The Maypop is a "tropical" fruit that can be grown in much of the U.S. http://www.grit.com/uploadedImages/GRT/articles/e-news/2009-04-0...
If you have never heard of the Banana Circle, it may be because you live in a non tropical / sub tropical climate. They are a permaculture design and increase the yield of Banana and other fruits i…
The Maypop is a "tropical" fruit that can be grown in much of the U.S. http://www.grit.com/uploadedImages/GRT/articles/e-news/2009-04-0...
Symphytum officinale NL: Smeerwortel / F: Consoude Comfrey is another amazing perennial herb, essential to any herbal first aid kit as well as to any healthy organic and permaculture garden. Comfrey in the garden: it contains more Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) than most commercial fertilizers. Its long roots draw nutrients from deep in the soil and transfer it all to the leaves. The nutrient-rich leaves can then be used directly as a mulch, added to compost piles as a compost activator or chopped and added to a container with rain water to allow it to ferment and be later used as liquid compost. Comfrey not only enriches the soil but it can also speed up heat processes, which is pretty handy to have near and around fruit shrubs and other fruit trees or larger crops that require higher soil temperatures. Do not allow it to grow near to smaller plants, as it is a pretty strong, large and rather dominant plant. it also comes in white Comfrey as first aid herb: it has been used in folk medicine to help reduce bruising and to speed up tissue repair: broken bones and ligaments, damaged cartilage or connective tissue. Its tissue healing properties (mainly attributed to a substance called allantoin) are so strong that it is not advisable to be used in case of open wounds, as it risks “closing” the wound much faster than the time the body might need to get rid of any harmful microorganisms. It is also useful externally in the treatment of varicose veins, joints inflammation, to stop bleeding and in eye injuries. Its tincture or tea made out of the dried leaves or roots have been used internally to reduce heavy menstruation flow and to relieve gastric ulcers. The leaves can be used freshly squeezed, dried and made into a strong tea or macerated in oil for 3-4 weeks, the drained oil can be used to make salves to be applied in bruises and rheumatic joints to help relieve pain and swelling. hairy leaves and stems Comfrey in the kitchen: it has also a long history of being used as an edible but in the light of recent studies this is no longer advised, since the plant contains varying amount of pyrrolizidine alkaloids - which are toxic. The young leaves contain little amounts of the harmful alkaloids and can therefore be consumed in moderate amounts (I personally would do that only in case where there is no other food source available). Dried leaves and roots can be made into tea and its roots can be roasted into coffee, such as with dandelion and chicory roots. More on Comfrey: Comfrey -Symphytum officinale - Knitbone, Bruisewort, Miracle Herb Comfrey Comfort - Lesley Tierra - PlanetHerbs Comfrey - The Superfood for Plants Medicinal & Poisonous Plants to Livestock - Comfrey Montana Plant Life: Comfrey Nice videos: Common comfrey Symphytum officinale - Sylvanbotanical Why permaculture folks love comfrey - Paul Wheaton
Parmi les végétaux, on peut dire que le moringa remporte la palme d’or de la polyvalence ! Cette plante a de nombreuses utilités. Indispensable dans votre permaculture !
