BJ11_old_address's Edible Backyard

lime - sublime (Seedling)

Comments: -

A dwarf style lime grown with the hope that it will fruit whilst adding interest to an area close to the house (where plants cannot be put in the ground due to an extended slab). Something is making it very sick, and it lost all its leaves. I added coffee (for nutrient not pH) and the sticks are now covered in healthy looking little leaves. I have sprayed to prevent futher infection, as of Oct 2010 it is bushing up nicely. Now in Jan 2011 it is a solid green bush without any sign of disease. Hopefully next year it will make some limes! By April 2011 I've got a few flowers - but I don't think I'll get any limes as I've not seen a bee for ages. (developers seem to be knocking down trees where wild bees are ... I do need to get my own!)

A decent prune in August 2011 and thinning of the fruit means that I've got about 6 fruit growing to maturity. The plant gets little attention, but seems happy enough over winter.

An attack of scale in November 2011 caused me to resort to chemical relief. Another massive prune to keep the plant compact. In Jan 2012 - now scale free I've set this sublime free into the garden

May 2012 - this little plant just won't quit. I am seriously considering moving the mandarin and adding more sublimes to make a hedge. They are tough, attractive, and minimal maintenace. The only issue is that the fruit are small and hard to peel ... but that is fine for curries, stir fries, marmalade etc.

Planted: 2010

Height 0.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

home made sprays (oil dish-washing liquid) to supress the major leaf minor infestation - there doesn't seem to be any leaf minor anymore but I think the infection was so bad that almost all the leaves fell off. The new leaves appear healthy.

C

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Question:

Mango - Ono (Grafted)

Comments: -

This is supposed to be a very tough form of mango. It is growing in a large pot after my Palmer dwarf finally expired. I've put down strawberries as a living mulch and the mango seems quite happy. It has a few branches but isn't growing at a great rate yet (April 2011)

As of June 2011 the plant has put on a spurt and added a further 2 branches. It doesn't seem to want to get any taller - but it does seem healthy!

By the end of 2011 it had several flowers and set fruit. In Jan 2012 I thinned this to 3 fruit only. It is still putting on new growth.

OMG ... home grown mangos are something else entirely. Anyone that can should grow a mango. These were little fruit 12cm long ... but delicious (and the pips were also small). So yummy.

Planted: 2011

Height 1 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Question:

Jujube Rootstock (Grafted)

Comments: -

This plant is supposed to be the ultimate in toughness; requiring about 2000 'heat hours', which it should obtain against a west facing wall in a pot in full Perth sun. I was surprised as to how similar to dates the fruit tasted - quite acceptable! For something so tough it is surprisingly attractive and graceful. It is already fruiting. I've planted a few strawberries in the pot to act as a living mulch. Most of the strawberries have been fried by the sun, but they are recovering in autumn.

The jujube lost its leaves on its own accord in May.

By Jan 2012 there are a few fruit - but not as many as last year. I'm not sure if it is ideally suited to a pot. The plant has grown about 40cm and seems unfazed by the hottest of days.

May 2012 - leaves turned yellow and shed through autumn. The plant has been released into the ground. I discovered that the roots had taken up most of the area of the pot ... clearly jujube are not suited to pots of roots would need to be trimmed every 12 months. It will still be subject to substantial heat, but I hope it will grow larger in the freedom of the soil. I am hoping that in time it will assist with shading the avocado

Planted: 2011

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

none

Persimmon - Tanenashi

Comments: -

Persimmon are such pretty plants, and as they can drop all their leaves in the mild Perth winters they are a great tree to screen windows in the summer and let light in in the winter.

The Tanenashi is astringent, and should grow to about 4 meters. It is planted in Perth sand mixed with sheep poo, coffee, and kitty litter. There is the occasional worm so hopefully the sand can hold enough nutrients for the plant.

As of June the plant still has all its leaves. What is the go with this ultra-mild winter?!

I've got a fruit! My frist Tanenashi Persimon!! I wasn't expecting fruit for several years. The plant is still quite small but I'm so excited I'm going to leave this single fruit

April 2012 - wow ... the fruit has a definite apricot taste to it, very nice. I think I prefer fresh apricots (for tartness, this fruit was quite sweet) but it would make a fantastic ingredient for cooking or drying.

