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Messages - TheVeggieProfessor

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26
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: 10b (south florida) perennial staple foods
« on: September 07, 2022, 11:54:31 AM »
I appreciate the great discussion on this thread. I wonder how well rollinia fits the bill as a staple food? I hear it's very filling.

Jamaican strawberry came up as an option for a berry that - although not very filling - produces most of the year. Has anyone tried to dehydrate these? I wonder how they would work for an on-the-go snack. Mulberries are also a good choice as far as I can tell for an easy to produce berry. Berries won't fill you up, but they pack a lot of nutrition.


27
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: 10b (south florida) perennial staple foods
« on: September 05, 2022, 07:58:13 AM »
Another thought. Not food but I use soap every day. In the vein of sustainable living, growing my own soap would be valuable. Does anyone have experience with soapberry? I know I’ll need a male and female. I wonder how small these trees can be maintained while still fruiting?

28
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: 10b (south florida) perennial staple foods
« on: September 04, 2022, 06:19:49 PM »
Thanks for all of the great suggestions. I already have pretty much all of the perennial vegetables (except for Chaya - the one that CarolinaZone was referring to - which has to be boiled before it is safe to consume).

Among everything that was mentioned, I'm really interested in breadfruit, though I don't have the biggest yard and already have a lot of trees. Is 12x12 feasible for a breadfruit tree?

Malabar chestnut is super interesting, but I know it contains a fatty acid that is toxic and a possible carcinogen. Of course, the dose makes the poison.


Breadnut is also very interesting but, as far as I'm aware, is pretty marginal for my climate. I also don't know how I would go about finding a tree. 8-10 years is a long wait if going by seed. Plus, these are gigantic trees and I doubt I have the space. Could this one be maintained around 12x12?

I have an avocado and mamey, which were mentioned.

29
Tropical Fruit Discussion / 10b (south florida) perennial staple foods
« on: September 04, 2022, 08:20:11 AM »
In the vein of living more sustainably, I've been buying more local food and growing more and more of my own food. It's easy to find locally and grow your own "nutrition" crops, like green leafies. I can also find local fruits easily. But staple foods are harder to come by. So now I am growing my own annual staple crops (e.g., sweet potatoes, cassava, etc.). But I am more interested in perennials; tree and shrub crops. Here's what I have going on right now and what I have in mind.

Currently:
Jackfruit (for the seeds)
Pigeon pea
Bananas

Potential:
Macadamia
Oyster nut

Any other ideas for perennial crops that can provide meaningful amounts of calories and macronutrients like carbs, proteins, and fats that grow in my climate?

30
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Help filling out a hedge
« on: September 02, 2022, 08:23:07 AM »
Does anyone with familiarity with soapberry trees think they would work in this space? Or will they want to grow too big? I'm intrigued at the idea of growing my own soap, but all of my space for larger trees are taken up by fruiting cultivars.

Similarly, anyone with familiarity with macadamia think they would work in this space?

31
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Help filling out a hedge
« on: August 31, 2022, 07:24:11 PM »
That's for the recent suggestions. I may be overthinking this, but my concern with cassava (or other root crops for that matter) is if the pesticides could potentially be uptaken by the root. For instance, I know that cassava absorbs pesticides pretty well. I wonder if the safety of the root can be compromised. I'm probably being overly paranoid, but it is a thought that I have. I generally don't like to grow roots along property lines because of all of the poisons people spray on their lawns; I don't want it getting into the roots of my plants. Maybe unreasonable concern, though.

Based on these discussions and my desire for access, I'll probably keep the bananas that aren't diseased, throw in some pigeon peas, and put up some trellises for passionfruit and granadilla (I've never had the large ones before, but I love the other variety that I have tasted). If space permits I may work in a dwarf sapodilla or slow growing mango (e.g., pickering).

32
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Help filling out a hedge
« on: August 29, 2022, 12:13:54 PM »
Quote from: skhan on August 29, 2022, 11:53:09 AM
Regular guava should be good.
Dwarfish mango, manalita is an upright dwarf.
Lemon Drop or similar vigor garcinias
Maybe dwarf Sapodilla would work too.

Jabos and Eugenias as mentioned before is an option but the lower vigor might be an issue
Yellow Jabo seems a good degree faster than the rest (at least in my exp)

If you need something fast I'd plant some fast trees (mangos, Jackfruit, Soursop) at 12-foot spacing and fill in the space with flowering gingers for privacy

These are all really great suggestions. I just measured and I have 11 feet between the fence and the pool gate. So I suppose if I went with some of these options (guava, compact mango, lemon drop mangosteen etc.), I would put them, what, 5 feet off the fence? And then I'd have to keep the canopy opposite the fence elevated so I can still walk around over there. Is this what you were thinking?

