tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90213496943426470592024-03-14T04:24:12.817-04:00LiveBetterGarden.comOnly one activity combines the Big Three: gentle exercise, relaxation, healthy eating. Live Better - Garden! Learn how at LiveBetterGarden.comUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger645125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021349694342647059.post-41736787222259692132022-01-15T14:38:00.009-05:002022-01-15T14:38:00.188-05:00Backyard mango orchard - how to grow tips for South FloridaPaul from Fruitful Trees YouTube channel interviewed Alex Salazar from Tropical Acres in Alex's home backayrd orchard, info current as of 01.2022:
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https://www.tropicalacresfarms.com/aboutUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021349694342647059.post-77519511484469328052022-01-14T14:35:00.012-05:002022-01-14T14:35:00.187-05:00Sapodilla in South Florida - how to grow tips Paul from Fruitful Trees YouTube channel interviewed Alex Salazar from Tropical Acres about sapodilla growing in South Florida, info current as of 01.2022:
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iOhqwElswGE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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https://www.tropicalacresfarms.com/aboutUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021349694342647059.post-36904627541276037542022-01-13T14:32:00.003-05:002022-01-13T14:32:58.823-05:00Florida avocados at Lara Farms in Homestead, FLFlorida avocados at Lara Farms in Homestead, FL - Paul from Fruitful trees YouTube channel interviewed Julian Lara, info current as of 01.2022:<p></p>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VBwAyfO9KBU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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https://larafarmsmiami.com sells avocados online as of 01.2022. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021349694342647059.post-90368155261112876532021-01-20T15:42:00.002-05:002021-01-20T15:42:23.018-05:00Sugar apple (Annona squamosa)Annonas with Har | Sugar Apple (Annona squamosa). Har is an Annona expert, in this video, he talks about Sugar Apples (Annona squamosa):
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<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YXGlmtRUKjs" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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Related:
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8_R6orV-2IUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021349694342647059.post-13682023516848811582020-12-30T16:16:00.001-05:002020-12-30T16:16:06.069-05:00One of the most influential figures in California organic agriculture: Amigo Bob Cantisano, 1951-2020<p>One of the most influential figures in California organic agriculture, Amigo Bob Cantisano passed away in December 2020. <br /></p><p>From UC Santa Cruz: "A lively narrator with vivid recollections of many significant chapters and characters in the history of California organic culture and agriculture, Amigo Bob Cantisano has countless stories to tell. Sarah Rabkin interviewed him on April 7th and 9th, 2008, in the farmhouse kitchen of his Heaven and Earth Farm, located on the San Juan Ridge in California’s Sierra Nevada foothills, north of Nevada City."<br /></p><p><a href="https://library.ucsc.edu/reg-hist/amigo-bob-cantisano-organic-farming-advisor-founder-ecological-farming-conference">https://library.ucsc.edu/reg-hist/amigo-bob-cantisano-organic-farming-advisor-founder-ecological-farming-conference</a></p><p>Transcript and full audio. University of California Escholarship Site. Audio may be accessed using the "Supporting Material" tab at the bottom left of the page.":<br /><br /><a href="https://escholarship.org/uc/item/98z5t9df#main">https://escholarship.org/uc/item/98z5t9df#main</a><br /><br /><a href="https://escholarship.org/uc/item/98z5t9df#supplemental">https://escholarship.org/uc/item/98z5t9df#supplemental</a></p><p>From The Union newspaper: Amigo Bob Cantisano, 69, an early pioneer of the organic farming movement whose accomplishments have been featured in National Geographic and the New York Times, died Saturday after an eight-year battle with head and neck cancer. "Cantisano wanted to have his body composted in the world’s first human composting facility, just opened for business this month, Bliss said. Cantisano’s family is accepting donations to help cover the costs with a GoFundMe page and the resulting cubic yard of compost should be ready for pick-up in roughly a month."<br /><br /><a href="https://www.theunion.com/news/organic-farming-pioneer-amigo-bob-cantisano-dies/">https://www.theunion.com/news/organic-farming-pioneer-amigo-bob-cantisano-dies/<br /></a></p><p>From LA Times: "Near the end of his life, Cantisano expressed frustration that organic farming was still only a small slice of agriculture — even as environmental threats increased. But he was never consumed by the disappointment. He liked to swim in lakes and rivers and hike in the Sierra and dance.<br />“Amigo was about adding life, whether it was microbes in the soil or turning up the music,” Earnshaw said. “He always said perseverance and diligence are the key to getting things to change. And lately I’ve been thinking he was talking about more than farming.”