Black Raspberry - Berries of Miami

Common name: Mysore Raspberry
Botanical name: Robus niveus
Temperatures: 20F (though originates from the Himalayas does great in S.Fl)

One of our Black Raspberry Plants w/ fruit

This is a prolific producer, in full sun it will give you fruit almost year round (if there is a warm winter). It likes moist ground but not drenched roots. The best pruning time is winter as production slows or ceases and the plant may go dormant as most berries do. Radical pruning can be done with little effect when done in winter. Typically I do not fertilize my berries, other than barbados cherries that need a by-monthly, but 5-10-5 is recommended or use cow manure which is always the best option.  

Health Benefits
Black Raspberries contain an extremely dark pigment which allows them to be used as a colorant and gives black raspberries one of the highest antioxidant ratings in common fruits and berries. Rich in ellagic acid, anthocyanins and antioxidants, black raspberries have been called the “king of berries” for their superior health benefits.

Studies at Ohio State University have found significant decreases in colon tumors in rats and esophageal tumors in mice fed a diet with black raspberries. In vitro studies have shown that extracts of raspberries and blackberries may slow the growth of breast cervical, colon and esophageal cancers. Human clinical trials are underway to assess the effects of black raspberries on colon and esophageal cancers in humans.

• The king of berries in terms of health benefits.Has an extremely high overall level of phenolic compounds compared to other berries.
• Phenolic compounds such as ellagic acid, gallic acid and rutin contribute to the health benefits of black raspberries.
• Contains high levels of anthocyanins, which give them their rich, dark color. Anthocyanins work as antioxidants that help fight free radical damage in the body. The anthocyanin level of black raspberries is 214-589 mg/100g.
• Antioxidant levels of food is sometimes measured as ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity). The ORAC level of black raspberries is 77 µmoles /TE/g, about three times higher than blueberries, a very powerful antioxidant.
• Black raspberries are rich in ellagic acid. Ellagic acid is a phenolic compound known to be a potent anticarcinogen, anti-viral and anti-bacterial. The ellagic acid level of black raspberries is 5.37 mg/g of dry weight.
• University studies are underway to determine black raspberries' ability to slow the growth of certain cancers. In vitro studies show that extracts of raspberries and blackberries may slow or reverse the growth of breast, cervical, colon, oral and esophageal cancers.
• Studies at Ohio State University showed a 60–80 % reduction in colon tumors in rats fed a diet with black raspberries added.
• Studies at Ohio State University showed an 80% reduction in esophageal cancers in mice fed a 5-10% diet of black raspberries.
• Scientists from Ohio State University are now conducting human clinical trials into the effects of black raspberries on colon and esophageal cancer in humans.
• Black raspberries continue to generate a high level of interest from research scientists due to their potent antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.
• Source: Oregon Raspberry & Blackberry Commission 

Antioxidant levels, shown in terms of their oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC), are a measure of a substance's ability to absorb oxygen free radicals. Oxygen free radicals can damage DNA, cause cellular change, oxidize LDL cholesterol, and cause premature mental aging. Consuming foods high in antioxidants helps prevent cancer, heart disease, stroke, and possibly Alzheimer's Disease.

 

Red Indian Guava 1gal. - Berries of Miami

Red Indian Guava - From Berries of Miami

Psidium guajava L.

Myrtaceae

Common Names: Guava
The Red Indian Guava, originally created in Dade County, Florida in 1946, features a medium to large fruit, which has a strong, fragrant. The tree, more of a bush, rarely gets taller than 12ft. The fruit has a yellow, pink blushed skin, with a red, sweet fruit. Red Indian Guava fruit are excellent to be eaten right off the tree, shortly after ripening. 29F cold damage. Prefer full sun. If you fertilize use nitrogen heavy fertilizer or only nitrogen, guava's like well drained soils.

Given below is the amount of nutrients present in 1 cup (165 gm) of Guava, apart from Iron and Folic Acid: 

• Calcium - 50 mg
• Carbohydrates - 19.6 gm
• Fiber - 8.9 gm
• Niacin - 2 mg.
• Phosphorus - 48 mg
• Protein - 1.35 gm
• Total Fat - 0.9 gm
• Vitamin A - 412 IU
• Vitamin B - 1.15 mg
• Vitamin C - 498 mg
• Calories - 84  

