackberries from the shady side yard to a very sunny place, and they have grown exceptionally well there. I'm really looking forward to the berry crop this year, and wish I had room to plant more.
Jujubes
I have tried to like jujubes, but I just can't. The best one I've ever had tasted like a dried-up mealy apple, and I'm not going to grow a fruit that I have to candy in order to make it palatable. Pick-and-eat fruit is what I'm after. The jujube trees are going to get transplanted to the squat orchard, and that space will be used to grow more Ujukitsus.
I have tried to like jujubes, but I just can't. The best one I've ever had tasted like a dried-up mealy apple, and I'm not going to grow a fruit that I have to candy in order to make it palatable. Pick-and-eat fruit is what I'm after. The jujube trees are going to get transplanted to the squat orchard, and that space will be used to grow more Ujukitsus.
Grafting
I did a lot of grafting this year, and learned that pomegranates and figs are very easy to graft. Pomegranates are as forgiving as pears when using the cleft graft, and figs are easy to graft using the bark-inlay method. I plan on grafting several more pomegranate and fig varieties onto my trees in 2013.
I did a lot of grafting this year, and learned that pomegranates and figs are very easy to graft. Pomegranates are as forgiving as pears when using the cleft graft, and figs are easy to graft using the bark-inlay method. I plan on grafting several more pomegranate and fig varieties onto my trees in 2013.
Other:
- Magnesium deficiency in citrus is easily treated with espom salts;
- Sprinklers spraying into the foliage of low-growing citrus trees can encourage pests and diseases. Drip irrigation is the way to go;
- The Sarawak pummelo is one of the tastiest fruits you can grow. Plant one now!;
- If you build a greenhouse, pay attention to drainage;
- Avocados grow like crazy if watered a little bit everyday instead of once or twice a week (or at least mine did);
- Jaboticabas are reported to take many years to fruit and taste much like muscadine grapes (super easy to grow), and therefore they may not be worth growing;
- Alternating sprays of spinosad and neem oil may help prevent leaf miner damage, as well as citrus rust mites, wooly white fly, and other citrus pests;
- Birds will figure out just about anything you do to try to scare them away from your blueberries; and
- Pineapple tops are easy to root.
There's no way I could list everything that I learned this year, but I think I was able to hit the high points. Let's keep our fingers crossed that we get through this winter without any severe freezes, and I wish everyone good growing in 2013!
