- Author: Chris Cocchiaro
Free Seminar on Selecting and Caring for Fruit and Nut Trees in the Home Garden
by
Mary Giambalvo
If you have considered, even remotely, of introducing a fruit or nut tree into your family fold and wish to give it a healthy, happy start, consider attending the second of the free Advice to Grow By series of seminars at the University of California Master Gardeners’ new demonstration garden at 2156 Sierra Way in San Luis Obispo, adjacent to the county’s agricultural office.
Saturday, February 20, from 10 a.m. to noon, UC Master Gardeners share knowledge relevant to successful fruit tree planting, growing and nurturing.
Among the topics covered:
*Which fruits and nuts grow well in your corner of the Central Coast.
* Chill hours, what they are and how they affect your choice of tree.
* Gophers and how to prevent your baby tree from becoming their breakfast.
* Which is a better choice for you, standard or dwarf?
* Does your tree need a pollination partner? Or is it happy as a single?
*What about fertilizing, irrigating, soil, drainage, pruning? Oh, my.
A tour of the new demonstration garden is planned, as well. Be sure to bring sun protection, dress for the vagaries of temperature, and consider bringing a folding chair for comfort. UC Master Gardeners hope you will attend all the monthly seminars, but if a fruit or nut tree is in your future, do not miss this one.
University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardener volunteers provide additional gardening information. Call the San Luis Obispo Helpline at 781-5939 on Mondays and Thursdays from 1 to 5 p.m., the Arroyo Grande Helpline at 473-7190 on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon, or the Templeton Helpline at 434 - 4105 on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Send email to mgsanluisobispo@ucdavis.edu.
Mary Giambalvo