More than just citrus
There are thousands of fruit trees, vegetables, herbs and spices we can grow in the Southwest Florida climate, in our own homes. You don’t have to be limited to the traditional citrus.
The Edible Gardening Exchange’s January speaker will be Erica Klopf of Florida Edible Landscaping. Klopf will speak on Jan. 19 at the North Fort Myers Recreation Center at 2000 N. Recreation Way about incorporating perennial edible plants into the residential home landscape.
Klopf specializes in tropical and non-tropical fruit trees and perennial vegetables, herbs and spices and she will look at what can be here with ease. The discussion will include growing conditions, companion plants, harvest and preparation.
Klopf said great examples of ideal plants include turmeric and guanabana, a Central American plant that produces delicious fruit.
“Turmeric is very simple to grow in the right conditions and provides a high value of medicinal food that can be incorporated into your diet,” Klopf said. “Guanabana tastes like a pineapple custard.”
While papaya, mangos, avocado and citrus will also be discussed, Klopf wants to introduce people to outside the box foods that we can now access, unlike in the past, that have been grown for thousands of years worldwide.
“We can grow a plethora of things beside citrus. As South Floridians, it’s time for us to form a sense of identity based on the foods that grow here,” Klopf said. “This is the first time we’ve had access to all the best plants from around the world. It’s so easy around here.”
The discussion begins at 6:30 p.m. You can also arrive at 5:30 p.m. for an open and informal chat on edible topics. Consider bringing something to share with other gardeners (seeds, plants, a snack). Bring a cup if you want free coffee or tea.
All fees are paid at the front desk. Fee for winter classes from October to March is $10. In addition, a $10 Lee Parks and Rec lifetime membership is also required.
For additional information, please call or text Karen Harty at 610-530-8883 or email KarenHarty@GrowA-Gardener.org.