Grafting a pollenizer branch into your fruit tree
Cherries are tricky in Southern California. Only a few varieties will fruit here with our relatively warm winters. Six winters ago, I planted two cherry trees for my mom in her backyard. The two needed each other in order to fruit. The flowers of Minnie Royal could...
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Should you buy a big or small avocado tree?
When it comes to buying an avocado tree, is bigger better? In one major aspect, yes, because a bigger avocado tree is capable of giving you more fruit sooner. On the flipside, bigger avocado trees come with three disadvantages, which is why I have purchased and...
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Growing peas in Southern California
My children have taught me that it is more fun to graze a garden than to harvest its produce, bring it into the house, wash it, prepare it, or cook it, or refrigerate it for later. Apologies to my wife. I used to grow snap peas for her because she likes to make stir...
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Think about sunshine when pruning deciduous fruit trees
What do you think about when you’re pruning your nectarine tree? I think about sunshine. Myriad smaller thoughts also go through my mind, but my overarching thought is about imagining rays of sun hitting the tree’s canopy and working their way down and in. The reason...
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Growing greens in Southern California
“You know you got to give me some of those greens,” he said. “Oh, you like greens?” “Mmmmmm.” How bold. This guy had just shown up at our door to fix a problem with our internet connection, and these were his first words. Our garden is in the front yard right by where...
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Where to cut a branch on a deciduous fruit tree
While family was visiting for Christmas I invited my niece to prune a fruit tree with me. Is pruning your fruit trees a little intimidating? What to cut? Where to cut? You can’t reverse it after you’ve cut. There can be a lot to think about when a deciduous fruit tree...
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Managing rabbits in the garden
Five Octobers ago I planted 24 seedlings of broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and brussels sprouts. By mid-November only two hadn’t been eaten down to stems by rabbits. This was my first fall in a new garden and I hadn’t known how much those cute cottontails like...
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Winter gardening in Southern California
Winter in Southern California is a season of unique gardening opportunities. What follows is a collection of winter Yard Posts -- both recent and from a few winters ago -- related to only this season. I'm sure you'll find some you've never seen or others you may like...
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I'm Greg. My goal is to help others grow some food at home, with a focus on vegetables and fruits -- especially avocados -- in Southern California. I write a new "Yard Post" every Friday. Buy signs for fruit trees
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