<br /><br /><a href="https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-12-29/amigo-bob-cantisano-organic-farming-movement-dies-at-69">https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-12-29/amigo-bob-cantisano-organic-farming-movement-dies-at-69<br /></a><br /></p><p><br /><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021349694342647059.post-66185991670689131852020-12-16T16:20:00.002-05:002020-12-16T16:20:40.474-05:00 Demand for avocados increases by 30% per year but that comes at a heavy environmental impact <p>Avocado cultivation has dramatic consequences and has been linked to water shortages, human rights violations and an environmentally damage. It takes 1,000 liters of water to produce 1 kg of avocado fruit.<br /><br />The demand for avocados increases by 30% per year but that comes at a heavy environmental impact. </p><p>DW Documentary:</p><p><br /></p>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/05oMsK0-jjA" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021349694342647059.post-55363660495664683382020-12-03T16:52:00.005-05:002020-12-03T16:52:55.453-05:00Growing Jackfruit in South Florida - UF/IFAS Extension Miami-Dade video lecture<p>The UF/IFAS Tropical Fruit Extension agent for Miami-Dade County, Jeff Wasielewski, teaches you how to grow jackfruit in South Florida. This is part of the Tropical Fruit Tuesdays webinar series.</p><p> <br /></p>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RMkOKAi1qcs" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021349694342647059.post-3975423770197825992020-10-20T17:17:00.004-04:002020-10-28T03:01:08.793-04:00How to make a green burrito with bele as the wrap, large leaf edible hibiscus<p>How to make a burrito with bele as the wrap, large leaf edible hibiscus. Lau Pele Wraps from Hawaii: </p><p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GrFleAO8XcQ" width="560"></iframe> </p><p>See more here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3upgRdecLU4">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3upgRdecLU4</a><br /><br /><b>Suggested filling for the burrito:</b><br /><br />- cranberry hibiscus<br />- leeks<br />- young moringa leaves<br />- young mulberry leaves<br />- bidens alba leaves<br />- turmeric<br />- hummus<br />- tabasco sauce</p><p></p><p>Available for purchase: Kiko's Crump TM South Sea Salad Tree AKA bele Tree - Abelmoschus manihot</p><a href="https://wellspringgardens.com/products/kikos-crump-tm-south-sea-salad-tree-abelmoschus-manihot">https://wellspringgardens.com/products/kikos-crump-tm-south-sea-salad-tree-abelmoschus-manihot</a><p> </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021349694342647059.post-26927216746700275592020-10-20T17:14:00.002-04:002020-10-20T17:18:10.605-04:00How to propagate bele, large leaf edible hibiscus, from a cuttingFrom the Philippines: "Bele plant (Hibiscus manihot) - which is also known as aibika, slippery cabbage, Abelmoschus Manihot, Tonga Spinach and sunset hibiscus. This is edible plants or vegetables that easily grow in the Asian countries specially here in the Philippines. We grow it by cuttings and it will be harvest 2- 3 months from the day we planted."<br /><p></p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6EupY_kVM1g" width="560"></iframe>
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From Hawaii:
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<p>Available for purchase:</p><p><a href="https://wellspringgardens.com/products/kikos-crump-tm-south-sea-salad-tree-abelmoschus-manihot">https://wellspringgardens.com/products/kikos-crump-tm-south-sea-salad-tree-abelmoschus-manihot</a><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021349694342647059.post-33478380635905086772020-08-31T15:28:00.002-04:002020-08-31T15:28:31.299-04:00Top Plants for a Food Garden in Subtropical ClimatesFrom Rob Greenfield: Pete Kanaris's 10 top plants for a food garden in subtropical climates - Florida gardening.<br /><br />1. Chaya (Cnidoscolus aconitifolius)<br />2. Moringa (Moringa oleifera)<br />3. Yuca / cassava (Manihot esculenta)<br />4. Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas)<br />5. Sissoo / Miami / Brazilian spinach (Alternanthera sissoo) <br />6. Katuk (Sauropus androgynus)<br />7. Papaya (Carica papaya)<br />8. Edible leaf hibiscus (Abelmoschus manihot)<br />9. Cranberry hibiscus (Hibiscus acetosella)<br />10. Okinawa spinach (Gynura crepioides)<br /><br />Plants available for purchase from Pete’s nursery by visit or by mail. <br />Details here: <a href="https://www.greendreamsfl.com/">https://www.greendreamsfl.com/<br /></a><br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/icA_N1AXyr4" width="560"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021349694342647059.post-47964591738598560142020-08-27T07:30:00.001-04:002020-08-27T07:30:05.898-04:00Edible roses: Rosa damascena, Rosa gallica, Rosa rugosa<p> Edible roses: Rosa damascena, Rosa gallica, Rosa rugosa</p><p> References:</p><p><a href="https://www.tyrantfarms.com/stop-and-eat-the-roses-edible-roses-garden/">https://www.tyrantfarms.com/stop-and-eat-the-roses-edible-roses-garden/</a></p><p><a href="https://homegardenandhomestead.com/garden-roses-queen-of-edible-flowers/">https://homegardenandhomestead.com/garden-roses-queen-of-edible-flowers/</a></p><p><a