Apr 20 • Tools
Protecting Frost Tender Perennials with Trees and Castor Oil
I wanted to share a comparison between two physalis lines:
One growing under trees (with castor as support)
VS One fully exposed and twice as much water.
The difference is striking in the video.
Physalis is frost-tender in my climate - they would survive albeit burnt new branches, but they would not thrive. With protection, growth stays vigorous instead of getting knocked back.
Same applies to pepino melon here - although even more frost sensitive.
This is where the syntropic dynamics really matters : you can push the limits of what grows in your climate.
Even species like avocado or cherimoya could establish with protection from tree canopies - although they’ll need more water here.
Don't go too crazy with zone-pushing experiments. I saw a guy trying to plant jackfruit in Portugal...everyone want these subtropical to tropical fruits so stick to what's at the edge of your climate.
Physalis, on the other hand, is tough - more drought-resistant than tomato.
Microclimate and timing can allow you to zone push - Don't plant these in Autumn if you have frost, they won't have enough time to establish before that, plant in Spring instead !
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Protecting Frost Tender Perennials with Trees and Castor Oil
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