Il existe plusieurs milliers de variétés de plantes comestibles et aromatiques, mais nous n’en utilisons et connaissons qu’une toute petite partie. Du coup, chez Alsagarden, on a décidé de vous donner un petit aperçu de plantes comestibles méconnues que vous ne connaissez sans doute pas encore mais que vous allez sûrement avoir envie de goûter […]
CHAYOTE BRITISH AND AMERICAN PRONONCIATION: CLICK HERE Chayote belongs to the same family as squash, melons and cucumbers and the plant is native to Mexico, where it grows abundantly. The fruit can…
PINDAIBA ou PINDAÚVA (Duguetia lanceolata) Fam. Annonaceae Origem : Brasil
Green Gooseberries! http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4d/Stachelbeeren-WJP-1.jpg Common Name: Gooseberry Scientific Name: Ribes uva-crispa Family: Grossulariaceae Description: Thorny member of the Ribes genus (includes currants, jostaberries, worchesterberry). Produces large, sweet, varigated berries (in shades of red and green most common, but white, yellow, purple, and almost black are available), on a single trunk with multiple stems, may form a thicket or clump via runners. Personal Note: I LOVE gooseberries! Unfortunately, they are not readily available in the U.S. Fortunately, I've had the chance to travel frequently through Europe in the late spring through summer when gooseberries can be found all over the place. To me, they have a tropical sweet-tart flavor, somewhat of a cross between a grape and a raspberry... although there are a variety of flavors, and they all really just taste like gooseberries!. They have a tart, thick skin and a very soft flesh full of edible seeds that range from hardly noticeable to slightly crunchy. Delicious! A yellow variety of Gooseberry. http://www.zahradnictvoiveta.sk/image/produkty/egres_hinnonmaki_gelb.jpg History: Developed in Europe, gooseberries are typically considered an English fruit. They were likely brought to England in the 13th Century (based on a bill of purchase from France). They were developed extensively over the next few centuries. Gooseberries were brought to the "colonies" of America with the earliest settlers. However, in 1920 federal law restricted growing these plants since gooseberries can potentially spread white pine blister rust; this federal ban was lifted in 1966. Now the restrictions are managed state by state. Some states allow gooseberry cultivation and others do not. This federal ban is what is likely to blame for the obscurity of gooseberries in the U.S. Trivia: The name "goose" berry may come from a corruption of the German word Krausberre. It may come from the fact that a savory-sweet sauce was made with these berries and served with goose. Red Gooseberries http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/24/Stachelbeere_%28Ribes_uva-crispa%29.jpg USING THIS PLANT Primary Uses: Fresh eating Baking in desserts (pies, fools, crumbles) Drying Jams and preserves Pickled Added to flavor fresh fruit drinks and sodas Sauces (both sweet and savory) Wines Teas Secondary Uses: Thorny thicket of stems is a great small bird and insect habitat. Gooseberry flowers are considered a general nectar provider to insects. Hummingbirds can collect nectar from Gooseberry flowers. Yield: 9 lbs (4 kg) / 4-6 quarts (4-6 liters) annually if in full sun Harvesting: May-August. Fruits can be pea-sized to almost golf-ball sized depending on the cultivar Storage: Fresh fruits last 1-2 weeks in a cool place An almost black cultivar of Gooseberry. http://www.gardenbargains.com/csp/ltgl/goodlife/products/550/500252_1.jpg DESIGNING WITH THIS PLANT USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 3-7 (depends on the variety) AHS Heat Zone: 7-1 (depends on the variety) Sunset Zone: Extremely variable (depends on the variety) Chill Requirement: 800-1,500 hours or units (depends on the variety) Plant Type: Shrub Leaf Type: Deciduous Forest Garden Use: Shrub Layer Cultivars/Varieties: Many cultivars available. Sample them first to make sure you like the flavor. Pollination: Self-fertile. Usually by bees. Flowering: Spring flowering, usually tolerant of frost Life Span: Years to Begin Bearing: 2-3 years Years to Maximum Bearing: 2-3 years Years of Useful Life: up to 25 years The tiny Gooseberry flower. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/dc/Gooseberry_flower1.jpg PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS PLANT Size: 3-5' (1-1.5 meters) high and wide Roots: Suckering Growth Rate: Medium An orange Gooseberry variety. Don't worry, the hairs on the fruit are soft. The thorns are on the stems. http://www.valdaveto.net/immagini/fiori/ribes_uva-crispa_1__copyright_(c)_Giorgio_Venturini.jpg GROWING CONDITIONS FOR THIS PLANT Light: Full Sun (preferable) Shade: Tolerates moderate shade Moisture: Medium pH: 5.1 - 7.0 Special Considerations for Growing: This is a heavy cropping plant and therefore requires higher levels of nutrients to fruit well. Gooseberries can tolerate a wide variety of soil and light conditions. Mildew can be a significant problem. Try to choose mildew resistant varieties if possible. Gooseberries tend to grow best in locations with cool and moist summers, but can be grown with success in other areas with the right cultivar. Propagation: Usually from hardwood cuttings in late autumn. Needs 13 weeks of stratification. Maintenance: There are many ways of more intensively managing gooseberry plants. If you plan on keeping only one or two bushes, then I would recommend looking more into the specifics of more intensive management and pruning. Since I plan on keeping gooseberries as a part of a Food Forest Garden, where I will allow a more "natural" growth pattern and take less fruit per plant in return for lower maintenance, an occasional pruning may return will likely be all I do to return a non-fruiting plant to a fruiting one. The characteristic thorn at the base of each fruit. http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3604/5835249511_e80d90eb41.jpg Concerns: Thorns... ouch! Care needs to be taken when harvesting the fruit. It is well worth it! Due to the fact that gooseberries (and currants) are potential hosts for white pine blister rust (which damages white pines), some areas in the U.S. do not allow gooseberries. Check your local regulations.