href="https://helenalockey.blogspot.com/2020/07/calming-edible-roses.html">https://helenalockey.blogspot.com/2020/07/calming-edible-roses.html</a> <br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021349694342647059.post-22135305423713275762020-08-12T09:17:00.004-04:002020-08-13T17:08:52.399-04:00Summer salad ideas for South Florida<p><b>Summer salad ideas for South Florida: <br /><br />Bulk greens:<br /></b></p><p>- Bidens alba (edible weed), young shoots </p><p>- Egyptian spinach <br /><br />- <a href="http://www.livebettergarden.com/2014/09/okinawa-spinach-gynura-bicolor.html">Okinawa spinach</a>, longevity spinach, etc. <br /><br />- malabar spinach <br /><br />- parsley </p><p>- <a href="http://www.livebettergarden.com/2014/09/katuk-tropical-asparagus-star.html">katuk</a> leaves<br /></p><p></p><p></p><p>- mulberry leaves, young shoots <br /><br />- soursop leaves, young shoots <br /><br />- <a href="http://www.livebettergarden.com/2015/04/muscadine-grapes-great-southern-grape.html">muscadine grapes</a> <br /><br /><b>To add some spice:</b><br /></p><p>- <a href="http://www.livebettergarden.com/2014/10/moringa-tree-great-permacuture-plant.html">moringa</a> leaves, use sparingly as it can be very spicy in large quantities<br /><br />- cranberry hibiscus leaves have a peasant sour/vinegar-like taste <br /><br />- turmeric leaves, young shoots<br /></p><p>- galangal roots, use sparingly as it is spicy </p><p>- green onions </p><p>- <a href="http://www.livebettergarden.com/2014/09/perennial-chinese-leek-broad-leaved-nira.html">perennial leek/chives</a>, see examples here: <a href="https://www.kitazawaseed.com/seeds_chinese_leek.html">https://www.kitazawaseed.com/seeds_chinese_leek.html</a> </p>- peppers, recommended: Numex Suave Orange, <a href="https://www.johnnyseeds.com/sale/numex-suave-orange-habanero-pepper-seed-3024.html">https://www.johnnyseeds.com/sale/numex-suave-orange-habanero-pepper-seed-3024.html</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021349694342647059.post-87872065327240329612020-07-23T17:21:00.000-04:002020-07-23T17:21:21.465-04:00You can eat the entire sunflower plant, not just the seedsRead more here:<br />
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<a href="https://greencitygrowers.com/diy/uses-of-sunflowers/">https://greencitygrowers.com/diy/uses-of-sunflowers/</a><br />
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<a href="https://steemit.com/gardening/@haphazard-hstead/4-ways-to-eat-sunflower-buds-original-photos-and-recipes">https://steemit.com/gardening/@haphazard-hstead/4-ways-to-eat-sunflower-buds-original-photos-and-recipes</a><br />
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<a href="https://foragerchef.com/how-to-cook-sunflowers-like-an-artichoke/">https://foragerchef.com/how-to-cook-sunflowers-like-an-artichoke/</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.green-talk.com/experimenting-with-eating-sunflower-leaves/">https://www.green-talk.com/experimenting-with-eating-sunflower-leaves/</a><br />
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related:<br />
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https://practicalselfreliance.com/Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021349694342647059.post-43148834403691206142020-07-16T17:26:00.001-04:002020-07-16T17:26:25.882-04:00How to Grow Microgreens (video)How to Grow Microgreens from Start to End - Complete Microgreens Growing Guide, by California Gardening channel:<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-fprp62Q_EM" width="560"></iframe><br />
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Seeds and instructions ho to grow peas:<br />
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<a href="https://www.trueleafmarket.com/products/pea-sprouting-speckled-organic?variant=39470787592">https://www.trueleafmarket.com/products/pea-sprouting-speckled-organic?variant=39470787592</a><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021349694342647059.post-76310433723138232972020-07-16T16:45:00.000-04:002020-07-16T16:45:03.950-04:00Tithonia diversifolia (tree marigold) as a chop-and-drop mulch and fertilizer in FloridaTithonia diversifolia is a species of flowering plant that is commonly known as the tree marigold, Mexican tournesol, Mexican sunflower, Japanese sunflower or Nitobe chrysanthemum. It is native to Mexico and Central America but has a nearly pantropical distribution as an introduced species.<br />
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It has shown potential in raising the soil fertility in soils depleted in nutrients. This plant is a "weed" that grows quickly and has become an option as an affordable alternative to expensive synthetic fertilizers.<br />
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<b>It can be grown as shrub of hedge</b><br />
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Tithonia diversifolia is 2–3 m (6.6–9.8 ft) in height with upright and sometimes ligneous stalks in the form of woody shrubs. The large, showy flowers are yellow to orange colored and 5–15 cm wide and 10–30 cm long.<br />
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<b>It works as a fertilizer but it takes a lot of work</b><br />
