Now is the Time, |
April 28, 2016 |
Do you have a favorite tree that you remember climbing when you were young? I do. In our yard we had two trees that were our main climbers: a large cherry laurel in the back and a golden rain tree in the front. My siblings and I loved spending our time under the trees, up the trees and daring each other to see how high we could climb. We even had branch assignments for lunchtime. Thinking back, I can't believe we ate lunch 20 feet up in a tree! (And now that I have kids, I'm not sure if I could stomach them doing the same...) Without a doubt those trees provided a great place to play and to picnic in the summer months, when we wanted to be outside, but didn't want to be out in the sun the entire day.
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In This Issue
Plant a Tree for
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Horseradish Tree (Moringa) Moringa oleifera Sometimes called the miracle tree or the tree of life, it is also known as the drumstick tree, referring to the immature seed pods or we've always called it the horseradish tree, a name given for the flavor of the roots. Every part of this amazing tree is edible. Various sources claim that the leaves contain more Vitamin A than carrots, more calcium than milk, more potassium than a banana and as much vitamin C as an orange. Amazing for something as simple as a tree. Use the leaves fresh in salads or smoothies, or dry them to make a powder for soups and sauces. The immature seed pods are called drumsticks and can be cooked and eaten like any green vegetable. The seeds can be roasted, and the roots can be grated and used like horseradish. All of this on a tree that can be a beautiful part of your landscape, growing in sunny areas 20 to 30 feet tall. The perfect addition to the edible landscape.
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Growing Fruit Trees
Location,
location, location
Selecting the right
location for all plants is important, but it is critical
for fruit trees. Most tropical fruit trees need sun, well-drained
soil and some protection from wind and cold. Find a location that is
sunny and on the south to south-east side of a house and you have a
great location that offers some protection from the cold. (Cold
winds come in from the north, so a house or tree creates a barrier
that blocks some of the cold winds.)
Use Great Soil
Dig a hole, plop the
tree in and watch it grow right? Not in sandy Florida soil. Sandy
soil allows good drainage, but is poor for retaining moisture and
nutrients. Always use quality soil, such as Kerby's Planting Soil,
for planting fruit trees (for
beautiful landscape plants great soil is a must too.) Fruit trees
must be in top shape to produce good harvests, and planting in great
soil will get them growing healthy and strong.
Download Kerby's planting instructions
to make sure you get all of your plants off to a great start.
Give Trees Fertilizer
People take vitamins
to get the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Trees are not
much different. They need many different nutrients to grow strong
and produce great harvests. To start trees off well and keep them
healthy, give them regular fertilizer. For new trees, use Kerby's
8-4-8 fertilizer with micronutrients once per month from March to September. For established fruit trees, fertilize three times per year,
in spring, summer and fall. Fruits take a lot of energy to produce,
so make sure you have healthy trees by giving them all the nutrients
they need.
Be Prepared
The best way to keep
fruit trees healthy is to be prepared. Have fertilizer, insect or
disease sprays on hand so that when it's time to spray or fertilize,
you already have everything you need. This goes for cold protection
too. Have a plan for covering and protecting your favorite sensitive
trees, that way when a frost or freeze arrives, you'll be ready.
Anchor pins and frost blankets are one great way to keep frost off
of trees and give insulation during winter. When choosing a tree,
getting all the materials you need now will save lots of time later.
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Kerby's Nursery 2311 S. Parsons Ave. Seffner, FL 33584 (813) 685-3265 www.kerbysnursery.com |
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