North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[lostman_amiga@yahoo.com]

--- In nafex@y..., Ginda Fisher <ginda@c...> wrote:
> I looked at your pictures.  I don't know enough to give much helpful
> criticism, but it looks like it will be a lot of fun to try it.  I was
> surprised to see wintergreen, as I think of it as a cold-climate plant. 
> (I've only seen it growing wild in zone 4, but I suppose that doesn't
> prove anything.)  Be warned that it's not terribly prolific (at least in
> zone 4) and the fruits don't taste all that good - actually, I prefer
> chewing on the leaves.

Thank you for the tip.  I was told that wintergreen grows well in shade
down here, but I could be wrong. I just got two plants, I'm going to try
it out and see.  I would be curious about what else you do with the plants
any recipies or teas?

> 
> I may be reading the scale wrong, but I know that stella cherry wants
> full sun.  I'm not sure it gets it tucked behind the pomegranate. 
> (which makes me jealous.  it would be fun to grow pomegranate)

The trees will be growing close togather, but wont be covering each other.
Im still a little consern with the light.  There wont be any direct light
till arond noon. Stella is supposed to be good for the south. I just planted
it today, so we will see  


> 
> I'd recommend fig over quince.  Everyone I know who's grown fig, or
> lived near fig has raved about fresh fig, which is otherwise
> unavailable.  The only person I know who grew quince dug it out because
> he decided it wasn't worth eating.  I'm sure there are some quince fans
> on this list, and the trees can be very pretty, but still. . .I'd give
> the fig a try.

Im leaning toward a fig too. They are worry free and tasty.  I havent 
tasted a quince yet.  They are supposed to be like hard apples? I might
contact the quince expert and ask a few questions before I plant.
 
> 
> Blueberries seem to want very acid soil.  At least, two of mine failed
> (they might still be alive, but only barely) apparently due to
> inadequately acid soil.  Other than that, I find them very satisfying. 
> Few pests, great fruit, attractive plant.  You are on the border between
> wanting southern rabbiteye blueberries and northern highbush
> blueberries.  The southern ones get much bigger.  You should probably
> ask someone nearby which does better in your neighborhood.  
> 

I have the "sunshine" variety.  These are more forgiving about the acidity 
in the soil.  Even though I planted then in submerged plastic pots filled
will acid soil and peat moss. I wanted to miminize the effect of the acid
fertilizer altering the the PH of the surrounding soil.  Besides Georgia
is a bit of the acid side anyway (at least mine is).  

> Currants:  If you want to make jelly (and you will) you will want more
> than one currant.  They are also very easy, and bear very young, for
> quick gratification (for a fruit).  I have grossly mistreated currants,
> moved them around, let them dry, planted them in moderate shade, and
> haven't lost one, yet.  (They do a lot better with some sun, but they
> seem to hang on even without it.)  I haven't tried jostaberries, but
> others on this list like them less than currants.  If you want variety,
> try a red and a black, or try an "ornamental" Crandall currant.  There
> are lots of "edible" plants which aren't worth eating - I was astonished
> to grow this ornamental currant and discover it's fruit is terrific,
> like a small potent grape.  

I will be making some jelly. I got book on preserving.  I made some 
brandied pears last month. I will look at the archived posts about this
issue. Im curious about both. I will look at the currents more seriously.



> 
> Good luck, let us know how it goes.
> 
> Ginda
> eastern Mass., zone 6


Thank you for you help!


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