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Harvesting and distributing this fertilizer over the land by hand is very labor-intensive. The best yields come when T. diversifolia is grown off the land as to not take up growing space. For this reason, when time spent on labor has been factored, this approach may not be beneficial to a farmer.<br />
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Tithonia diversifolia can be used as organic fertilizer biomass. For this use, the plant is first grown in hedges around the edges of harvest land. The green stems (not the woody stems), leaves, and flowers can be removed from the plant at a farmer selected time, though it is recommended that cutting every 5 months will give a plentiful amount of nutrients in the biomass. The biomass can also be used as a mulch and can be left on top of the soil to decompose into the ground. <br />
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<b>How to propagate</b><br />
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Cuttings root very easily, just like cassava, in fact, you can grow them together.<br />
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Videos:<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I2tBmImEMXs" width="560"></iframe><br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3L3gcvS0oZQ">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3L3gcvS0oZQ</a><br />
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References:<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tithonia_diversifolia">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tithonia_diversifolia</a><br />
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<a href="https://growerjim.blogspot.com/2014/08/tithonia-diversifolia-bolivian-sunflower.html">https://growerjim.blogspot.com/2014/08/tithonia-diversifolia-bolivian-sunflower.html</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.thesurvivalgardener.com/meet-amazing-giant-sunflower-that-fixes/">http://www.thesurvivalgardener.com/meet-amazing-giant-sunflower-that-fixes/</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.echocommunity.org/en/resources/61d7b231-5e4e-4448-82d0-51d83a5025e8">https://www.echocommunity.org/en/resources/61d7b231-5e4e-4448-82d0-51d83a5025e8</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021349694342647059.post-44264828675286374252020-06-03T07:00:00.000-04:002020-06-12T22:07:02.432-04:00Yaupon Tea - America's Original Native Caffenated 'Tea' Plant Ilex vomitoria, commonly known as yaupon or yaupon holly, is a species of holly that is native to southeastern North America.<br />
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The word yaupon was derived from its Catawban name, yopún, which is a diminutive form of the word yop, meaning "tree". The Latin name "vomitoria" comes from an incorrect belief by Europeans that the plant caused vomiting in certain ceremonies.<br />
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The plant was traditionally used by Native Americans to make an infusion containing caffeine. It and another plant in the Rubiaceae family, Galium aparine, are the only known plants indigenous to North America that produce caffeine. The plant is also widely used for landscaping in its native range.<br />
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You can buy the tea and the plants from Yaupon Brothers American Tea Co. in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, USA: <a href="https://www.yauponbrothers.com/">https://www.yauponbrothers.com</a><br />
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Yaupon Brothers offer an Yaupon cultivar called "Schilling's Dwarf." Living up to its name, it grows to 4 feet tall, and 4 feet wide. Trimmings can be used to to make your own yaupon tea. All Schillings Yaupon trees offered by Yaupon Brothers are male, meaning that they do not develop berries. They do have cheery flowers in the spring which attract a wide range of pollinators. <br />
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These little Yaupon trees will thrive anywhere in the southeast USA. They are hardy to USDA zone 7, and tolerate temperatures down to 10 F for short time periods.<br />
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Schilling's dwarf holly grows in sun or light shade in soils from dry to wet, withstands drought when established and is highly salt-tolerant, making it suited to seaside plantings. Schilling's dwarf is a selection of the native yaupon holly, which grows naturally without irrigation on the dunes along the Atlantic Ocean. Growth rate is slow to moderate. Plant 4-5 feet apart for mass planting. Be sure to set plants several feet back from a walk, driveway or lawn area, because plants grow wider than tall and often require pruning to control their lateral growth. Be sure to leave the bottom of the plant much wider than the top so that lower foliage is left on the plant. If you attempt to shear vertically, the lower branches will be shaded and often lose foliage. This will give the shrub an unsightly, dark, leafless bottom.<br />
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Schilling's dwarf trees are shipped from Plant Click, from Raleigh, NC.<br />
