Protecting a Mexicola Avocado tree by building a greenhouse structure plus Edible Garden Update

John of http://www.growingyourgreens.com shows the impromptu "greenhouse" being built to protect an mexicola avocado tree from the frost. Also shows the results of the rain barrel and how barren the front yard looks after the frost

Category:

Education

Tags:

• northern
• california
• garden
• food
• forest
• estate
• edible
• covering
• avocado
• frost
• protection

[tstieber]

This greenhouse seems like a lot of unnecessary work for such a hardy avocado variety. I see a washingtonia robusta (Mexican fan palm) in the background, so I can't imagine it gets below the high 20s most winters. I thought Mexicola Grande was hardy to 20 degrees. A friend of ours has one in Walnut Creek that has never been protected and got through our all-time record low temps in 1990 with barely a scratch. Isn't this a lot of work for nothing?

[growingyourgreens]

its not alot of extra work when the plant gets burned bad.. in the mid (to high) 20s. Cant always believe what you read about plant hardiness. it would probaby "make it" and stay alive, (dropping all its leaveS) but would take a long time to bounce back..

[tstieber]

@growingyourgreens Which would be the hardiest variety? My parents currently grow a Mexicola Grande in Walnut Creek, and it's not had any frost burn at all the first two winters in the ground (including the recent cold snap). There are a few very large avocado trees around Concord that we've seen, that are as big as a house, prolific producers, and obviously can't be covered in winter. Do you not think those would have to be Mexicola Grande, or is there an even hardier variety?

[growingyourgreens]

they "say" the mexicola is the hardiest.. that being said, each climate zone has different "microclimates" that may affect the plant differently. This year, my mexicola is uncovered so far, and its doing fine.. I know luther burbank played with avocado varieties, and there was a HUGE tree in Santa Rosa that made (more watery) avos, unprotected. It made hundreds. Get cuttings or air layer one of those varieties, as they are tried and true in your area.

[Alina674]

we all want to know what city/state are you located?

[growingyourgreens]

Sonoma County, California

[jcreedd]

DOES ANYONE KNOW THE NAME OF THE CHARD DISCUSSED IN THE VIDEO @ 1:43?

[IraqiChaldo125]

John i reallly enjoy your videos! I live in michigan and it gets really cold here but i still experience with dofferent plants like pineapples and papayas. Could you do a tour of your greenhouse?

[junetee52]

you might also want to consider Lila and Brazos Belle Avocadoes. Lila is a new one, it's reported to be hardy to 14degrees.

[Klubkid69]

Did this make it through 2010 winter fine?

[jcreedd]

John said the chard was tasty but didn't say which variety it was.Does anyone know the variety?

[tabosky]

That's a big avocado, that's not the smaller cousin Mexicola, that's a Mexicola Grande that is almost like a medium size egg plant. You are on the right path to cover your avocado tree eventhough it is a hardy variety. Hardy ratings refer to how low you have to go to kill the tree (trunk), but by then your thinner green limbs, leaves and fruit will be destroyed by the frost.