Newsletter March 2009

A Note From the Editor

Food for thought
I saw some cow manure for sale for $8 a bag. It probably is not expensive to some, but I was reminded that the TOGA was a demonstration of how to garden at the lowest costs. That is, to find ways to avoid having to buy expensive compost or mulch, to seed-save every year, to water wisely, to obtain the maximum yield from the space available, and that does not mean cramming as many plants into the space available! I hope we can follow though on these ideas for the rest of the year.

Plant of the Month

White sapote:

The white sapote (Casimiroa edulis) is a hardy, subtropical fruit tree that can withstand drought and both high and low temperatures.

There are many varieties but one, Vernon is growing in the Permaculture garden at TOG.

Grafted trees will usually produce fruit within two to three years if provided good growing conditions.
The white sapote is an evergreen tree which can grow to 10m at maturity. The tree produces small whitish-green flowers in Spring followed by round to oblong-shaped fruit in summer and Autumn. Fruit flesh may be creamy-white, yellow or orange. It is said to have a delicious flavour similar to custard apples or pears. A healthy, mature tree can produce prolific quantities of fruit each year.

The tree is native to the highlands of Mexico and Central America. The Aztecs referred to it as cochiztzapoti (sleep producing sapote) and the Mexicans know it as sapote blanco (white sapote) The seed, bark and leaves contain a glucoside, casimirosine, which is used to dilate blood vessels and reduce blood pressure. In large doses it is thought to affect the autonomic nervous system and this helps to induce sleep.

While sapotes have a vigorous root system so should be planted at least 4 to 5 metres from existing trees in a warm, sunny position protected from strong winds. They benefit from regular applications of poultry manure added to the mulch.

Pests include fruit fly, caterpillars, mites, mealy bugs and scale insects. The trees are not seriously affected by disease.

White sapote can be eaten fresh or used in milk shakes, sorbets, ice-cream and fruit salad.

REFERENCE: Tropical Fruits : An Australian Guide to Growing and Using Exotic Fruits by Glen Tannkard
Note: The White Sapote Tree in the Permaculture at TOG was planted in 1998. The fruit are delicious and seem to be on the tree all year round. There are some small ones there at the moment—but not ready for picking.

In the Garden

Handy Hints for March

· This is a good month to divide and plant perennials like alpine phlox, campanulas and begonias. Taller plants may need support.

· Spring Onions - Are very versatile in salads, sandwiches and as a garnish. Choose a sunny position and sow direct in narrow drills.

· Harvest pumpkins and leave them in an open sunny position to dry out before storing.

· Prepare bulb beds before planting by digging in old compost.

· This is caterpillar time.

· WEED SPRAY
Instead of Roundup use:
1 Litre white vinegar
1 cup salt
Few drops of dishwashing liquid
Shake well and spray onweeds in driveways etc.

· Comfrey is a great source of calcium, phosphorus, potassium and vitamins A, C and B12. Chop the leaves and add them to your compost heap.

· Stinky beetles invading your citrus trees? Buy an old saucepan (with handle) from the Sunday market. Put a few cm of water in the bottom with a drop of detergent and flick the beetles into the saucepan with a long stick.

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Cycles of the Month - March 2009

Moon Phases:
First quarter: Wednesday, 4 March (05:48)
Full moon: Wednesday, 11 March (12:39)
Last quarter: Thursday, 19 March (03:48)
New Moon: Friday, 27 March (02:07)

Autumnal Equinox: Friday 20th March (21:45)

Newsletter Contributions
Email Linda lmangubhai@gmail.com