33
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Help filling out a hedge
« on: August 28, 2022, 04:19:52 PM »
Quote from: 1rainman on August 28, 2022, 02:39:54 PM
I would plant some sugar cane. Black preferably.

Thanks. Doesn't sugar cane require a lot of water? I'd also need to invest in a juicer for it I guess. It's an interesting suggestion.

Some other ideas came to mind, but not sure if they're viable given the space constraints. Makok sapodilla and soapberry.

34
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Help filling out a hedge
« on: August 28, 2022, 12:44:25 PM »
Quote from: CarolinaZone on August 28, 2022, 10:21:46 AM
Are pomegranates evergreen in Florida?

I believe it is deciduous, so not ideal. Also, my understanding is that the varieties we grow here are pretty poor. I could erect a few trellises here and there and try passionfruit and granadilla. It would be as much privacy as the bananas, but could be a good option.

35
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Help filling out a hedge
« on: August 28, 2022, 09:36:04 AM »
Hi all. I was in need of privacy along my fence, so I planned to plant a hedge of fruiting plants. However, my neighbors have a mosquito spray that the wind carries over to my property, so I didn't want to plant anything with edible skin. Along most of the hedge, the space I am working with is pretty narrow (about 9 feet or so until you reach my pool fence). I decided to plant bananas along the hedge, which worked great for a while, until a disease showed up, which has been spreading to many of my bananas. I am in the process of diagnosing and treating the disease, but it has underscored to me the importance of avoiding a monoculture. This would be much easier to treat if it didn't spread so rapidly down my hedge. So I am going to pull out some of the bananas that appear to be too far gone and replace them with other plants. However,  am still not sure what to choose, given that I need a plant that will grow to at least 8' to provide some privacy, but also that won't encroach too much on the pool fence. I still need to be able to walk around there. I am going to do some pigeon peas, but I am looking for additional ideas. I thought that araza might be a possibility.
This spot along my fence gets full sun. It is along the east of my property, running from north to south. Thanks for any ideas.

36
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: How close can I plant avocado trees?
« on: July 28, 2022, 07:25:01 AM »
Quote from: Heather Florida on July 26, 2022, 06:17:03 PM
Quote from: slopat on July 26, 2022, 04:23:34 PM
Would a Finger lime and jujube hedge as living fence work?

Unfortunately, the same rule applies for hedges because it impairs the vision of the cars turning the corner. However, that is an awesome idea if I kept it up more toward the house and put my trees behind it, and I could eat off of it! I am going to look into jujube plants tonight.

Thank you, Slopat!

Even a very small barrier like a picket fence or clumping grass would deter some people. Not those who are determined, but it does make a bit of a psychological barrier for those who would otherwise grab a few fruits when walking by.

37
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: How close can I plant avocado trees?
« on: July 25, 2022, 01:26:54 PM »
Quote from: Heather Florida on July 25, 2022, 12:42:38 PM
Quote from: Julie on July 22, 2022, 01:01:26 PM
This is so horrible.

This makes me so worried about my front yard trees.  I planted in my front yard because I want as many trees as possible.  I have 27 trees on 1/3 acre.  I have jackfruit, coconut, lime, avocado and mango in the front yard.  I have the option to put all buy 1 coconut tree inside a front yard fence.  All my trees in the front are not producing yet.  I could also do security cameras, but that may not deter them.  Right now I have a front yard papaya tree that will produce in a few months so I'll see if anyone takes them.  I don't want to go through the expense of the fence or cameras but I'm expecting that I probably will have to.  :'(

I know, I want to plant in the front yard, too. I am going to try to plant close to the house and just see what happens. There are so many cool fruit trees that I want to plant that grow in South Florida, but my backyard is too small to fit them all! I think I am going to plant a Mamey Sapote and White Sapote in the front this weekend. I am hoping that maybe people won't recognize them as easily as the Avocado and Mangos?!
Good Luck, Julie!

I'm quite worried about my front yard trees as well, but I'd rather have something growing even if some get stolen than nothing at all. I think my jackfruit will take a hit, followed by mamey. Red custard apple, unsure. Barbados cherry, persimmon, and fig I think are safe.

38
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: How close can I plant avocado trees?
« on: July 24, 2022, 04:25:27 PM »
Quote from: Heather Florida on July 21, 2022, 12:03:14 PM
Quote from: carolstropicals on July 21, 2022, 11:54:56 AM
There are articles about planting 3 trees side by side especially for pollination.  I did that with my fig trees, but not my avocados.
I have to keep my avocados small so don't need to plant them too far apart.  When I plant, I am thinking about the size I will let
each get.
Blessings with your avocado trees.

