This is a post from Crystal Paulk-Buchanon and Becky O’Mara. Thanks ladies for your insight into gardening in Adair Park!
PEE-kn, PEE-can, puh-KAHNN. No matter how you say it, Adair Park’s trees gave the neighborhood a bumper crop this year. We’re so grateful to George W. Adair and his sons for drawing the lots of our community around the existing orchard. It’s a yet another gift from our founder, along with the wide streets, large lots and connectivity to downtown. However, neglected pecan trees can pose a hazard to people and property. Trees that are not properly trained when young have a tendency to develop forked lower branches. With age, these trees are at risk of splitting out during a storm. Winter is the normal time to correct structural defects and remove dead wood; however, pruning can be done at any time, if necessary. Be sure to fertilize pecan trees annually, ideally based on a soil test. Otherwise, apply a complete fertilizer such as 17-17-17 at the rate of 4 cups for each inch of trunk diameter in February. If the tree sets a heavy crop of nuts (noticeable in May), make a second application in June. Broadcast apply the fertilizer starting 3 feet from the trunk and extending a few feet past the canopy. Water the fertilizer into the soil promptly.
In the meantime enjoy those nuts! Here’s a great recipe for pecan pie shared by Crystal and Becky. And who amongst us doesn’t like pecan pie? It is a true southern delicacy!
Old Fashioned Honey Pecan Pie
- 1 cup honey
- 3 eggs, beaten
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- 1 9 inch single crust pie
Directions
- In a saucepan bring the honey to a boil. Quickly beat the eggs into the honey. Add butter, vanilla, nuts, and nutmeg. Pour into the pie shell.
- Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for 25 minutes or until set.
Adair Park 