Oranges in Houston: A Juicy Dilemma
So, you want to turn your Houston backyard into an orange grove? Well, hold your horses (or should I say orange trees?) before you start dreaming of fresh-squeezed juice every morning.
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| Can You Grow Orange Trees In Houston Texas |
Houston: Not Exactly Florida
Let's get one thing straight: Houston is not Orlando. We're talking about a place where the humidity could drown a duck and the summers are hotter than a jalape�o on fire. So, while it's technically possible to grow oranges here, it's definitely not a walk in the park.
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The Cold, Hard Truth
Oranges are delicate little creatures. They don't like the cold one bit. And Houston, while blessed with mild winters, does get the occasional frost that can send your orange tree into a panic attack. So, if you're planning on growing oranges, you better be prepared to play nursemaid.
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Hardy Varieties: Your Orange Army
If you're still determined to give it a shot, you'll need to enlist some hardy orange varieties. Think of them as the Navy SEALs of the citrus world. We're talking about Satsumas, Owari, and maybe even a Pineapple orange. These guys are tougher than a Texas cowboy and can handle a little bit of cold.
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Location, Location, Location
Even with a hardy variety, you need to choose your spot wisely. Find a sunny, sheltered location. Maybe near your house so you can keep a close eye on it during those chilly nights. And remember, drainage is key. Soggy feet are a citrus tree's worst nightmare.
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Care and Protection: Your Orange Parenting Guide
Once you've planted your little orange tree, the real work begins. You'll need to fertilize regularly, water wisely, and protect it from pests and diseases. And when winter rolls around, you might need to break out the blankets (or at least some frost cloth) to keep your tree cozy.
In conclusion, growing oranges in Houston is definitely doable, but it's not for the faint of heart. If you're up for the challenge, you could be rewarded with delicious homegrown oranges. But if you're looking for a guaranteed orange supply, you might be better off sticking to the grocery store.
How-To Tips for Orange Growers in Houston
- How to choose the right orange variety: Opt for cold-hardy varieties like Satsumas, Owari, or Pineapple oranges.
- How to protect your orange tree from frost: Cover your tree with frost cloth or blankets on cold nights.
- How to provide good drainage: Ensure your planting site has excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
- How to fertilize your orange tree: Use a balanced citrus fertilizer according to package instructions.
- How to protect your orange tree from pests: Monitor for common pests like aphids, scale, and citrus mites, and treat accordingly.
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