September and October in Jacques’ garden
September got busy for us so Jacques and I toured his garden for ripe treats in early October. We tasted fruits that are mostly available in both months: September + October. But a few usually aren't ready until October (persimmons and macadamia nuts). As usual in...
Persimmons u-pick: Shoemaker Farm in Ramona, San Diego County
Shoemaker Farm (now called Ramona Fresh Fruits) will open for the 2025 persimmon picking season on Wednesday, October 29. The farm address is 18131 Traylor Road, Ramona 92065. Bring cash or Venmo to pay for your persimmons. Check for hours and updates at the Ramona...
Growing apples in Southern California
I continue to plant apple trees in my yard because my kids eat so many and they’re easy to grow. Yes, apples are very easy to grow in Southern California. Some of the best varieties even grow well here despite apples being associated with colder climates. In fact,...
A tour of John Schoustra’s innovative, organic, low-input, high-density avocado grove
You've never been to an avocado grove like John Schoustra's. At least I haven't. From afar, it's just avocado trees on some hills and it doesn't appear unique. But up close, and with a guide to explain what you are seeing, you realize that the grove is a petri dish of...
Growing dragon fruit in Southern California
When my friend Brad started growing dragon fruit some years back, his friend Simon told him not to bother with any variety except 8-S, which is also called Sugar Dragon. “I’ve tried all the other ones,” Simon told him. “Don’t bother. Just grow 8-S.” “But I have to try...
Removing avocados to prevent sunburn
Right on the coast this is less important, but inland you'll find it beneficial to thin the crop on certain branches of avocado trees. By inland, I mean roughly five miles or farther from the water, and by thin, I mean remove some of the avocados. Rather than describe...
Hellen avocado: a profile
Below is my video profile of the Hellen variety of avocado. You can read my full profile of the Hellen variety here, where I share my experience with the Hellen tree and its characteristics also. Interested in buying an avocado tree or finding scion wood to graft? See...
August in Jacques’ garden
The funniest thing about touring Jacques' garden each month is that when I arrive he always says, "There's not much to eat this month, but we'll see what we can find." . . . and this month I had to allow the video to be a bit longer than usual because there was so...
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