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<a href="https://www.yauponbrothers.com/collections/shop-now/products/live-yaupon-tree-1-gal">https://www.yauponbrothers.com/collections/shop-now/products/live-yaupon-tree-1-gal</a><br />
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They have an active YouTube channel: <br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1hGFk-WriknjdCK0iqF0MQ/videos?">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1hGFk-WriknjdCK0iqF0MQ/videos?</a><br />
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From Rob Greenfield:<br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FMJaaYDAaXg" width="560"></iframe><br />
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References:<br />
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<a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/08/04/429071993/heres-the-buzz-on-americas-forgotten-native-tea-plant">https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/08/04/429071993/heres-the-buzz-on-americas-forgotten-native-tea-plant</a><br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilex_vomitoria">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilex_vomitoria</a><br />
<a href="https://www.yauponbrothers.com/pages/about-yaupon-turbo">https://www.yauponbrothers.com/pages/about-yaupon-turbo</a><br />
https://marblebotanics.com/blog/2018/10/7/make-your-own-yaupon<br />
https://marblebotanics.com/blog/2018/7/19/yaupon-intro<br />
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_drinkUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021349694342647059.post-52997051845275690292020-05-11T16:49:00.000-04:002020-05-11T16:49:01.769-04:00LSU Champagne Fig Tree LSU Champagne Fig is a hybrid releases from the Louisiana State University (LSU) agricultural program. It is a cross between 'Celeste' (female) and C1 (male) which is a Capri fig from California.<br />
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LSU Champagne produces small fruit with yellow to green skin and golden flesh. <b>It's a green fig, just like Ischia, Kadota, etc. </b><br />
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Champagne has a slightly rounded end that tapers towards the stem and a short neck. The eye is partially closed on mature fruit. <br />
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Where to buy: <a href="https://www.gurneys.com/product/fig-champagne-fig">https://www.gurneys.com/product/fig-champagne-fig</a><br />
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LSU fig breeding program has been very productive over the years, since 1950's. “Figs are fun to grow and collect. You can grow them in 5-gallon or 10-gallon pots and put many different varieties in a backyard.” The LSU AgCenter revived O’Rourke’s research in 1990 and began releasing new varieties. “Since then, we’ve released LSU Purple, LSU Gold, Tiger, Champagne and O’Rourke, which we named after Ed,” Johnson said. Read more here: https://www.lsuagcenter.com/portals/communications/news/news_archive/2015/june/headline_news/figs-remain-popular-louisiana-fruit<br />
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References:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.figdatabase.com/variety-details/660/lsu-champagne">https://www.figdatabase.com/variety-details/660/lsu-champagne</a><br />
<a href="https://journals.ashs.org/hortsci/view/journals/hortsci/45/2/article-p310.pdf?sid=ffa7629e-f529-4398-a4f1-a852c181b74b">PDF article</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021349694342647059.post-59735290463123139712020-05-11T15:21:00.000-04:002020-05-11T15:21:05.994-04:00Wampee (Clausena lansium) fruit treeClausena lansium, known as wampee or wampi, from the Chinese word for yellow skinned fruit. It is a species of strongly scented evergreen trees 3–8 m tall, in the family Rutaceae, native to southeast Asia.<br />
<br />
Its leaves are smooth and dark green. White flowers appear in late March. The fruit is oval, about 3 cm long and 2 cm in diameter, and contains two to five seeds that occupy ~40-50% of the fruit volume. The tree reaches a maximum height of 20 meters. It grows well in tropical or subtropical conditions, and is susceptible to cold. Wampee trees grow well in a wide range of soils. <br />
<br />
The wampee is cultivated for its fruit, which is a grape sized, fragrant citrus. Its skin and seeds are often eaten along side the pulp, much like kumquat. Apparently, wampees grow quickly and produce from their first year.<br />
<br />
Let's hope citrus greening disease does not affect wampee in South Florida. <br />
<br />
Where to buy: <a href="https://www.ebay.com/itm/303115536225">https://www.ebay.com/itm/303115536225</a><br />
<br />
References:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clausena_lansium">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clausena_lansium</a><br />
<a href="https://urbantropicals.com/product-category/fruit-trees/">https://urbantropicals.com/product-category/fruit-trees/</a><br />
<a href="https://www.fairchildgarden.org/Portals/0/docs/CTPC/Javier/OCASSIONAL_PAPERS/Occasional_Paper_No_19.pdf">https://www.fairchildgarden.org/Portals/0/docs/CTPC/Javier/OCASSIONAL_PAPERS/Occasional_Paper_No_19.pdf</a> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021349694342647059.post-39704508570956487362020-05-10T15:20:00.000-04:002020-05-10T15:20:01.375-04:00Red jaboticaba (Plinia cauliflora x aureana) is called "Precocious" because it can fruit in 3-4 yearsRed jaboticaba, Plinia cauliflora x aureana, fruit tree is a seedling hybrid, also called Precocious Jaboticaba. This makes for a very fast fruiting plant. Can fruit in 3-4 years, as opposed to 6-8 years for regular jaboticaba. Great tasting and dwarfing habit.<br />