You’ve just purchased your dream property in tropical Costa Rica. You want to grow your own food. You are anxious to get to work now, have bought some plants from a nursery you randomly drove by, and
The banana circle enacts many permaculture principles and is not only a great polyculture in tropical permaculture, it can be adapted to other climates.
The vanilla orchid (Vanilla planifolia) is one of the world’s most interesting plants. Of the nearly 35,000 species of orchid, the second largest botanical family of plants, vanilla is the only specie
The breadfruit tree grows in tropical and subtropical regions, and although not widely known in North America, it's a staple in Latin kitchens, especially in the Dominican Republic. Breadfruit is a great and cheap alternative to starchy vegetables such as potatoes, even though it's technically classified as a fruit. The breadfruit tree gives delicious and nutritious fruits which can be made into a variety of dishes, and today we'll show you how to plant breadfruit trees right in your garden! How to Plant Breadfruit Trees in Your Garden Planting Breadfruit Trees: The best way to grow breadfruit trees is directly
Building guilds is a clever way to put gardens together. Instead of toiling over providing this or that nutrient for plants or battling with pests or relying on the success of just one crop to provide
Growing Star fruit tree (Carambola fruit), star fruit tree in a container. Grow these tropical fruits by seed, Carambola blooming periods from April to May.
Written by Doug Crouch -Source: A Permaculture Design Course Handbook: https://treeyopermacultureedu.wordpress.com/chapter-10-the-humid-tropics/banana-circle/One of the most potent and exemplary designs of tropical permaculture is the banana circle. It has multiple functions that include the following but are not limited to them just as Bill Mollison once said: (the yield is theoretically unlimited, it is only our
Recently, I’ve been looking to buy land in the tropics, most likely southern Belize, and in doing so, my wife and I have high hopes for making a lush and fruitful food forest that is likely only possi
The vanilla orchid (Vanilla planifolia) is one of the world’s most interesting plants. Of the nearly 35,000 species of orchid, the second largest botanical family of plants, vanilla is the only specie
A guild, in permaculture terms, is usually used to define a harmonious assembly of species clustered around a central element (plant or animal) that acts
Katuk is an edible leafy shrub that thrives in tropical or subtropical climates. It's botanically known as Sauropus androgynus. Nearly all parts of the plant can be eaten raw or cooked. The leaflets are easily stripped from the petioles and added to salads, sandwiches, soups or stir-fries. Tender young shoots are usually steamed, and the flowers and fruits can be added to salads or vegetable dishes. The leaves are very nutritious. Compared to spinach, katuk has 10x the protein, 20x the vitamin C, 6x the iron and 3x the calcium! The pinnate leaves can reach up to 2 feet in length, and the overall plant height can be 6-7 feet or more if not kept cut back. The tall, thin stems seldom branch and easily fall over in wind or heavy rain. It's best to keep them cut back to 3-4 feet in height to form a more sturdy bush. The trimmed parts can be eaten. Some cultivars show a silvery mottling on the leaflets that may be randomly scattered or in attractive patterns, depending on the individual plant. Katuk prefers a little shade in hot climates, but will grow in full sun as long as the soil is kept moist. An evenly moist soil is also conducive to faster, more lush, growth. The unusual flowers form on the underside of the leaves in the spring and fall. The fruits develop quickly after pollination. Some cultivars may require cross-pollination with another cultivar in order to set fruit. Others appear to be self-fertile. The fruits are creamy-white, marble-sized balls that hang from the leaf on a short stem. When fully mature, they split open to reveal up to 6 black angular seeds. For propagation, the seeds should be sown immediately, and usually take at least 2-3 months to germinate. Katuk is native to Borneo, and is recommended for USDA Zones 9b-11. Elsewhere, it can be container-grown and protected from the cold. Sauropus androgynus is also sometimes known as Sweetleaf or Cinnamon leaf.