Health & Nutrition Benefits of Eating Guava 

• Guava is a very good source of vitamins, fibers as well as minerals.
• Being rich in Vitamin C; guava is effective in treating male infertility caused by sperm clumping, adhesion and other abnormalities.
• Guava has been associated with healing of wounds, when applied externally.
• Guava has general haemostatic properties and can be used for treating bleeding nose, gums and minor internal hemorrhaging.
• Guava helps cure dysentery, by inhibiting microbial growth and removing extra mucus from the intestines.
• Guava helps the body in combating free radicals produced during metabolism and aids in preventing age-related chronic diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, cataract and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Guava is one of the richest sources of dietary fiber and thus, is good for those suffering from constipation.
• Guava strengthens and tones up the digestive system and even disinfects the same.
• Guava, having high content of roughage, no cholesterol & less digestible carbohydrates, is good for those trying to lose weight.
• Guavas can improve the texture of skin and help avoid skin problems. For the purpose, you can either eat it raw or make wash your skin with a decoction of its immature fruits and leaves.
• Juice of raw and immature guavas or decoction of guava-leaves is known to bring relief in cough and cold.
• Researches have shown that guava is pretty effective in preventing cancer and even heart diseases in people.
• The presence of complex carbohydrates and dietary fibers in guava makes it effective in lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
• The presence of Vitamin C and other phytonutrients, such as caretenoids, isoffavonoids and polyphenols, in guava has led to it being an effective antioxidant. 

Guava has been found to be beneficial , not a cure,for people suffering from the following ailments:

• Acidosis
• Asthma
• Bacterial Infections
• Catarrh
• Congestion of the Lungs
• Convulsions
• Epilepsy
• High Blood Pressure
• Obesity
• Oral Ulcers
• Poor Circulation
• Prolonged Menstruation
• Scurvy
• Swollen Gums
• Toothache

Berries of Miami - The Berry Man
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How To Plant a Plant!!!

Dig the Hole
Remember, proper planting is crucial to the survival of your new tree.
Remove your tree from the container carefully – the roots and soil should not separate too much. If the tree is stuck in the container, jiggle it a bit to loosen the roots.

• Dig a hole 2-3 times wider than the container and the depth should be the same as the top of the soil in the container.
• Position the plant so that the top of the root ball is even with the soil surface. Planting too deep could cause your tree to die.
  • Once you have proper depth, either by removing dirt or back filling so the base of the tree is about even with the ground, massage the roots to allow excess dirt to fall off. This allows the roots to spread faster, but be sure no to brake roots, do it GENTLY. If plants had a brain the roots would be it so be gentle...

Fill it in and water it  Place the tree back into the hole.

• Once your tree is in position, fill the hole with soil until it is half full.
• Slowly water to saturate the soil (this removes air pockets that could also kill your new tree), then fill the hole with remainder of soil and soak again.
• If possible, add a 3" thick ring of soil around the outer edge of the planting area. This will keep the water in and help to encourage your new tree to grow.
• Next, place an organic mulch such as wood chips, leaves, pine needles or pine bark 3 to 4 inches deep around the entire planting area without coming in direct contact with the trunk.
• Wet down the mulch.

You're done!

Southern Peaches: The Florida Prince (Now is the season to PLANT, fast before they are no longer dorment))

Southern Peach: Florida Prince

Botanical name: Prunus persica
Family: Rosaceae
Origin: Asia
Avg. Height X Width: 15’ X 10’ - Max height 20’
Season: Spring
Damage temp: 18 F

Comments: Through a breeding program that began in 1953 the University of Florida successfully developed numerous low chill peach varieties suitable to Florida’s mild climate. The varieties we carry will grow and produce fruit even as far south as Miami. In fact, they have fruited successfully in Cuba and Nassau, Bahamas. The fruit quality is equal to that of temperate-zone cultivars, and small commercial plantings can be found throughout central Florida. The trees are deciduous and lose their leaves each winter, but they are highly ornamental otherwise making them an excellent choice for the home garden. When fruiting water thoroughly. Depending on the tree, to produce a big crop with large peaches (other wise they will be smaller sized) a tree may require between 75-150 freeze hrs. Freeze hrs. are a unit of time, one hour, bellow 5o degrees. Fertilize 10-10– 10 or a close combination. The Peaches are grafted onto a bug and fungus resistant root stock called - Nemaguard Peach.

Health Benefits:

Peaches are high in a number of nutrients your body needs such as niacin, thiamine, potassium and calcium. They are also high in beta carotene, an antioxidant that converts to Vitamin A, which is essential for healthy hearts and eyes. The darker the peach’s color, the more Vitamin A it has in its pulp. The antioxidants may also help in maintaining healthy urinary and digestive functions.

Peach tea is known in Eastern cultures to be a kidney cleanser and uses in detoxification. This isn’t peach flavored tea, but a brew made from the pits. Many people claim peaches are good for relief of stomach ulcers and other digestive issues like colitis and kidney disease. This may be due to their high fiber and potassium content.