<br />
Where to buy: <a href="https://www.ebay.com/itm/302476125938">https://www.ebay.com/itm/302476125938</a><br />
<br />
Plinia cauliflora, the Brazilian grapetree,jaboticaba, is a fruit tree in the family Myrtaceae, native to Minas Gerais, Goiás and São Paulo states in Brazil. The tree is known for its white-pulped fruits which grow directly on the trunk. <br />
<br />
References:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=23&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjM4dfLtp3pAhUJK80KHdJdA4A4FBAWMAJ6BAgCEAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Farticle.sciencepublishinggroup.com%2Fpdf%2F10.11648.j.larp.20180301.11.pdf&usg=AOvVaw3ymNGSMUfuduVPt65k7zDB">PDF</a><br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jabuticaba">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jabuticaba</a><br />
<a href="https://www.pepesplants.com/jaboticaba.html">https://www.pepesplants.com/jaboticaba.html</a> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021349694342647059.post-78155180390698598252020-05-09T15:00:00.000-04:002020-05-09T15:00:01.884-04:00Dwarf Puerto Rican PlantainDwarf Puerto Rican Plantain is a dwarf mutant plantain. The majority of plantains grow tall, but not this one. Resistant to Panama Disease. <br />
<br />
Where to buy:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://wellspringgardens.com/collections/bananas/products/dwarf-puerto-rican-plantain-musa">https://wellspringgardens.com/collections/bananas/products/dwarf-puerto-rican-plantain-musa</a><br />
<br />
References:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bananas.org/wiki/Musa_Dwarf_Puerto_Rican">http://www.bananas.org/wiki/Musa_Dwarf_Puerto_Rican</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021349694342647059.post-41594591450216575582020-05-08T14:55:00.000-04:002020-05-08T14:55:00.609-04:00Musa FHIA-3 Sweetheart Banana<br />
The FHIA is a federal organization of the Honduras Government that has been breeding bananas for decades, hence the name of this cultivar: Musa FHIA-3 Sweetheart banana. <br />
<br />
The first widely available cultivar by FHIA was Musa hybrid FHIA-1 'Goldfinger'. Musa hybrid FHIA-3 'Sweetheart' was bred and selected for increased disease resistance and yield vs FHIA-1.<br />
<br />
It has an excellent flavor and good size which make it attractive to the home gardener. It has also been described as similar as 'Goldfinger' or 'Orinoco'.<br />
<br />
It is very tolerant of sub-standard growing conditions, especially poor quality soils. The fruit ripen very quickly after picking so they should be left on the stalk until almost needed. Just harvest one hand at a time. It has a reputation for drought and wind resistance.<br />
<br />
Where to buy:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://wellspringgardens.com/products/sweetheart-banana">https://wellspringgardens.com/products/sweetheart-banana</a><br />
<br />
References:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bananas.org/wiki/Musa_FHIA-3_Sweetheart">http://www.bananas.org/wiki/Musa_FHIA-3_Sweetheart</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021349694342647059.post-72663560527411980402020-05-07T14:48:00.000-04:002020-05-07T17:01:53.297-04:00Kadota (Florentine) FigThis is a very old variety, described in later 1880's, how about that?<br />
<br />
<b>It's a green fig, just like Ischia, LSU Champagne, etc. </b><br />
<br />
Kadota (Florentine) cultivar produces a medium-large, yellow fruit with an open ostiole that is partially sealed with a honey-like substance.<br />
<br />
Fruit quality declines with extremely wet weather.<br />
<br />
Although Kadota figs can be eaten fresh, they are better suited for canning and preserves. Fruit ripen in July, same as Celeste fig. <br />
<br />
Where to buy:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://wellspringgardens.com/collections/figs/products/kadota-fig">https://wellspringgardens.com/collections/figs/products/kadota-fig</a><br />
<br />
References:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg214">https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg214</a><br />
<a href="https://www.tytyga.com/Kadota-Fig-p/frufig-kadota.htm">https://www.tytyga.com/Kadota-Fig-p/frufig-kadota.htm</a><br />
<a href="https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=25443">https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=25443</a><br />
<a href="https://www.figdatabase.com/variety-details/212/kadota">https://www.figdatabase.com/variety-details/212/kadota</a> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021349694342647059.post-50588538594921014682020-05-06T14:45:00.000-04:002020-05-07T17:01:29.194-04:00Celeste Fig, also called Blue Celeste, Celestial, and Little Brown SugarCeleste (Blue Celeste, Celestial, and Little Brown Sugar) cultivar is probably the second most common fig in the southeastern United States, after Brown Turkey (Brunswick, Eastern Brown Turkey, Harrison, Lees Perpetual, Ramsey, Texas Everbearing).<br />
