Many people ask what types of fruit
trees can be grown here in central Florida. We usually respond by telling
them that a better question is what fruit trees can't we grow! To
learn about all of the possibilities, come out to the nursery this Saturday
at 10am. We're presenting a workshop on growing cold-hardy fruit trees,
including apples, peaches, pears and nectarines.
To tantalize your taste buds with all
of the fruits that we can grow here, check out our fruit page,
and don't miss this week's coupon for 10% off any fruit tree.
Happy Gardening,
Kim, Joey and Mark
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In This Issue
Cold Hardy Fruit Trees
Upcoming Events
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Cold Hardy Fruit Trees
There are so many different types of fruit trees that grow well in central Florida. Below is a sample of some of the cold-hardy fruit
trees that do well and don't require cold protection during the winter months.
For more in depth information on proper planting, pruning and general care
of these types of fruits, come out to the workshop this Saturday, February
13th at 10am.
Peaches & Nectarines -
There is nothing better than eating a fresh peach right off the tree and
letting the juice drip down your chin. Here in central Florida, we can grow
a number of delicious varieties including, Flordaprince,
Flordagrande and Tropic Beauty. Nectarines are the smooth-skinned cousin of the peach, but just as delicious and nutritious.
Sunraycer and Sunmist are two great varieties that will fruit
in our climate.

Apples & Pears -
An apple a day keeps the doctor away, and with your own tree, you won't have
to see the doc all year! Anna and Dorsett Golden are a great
apple combination and are our version of Red Delicious and Granny
Smith. Apples and pears need pollinators, so you need two trees in close
proximity.
Persimmons - With a
delicious orange flesh that's a little like jelly, persimmons are yummy
fresh or can be used in a variety of baked goods. Fuyu is our favorite
variety for its large size and consistent production.

Figs, olives and
pomegranates - This Mediterranean combination will add a healthy punch
of antioxidants and omega-3s to your diet, and they are all cold hardy. All
three are easy to grow, and love well-drained, sunny areas.
Berries -
There are lots of berries
that we can grow here, including
delicious mulberries that grow on large trees to healthy blackberries that
grow on brambling vines. This year, we've gotten in some Heritage
raspberries that are actually fruiting now! Of course you can't forget about
blueberries, a superfood with high amounts of antioxidants. They are
starting to flower now and will be fruiting soon.

Grapes -
Whether you enjoy making wine or eating them fresh, Florida's muscadine grapes
are a delicious treat. Try Ison grapes for a large deep purple berry with lots
of sweet flesh. Grapes are great for growing up a trellis, arbor or for covering
a gazebo.
Kiwi -
Kiwi is a unique plant because there are male and female plants, and
both varieties are required for fruiting. These delicious fruits are great in
smoothies, fruit salads or just cut up as part of a healthy breakfast. They were
once called strawberry peaches because of their flavor.

Pecans -
Pie, sticky buns, coffee cake, pancakes . . . what can't you add pecans to?
These large trees provide beautiful shade for picnics and play, and yield
bushels of pecans in the fall.
Citrus -
Tangelos, tangerines, oranges, grapefruits and kumquats are all hardy citrus trees that produce lots of fruit
year after year. Citrus are one of the easiest fruits to grow in our area.
Upcoming Events
Workshop: Growing Peaches, Apples,
Pears and Plums
Saturday, February 13th at 10:00 am
If you've ever
wanted your own backyard orchard, but didn't know where to start, then this
workshop is for you! We'll talk about the great varieties of apples,
peaches, pears, plums and nectarines that can be grown in our area and
discuss the best ways to plant and care for them. These trees aren't just
for our friends up north!
Workshop:
Spring Vegetable Gardening
Saturday, February 20th at 10:00 am
Healthier,
tastier vegetables are easy to grow, and in this workshop, you'll get all
the information you need to get your vegetable garden going this spring.
Also included is an Earthbox demo, showing you how to grow veggies, even
with limited space.
Workshop:
Vegetable Gardening II
Saturday, February 27th at 10:00 am

If you've attended our veggie workshops before then you
already know how to grow healthy, happy vegetables. But if
you've ever wanted to dig a little deeper into vegetable
gardening, then this workshop is for you. We'll discuss
organic gardening, composting, natural pest control and
other vegetable gardening issues that will give your garden
the best harvests ever this year.

Workshop:
Hardy Landscaping
Saturday, March
6th at 10:00 am
Looking to freshen up your landscaping after winter? Look no further.
We'll show you all of the hardy alternatives that you can use to make your
garden beautiful all year long.

Kerby's Turns 30
Friday - Sunday, March 19 - 21
It's hard to believe that this year will be Kerby's 30th birthday. We're celebrating with a weekend-long
birthday bash on the boardwalk. More information will be posted soon.
Workshop:
Tropical Fruit Trees
Saturday, March 27th at 10:00 am
Juicy and
delicious, there is nothing like picking fruit from a tree you've grown and
eating it on the spot. Whether you like mangos or jakfruit, kiwi or papaya,
or nance and custard apple, there is a fruit to fit every taste. After the
workshop, you'll be able to sample some of the delicious fruits that can be
grown in our area.
10% Off Any Fruit Tree

Bring in this coupon and receive 10% off all fruit trees.
Offer expires February 19, 2010. Please present coupon.
Click here for
a printable
version, or if you don't have a printer, mention that you saw the coupon in our e-newsletter.
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