The Asian Pear is quite different than its European relative. http://www.miyagitheme.jp/cd/main_data/photo_data/photo_zao/pear.jpg Common Name: Asian Pears Scientific Name: Pyrus species Family: Rosaceae (the Rose family) Asian Pears can be russeted and light brown or clear and yellow. http://eyewatering.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/asian-pears-1-sa.jpg http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pyrus_pyrifolia.jpg Common Species: Chinese Pear, Nashi Pear, Sand Pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) Siberian Pear, Harbin Pear (Pyrus ussuriensis) Chinese White Pear, Ya Pear (Pyrus x bretschneideris) Description: Asian Pears are not nearly as common in the West as their closely related cousin, the European Pear, but they are quickly gaining in popularity. They are typically round (apple-shaped), although the Chinese White Pear is more “pear”-shaped. Asian Pears are more similar to an apple in texture and a cross between an apple and European Pear in flavor. They are at their best when picked ripe. All you need is to taste a perfectly ripe Asian Pear, and you will make room for it in your Forest Garden. There are three types of Asian pears. Round or roundish-flat fruit with green to yellow skin Round or roundish-flat fruit with yellow to brown skin and bronze to gold russet (little dots) Pear-shaped with green skin or brown skin and bronze russet History: Native to the eastern Asia, specifically China, Korea, and Japan, Asian Pears are now grown throughout their native land as well as in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Trivia: Asian Pears are the oldest known cultivated pear. Asian Pears contain enzymes that tenderize meat, which is why they are used in marinades. Fall Fruit Salad with Asian Pears Click here for the recipe: http://whataboutthis.biz/2012/11/26/fall-fruit-salad/ Asian Pear and Tangerine Salad Click here for the recipe: http://thindish.com/blog/asian-pear-tangerine-walnut-salad-healthy-recipe-low-calorie-nutrition/ Asian Pear Wine and Liquors by Subarashi Kudamono (means "wonderful fruit" in Japanese) Click here for the link to this site: http://www.winesofsubarashii.com USING THIS PLANT Primary Uses: Fresh eating – Asian Pears are more similar to an Apple in texture and a cross between an Apple and European Pear in flavor. Eat when fully ripe or it will be dry and hard. Great in salads. Cooking – Asian Pears have a high water content, so they are not used identical to European Pears. They are great when used for marinating (see trivia below). Drier varieties may be used for cooking, baking, pies, tarts, etc., but they really are best cooked after they have been pureed. The crisp texture is not softened with cooking as with European Pears. Sauces – In Asia, the pears are often ground and mixed into sauces instead of other sweeteners Preserved – Preserves, Jams, Jellies, etc – will often need longer cooking times to reduce the high water content. Asian Pears dehydrate very well, and the dehydrated fruit can be used in many recipes for desserts or just eaten as is. Secondary Uses: General insect (especially bees) nectar and pollen plant Wildlife food Wildlife shelter Primary or adjunt flavor component in beer, wine, cider, perry, mead, liquor, etc. Can likely be Coppiced, although I can find no good reference for this. Wood – Poles, posts, stakes, tools, crafts Wood – Firewood, charcoal Wood – Smoking/Barbeque: pear wood gives a soft “fruity” smoke to meats, similar to apple wood Yield: Standard root stock – 3-8 bushels (105-280 liters) or 170-450 lbs (80-200 kg); semi-dwarf root stock – 1-2 bushels (35-70 liters); dwarf root stock – 1 bushel (35 liters) or 56 lbs (25 kg) Harvesting: Late Summer to Autumn (August-October), but can vary based on variety and location. Pick when still crunchy (like an apple) and giving off a strong aroma – the strong and sweet fragrance of a ripe Asian Pear is the key to knowing when it is ripe. Softness is used to help determine ripeness in European Pears, but not Asian Pears. Storage: Best when used right away, but can be stored for up to a month or more if kept in a cool, dry place and handled carefully to prevent bruising Asian Pears will be covered in the beautiful flowers every Spring. 