A Florida-Prince Peach from the yard 2012

Berries of Miami - 'The Berry Man'

               email for questions or availability: berriesofmiami@gmail.com 

The 'White Mulberry", (limited availability)

Name: White Mulberry, Morus alba
Species: M. alba
Family: Moraceae

The white mulberry, is probably the most elegant of all mulberries. It is one of the few with visible flowers, which are white,  stays relatively small and has great growth.  The white mulberry, or as I like to call it ‘Queenie’ because if the Paki is King than white is Queen due to elegance,  has large leaves and good coverage making it a great ground cover, although it can be allowed to tree up to 10-15ft. The white can be placed in either full sun or partial sun, but must be in well drained soil. It does not do well in very cold areas and is only zoned for the cold to zone , but does excellent in the south were the cold is not prolonged.  I recommend using organic fertilizer such as Espoma Citrustone or Jobes, some recommend 10-10-10, yet I prefer half that 6-5-5 or close to it. The best bet is to use manure, it is naturally 5-5-5. The berries must be completely white, violete or pinkish when eaten. . . not green!
Health Benefits:
According to researchers, esp. Dr. Walt’s http://www.drwalt.com/blog/?p=4990, the white mulberry leaves and berries help with type 2 diabetes. In Japan, scientists have discovered the leaf fights plaque in the arteries! The berries also have common health benefits with the other mulberry species.

Berries of Miami - 'The Berry Man'

email for questions or availability: berriesofmiami@gmail.com

The Lady Bug, or Lady Bird - God's natural pesticide

The organic gardener tries to steer clear of sprays, pesticides and fertilizers. But when you must there is always a natural resource God has given to help you keep an organic, healthy garden. I have found over the years, the garden stays healthier, and studies show so do you!

Today we will talk about natures pesticide: Lady Bugs, or Lady Birds. 

They can wipe out aphids, white-fly, grubs etc. Check out the info bellow.

Ladybugs are general predators that feed on Aphids and a variety of slow-moving insects. Ladybugs are a must-have for organic gardening or farming. Ladybugs eat insects during both the adult and larval stages, so you can receive ladybugs as adults and continue to have live ladybugs eating during other parts of their life cycle. The lifecycle of the ladybug is between four to six weeks. In the spring the adults lay up to three hundred eggs in an aphid colony. The eggs hatch in 2-5 days. The newly hatched larvae feed on Aphids for up to three weeks, then enter the pupae stage. The adult lady bug emerges about a week later. However, they usually don't have their spots for their first 24 hrs. of
adult hood. So, if your catch one with out spots, you may have found a brand new adult. There may be as many as six generations of ladybugs hatch in a year.

Lifespan of Hippodamia convergens:

From egg to adult takes 3 - 4 weeks in summer, 6 weeks in spring. When released, adult ladybugs should mate and lay eggs within 8-10 days.The eggs will hatch into larvae in 5 days.Temperature and food availability will determine the timing of each stage and reproductivity.One female can lay up to 1,500 eggs over their 100 - day lifetime.

Release Instructions:
Once you have made it home with your Ladybugs, put them in a household refrigerator but DO NOT FREEZE THEM. For optimal results, release Ladybugs in the early morning or late evening, when temperatures are cool. Do not release during the heat of the day, as heat causes Ladybugs to become overly active and they are more likely to fly away and find shelter away from the original release site. Prior to releasing, water your plants leaves. This will hydrate and relax your ladybugs after their journey. Ladybugs should be released a few at a time on all plants, twice a week during the season when your plants are lush and attractive to pests. After application re-close the container and place in refrigerator for storing Ladybugs for future use. Ladybugs may be stored in a refrigerator for a maximum of 30 days.

Taken from:http://gardeningzone.com/pages/buy-live-ladybugs 

For white-fly problems try to get the black ones, they are more aggressive. . . yet I have found the red one's feast on them as well.

Pakistani Mulberry (Have 6footers ready to go and 1 gal.)

Pakistani Mulberry

Morus alba 'Pakistani.' The king of mulberry trees not only for its large ultimate height of 50' or more, if let to grow, but for the 4" long fruit that makes everyone swoon. Make sure to partake only of ripe fruit, black, unless you want a puckered mouth for the day. Early summer harvest. The fruit blends sweet with tart in a complex berry flavor that reminds some of raspberries on steroids. Full sun, moderate summer water. Does not stain to the extent of other mulberries.

Has the same health benefits as other mulberries, but almost  3X the size berries!!!

Berries of Miami - 'The Berry Man'

email for questions or availability: berriesofmiami@gmail.com