Source for nut trees

Could you help with a source for nut trees that would grow in the northern Midwest? I live in Illinois on the Wisconsin border and would like to get some nut trees established. So far, none of the nurseries sell them and know of no sources. I ordered some Hardy Almond, Butternut, Hazelnut and Chinese Chestnut trees from Gurney’s, but I got 18″ sticks that died in the bad winter we had, except for the Hazelnut and one of the chestnuts.
 
I would consider traveling some distance for good sized trees, or a reliable mail order source would work as well.
 
Henri Boodee
Waukegan, Illinois

Yes, I do have several good places to buy nut trees, all of which we’ve bought trees from and had good luck. They are: Fedco Trees (http://www.fedcoseeds.com/trees.htm), St. Lawrence Nurseries (http://www.sln.potsdam.ny.us/), and Oikos Trees (http://www.oikostreecrops.com/). Also watch for my article about growing nut trees in the upcoming Nov/Dec 2014 issue of Backwoods Home Magazine– Jackie

Harvesting squash and watermelons

I bought seeds from you and have a couple of questions. The Hopi squash are doing great, but when do I harvest them, I mean what about their size and color? Also, the watermelon look good but how big are they supposed to get and about when they ripen. I know it’s probably early yet, but just want to know when the time comes.
 
Michael Lowery
Dekalb, Illinois

I would harvest the Hopi Pale Grey squash after a frost kills the leaves or just before a frost is called for. Don’t let the squash freeze or they’ll spot and won’t store long. They will be large and a light bluish gray in color. The Blacktail Mountain watermelon grow about the size of a basketball and are usually ready to harvest when the tendril nearest the melon dries up. If you thunk the melon with your snapped finger it will sound hollow — “thunk” not “thick.” They are a very sweet and juicy melon. Enjoy! — Jackie

3 COMMENTS

  1. Rick Riley,

    Thanks for the comments on the Hopi Pale Grey squash. A squash has to be absolutely wonderful in every sense for us to get excited about it but this variety HAS IT! I’m glad yours did so well. We have a bumper crop this year and are anxiously awaiting harvest this fall. (We still have a dozen still on the floor of our greenhouse from last year.)

  2. Thank you Michael for asking about the blacktail mountain watermelon. I had the same question, with me it’s hit or miss with judging ripeness of watermelon. I went out & picked one I’d been watching and boy is Jackie right! sweet juicy and just the right size for us.

  3. Jackie just want to comment on the Hopi pale grey squash….I love them and they sure do keep. I have 3 big ones from last October under my dresser and they are still firm and will be put to good use in a month or 2. I had 30 nice ones last fall. I did not plant any this year as they were so prolific for the 2 of us. We used them so many ways, froze some, canned cubes of others, made baked squash in the winter (yum with honey or brown sugar and cinnamon to top it off) custards, pies and hot soups….. Well I am a believer in the merits of this one… Well back to the homestead and more work….I LOVE this life, and yes the harvest is on!! Love you all Rick

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