Thread: What to plant on vegetable growing land.

If you had some high ground with access to irrigation what would be a good tree to plant. I have five or ten years before Id expect to pull anything off it myself. I would have family to care for the plants.

I have been told the land near the creek may flood for a few weeks mabey every five or so years. Im curious as to what could be planted. They have grown corn on the plot last I saw it. These trees would be along the field edge. We have a huge tamarind tree that does well. Mangos as well. A few coconut trees ect. I heard someone mention cashews on another thread.

I like pineapple but the gf says just buy them from the market. I'll be heading over soon and would like to plant something now if I can get my hands on something from a tree Nursery. The land is a latitude along the lines of Champasack Laos. Just south of Pakse.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

I'll call it "The Fish Farm."

Originally Posted by fishlocker

with access to irrigation

Durian.

Herb sounds good. Then all we need are some sticks to tie it to. That and a fishing pole and we can sit and watch the grass grow.

Seriously though I do want to grow something worthwhile that doesn't attract ants or too many insects and doesn't require too much fuss.

You're in the tropics mate, so insects pests and fungus abound, and any big plantings of anything will risk being manked unless you either poison the hell out of the crop and ground with pest killers or you grow the lot under cover in a green-house, regularly checking it for infestations of all sorts.

Timber is the least likely crop to fail, anything easily edible the locals, insects, birds and fungus will eat it.

Growing organic if it's food you're after, is the way forward, but you've got to be giving TLC 23/7 to your crop.

David33 gives good advice in his post re. what you could grow in your neck of the woods.
Good luck.

I was hoping to place them along the line where the tilled farmland meets the woodland. Far enough away from the woods to give room for growth.

I read that mangosteen takes well to damp soil so may be close to the creek. I'm not sure about rambutan or lychees but will look into it. I figure anything good to eat would be welcome. I will look into more coconut trees for around the house in the back for some shade of sorts. The front is reserved as mostly open for the view of the river at sundown.

I would like pomegranates, anyone have any luck with these? It may not do well if too wet. Maybe on a raised bed with well draining soil.

Originally Posted by david44

Unemployed relatives then hide

Seriously have a look around local area , every soil, micro climate will show what is possible ,then level of investment and skill set, energy of unsupervised workers, crop share co-ops often fail if general lack of direction,water or cash, marketing skills.

Trees have the advantage thaye wont steal or eat em before you cash in.

A niche crop, herb, spice, oil if you have a guaranteed market

Yes, Indeed, Davey.
Most of the wide variety of local herbs and accompaniments will do well in most conditions - and a built in bulk market.

Niche is always decent. Something that the marketplace isn't flooded with already.

If the OP has time, patience, and enough rai he might consider a long-term ornamental; building; or specialty trees - low tending maintenance and long term rewards....plus the sense of doing something different.

Eucalyptus? No fruit, but it should be easy enough to sell the wood in 5 or 10 years.

Banana, Coconut and Betel palms..plant and forget worked for me. Have mature cashew trees also ..seeds planted by nieces..too lazy to process nuts..

I'd suggest if your going to do something do it yourself, if not possible manage it yourself.

^^^ too late to edit:
We also planted saplings and seed of sweet Tamarind,Papaya, Jack fruit,Limes oranges and Kaffir lime....

Thanks, I'll see what's available. I could use some lime in the beer lao. Good ideas there. Cheers.

Dont know whether it's a warning or just a complaint. Planted some coconut palms some time ago.. They grew ell to about 3-4 metres then some 'orrible beetle, something like an overgrown cockroach, got into them, ate their hearts out. We were left with 'horrible stumps that had to be removed.

Originally Posted by BarnacleBill

Dont know whether it's a warning or just a complaint. Planted some coconut palms some time ago.. They grew ell to about 3-4 metres then some 'orrible beetle, something like an overgrown cockroach, got into them, ate their hearts out. We were left with 'horrible stumps that had to be removed.

BB, agreed.

Apparently, the extended family used to be coconut farmers until 'some 'orrible beetle, something like an overgrown cockroach, got into them, ate their hearts out.'

It is a massive problem, however, I don't know if it's regionally based or not.

We are central Thailand, not far from the ocean.

Mr Fish might have a look around his village and if there are not many coconut palms, then beetles might be an issue.

.

"Apparently, the extended family used to be coconut farmers until 'some 'orrible beetle, something like an overgrown cockroach, got into them, ate their hearts out."

Damn, sounds like something straight out of Alien. The doc said the alcohol was eating my heart valves out but its keeping my blood thin and arteries clear.

Sometimes you just can't win. I'll have to find the right "mix" to stay in the game. As for the trees I'll take advise from the locals. I will see what if anything is available and go from there. The gf says why bother but she is missing the boat on this one I think.......

...fish