The grayest May?
My grandma is sick of the gloom. She's ready to go somewhere to find the sun. She has lived her entire life in the Los Angeles area, and she wondered aloud the other day, "Can you remember a year that was this gloomy for so long?" "Funny you say that because I had...
The Yard Posts food gardening calendar 2023
The new calendar is ready! See the order page here. What is this calendar? It helps Southern California food gardeners by listing for each month which vegetables to plant, how to care for different kinds of fruit trees, and guidance on watering. It’s based on my...
Fruit tree pests and diseases: I am not afraid
I am not afraid of so-called fruit tree pests and diseases. They're just critters who also like to feed on our fruit trees. I say "also" because they're just like us, they're looking for a tasty snack too. They don't munch on our fruit trees out of personal vendetta....
Wisest way to harvest GEM avocados
This spring of 2023, I harvested avocados from a GEM grove multiple times and documented what I observed, in terms of fruit maturity, flowering, fruit drop, harvest timing, and selective harvesting. This first video was shot in late April. In the video, I speculate on...
Cherry trees in Southern California
Are you eating cherries from your yard right now? You could be. Have a look at these three cherry trees in my friend's yard in Poway, San Diego County, that I filmed today: Again, the varieties are (left to right) Royal Lee, Royal Crimson, and Minnie Royal. I'll get a...
The importance of sun and water for avocado trees
How will your avocado tree grow and fruit if you plant it in partial shade compared to full sun? How will it grow if you're stingy with irrigation compared to sufficient? Watch the answers: All of my Yard Posts are listed here. Scroll down to see the names of all...
Avocados for sale in May and June: GEM and Gwen
Here are two top-notch varieties I've been able to procure for you in May and June: GEM and Gwen. GEM The GEM avocados I will be picking from BalMar Farms in Fallbrook, which grows avocados and organic lemons. The GEM trees at BalMar are only about six feet tall but...
Who’s eating your citrus leaves?
Holey citrus leaves! I've got more than usual this year. You too? What small critters do you see more of during this cool and rainy spring around your yard? I see far more snails and slugs and earwigs than usual. But it is snails that are feeding on my citrus leaves...
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