<br />
<b>It's a small fig. </b><br />
<br />
Celeste is almost as widely grown as Brown Turkey. Of the old standards, it is considered to be the best tasting and very good to excellent. Celeste has a tightly closed "eye," making it resistant to dried fruit beetle and rain entry, which can cause fruit to sour. Will drop unripe fruit in hot weather, but it is so outstanding in overall quality that it is worth some loss. Fortunately, Celeste ripens well before most other figs, allowing harvest before the worst heat. <br />
<br />
This is the most popular cultivar in southern Louisiana and grows well in Florida. It is a very dependable producer of high quality, small to medium sized figs even in unfavorable/wet weather due to its small, tightly closed eye. The very sweet flesh has a rich, honey like flavor and is reddish amber in color. The eye remains green until the fig is almost ripe (unlike Brown Turkey)<br />
<br />
The fruit is small to medium in size and purplish bronze to light brown in color. The flesh is bright pink, very sweet. Celeste is referred to as “sugar fig” on account of its sweetness. The outside skin is purplish-bronze to light brown and the flesh is rose-colored. <br />
<br />
Celeste is known in the South as the "Sugar Fig". A Southern tradition, long-lived and hardy, Celeste's reputation comes from many generations of people that have grown this fig. The "eye" at the bottom of the fruit is small, keeping insects out.<br />
<br />
Celeste figs have a compact growth pattern, usually reaching a mature height and spread of 7 to 10 feet (2-3 m). Excellent for container growing. They should not be pruned heavily, as this can reduce fruit production. They produce their main crop of fruit earlier than most other fig varieties, usually in early summer.<br />
<br />
Scott Head grows more than 20 fig varieties, here is his video about Celeste:<br />
<br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1ybFvkpLFYg" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
Where to buy:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://wellspringgardens.com/collections/figs/products/celeste-fig">https://wellspringgardens.com/collections/figs/products/celeste-fig</a><br />
<br />
References:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg214">https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg214</a><br />
<a href="https://www.pepesplants.com/fig-trees.html">https://www.pepesplants.com/fig-trees.html</a><br />
What Is A Celeste Fig: Learn About Celeste Fig Tree Care <a href="https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/figs/celeste-fig-tree-care.htm">https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/figs/celeste-fig-tree-care.htm</a><br />
<a href="https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ficus-carica-celeste/">https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/ficus-carica-celeste/</a><br />
<a href="https://www.gurneys.com/product/fig-celeste">https://www.gurneys.com/product/fig-celeste</a><br />
<a href="https://ediblelandscaping.com/products/shrubs/Figs/CelesteFig.php">https://ediblelandscaping.com/products/shrubs/Figs/CelesteFig.php</a><br />
<a href="https://www.figdatabase.com/variety-details/89/celeste">https://www.figdatabase.com/variety-details/89/celeste</a> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021349694342647059.post-30854176847017242682020-05-05T15:03:00.001-04:002020-05-05T15:03:40.683-04:00Nitrogen-fixing trees for tropics/subtropicsNitrogen-fixing trees for tropics/subtropics:<br />
<br />
- Moringa<br />
- Leucaena<br />
- Gliricidia<br />
- Albizia<br />
- Acacia<br />
- Casuarina<br />
<br />
<b>Leucaena</b><br />
<br />
Leucaena leucocephala (River tamarind) is a small fast-growing mimosoid tree native to southern Mexico and northern Central America (Belize and Guatemala) and is now naturalized throughout the tropics. It is classified as invasive weed in Florida (https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/leucaena-leucocephala/). It is also called lead tree.<br />
<br />
L. leucocephala is used for a variety of purposes, such as firewood, fiber, and livestock fodder. During the 1970s and 1980s, it was promoted as a "miracle tree" for its multiple uses. It has also been described as a "conflict tree" because it is used for forage production but spreads like a weed in some places. It grows quickly and forms dense thickets that crowd out all native vegetation.<br />
<br />
It also efficient in nitrogen fixation, at more than 500 kg/ha/year. It has a very fast growth rate: young trees reach a height of more than 20 ft in two to three years.<br />
<br />
The young pods are edible.<br />
<br />
<b>Gliricidia</b><br />
<br />
Gliricidia sepium (common names: quickstick, madre xacao or madre de cacao in the Philippines and Guatemala) is a medium size leguminous tree belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is considered to be the second most important multi-purpose legume tree, surpassed only by Leucaena leucocephala.<br />
<br />
The generic name Gliricidia means "mouse killer" in reference to the traditional use of its toxic seeds and bark as rodenticides.<br />
<br />