Planted: 2011

Height 1.2 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Lemon - Eureka (Grafted)

Comments: -

Everyone needs a true lemon in their garden! This little guy should be vigorous, and hopefully thorn free. I'm trying to grow it as part of a citrus hedge. It hasn't enjoyed the transplant despite the good soil.

The Eureka had to get moved in Jan 2012. It was growing faster than I ever anticipated and needed tip pruning every weekend. It has grown over 50cm in less than 6 months despite regular pruning. It has been relocated to where it can grow up taller away from the house. Its width will have to be managed as it is against a fence, but it can still spread and grow up.

May 2012 - my attempts to turn this into a hedge failed. It is growing rapidly and seems very content in its current location at the edge of the vegetable garden!

Planted: 2011

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Peach - Tropic Snow (Grafted) ^6/10

Comments: -

 It is quite vigerous although this has been curtailed with storms removing branches. They have really kicked into gear for 'spring' (July) and is blossoming and budding like a champ. No signs of infection - but a few leaves indicate that the risk is still very much there. It appears that leaf curl can occur after leaves emerge. I'll definitely spray next year.

Flowers and leaves emerged in late July 2010. Alas fruit-fly struck and much of the fruit was lost. Next year I'm getting nasty and using chemicals!

These guys really struggled with the Perth summer in 2011. They seem to be getting hit by every pest and disease possible as they are clearly weakened. Leaves are pale in colour despite addition of water and balanced fertiliser.

Leaves were removed in June 2011 to encourage dormancy. The plants clearly need a break. Additional feed and TLC will be required next summer.

Jan 2012 - Most of the fruitletts were removed to reduce the stress on the plant for this summer. Plants haven't had much disease - but clearly are not enjoying being planted near the driveway. At over 3 m high now they are too large to transplant and have been mulched with pine bark to assist - but they are not ideal for the climate. Tasty fruit that was allowed to remain.

May 2012 - leaves removed by hand. Heavy pruning (this may reduce fruit, but will improve shape)

Planted: 2009

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 4

First Fruited: 3 Months from Purchase in Pot

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Winter

Pruned By: 30% in Autumn and Winter

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

hand removal of any nasty bugs or infected leaves. Natural predators also assist. The tree is pruned so that no branches or leaves are less than 1m from the ground - this seems to have prevented re-infection of leaf-curl

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Persimmon - Dai Dai Maru (A)

Comments: -

I've heard good things about the fruit, and I'm hoping that the plant will thrive in its current location and allow winter sun to reach the house, and block out the worst of the summer sun.

Within weeks of planting it is putting on new growth - so I'm hoping that this is a good sign about the soil improvements and location.

Unfortunately as of Jan 2011 many of the leaves have been burnt by the WA sun (the tap root just needs to get a bit deeper). Additional water is helping the plant put on new growth.

Remaining leaves were removed June 2011. The plant appears healthy and strong despite the brutal summer

May 2012 - leaves have come off on their own. No autumn colour, I hope that it isn't crook.

Planted: 2010

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Pollination: Self Pollination

Question:

Feijoa

Comments: -

Rescued from a throw-out these plants were very root-bound and dehydrated for about 4 years before being released into the ground in 2009. They have responded well to freedom and as of October 2010 are covered in flowers. In 2010 I was surprised to discover that these Bunnings seedlings do set the occasional fruit (albeit a bit bland). I'm hoping that the fruit improves a bit this year. Irrespective they purpose of these plants is to provide a hedge so the occasional edible fruit is just a bonus!

That said, a named variety might be nice - especially if more fruit were provided (and tastier fruit). I could also practice grafting by taking cuttings to the original plants. I might remove / relocate strawberry guava and put in named feijoa.

Jan 2012 - no fruit this year - but I intend to add some more feijoa to complete the hedge come autumn. They are a tough plant with interesting folige and stunning (tasty) flowers.

