John, I think that bluebetty is concerned about any toxins that may have settled into the SOIL after all of the flooding. Remember, plants take up lots of things from the soil that they don't need. Bluebetty, I don't think that this is a stupid question at all. It would depend upon how badly the water became polluted at the time. There is no question that there were gasoline, lead, arsenic, pesticides, sewage, and lord knows what else in the flood waters. I've attached one link for you; read the press releases under Quick Reference. However, other government tests come up with a slightly different story. You'll need to decide if you find some of the information hysterical, or blase'. It can be difficult to glean facts, sometimes. If you do a google using 'soil pollution New Orleans', you'll come up much of interest pertaining to the aftermath of Katrina. Personally? I'd first have to find about fifty solid research sources that convinced me that all of those soil borne pollutants do NOT end up in the fruit, but only in the foliage and wood. ;-) Then, 'maybe' I'd have an orange. Here is a link that might be useful: Soil testing results

The suggestion above is correct about the chlorination but maybe leaving out even longer wouldn't hurt! We used to live in New Orleans and a good friend called to let us know who/what all was still there. When I asked about visiting, she told me not to for about a year because the devastation to everything is heartbreaking. The losses in City Park alone... Back to the question! IF you can get water from anywhere else, such as in gallon jugs at the grocery, then use them instead. The water sold by Walmart is bottled in Texas. Personally, I would only use that water on edibles but that may be too much of a luxury at this point. If you are terribly concerned, figure out what you absolutely must have and pamper it to the best of your ability. A family heirloom or essential herb may justify bottled water and the others can use the municipal water after it has sat out a while. If you need seed or starts, email me. There are several of us on the Texas Forum that have already been stashing goodies for gardeners in the areas hit by Katrina. Best wishes, Jac

Stropharia- If I'm too late, consider this in the future. I don't know where these people are coming from when they say stay away from guava. I live in Costa Rica where there is an abundance of different tropical fruits of high quality, and the majority of Costa Ricans would have guava on their list of 5 must have fruits. The problem with the people in this forum is possibly the fact that there is a very wide selection of guava available and their(and my)experiences with guava are somewhat limited. My experience with Costa Rican guava has been very positive. Here the most popular guava is Cas guava. Cas is native to Costa Rica and for drinks is in a class of it's own. The name is always used to distinguish it from the other guavas (Cas juice or beverage, the others are simply guava)...it's makes a highly popular beverage but is a bit acid for eating out of hand. I would definitely recommend Cas guava. For eating out of hand (but not juicing) the Chinese guava is very popular. It has large fruit and is less juicy than many other guavas. As for javoticaba, it is here in Costa Rica, and although it is enjoyed by many, it isn't considered one of the better fruits. I have a javoticaba and I do like the fruit(a bit like a grape with a heavy peel)but it wouldn't be on my top 5 list. Another thought as another suggested, you might try a citrus like a sweet mandarin, or navel orange like a Washington or Cara Cara ...They are small trees suitable for containers and I think you would find them more valuable than javoticaba. ...although easier to find in your local store. Gringo Bob

I get so stoked when I get a new mango tree. Ohhh and coming home from work to see the box on your doorstep.. like Christmas. It's hard to decide, so, get them all! Pickering is the only one I have from your list. I haven't had it long so I can't comment about the flavor because I haven't seen fruit from it yet, but one of the reasons I bought it was for the reputation of its flavor. I can say, that it's the healthiest & hardiest of all my mango trees so far and it was the fastest to recover from shipping and transplant shock. To be honest, it wasn't really fazed by shipping (4 days in transit) and transplant. Never lost a leaf and started flushing new growth almost right away. Whatever you decide, post pics of your new babies!