It has everything to do with soil, air, and water - growing plants
Every plant needs at least one inch of water per week

By MANDY JOHN | Central Texas Edition

George Ray McEachern gives important information on growing different kinds of fruits and nuts at the Texas Fruits and Nuts Seminar, held Feb. 19 in Bryan. -- Photo by Mandy John

March 6, 2003 -- Learning to be successful in growing plants was the main focus at the Texas Fruits and Nuts Seminar, which was held Feb. 19 at the Horticultural Gardens in College Station. George Ray McEachern, visiting professor of horticulture, was the guest speaker at the event, giving insight into selecting the different varieties of fruits and nuts.

"Some people can grow a plant and some people can't. It just depends on their capability," began McEachern. "The result of how well a plant does has everything to do with soil, air, and water. You need at least one inch of rain or irrigation per week."

He said that one inch of water on an acre is equal to 27,000 gallons. Every crop that is grown has to have one inch of water per week in order to grow properly.

"It's been said that you must have deep, well-drained soil. The only problem with this statement is that no one can explain what that means. What I am saying to you is that when you put water on the soil, it must run throughout the soil."

He explained the finest soil in the world is volcanic. All the soil in New Zealand is volcanic, which means that trees can grow faster there than anywhere in the United States. He said the reason the soil is so good is because it has a lot of air in it.

"You can't grow anything when you put too much water on it. It won't have enough air when that happens.

"The reason container plants grow so well is that there is 40 percent air, 25 percent water, and 35 percent particles. This is a good percentage for plants, but this also means that you have to water the plant three times a day."

McEachern stated when a person waters a plant too much, the young roots die because it does not get enough oxygen to live. "You must have a lot of air and enough water in order for these roots to live.

"Water all over Texas contains bacteria. You should have chlorine in order to kill bacteria. Plants love chlorine, it expands their roots and slows everything down.

"It's important to have maximum drainage. Of all the problems combined, drainage is the worst problem. You need a lot that drains fast."

The top ten fruits to grow in the Brazos Valley include:

• Arapeho blackberry;

• Alma fig;

• Black Beauty muscabine;

• Methley plum;

• Orient pear;

• Texas Prince (also known as a La Faleciana) peach;

• Eureka persimmon;

• Caddo pecan;

• Satsuma orange; and

• Black Spanish grapes.