May 2012 - an additional 6 tiny seedlings purchased to complete the hedge. The existing plants have produced a reasonable crop of somewhat grainy bubble-gum fruit. It makes good sorbet.

Planted: 2009

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 4

First Fruited: 5 Years from purchase in pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Winter

Pollination: Self Pollination

When I Fertilise: Never

Pest Control:

Not require

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Plum - Gulf Ruby (Grafted)

Comments: -

purchased as a pot-bound throw-out from Bunnings I have teased out its roots and provided much compost. It is low chill so has lost its leaves. I am hoping that Spring will reveal a happier plant. It is going to need to cope with some fierce WA sun in its current location.

leaves and blossom emerged in August 2010. I think it is still a bit grumpy about being pot-bound previously, but it seems to have picked up toward the end of October

The plant has large (still green) fruit attached as of October 2011. I tested one of the fruit in Jan 2012, they are alright but standard plum flavour. I think the plant is missing something as it the leaves just don't have the colour of the other plums. Being planted next to a cement driveway can't help. In autumn I'll seek to improve the soil further. In the meatime I've mulched under the canopy with pinebark

Height 1 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: Santa Rosa

Pest Control:

ladybugs

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Dwarf Avocado - Wurtz (A) (Grafted)

Comments: -

Initially purchased with the intent of spending its life in a pot I've decided to pull up some pavers and set it free in the ground! It is going in a slender bed with improved soil (most of it is compost, soil improver and cow poo), and is protected from the worst of the WA summer suns. Fingers crossed that it will make loads of babies with the Fuerte friend I purchased! It is planted about 1.5m from the Fuerte. I'm hoping the Wurtz will grow to be about 2m x 2m

Its leaves have lost a lot of their green so I have added some trace elements (iron and zinc) and new growth appears to be greener. Within weeks new leaves are emerging with the standard red/copper colour which I hope indicates that whatever was missing is back! Now a few months later it has grown about 50cm and is a solid little shrub. The outside leaves get scorched on hot days and the plant will drop older leaves if it has water stress (must remember to water a bit more often) but nutrients and water are resulting in a tough little avocado.

In August 2011 it is flowering like crazy (the leaves are going brown again and being replaced by new leaves - it doesn't look the best but the plant seems happy). By October 2011 the tree has lost all its old leaves and is covered in rich lush new growth.

This tree still struggles with hot summer days - but extra mulch, and water help. I don't think any fruit set - but it continues to put on volumn and looks healthy.

Planted: 2010

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In a Pot

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

None require at this time

Organic Status:Partially Organic

apricot - trevat (Grafted)

Comments: -

As they are only babies I removed all the fruit as soon as it set as I want them to get their roots fully established so they can survive the summer!They are being espilared against the fence. A few have been hard hit by the storm and had some unorthordox pruning (thanks Perth storms) - but they seem to have recovered well. All their leaves have been removed for winter and I'm hoping they spring out of dormancy soon)

leavs are emerging late September. There are not many flowers - this could be due to Perth storm pruning, or insufficient chill, but a few fruit have set (obviously not enough ... one can never have too many apricots!) I always knew apricots would be a challenge in Perth!

I striped the plants of leaves in June. Hopefully they will learn that it is winter and crop in summer (maybe). The first blossom has appeared mid September 2011. It is still just waking up as of mid October 2011. There might be tiny fruitlets (just a few). It would be wonderful to get apricots in Perth (given we have far too few chill hours)

Jan 2012 - yummy, yummy, yummy ... fresh apricots are so delicious. The is no danger of an apricot crop in Perth breaking the branches of the tree, but a dozen fruit per tree is a nice treat, and so much more flavour than in the shops.

Planted: 2009

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 4

First Fruited: 6 Months from Purchase in Pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Winter

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

ladybugs!

Organic Status:Partially Organic

plum - amber gold (Grafted)

Comments: -

I needed something tough to survive the location (full Perth summer sun against a reflective metal fence) that would 'match' the other plums I have.

Blossom commenced late August, early September 2010. It only really seems to have taken off late October - maybe next year it will feel more at home.

