Can any Simmonds backyard growers enlighten me on the pros and cons of ownership of a Simmonds. I will be looking to plant it or grow it in container. Zone 9B. Central Florida. Thanks a million!

Snow near Central Florida to start the new year? There’s a chance it could happen this coming week — but the conditions would have to be just right.

While much of the nation is already in a deep freeze, a mass of cold air is expected to work its way into our area by Thursday — leading to the chance of snow between Orlando and Tampa.

“Some of the coldest air in years will be invading the continental United States next week,” meteorologist Paul Dellegatto from Tampa TV station WTVT explained in a Facebook post. “Eventually, some of that cold air will be spilling south into Florida.”

He referenced a European forecast model that is predicting snow on Thursday in parts of Pasco and Pinellas counties in west Central Florida near Tampa.

“When it comes to snow in Florida, it always hinges on having enough moisture around WHILE it is cold enough to snow. The vast majority of our sub-freezing nights occur under clear skies and radiational cooling, so snow is rarely mentioned. In this case, there is a small chance,” Dellegato explained.

“And I mean like tiny, that there may be enough moisture coming in off the Gulf to produce a wet snow flake or two next Thursday. I am just throwing this out there,” he explained, then cautioned, “Don't plan on making your ☃️ just yet!”

***Banana Plants*** What are your Top 1, 2 and 3 backyard banana plant varieties?

I have tried Dwarf Cavendish and Blue Java varieties and continue to grow these. Also have some Dwarf Plantains but curious to see what is the community think is the top 3 choices. Thanks in advance!

Pakistan/ Indian Mangos... Which are the best to grow in Floridas Climate? I have a few Anwar Ratol  growing. Any one tried this variety or others in the same region? Thanks!

What was this years 2017 King of Mangos in your opinion?

Do youthink that this would make a great 2 variety tree? Also any reason it would be a bad idea? Thanks.

Well, I finally ran out of space in my yard for any more trees. I want to space out two trees but in order to do so I must remove one tree. I am torn because I have a Haden and I like the fruit and it was my first fruiting mango tree. However, I have better varieties but, I am going to ask for you opinions. So, for the Haden, should I keep it or pull it. Thanks!

Hello, I am new to this group, but not new to growing mangos. However I am fairly new to growing mangos in Central Florida (Orlando Area Zone 9B). Are their any members with great success stories in mango tree growing in Zone 9B?

If so please let me know how long have you had your tree and what variety it is.

Also please let me know any failure stories if you have any. Thank You for your responses.