The Caloosa Rare Fruit Exchange's Mr. Cleophas Ishmael was our guest speaker at our last meeting. Unfortunately, the microphone did not work, but Mr. Ishmael and the group managed to struggle through it. Mr. Ishmael recommended mulberry as "the best" for a beginner frost-proof fruit in Lehigh Acres. Other fruits that appear to be frost-proof are: loquat, peach, fig, certain avocados, persimmons, and grapefruit. Before buying any fruit tree, confirm that the plant can tolerate a frost or be prepared to protect it. Many of Mr. Ishmael's fruit trees were purchased from ECHO.
It was mentioned at the meeting that citrus should not be mulched. Reason: bugs.
Places mentioned for purchasing fruit trees: Tree House located in Pine Island and B&D Nursery located in Lehigh. Sorry, I don't have addresses for either.
