Bill, I found one of the tags of either one of the 2 persimmons that I had, Ichi-kei-jiro. Checking at the different non-astringent varieties, the only ones that I ever considered, the tree can give you fruit the same year or in 5 years, also some are biennial. The one that I have left, produced fruit in about 4-5 years. Having 2 like I had before is probably the best bet. The yard long beans in this salad would be great, I used freekeh grains but you could use anything you like like farro, quinoa, bulgur, etc. I also put chopped herbs of choice. The dressing is the perfect touch. Tahini dressing: 5tbsp tahini paste 3tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp lemon juice 1 1/2 tsp dried mint 1 large clove garlic, crushed 1 tsp maple syrup. Whisk the ingredients and serve with the salad, it is even good the day after. Silvia

Hi Carmen, we were both very busy! I only took time off to feed 2 hot dogs to my dogs, they were hungry too! Did you see the hamburgers and hot dogs in the picture? just few people ate them, they were already full with other food, there were trays leftover and potato salads galore, also pasta salads. There was some very good hummus made with sumac, I got to try that and most sweets were left except for the meyer lemon bars that I made, I cut them small enough for just a bite. And your rice with pigeon peas was very good and I got to eat that. One of my neighbors made a delicious pasta and shrimp salad that was in the fridge. Carmen, next time we will do a program with hours and everything. Willy was talking to the chief of police tonight and he said that next time let them know and they can help with parking if needed, that everything went nice and smooth and since a lot of the neighbors were invited we were all happy.:) Did you meet the friends from the farm? next time that I go there we can go with Maxine, I will let you know. Silvia

Anna We all go to the same issues with the bugs, when is hot they are very active, that is the reason I plant squash and cucumbers in containers in the summer, in the spring I can plant them in the raised bed. Same with beans, the yard long beans I plant them in pots just like you did, when the roots are stronger they can have a nematode attack with no problem. Recently I found a local organic and hydroponic store that I found carries a lot of the products that I used to buy only on the web, I do believe that stronger plants can resist any bug attack. In this store they have been giving me a lot of free organic products to try and I am very happy with them. Last time that I visited they gave me a compost tea that they had analized for nutrients. I also take out any plant that is in decline or old or anything that looks like bug attractor.:) For example my winter squash is ready to pick and the plant already looks spent, I probably clear out and will plant something different. If you already had cucumbers, maybe the plant won't produce anymore. It is also a good idea to space them out planting at different times like every week or two. I did the zucchini and cucumbers like that. For all the cole crops I just hose them down to keep the bugs out, when cooler they will be better. About the pyrethrin, it is the only thing used in Monticello and it is not working!lol, I have never seen so many bugs, they have the complete zoo with the worst ones probably been all sorts of stink bugs, every one that was taking the garden tour were Master Gardeners somewhere and had similar problems, since the guide had no answers, we told them to go watch how to make the stink bug trap on you tube:) After seen the showcase gardens in Monticello were thousands of people see it every day, I am more relaxed about the imperfection and bugs in the veggie garden, just remember they are not ornamentals and as long as they give some veggies it is all good. Silvia

Hi Bree It is such an honor that you thought of me in such a positive way, thank you. Like Dave said feel free to send me an email, I always try to answer the best that I can. Being you in zone 8 ( I am in zone 9b) it will require different dates to start seeds. I will start the fall tomatoes early in July to be transplanted in August. I am growing 45 different varieties of tomatoes, some of them are from Trudi ( from wintersown, thank you Trudi) I can make you a sample packet of the varieties that did best for me this season. Send me your address. And I am very sorry about your little girl, but your positive attitude will help you through, my best wishes for her speedy recovery, you have a wonderful family! The best way for anybody to keep healthy is to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, even when I spray I try I to use products that do not harm my family or my pets. About the recipes they are very easy, use fresh herbs that your family likes, garlic, red onion or scallions mix with 6 eggs. I have a cast iron skillet that I use and cook the eggs till they are set, add a thin sliced feta on top and broil it in the oven for a minute or 2. Add roasted tomatoes, when you get your tomatoes going I will give you some recipes for that. :) The tart is another easy recipe. Make your favorite pizza dough, cook it in the oven. Make pesto sauce and add to the cooled tart, add fresh sliced tomatoes. And I really hope that you can get 2 seasons in Texas, another poster (Dragonfly is also trying that). When I moved here about 2 years ago I was told by the experienced gardeners in the area that you can not grow tomatoes here, lol. This morning I gave her a basket of fresh tomatoes. I will save seeds this season having you in mind, don't forget to send me your address. Happy gardening! Silvia