Plant is still not thriving. Leaves removed June 2011. I'm not sure why it isn't very happy ... it is just taking a long time to feel thoroughly at home.

Jan 2012 - This is NOT an amber gold ... the fruit (half a dozen) are very large (circumference 20cm), heart shaped, green-red on the outside, pink on the inside and SUBLIME. Clearly the wrong lable - but delicious. Not another blood plum either (as I've got these and this fruit is different). The plant took awhile to establish, but is growing well now. Clearly requires more chill than offered by Perth ... but just divine.

Planted: 2010

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Full Shade

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: Santa Rosa

When I Fertilise: Never

Pest Control:

Lady-bugs and removal of any 'bad critters' or sick leaves

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Question:

Orange - Valencia

Comments: -

Planted in a raised bed and pruned as a standard the older leaves often look a little dull, I've piled poo around it and added specialised fertiliser ... but it just seems a bit lack-luster. Hopefully it will soon obtain the zest for life. It is flowering - but doesn't seem to put on loads of lush new growth.

Approximately 2 months after the poo episode and some extra loving ... this plant is covered in flowers and new growth. I think WA soil (even improved) just does not have the nutrients many plants require and additional compost etc is requried

This plant suffered in summer with only a small amount of watering. I've sinced discovered that WA citrus need approximately 6 litres of water per day per square metre of canopy and the orange has responded very well to an almost 7-fold increase in water! It is still very prone to disease and struggles after a few hot days, but it is going to make it.

In June 2011 I transplanted this tree into better soil. So far the transplant has gone well with no apparent stress.

It hasn't flowered that much in the summer of 2012 - lot of green leaves. Come autumn I think I'll re-improve the soil (pig poo?) I've mulched with sweet straw.

Planted: 2010

Height 1 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Sun/Shade: Full Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

none

Organic Status:Partially Organic

grape - thomuscat

Comments: -

The thomuscat is supposed to be a white, seedless grape which is a cross between a sultana and white muscat, but with a strong muscat flavour (yummy ... I hope). It is supposed to mature early to mid-season. I planted it to screen the fence between my lime and orange. It appears to be more interested in growing up rather than out (which is fine). It was just a little stick when I planted it in early 2010. It is planted so that it is near a limestone retaining wall - which seems to keep it happy despite my attempts to acidify the soil in the bed (as there is a lime tree about 1.5 metres from the grape).

the 2011-2012 crop was split by a late rain. The plant otherwise seems very happy and growing like a weed

Planted: 2012

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Self Pollination

Pest Control:

Not required at this time

Mandarin - Nules (Clementine) (Grafted)

Comments: -

Included as part of a small citrus hedge (along wiht the Eureka lemon - which has since been moved and replaced with the sublime) this should be maintained as a small bush - and hopefully keep me with sufficient tasty mandarins!)
In Jan 2012 I pruned it once again to keep it low (now about 75cm). It is becoming very bushy.

Planted: 2011

Height 1 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Self Pollination

Bay Tree (Seedling) ^8/10

Comments: -

Initially a house mascot after it was discovered on a Bunning's throw-out table and used as a Christmas Tree we were all surprised that the plant survived. It is now in the ground and seems to be establishing itself in the poor WA soil. I provide it with a minor prune when it starts to look like it is getting taller than desired for its location (or I need leaves for cooking). It is very slow growing. I never water it (even in the worst of summer). I never improve the soil ... it is just there and like a wonderful herb keeps on trucking. Sage lives under it and seems to be quite happy too.

Planted: 2009

Height 1 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Summer

Pollination: Self Pollination

When I Fertilise: Never

Pest Control:

None

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Apple - Pink Lady (Grafted)

Comments: -

WA produces some wonderful pink lady apples, so I am hoping that I will be able to produce my own. These apples are part of a 'apple fruit tree hedge' that I hope will one-day actually become a hedge (the trees are about 1.5m apart) and provide a nice screen between ourselves and some neighbours (whose kids seem to be appreciating any apples I forget to remove!)