'Large Korean' variety of Chinese Pear (Pyrus pyrifoliaI) https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6G9bEkI7u4VH0yENQFwWmo_aT1jdfC3Kk-97prC07fWNmF9XYmsZFMwqPZir5KL8sEOmKbY80cWW66QRjbGtjE7nlaiwq2kTqZGlQGYmNcGY9kQAZkvaPjYKuhIGZoWtkRiqwOpdMsE/s1600/Pear+Asian+Lg+Korean+4-12-10.JPG Siberian Pear (Pyrus ussuriensis) http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pyrus-ussuriensis-flowering.JPG Siberian Pear (Pyrus ussuriensis) http://www.iowaarboretum.org/sites/default/files/images/collection/Flowering%20Trees%202.jpg DESIGNING WITH THIS PLANT USDA Hardiness Zone: Zone 4-9, but really depends on the species and variety AHS Heat Zone: Zone 9-3, but really depends on the species and variety Chill Requirement: 300-750 chilling hours/units depening on the variety Plant Type: Small to Medium-sized Tree depending on the root stock Leaf Type: Deciduous Forest Garden Use: Canopy Layer, Sub-Canopy (Understory) Layer Cultivars/Varieties: Many varieties available. (see my article about Asian Pear varieties) Pollination: Asian Pears traditionally require cross-pollination, although a few varieties are self-fruitful. This requires two different varieties of Asian Pear. Some European Pears (Pyrus communis) will cross-pollinate Asian Pears. Because there is such a wide variety of pears and cross-pollination variations, it is best to get cross-pollination information from the nursery or catalog company you are purchasing your pears. Pollinated by insects. Flowering: Spring (May) Life Span: Years to Begin Bearing: 3-7 years depending on the variety and rootstock Years of Useful Life: up to 300 years. Dwarfing rootstocks live shorter lives Siberian Pear (Pyrus ussuriensis) in Autumn http://www.primeplants.com.au/database-files/view-file/164/?size=original Chinese Pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) in Autumn waiting for harvest http://philadelphiagreen.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/sk_waiting_for_harvesting.jpg Asian Pear in Autumn after a frost http://ellishollow.remarc.com/images/frost2008_asianpearx1200.jpg PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS PLANT Size: Chinese Pear (Pyrus pyrifolia): 25-30 feet (7.5-9 meters) tall and 20-25 feet (6-7.5 meters) wide Siberian Pear (Pyrus ussuriensis): 30-50 feet (9-15 meters) tall and 25-30 feet (7.5-9 meters) wide Chinese White Pear (Pyrus x bretschneideris): 20-25 feet (6-7.5 meters) tall and 10-20 feet (3-6 meters) wide Roots: Fibrous Growth Rate: Medium Harvesting a large Asian Pear at Virginia Gold Orchards http://www.virginiagoldorchard.com/ Here is a great article about this orchard in the Washington Post GROWING CONDITIONS FOR THIS PLANT Light: Prefers full sun Shade: Tolerates very little shade… shade is best avoided with pears Moisture: Medium soil moisture preferred pH: most species prefer fairly neutral soil (6.0-7.5), but many can tolerate a bit wider pH ranges Special Considerations for Growing: Pears to not tolerate juglone (natural growth inhibitor produced by Black Walnut and its relatives). Make sure you have other varieties of trees and shrubs as a buffer between your walnuts and pears. Pears are susceptible to Fire Blight, Pear Scab, and Canker, so try to choose varieties that are resistant to these diseases. Make sure to consider flowering times when planning which