Become a Fruit Grower

Fruit—nature's candy, healthy sweetness, the dessert of the garden world. Few people I know do not have a sweet tooth. Mother Nature knows this and has taken care of it in a healthy way. 

Who doesn't drool over ice cold watermelon on a hot July 4th celebration? When fall rolls around, our thoughts go to nice crisp apples. Here in the Lowcountry, there is some kind of fruit available year-round, most of which can be grown right here. What's that you say? What can be grown here and where do I start? Well I am glad you asked!

It just so happens that there is a new society coming to town to talk about topics just like that—The Lowcountry Fruit Growers Society.

Here's a bit on what the group will be all about: Right now, it will meet on the third Sunday of odd numbered months (November, January, March, May, July, September). If it becomes popular (which I think it will) we will start meeting once a month. Every meeting will be filled with tips on fruit growing, like where to get started; when to get started. Expert speakers from around the area will tell us what grows best here, what should be done during certain times of year—pruning, fertilizing, etc. You will be able to ask the visiting experts specific questions about what you might be experiencing, such as a certain disease or insect problem. There will also be times when we offer a chance to get in on a large group order of fruiting plants from growers to save on costs. We will have information on local growers that have fruit plants available, too. When fruits are in season, there will be times for us to have a taste testing seminar. This will be a great way to find out if you like a certain variety, what it should look like when it is ripe, and when it should be ready.

The best part? Current or previous fruit growing experience is NOT required to join. What is is the desire to learn about fruit, its horticultural needs, and how to grow it here in the Lowcountry. 

You can come and be a part of horticultural history as this group gets off the ground. The very first meeting will be held Sunday, November 18th, 2012 at 2 p.m. at the North Charleston Armory (5000 Lackawanna Boulevard, North Charleston) and is free to attend. Yearly dues are $10. As the society grows, we will have raffles for plants, seed and plant exchanges, and eventually fruit expositions and competitions. Through the generosity of fellow fruit growers, there may also be some giveaways for group members. If you want to learm more or say that you will be there, please contact me at TheCitrusGuy@netzero.com, or visit our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/LowcountryFruitGrowersSociety.

I am looking forward to seeing you there and together we will learn how to grow some of the sweetest food on earth!

Happy Growing!

Darren