On today’s WMNF 88.5 FM Sustainable Living program we talked with three guests about fruit trees and edible perennial fruits that grow locally.
Paul Zamoda, a lifetime member of the Rare Fruit Council International, Tampa Bay Chapter, joined the show.
Also, Pete Kanaris and Taylor Walker with Green Dreams, a sustainable solutions landscaping company that specializes in edible yards, joined us.
We mainly discussed problems with citrus, avocados, and mangos and did not get a chance to talk about some of the easier to grow fruiting plants in our area. Of course there was great information and suggestions for citrus greening, and the fruiting issues with avocadoes and mangoes.
Green Dreams offers tours and hosts events about every month and there’s a wealth of information by becoming a member of the Rare Fruit Council International– Tampa Bay. Also, the USF Botanical Gardens Spring Plant Sale, a big event for the Fruit Council and many other plant organizations and businesses, is on April 9th & 10th. Below is a schedule of the speakers:
Schedule of Talks at the 2016 Spring Plant Festival
Saturday, April 9
11:00 “Organic Vegetable Gardening in Florida” presented by Steve Grace owner/operator Graces Hydro Organic Store. Get tricks and sage advice on how to grow your vegetables in Florida, it’s not like “up north”.
Noon “Native Plants for the Landscape” presented by the Suncoast Native Plant Society. How to create a landscape that looks great and also helps the environment while inviting bees, birds and butterflies for you to enjoy.
1:00 Best Fruit Trees for Central Florida presented by a Paul Zmoda, fruit tree grower and member of the Rare Fruit Council. Central Florida is like no other area, so find out from the experts what fruit trees will thrive right here in your back yard.
Sunday, April 10
Noon Beekeeping basics presented by USF Botanical Gardens Beekeeper. Information on how to get involved and what it takes to be a beekeeper.
1:00 Tour of the Apriary. Take a peek at our hives right on the Botanical Gardens grounds. And get more advice on setting up your own hive.
