I live in Cyprus where soil property is very poor and rocky. There is an abundance of carob pods available in my garden, and I theorize that anything taking this much energy from such poor soil will hopefully return some of this goodness when used as a mulch. The only drawback I can see so far is the amount of carob seedlings that appear two or so years later. What are your thoughts?
You probably can use carob pods in the garden, but, if I remember correctly, they are high in acid and could make the soil acidic. You will need to keep an eye on that.
I would try to avoid using the carob pods but if you have to use them, put the carob pods in a blender and get them liquified. Gradually mix into the soil until it is damp. Bake it in the oven to get rid of contaminants in the soil before you try planting in it. Test the pH. If it is over 7 count on getting a lot of male plants. You can always add bone meal which will slowly neutralize the pH. Good Luck and Happy Growing!
Cheers,
Joe
My carob was planted by a nursery 2 years ago and was a 24" box. Two trees were planted at the same time. Last winter we had a hard freeze and only 1 of my trees was completely bit, the other is thriving. I called the nursery and they said to deep water and fertilize with citrus food, which I did. The tree is dead on top but the bottom is growing like a bush but looks very healthy. Should I remove the dead top and will this grow into a new tree or stay bush like?
Yes, I would suggest removing the top portion of the tree, as it's likely dead and not going to get any better. You can then gradually prune the lower branches to develop small tree form each season until it is shaped as you like it.
I have two prolific carob trees in Phoenix. Each produces a zillion pods. When do I spray to prevent pollination (and with what)? thanks Jim
Here is an article that answers your question:
http://homeguides.sfgate.com/stop-tree-fruit-58946.html
Make special note of the suggestion for carob trees in this article as they are a sensitive fruit tree.
I need evergreen trees on my farm and want to buy Carob trees. Where in South Africa can I buy these trees?
Use Google to do searches for companies that can ship to your region.
Contact your local garden centers for their advice. If they do not stock the trees, they may be able to special order them for you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/carob/carob-tree-care.htm
Hi, My friend is looking for a use for 161 acres of land in San Bernardino, California, USA. It is desert and I was thinking that Carob trees would be a great plant to grow there. Do you have a carob tree farmer who would be available to correspond about this? Thanks, Oshri
Hi we have a project in Spain where we are growing carob but in a mixed planting. Carob likes alkaline soil, but copes with low rainfall and hot conditions. But check out mesquite which is native to your area and useful for food.
I would contact the local County Extension Office in your area, they may be able to help you find a local expert.
Here is a link to locate your closest office.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search
Here is an article about the care requirements of Carob Trees.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/carob/carob-tree-care.htm
Hi I have a big carob tree and I need to remove. I need to ask if the roots are spread sideways or downwards. I am afraid that the routes can go under my neighbors and I don`t want to cause any damage in their property. Can you pls give me some feedback Thanks
Fortunately the carob tree has one main root which grows straight down, known as a taproot, plus other smaller roots. The smaller side roots are unlikely to damage property but I suppose any tree could be damaging if it is very close to a structure.
If you do think its roots are causing damage: it is sometimes possible to cut some of the roots that are causing damage, and then install a barrier to prevent them from re-growing. But, as the following articles explain, this can sometimes kill the tree or even cause it to become unstable and fall over later on, so it needs to be done carefully. If you decide to remove the tree, besides simply cutting it down, girdling is an effective way to kill it.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/problem-tree-roots.htm
I had to have my carob tree very hard pruned because it was bothering my neighbour. Now I am very worried that it will not grow back, It is grow back please?
I suspect it will grow back, because carobs are typically durable trees. It may take a few more years to produce fruit, though.