I've got a few little flowers now in October, loads more emerged late October 2010. As of Jan 2011 I've removed most of the fruit, but there is still about a dozen left per plant. Some burns, splitting and other imperfections ruined about 15% of the apples - but the remainder were very sweet!

Leaves removed in June 2011

Planted: 2009

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 2

First Fruited: 3 Months from Purchase in Pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Winter

Pruned By: 30% in Spring

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: golden delicious & granny smith

Pest Control:

self and ladybugs (and wasps)

apple - golden delicious

Comments: -

It is a great cross pollinator for granny smith and pink lady. It appears quite happy in the WA conditions. Baby fruit are being removed to promote a good root system. In time it is hoped to become party of the 'apple fruit tree hedge' and provide a non-obtrusive screen between us and some neighbours. Loads of flowers and new leaves emerged late October 2010. As of Jan 2011 I've stripped off most of the fruit, but still have a good number remaining. Although some of these fruit have been burnt, they are growing and look healthy (who cares about spots on apples ... they still taste good)

In March 2011 I removed between 1-3kg of fruit off each tree. The sun had burned some apples, but they were quite tasty. I can see these guys eliminating my need for supermarket apples in a few years.

Leaves were removed in June 2011

Planted: 2009

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 2

Fruit Harvest: 2 kilograms per Year

First Fruited: 3 Months from Purchase in Pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Winter

Pruned By: 30% in Autumn and Winter

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: granny smith & pink lady

Pest Control:

removal of nasty bugs and infected leaves by hand. Beneficial predators are also great (go ladybugs)

plum - Santa Rosa (Grafted)

Comments: -

Still very young. With luck I will get some fruit set despite only having 300 chill hours. This is my main pollinator for the other plums, so flowers are important, unfortunately there aren't too many! Plant broke dormancy early October

Leaves removed in June 2011. Hopefully there will be sufficient chill for fruit.

Planted: 2009

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 1

First Fruited: 6 Months from Purchase in Pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Winter

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: Mariposa & Satsuma

Pest Control:

N/A

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Plum - Mariposa (Grafted)

Comments: -

Still very young. I am hoping I will get some fruit set eventually; despite the warm winters in Perth. Leaves are removed by hand throughout July to encourage the impact of chill hours. Plant broke dormancy late October. There are a few flowers, but not many.

I have removed all the leaves in June 2011. Hopefully there will be fruit next year.

Planted: 2009

Height 2 metres

Qty: 2

First Fruited: 6 Months from Purchase in Pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Winter

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: Satsuma & Santa Rosa

Pest Control:

ladybugs

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Apple - Granny Smith (Grafted)

Comments: -

Growing quite happily. I am limiting the amount of fruit allowed to set, but the fruit is quite tasty! The time fruit sets does not seem to match when it is cheapest in the shops. Flowers and leaves emerged late October 2010.

As of Jan 2011 Some of the fruit is already the size of a tennis ball ... I imagine they will be huge when mature! Alas, the neighbourhood kids nicked this apple - so I never got to try it.

Apples were tart and tasty. Very little damage from burning or splitting. The plants flower constantly (still flowering in June). Leaves were removed in June 2011 to encourage dormancy.

Fruiting Months March and April

Planted: 2009

Height 1.5 metres

Growing: In the Ground

Qty: 2

First Fruited: 6 Months from Purchase in Pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Spring

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: golden delicious & pink lady

Pest Control:

self and beneficial predators (any nasties are removed by hand)

Organic Status:Partially Organic

Plum - Satsuma (Grafted)

Comments: -

One plant was lost due to a heat wave, followed by unorthodox pruning in a storm, and then a dog trying to dig it up and eat it. The other plant appears to be thriving, it is covered in buds ready for spring. Leaves emerged late September, not many flowers. I think I'll need to take steps to increase the "chill hours" it feels

Planted: 2009

Height 2 metres

Qty: 1

First Fruited: 6 Months from Purchase in Pot

Sun/Shade: Medium Sun

Water Given in: Winter

Pruned By: 30% in Autumn and Winter

Pollination: Cross Pollination

Cross Pollinator Variety: Mariposa & Santa Rosa

Pest Control:

none required

Organic Status:Partially Organic

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