Thank you! Yes, I want to keep them small because I don't need a ton of fruit, it's just for my family and friends. I do want multiple trees to extend the season. Do you think if I keep them small that 10 feet apart will be enough?

10 ft is way too tight. No closer than 15. You can also consider doing 1 tree and grafting the other varieties onto it. Avocados can't really be preserved too well so that way you extend the season with being overwhelmed with too much fruit. Then more space for other species.

39
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Got one spot left in the yard. What mango tree would you choose?
« on: July 24, 2022, 04:20:16 PM »
Quote from: MasonG31 on July 21, 2022, 11:20:07 AM
Peach Cobbler!!

Agreed

40
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Fresh Mangosteen near Fort Lauderdale?
« on: July 24, 2022, 04:18:37 PM »
Fruits n cahoots in davie. On the same property as tree amigos growers on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

41
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Compact, anthracnose resistant, late season mangoes?
« on: July 24, 2022, 04:17:32 PM »
Any recommendations for the above? I've heard that Venus has good resistance.

42
Tropical Fruit Buy, Sell & Trade / Re: WTB 7-15g Pickering mango tree
« on: July 17, 2022, 02:50:35 PM »
Try hidden acres mango farm and bills tropical fruit trees.

43
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Bilimbi size
« on: July 17, 2022, 11:23:02 AM »
Can bilimbi be maintained as at 6 feet wide and still fruit?

44
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Bilimbi alternative and growing macadamia
« on: July 11, 2022, 08:22:16 AM »
Quote from: mangaba on July 10, 2022, 05:47:49 PM
If you are looking a substitute for Bilimbi   for sourness I prefer green sliced mango or Tamarind.  I have all three of these in my garden.
Sometimes use Bilimbi sliced when cooking fish.
Green mango can be consumed grated in salads or pickled or made into sweet and sour Chutney
Tamarind can be used to make coriander chutney or in curries

Good call. Thank you!

45
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Help me choose my next fruit trees/shrubs?
« on: July 08, 2022, 07:59:06 PM »
Quote from: Gulfgardener on July 08, 2022, 07:39:05 PM
I was thinking of jujube.

Thanks. Great idea!

46
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Help me choose my next fruit trees/shrubs?
« on: July 08, 2022, 03:34:30 PM »
Quote from: Galatians522 on July 07, 2022, 10:50:15 PM
Mombin or Sugar apple?

Not a big fan of sugar apple, but I'll look into Mombin. Thanks.

47
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Help me choose my next fruit trees/shrubs?
« on: July 07, 2022, 08:38:21 PM »
On the north side of my backyard and my front yard, I am loaded down with trees. Most of them get pretty large - mangoes, avocado, black sapote, jackfruit, san pablo custard apple, mamey, persimmon, fig, barbados cherry, mulberry, and jabo. I have lots of bananas, papayas, and pineapples too. I am now thinking about plants for the south side of my backyard. This is where I currently have my annual vegetable garden. The space is only ~22' wide (from my house to the fence). I'm looking to retain a small vegetable garden. My plan is to plant deciduous trees to the south so that sunlight can get in for my winter vegetables, and trees to the north that are either deciduous or let in dappled light, so that I can grow veggies underneath them.

I'm looking for small trees and shrubs that meet a few criteria:
1. Are deciduous or let in dappled light.
2. Can be managed at a fairly small size (lets say up the 8' wide. Maybe a little more)
3. Are productive. It's okay if some of them produce "snacks," but not all of them.
4. Ideally, are interesting. I have all of the "usual suspects" already, so something that's a bit more unique would be nice.

I have some ideas, but would love to get some advice from the forum members. I greatly appreciate your input!

48
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Best mangos of this season
« on: July 07, 2022, 05:14:22 PM »
Same as always. Fruit punch!

49
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Is a black sapote tree worth having?
« on: July 06, 2022, 05:32:47 PM »
Black sapote is one of my favorite fruits. If you don't like it though, don't plant it. I planted the "black beauty" variety which is apparently very sweet. I haven't been able to try one yet, but I'm looking forward to it.

50
Tropical Fruit Discussion / Re: Mamey - 5 hours of sun
« on: July 06, 2022, 05:29:16 PM »
Quote from: JR561 on July 06, 2022, 11:04:46 AM
I can comment on full sun. All of mine are doing excellent in full sun. Even my pumpkin pie. Didnt think they could produce well without that but I might give it a shot with the container mamey I have.

Thanks. I'm giving into the temptation. I will be moving my mamey this weekend :)

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