Hey, I’ve been turned on to lots of good things here on the Gardening Thread, so if I can return the favor, all the better!
I am totally addicted to cooking with fresh herbs, I didn’t purchase thyme or rosemary because I already have good plants of both of those. Oh, and sweet mint! Some things are just annuals around here, but if I can get the perennial versions from this wonderful lady at the MG show, I’m very happy. She hasn’t steered me wrong yet. (Her business is a couple of hours away, but she knows her stuff!)
Another success, we still managed to get a 40 minute walk in before Mass this evening, plus I got 7 of the 10 plants that I purchased from her planted. Some that I would consider annuals I brought inside for the night. We will get back to 40 overnight.
If anyone knows about persimmon trees, I’d like to know what they need. They were giving them away for free. Usually to me that means they won’t survive. Few things that are free survive. These were is soil in a bag that had mostly dried out. They said to water them well. So I have mine soaking in a rainwater bucket. I don’t know how long I should keep it that way, but I think for at least a day. It looked pretty dry. Recommendations/advice is appreciated!
https://www.southernliving.com/garden/edible/growing-persimmons
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/persimmon/growing-persimmon-trees.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fk1UFWKZME
Last was a You tube by The millenial Gardener in NC. I had some online discussions with him on Fertilizing fig trees!
F. F. Brave AI search aggregator summerizes (including info above):
"Planting persimmon trees involves selecting an appropriate location and preparing the soil. Persimmon trees grow best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates. They prefer well-drained, loamy soil but can also thrive in heavy clay or dry soils. It's important to dig a deep hole for the root ball and mix soil and loam in the bottom of the planting hole.
When planting, the crown of the tree should sit slightly above the soil line to accommodate settling. Persimmon trees are not particularly picky about soil type and can grow in most soil types, including clay. However, it's crucial that the soil drains well to prevent root rot, fungal diseases, and soil-borne diseases.
For fertilization, you can use a 10-10-10 or 10-0-10 fertilizer with minerals, applying 1 cup for each year of the tree's life, with a maximum of 9 cups for a mature tree. Alternatively, Espoma Citrus Tone (organic) can be used, with the amount depending on the tree's size.
Persimm on trees are not fast-growing and might not produce fruit for 3 to 10 years. If you have a female tree, you will need a male tree nearby for pollination. Persimmon trees can be planted in either the fall or spring, but dormant trees can be planted anytime during winter.
When planting in a location with clay soil, avoid amending the soil in the planting hole to prevent roots from staying in the hole and circling, which can cause premature tree death. Instead, ensure the soil drains well and consider planting in a raised bed or container if the soil is particularly problematic.
American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana): Native to North America, this tree grows in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 and can tolerate temperatures down to -25 degrees Fahrenheit (-32 degrees Celsius).
Asian Persimmon: These trees are more commonly grown in warmer climates and can tolerate temperatures down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius).
When planting, choose a sunny spot that receives enough daily sunlight through autumn as the fruit ripens. Persimmon trees are relatively low-maintenance and require minimal pruning and fertilization. "
I LOVE persimmons! No advice because I’ve only had experience with trees in the wild.
The best persimmons I’ve ever had were from a tree growing along a reservoir. We started on the Skyline Drive & hiked about 2 hours down to the reservoir in the early morning. There had been a frost so the persimmons were soft & sweet. Lots of wildlife tracks - they like persimmons too.
Red Breasted Grosbeak showed up at the feeders, yesterday! One male and one female. So, that means more are on the way, and I also need to put up the Oriole feeder like - TODAY - because they’ll be here this coming week for sure. We’re to have rough weather on Monday, so they’ll be ‘blown in’ if nothing else. ;)
I got the 40, 1/4” burgers pressed/made for our cook-out this evening so putting up the feeder is my ONLY chore today.
(Yeah, right, LOL!)