I'd be really interested to know! I have read numerous gardening sites that say "don't try raspberries in Texas - you will be disappointed" and I would like to prove them wrong. :)
Edible landscaping
Actually, I transplanted it into one of my "planter tubs". I feed my horses quite a few 200 lb. molasses tubs, and I am left with many of these black bucket/tub things. After reading up on the "earth box" planters, I decided to drill a hole about 6 inches up the side of these tubs and fill with a dirt and potting soil mix then plant all types of things in them. I've got these raspberries, some Kiowa blackberries, tomatoes (each year), some may pops (as my mom warned not to turn them loose in my yard) and a cute little sweet lace grape. I also use them to help small plants along until I'm ready to transplant them out on their own. Like the earth boxes, they hold plenty water, so I only water every couple weeks or so. And, if it rains in the tub, any excess runs out down to the bottom 6 inches or so. I'll attach a photo of the tub to give you an idea what I'm talking about.
PS: if you live near, and want some of these, Please come get them!
I passed a horse pasture this morning and saw those same tubs sitting there, and thought, "hmmmmmmm, those would make EXCELLENT HEBs..." "They must use them to feed the horses..."
How far is Needville from Houston?
Looks like less than 50 miles....might be worth the drive.
Yes, do come out and get some. We are about 45 min SW of Downtown Houston, of Hwy 59 south. I've got about 20 out their blowing in the wind right now. contact me using D-mail for phone # for arrangements.
If she doesn't get them, let me ask Smockette. She lives near Houston and comes up this way several times a year. Maybe she would give me a couple!
I put in two honeyberry plants last spring. They were in an area that gets dappled sun until about 3, then full shade. They took off and did very well until end of July-first of August. They seemed to struggle with the heat so I remulched and was careful to try to moniter the moisture to the root areas.. ... I had two hydrangeas in the nearby area. While the hydrangeas did struggle with the heat, they made it thru to the fall pretty well. The honeyberry plants
dropped their leaves and by Sept. were dead. I think this area (9a) is just too much heat.
Lee, good to see you posting here.
Josephine,
Good to know about the honeyberries. I've been considering them for my new berry patch. But I don't really want anything that I have to really fuss with and, although I have the beds and T-tapes set up, everything will be getting lots of sun. So no shrinking violets when it comes to heat and sun need apply! Thanks for posting, buddywillistx!
I've just planted the 2 cherries mentioned, Royal Lee & Minnie Royal, as they were recommended by my beloved local nursery. I'm in 9b so I'll let you know how they do. I hope they thrive!!
I got the Royal Lee without its pollinator Minnie Royal.
I did that for a few reasons. First off, Cherries dislike heat and require lots of cold/chill hours. Minnie Royal and Royal Lee are different in that they only require 200-300 chill hours which is plausible in Central to South Texas. However, they still dislike the heat. I also have two tropical Cherry trees called Capulin Cherry. They require no chill and can tolerate the heat. I plan on trying to cross breed the Royal Lee with the Capulins. If I get any Cherries, I know they were pollinated by the Capulins and I will have new varieties. I will plant the seeds and wait...... oh about 4 years until I know if they are decent or not. HA! That is if a local Plum tree doesnt pollinate my Cherry and I end up with a Plerry. Ugh, what if a Peach knocks up my Cherry and I end up with a Cheach. Worries!!!!!!
I also am keeping the Royal Lee in a pot so I can move it to the coolest part of the yard in the worst of the summer and then move it back in Fall and Spring. If you get the Royal Lee on Colt rootstock, it wont get as big and will do better in a large pot. Also, I have clay soil and Cherries dont like heavy soils. You either have to keep it in a pot or do a raised bed for it.
Let me know how they do!!!
There are a few guys down by Houston that have some growing. They have only been blessed with a few Cherries but the trees seem to be growing fine.
This message was edited Feb 24, 2011 12:34 AM
Those fruit trees could figure in a soap opera! "Like pits through the composte, these are the rings of your lives!" (Needs some organ music there for the background atmosphere). LOL!
Booooooo!!!! Hiss!!!!!
Hugh? I'm sorry, did I offend you? I certainly didn't mean to. I've always been a big fan of Days of Our Lives......
I think that's funny terri...I can hear the music too! LOL!
Definately not a fan of soaps, but still funny.
This message was edited Feb 24, 2011 9:40 AM
Oh I was makin fun of your joke. You apparently have never been to a Texas Pun-Off. The jeering gets pretty bad.
Ohhhhhhhh! LOL! As I've said, DH and I are transplanted Yankees--we're getting used to a few things. Now #2 son is joining us (knock wood). However, I do love a pun! So now I know so you can boo-hiss all you want! =D