Now is the Time,
Kerby's is the Place

April 28, 2016   

 
Trees are great for shade and climbing.

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.

Planting a tree is planting hope for the future
There is an old greek proverb that says "A society grows great when old men plant trees under whose shade they know they shall never sit." After all, planting trees and even planting a garden is about hope for the future; for future picnics in the shade, for future heights to climb. Another great saying is: "The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago; the second best time is now." So show your hope for the future, and celebrate arbor day this week by planting a shade tree. If shade trees aren't your thing, then maybe a fruit tree. Many fruit trees can grow large enough for picnics and playing, plus you get the added benefit of a little something to eat. The article below gives you some  information on growing great fruit trees, and don't miss the 20% Off Fruit Tree Sale going on now. It's a great time to plant a tree before the summer heat really kicks in. And 20 years from now, you'll be glad you did.


Happy Gardening,
The Kerby's Nursery Family


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In This Issue

Featured Plant

 

Growing Fruit Trees


Plant a Tree for
Arbor Day


Oaks, Maples, Elms & More to choose from



Spring Fruit Sale

All Fruit Trees
20% Off



Mother's Day
is almost here.


All Roses
2 for $50


 
Moringa - Horseradish Tree
6" Pot - $12.99
10" Pot - $29.99
Featured Plant
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.

 

Growing Fruit Trees
 
Bring your favorite tastes to your backyard with a delicious fruit tree. Below are some tips for planting and care to help you get started. Fruit trees come in all shapes and sizes so there is something for every backyard, big or small.

 
 
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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Monday - Saturday,  9:00am - 5:30pm
Sunday,  11:00am - 4:00pm