G. sepium was spread from its native range throughout the tropics to shade plantation crops such as coffee. Today it is used for many other purposes including live fencing, fodder, firewood, green manure, intercropping, and rat poison. Its use expanded following the widespread defoliation of Leucaena by psyllid in the 1980s.<br />
<br />
G. sepium is used as cut and carry forage for cattle, sheep, and goats. Its high protein content allows it to complement low-quality tropical forages. G. sepium can tolerate repeated cutting, every 2 to 4 months depending on the climate. Cutting G. sepium causes it to retain its leaves during the dry season when many forage crops have lost their leaves. In some cases it is the only source of forage feed during the dry season.<br />
<br />
G. sepium trees are used for intercropping in part because they fix nitrogen in the soil and tolerate low soil fertility, so when they are interplanted with crops they can boost crop yields significantly, without the need of chemical fertilizers. The common name madre de cacao (literally "mother of cacao" in Spanish) used in Central America and the Philippines is in reference to its traditional use as shade trees for cocoa tree plantations.<br />
<br />
G. Sepium tolerates being cut back to crop height, and can even be coppiced, year after year. When the trees are cut back, they enter a temporary dormant state during which their root systems do not compete for nutrients needed by the crops, so the crops can establish themselves.<br />
<br />
References:<br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leucaena_leucocephala">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leucaena_leucocephala</a><br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gliricidia_sepium">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gliricidia_sepium</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021349694342647059.post-28918962049444209492020-05-04T15:22:00.001-04:002020-05-04T15:22:30.838-04:00Plants for South Florida garden conditions by Three Amigos Growers in Davie, FLThe Three Amigos Growers is a nursery in Davie, FL which offers plants adapted to the South Florida garden conditions. Here is a list: <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.treeamigosgrowers.com/plants/">https://www.treeamigosgrowers.com/plants/</a><br />
<br />
Among them:<br />
<br />
<b>Vegetable Plants</b><br />
<br />
- Collards. These can be perennial in South Florida, I have Georgia collards growing strong for 3 years now. <br />
<br />
- Eggplant Dancer, Ping Tung, Millionaire. Will have to check them out. Have in mind that eggplants hate the nematodes in Florida soil. Containers may be a better option.<br />
<br />
- Kale Garlic. Not sure about this one. <br />
<br />
- Mustard Greens, Mustard Red. Easy to grow but you have to cook them, raw, they have a bite.<br />
<br />
- Peppers Crimson King, Mini Chocolate, Padron. Not sure about these. <br />
<br />
- Lettuce, Salanova. Not sure about this one. <br />
<br />
- Longevity Spinach. <br />
<br />
- Sorrel, French. Tried to grow it but it did not do well for me. May try again. <br />
<br />
- Tomato, Everglades, Super Sweet 100. Everglades tomato grows excellent in South Florida, it self-seeds and becomes perennial. Highly recommended. Have in mind it's a small tomato though - the size of a large blueberry. <br />
<br />
<b>Culinary Herb Plants</b><br />
<br />
- Dill, Fennel. Not sure how well these will do in summer.<br />
<br />
- Garlic Chives, Leeks. Excellent choice! Great for edible edging plant.<br />
<br />
- Mint, Mojito. Not sure about this one. <br />
<br />
- Parsley. It does not grow well during the summer heat.<br />
<br />
- Scallions. Perennial in South Florida.<br />
<br />
- Thyme Lemon. Vietnamese Coriander. Not sure about this one. <br />
<br />
<b>Medicinal Herb Plants</b><br />
<br />
- Calendula. Not sure about this one. <br />
<br />
- Chamomile. It has trouble during the summer. <br />
<br />
- Marshmallow, Mother Wort. Not sure about this one. <br />
<br />
- Plantain, Plantain Turkish. Tried it but did not grow well for me.<br />
<br />
- Skullcap Barbara. Spilanthes – Lemon Drops. Not sure about this one. <br />
<br />
- Stinging Nettle. Tried it but did not grow well for me from seed. <br />
<br />
- Tulsi, Kapoor. Krishna. Not sure about this one. <br />
<br />
- Valerian Root. Not sure about this one. <br />
<br />
<b>Fruit Trees and Plants</b><br />
<br />
- Achote (Annatto). Not sure about this one. <br />
<br />
- Guava. Excellent choice for South Florida.<br />
<br />
- Lulo/Naranjilla. Can be very thorny, I hear.<br />
<br />
- Mulberry, Ever-bearing. Fruit is too small on most varieties.<br />
<br />
- Passionfruit, Sweet cup yellow. Not sure about this one. <br />
<br />
- Passionfruit, Purple. Excellent choice. <br />
<br />
Map:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" aria-hidden="false" frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d3584.213380531757!2d-80.29485268497301!3d26.059281983502512!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x88d90829780dff13%3A0xa8316e8055de7f86!2sTree%20Amigos%20Growers!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1588619987175!5m2!1sen!2sus" style="border: 0;" tabindex="0" width="400"></iframe><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0