The Tropical Fruit Forum

This has got to be really exciting for you...and a bit overwhelming.  I wish I had a big Mulligan to redo mine.  So many things I would do different.  Will just toss out thoughts as they come to me.

I like everything that I've read so far.  My number one advice for anyone is do not attach to your home.  Doesn't sound like yours will be, so great so far.  New Orleans' winters are quite mild compared to Ohio, so you don't need to go crazy to battle harsh, cold conditions...else you'd be looking into snow loads and better glazing. 

You know what essentials you need, but keep everything as simple as possible.  The more you over-complicate things, the more those things can go wrong.  Example:  controller-operated venting options are great, but having passive vents in the ceiling and on windows would help tremendously in summer and you don't have to rely on a thermostat to kick them on or off, nor do you have to worry about doing it manually.  Keep it simple...at least to start. 

Even in your area, insulating the foundation is a great idea....look into foam spray if budget allows.  I like Brian's idea of in ground heating, but honestly, I don't think that will be necessary in your area. 

Lots of water spigots are a huge convenience as are electrical outlets.  One that delivers hot and cold is really nice...even putting in a small spot for a shower.  Don't forget to have some minimum lighting at least for after dark projects or something needs emergency attention.

A huge door opening is essential.  One that has no central post leaving you with less than 3' on either side.  Don't dick around with the foundation/knee wall...meaning don't get fancy and try running wires and shit thru the block.  Run conduit and water around the inside perimeter.  Electrical outlets on the outside are nice too...as would be more spigots.  When thinking/designing, keep in mind that cleaning these are a pain in the ass and most times will require a pressure washer.  So make sure not to plant trees too close to the sides, or at least keep them pruned so you have room to maneuver, work, spray, whatever.

I'm a huge believer in planting trees in the ground inside the greenhouse.  Yours will be a good size, so think about what type of soil your trees will need.  You could amend yours after your foundation and knee wall are complete.

Even though your winters won't be as cold causing your heaters to be constantly on creating tons of moisture inside, stay away from using any wood...like with the sill plate between the foundation/knee wall and structure.  Doesn't matter what type of wood it is, tons of moisture will cause it to rot eventually.  It is a f'ing nightmare.  Use 100% plastic lumber instead.  It's fantastic.

I know you mentioned poly and plastic glazing.  If budget allows, go with glass.  There is nothing that can match the beauty and clarity.  Inside the house, out in the yard, or inside the greenhouse looking out, there is just no comparison in the view you get from glass.  Glass will last longer and poly will discolor.  Trees will receive more and better light.  Something to consider.

There was lots of mention about insects.  They suck and they will be a nuisance.  Bait traps work well to stop the ants and that can slow down or halt the soft bodied pains in the ass. 

I'm sure there's more!

Sapote...they do giant air layers with mango here...4" diameter limbs and more.  As for the tap root, that thing is cut with probably all grafted trees at the least.  Tap roots on durians are removed not long after germination and right before grafting in most cases.

The weather/temps have not been bad lately and as I stated, I've been doing this at different times throughout the year.  There are some people doing these types of grafts, but normally on their own trees.  I always see the vids of the process, but not many "after" vids.  So I have no idea of their success rate.  Also, as mentioned earlier, the only trees you will find for sale have been approach grafted or if looking for much larger specimens...air layered.  Coincidence?  No idea.  Approach grafting has a high success rate, but it takes much more time and effort.  There has to be more to the story than that.  I'm just at a loss for what it is.  I grafted mangos all the time back in the states and never had such issues.  You give 19 trees to someone who has never grafted before and they will unlikely come away with 19 losses.  Ego my ass.  This is a kick to the groin! 

I've been grafting for many years and consider myself to be a competent grafter.  Ever since coming to Thailand, my success rate with cleft, veneer, and bark grafting has been piss poor...and that's being generous.  Approach grafts seem to do quite well though.  I've grafted all thru the year in different conditions, sanitize my tools, cover and/or no cover the grafts. I also made sure each graft was as spot on as you can get and even had the confidence to back each of them up.  All a waste of time and effort.  I'm stumped, embarrassed, and pissed.   I have never had such issues back in the states.  To give you some context as to how bad the failure rate is...in the last month or two, I've done at least 19 mango grafts...cleft, veneer, bark.  All 19 failed.  I mean, shit, that almost seems impossible to me.

So will just continue the approach grafts going forward.  Approach grafts are low risk.  They can be a huge pain in the ass...as you can see in the pics.  There never seems to be a simple approach graft.  They always require platforms or tying to a branch.  And always in an awkward position to do the grafting.  It's slow and full of effort.

I was checking with a few people here and for this time period, southern Thailand is usually best.  But with all the rain, they say durian could be found in many areas for a while.  Here is what I've gotten back so far:

Betong.  This year the season came earlier than usual. It is difficult to predict durian it will end early or not.  This is owner farm in songkla.  https://www.facebook.com/abdulsamad.madseng

From Lindsay herself:  Songkhla, Pattani, Phattalung, Nakhon Si Thammarat, even Samui / Koh Phangan

The above is mainly for durian.  I'm not sure about mangos...especially anything other than the shittty nam doc mai.  I'm not a fan of Thai mangos, but it's possible you may find some others on the streets or some markets. 

What would they have done if you had already planted all of the seeds?  By the timing, is looks like you got a pass around the same time as the inspector showing up.  This is not supposed to be how this works.  Hard to say how things would have gone if you had already planted them.

Yes...Tong is a buddy of mine here in Thailand and is 100% legit.  He's in China right now visiting many different tropical locations, farms, and gardens.  The fruit does look and sound great.  Hopefully he will be able to propagate it once he returns.

Great job dude!  Keep the pics coming.

I would say that the only ones that have any chance at all are those that have buds.  Doesn't hurt to try.

Congrats

The scions as well as graft side rotted all to hell.  I had the scions wrapped as well as plastic bags covering the grafts...which was to keep moisture OFF the darn grafts.  This has happened with other grafts besides mango.  Going to keep the bags off for the next grafts.  Either that or not wrap the scion and use only the bag over the graft.  Not sure what is going on.

I've had a ton of grafts fail because of moisture inside the wrap.

Everything looks great.  Excellent job on all the grafting.

Brian...golden nugget is what I fruited in my greenhouse.  Flavor was outstanding, but the soft texture was off-putting.  However...to be fair...I was not expecting the soft texture so was not prepared for it.  I don't think my wife was either.  Now after having soft fruits like this such as marang, keledang, and such, maybe it would be a better experience?  It is certainly a difference eating experience when compared to the drier, crispier fleshed varieties.  Since you are ready for the texture, I believe you will have a better go at it than I first did.