Hello from Brian G in Allen

[Brian Gallimore]

Hi everyone.  I live in the suburb Allen in a house located on a 1/4 acre lot.  I've expanded my gardening operation over time, and now I'm up to 6 raised beds at the back of my yard, 1 near the back door, and 1 out by the driveway.  I try to grow lots of vertical crops to save on space.

Last spring I planted about 6 dwarf fruit trees that should only get to be 5 foot tall.  I'm eager to see how they do this year, I have a small chance of getting fruit from them.

[gardening11]

So, how are your fruit trees doing? And what did you plant?

We have a peach tree and we got several dozen peaches last year. The squirrels got several dozen, too. This year, I have an air rifle so the squirrels should fare much worse. 

[Brian Gallimore]

2 of my apple trees died last summer, much better to plant trees in the fall!

so far, I have 1 piece of fruit forming on the new trees, a peach

the old plum tree has loads of fruit again this year, I can't wait to make some more jam!

[Brian Gallimore]

I planted about 6 dwarf apple trees, a dwarf apricot, dwarf peach, fuyu persimmon, and two types of paw-paw trees last year. 

[Tina]

What is a paw-paw?    And what fruit trees do well in our area?  I planted a grape bush that seems to have already died this year and a blackberry bush, that is at least growing for the time being.  I was looking at some trees, too...

[Brian Gallimore]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paw_Paw_Tree

My plum and fig tree do pretty good most years.  Pears grow well here too.  

[Helenm]

Hi Brian
Just catching up with some reading here
I would like to introduce myself
My name is Helen and I am a longtime member of the Allen Garden Club where I have learned lots about gardening in Texas.
My garden is extensive with many fruit trees, plums, peaches, and soon our fig trees will be ready to harvest. We also have grape vines that produce grapes good for the table and for jam/jelly
I have for many years been very interested in growing herbs plus I have a vegetable garden.  I am more productive with this in the cool season but right now I have eggplant, various peppers and okra.
I am looking forward to hearing what else is happening in this area

[Brian Gallimore]

Nice to meet you Helen!  I have to make a point to come to the Allen Garden Club meetings, since I'm so close!   

[Helenm]

Yes you should  we have a lot of fun and have super speakers

[Mike]

I live not far from you in Lucas. moved out here 4 years ago from Plano. We planted Apricot, Pecan, Fig and Plum trees spring of 2008. Worms have gotten the best of the plums and apricots. Made fig jam last week for the first time and really enjoyed it this morning with breakfast. Figs are the easiest fruit to grow. Heard you this morning on the radio and think your citizen garden idea is great. Would love to get involved if I had more time. I'm new to this site and haven't been able to figure out how to post pics.

[Brian Gallimore]

Glad to meet you Mike!   I need to make some fig jam too, I have one tree that is about ready.   I'll create a how-to article about posting pictures on the forum, there are several ways.  If your pictures are small enough in size, you can click 'additional options' below the text box you are typing in and attach them.