varieties you choose. You need to make sure that you have compatible varieties (i.e. ones that will pollinate each other) flowering at the same time. Propagation: Named varieties are usually grafted because pear cultivars do not grow “true to type”, meaning that seeds will grow into trees that produce fruit that is likely to be nothing like the parent stock. If growing from seed, they will need 8-16 weeks cold stratification for germination. Less improved species and non-cultivars are often grown from seed. Maintenance: Typically, Asian Pears are pruned once a year to once every 2-3 years. Concerns: None
Photo: Panorama (Courtesy of hardworkinghippy) In the scheme of permaculture food production, harnessing the most out of nature whilst using its own attributes, creating plant guilds ranks pretty high
Grow a food forest and harvest fruit every day of the year. Learn what to plant for year-round fruit tree harvests in Arizona.
Growing arrowroot is very, very easy. Today you'll learn how to grow arrowroot and how I included it in my food forest - plus, there's a video.
Mangoustan : Comment entretenir votre fruitier ? Découvrez toutes nos astuces pour assurer une bonne récolte.
Vertical gardening is a concept that is well promoted these days, especially when considering urban and suburban gardens in confined spaces. A quick search on any server will reveal a great collection
This article reviews perennial staple crops, a little-known group of species with tremendous potential to address world problems. Ricardo Romero of Las Cañadas in perennial staple food forest featurin
The vanilla orchid (Vanilla planifolia) is one of the world’s most interesting plants. Of the nearly 35,000 species of orchid, the second largest botanical family of plants, vanilla is the only specie
It may not be possible to cure citrus greening, but some research shows it may be possible to prevent it. This tree guild idea may prevent citrus greening.
Plant articles and pages - TopTropicals.com
The vanilla orchid (Vanilla planifolia) is one of the world’s most interesting plants. Of the nearly 35,000 species of orchid, the second largest botanical family of plants, vanilla is the only specie
If you've never seen a Buddha's hand fruit before, you're in for a treat! Buddha's hand, also known as the fingered citron tree is a citrus fruit that rivals ALL other citrus fruits such as limes, lemons, and oranges. And as you can tell by the pictures and its name, it looks like a hand! This lemon colored fruit can have anywhere from 5-20 long 'fingers' which dangle from a small distorted 'lemon'. Although Buddha's hand doesn't have much pulp inside, it's revered for its incredible lavender-citrus scent and taste which is often used in essential oils. Keep reading to
Below is the full design map of our Midwest Permaculture Home. Click on the picture to enlarge and zoom in on any details that interest you. Click on Above ...
Don’t think you have to live in a tropical location to grow this staple of Asian cuisine—with the right garden tools, you can harvest it anywhere.
Les Litchis (ou Letchis) sont des arbres ornementaux particulièrement attrayants notamment parce qu'ils sont à feuilles persistantes. Quand les arbres
If you thought that hedges and hedging were restricted to ornamental gardening only, you’d be seriously mistaken! Hedges are quite useful in a garden, and can serve many functions, such as: barrier…
Citron, orange, clémentine, mandarine… Ces agrumes occupent une place de choix dans notre cuisine. Mais savez-vous qu’il existe d’autres espèces ? Certaines sont d’ailleurs très prisées pour leur rareté et leur originalité. En voici six. Sucrés ou acides, les agrumes font partie des fruits stars. Parmi eux, on retrouve bien entendu le citron, l’orange, la clémentine, (...)> Lire la suite
