by Greg Alder | Jan 3, 2026 | Avocados |
My daughter made guacamole with the last Lamb avocado from our home grove this evening. It is early January. What will we pick next? Fuerte. This reminds me of our family trip to South Africa in March, for it was during this same season in the southern hemisphere...
by Greg Alder | Dec 26, 2025 | Avocados |
Alongside Ellen Baker and Freddy Menge of Epicenter Avocado Nursery in Santa Cruz County, I will be giving a presentation titled “All about Avocados” at the 2026 EcoFarm Conference on January 22. More specifically, our presentation/workshop will be on...
by Greg Alder | Dec 25, 2025 | Citrus |
I spotted this sign in a Starbucks the other day, featuring a coffee that is claimed to have Meyer lemon in its flavor profile, and I wondered how that would make Frank Meyer feel. Initially, he might shake his head because he clearly requested that no plant be named...
by Greg Alder | Dec 12, 2025 | Fruit |
For the past twenty years or so I’ve been observing other people’s mango trees in Southern California, and for the past ten years I’ve been trying to grow my own. I haven’t had quick success, frankly. But I take consolation in the fact that most others I know who grow...
by Greg Alder | Nov 21, 2025 | Fruit |
I’m sure you are smarter than me and have never planted a fruit tree only to later want to move it. Maybe you learned that the spot was too cold or that the tree would get too big, or maybe you are moving to a new house and want to take the tree with you....
by Greg Alder | Oct 31, 2025 | Avocados |
Girdling is a technique that can be used to manipulate the growth, flowering, and fruiting of an avocado tree. I use it mostly to make a tree fruit every year rather than every other year. Various tools and versions of the technique have been developed by avocado...
by Greg Alder | Oct 16, 2025 | Fruit |
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...
by Greg Alder | Oct 12, 2025 | Fruit |
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,...
by Greg Alder | Oct 4, 2025 | Avocados |
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...
by Greg Alder | Sep 26, 2025 | Fruit |
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...
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