Plant hardy pecans in early spring

Although pecans have been part of American cuisine for centuries, it took the wife of a Karo corn syrup sales executive to popularize one of pecan's most familiar foods. By mixing corn syrup, sugar, eggs, vanilla and pecans to be baked in a pie shell, she popularized the now world-class favorite, pecan pie. Down South today, that same recipe for pecan pie is still referred to as Karo Pie.

Centuries before the advent of rice milk and almond milk as substitutes for dairy, Native Americans crushed pecans into a nutritious drink called pecan milk for feeding to infants and the elderly.

Luckily, there are now hardy pecan trees that can survive and bear nuts farther north, into USDA climate zone 5. Hardy pecan trees are available from many mail-order companies such as Stark Brothers (www.starkbros.com) or Burgess (www.eburgess.com; call 309-662-7761).

Hardy pecans (Carya illinoinensis) are long lived, often reaching more than 100 years old. They are fast-growing trees that, while self-fertile, will give better crops if two or more trees are planted so they can cross-pollinate.

Once established, hardy pecan trees are tolerant to drought and resist most diseases. They don't reach the 75-foot height of other pecans and tend to stay under 30 feet tall, making them perfect for smaller yards.

Pecan nuts not only contain amino acids, protein, fiber, fats, starch and sugars, but also are loaded with more than 19 vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, many B vitamins, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. These nutritious nuts help reduce the risk of everything from high cholesterol to diabetes. Their antioxidant properties help people keep their weight down. Pecans are being studied to help delay the progression of many diseases such as ALS.

You can plant hardy pecans in the early spring before the leaves have budded out, or in the fall about six weeks before hard frosts so the roots can get established. Hardy pecan trees grow best in full sun, although they can put up with some light shade. Never plant nut trees in swampy areas that might rot the roots. 

Plant them in a hole as deep as the tree’s roots and about three times as wide. After planting,water the trees thoroughly and tamp down the soil to avoid air pockets Your trees will not need any special care other than regular watering, especially when young.

Fertilize your hardy pecan trees every spring with a good well-balanced fertilizer suited to nut trees, such as one with a nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium ratio of 10-10-10. A deep mulch will prevent weeds and retain soil moisture.

Do any pruning in early spring or early autumn, cutting out any dead or broken limbs. The pruned branches make excellent firewood, and larger pieces of the tree can be cut into everything from baseball bats to flooring. The beautiful pecan wood is often in demand for carving.

Plant hardy pecans and within a few years you will enjoy buckets of healthy nuts. Healthy, that is, until you bake them in a diet-busting, cloyingly sweet pie!