Winter Pruning of Deciduous Fruit Trees

By Christina Muller  Master Gardener

Do I need to prune my fruit trees in the winter?  Doris, Morro Bay

 Winter pruning of deciduous fruit and nut trees ensures tree health and optimal crop production. Winter is the optimal pruning time for a couple of reasons.  Without their leaves, the branching structure and any diseased or damaged limbs are readily apparent.  Also, deciduous trees’ excess food (i.e., carbohydrates) is stored in their roots, so pruning during dormancy doesn’t decrease available food stores for the trees when spring arrives.  The carbohydrates will be present to push spring leaf growth.

There are some very important exceptions to winter pruning.  Apricot trees should be pruned in August or September before winter rains to prevent Eutypa fungus infections in the pruning cuts. If evergreen trees such as avocado and citrus need pruning, it is best done in early spring after any danger of frost and before a fresh spring growth cycle.  Finally, if it is raining or there is rain in the forecast, do not prune your trees.  Pruning cuts will heal faster in dry weather, helping to keep trees from bacterial or fungal infections.

There are several training methods.  One is to prune around a central leader, where the main trunk (or leader) is allowed to grow and support several scaffolding branches.  This can lead to very tall trees, so more often trees are pruned with a modified central leader.  This is done by removing the leader just past a lateral branch to limit the tree’s height.  Another method is known as the open center or vase, where the center is kept free of large branches.  If space is limited, gardeners may wish to espalier their fruit trees.  Espaliered trees are grown flat against a wall or fence.  Apples, pears and Asian pears are especially suitable because they develop multiple spurs without many upright shoots.

If you wish to learn more about winter pruning of your fruit and nut trees, please come to the Advice to Grow By at the Garden of the Seven Sisters on Saturday, January 18.  The presentation will begin promptly at 10 am in the downstairs conference room.  If weather permits, there will be an outdoor pruning demonstration in the garden.

Illuminating Revelations When Water Evaporates or

The Lake is Receding – Is That a Town!

By Andrea Peck  Master Gardener

Catholic Bishops are praying for it.  Lawmakers are dickering over it. Winemakers want it. Reservoirs are being re-dammed. Salmon can’t spawn. There is even an old Gold Rush town that is slowly appearing as the water, called Folsom Lake, evaporates.

Clearly the days where sprinklers run rampantly while water floods the street are over.

Whether it has been officially declared or not, California is in a drought. John Lindsey, my trusty PG&E meteorologist sent me the daily email and in black and white the truth was revealed: 2013 was the driest year on record.  Unfortunately a drop of relief doesn’t seem to be in sight.

Recently, I attended a rainwater harvesting workshop in Cambria. The workshop was presented by SLO Green Build and included a tour of a laundry-to-landscape project, options for installing rainwater catchment tanks at gutter downspouts, and using earthworks to create catch basins in the landscape.

A few years ago (like, when it did rain), I would have been so excited to see a rain barrel. How neat! How useful! But water conservation is evolving as circumstances become dire and nowhere was it as apparent as at this workshop. A slideshow accompanied the presentation and while rainwater collection was a relevant topic, it was silently obvious that this year would have elicited a big zilch as far as “collections.”

It’s sobering. When you think about the fact that we purchase water and pay to rid ourselves of it, you are on the dark precipice of the existential basement of life.  But, if only we could save the water we are given. How great would that be? Just the thought is a 180° turn from the desperation of, well, basement-like doom towards something more optimistic, like a giant happy face. A gold star for a job well done.

After the workshop I found myself reading about this complicated topic. The presenter had discussed the use of gray water in the garden. I searched the internet and found endless ideas and systems. From swales near trees to rain gardens in Ecuador to homemade grey water filters made from 5-gallon buckets. I would love to capture what I have used and use it again.

But, I have to wonder.  Would I be wasteful?  Would my newfound ability to capture what I had lost make me cavalier and irresponsible? I don’t know, but the more time that I had to let these thoughts percolate, the more disinclined I became to impulsively throw things in the washer. I’m not sure I want the responsibility that goes with using and saving and finagling with machinery.

Maybe I can be more diligent using mulch. Maybe I can use my watering can instead of my hose.

Maybe I’ll hang my wet towel outside and let it air out. After all, it certainly is not going to get rained on.

Bare Root Fruit Trees

By Andrea Peck  Master Gardener

What is a bare root fruit tree?

The weather is cold upon this writing and the term ‘bare’ seems both indecent and cruelly inappropriate. Perhaps we should conceal improper roots with skirts such as they covered table ankles in Victorian England. At the very least we should knit root warmers.

But worry not! Bare root trees are just fine without the warmth of soil – at least during the ride home from the nursery. In fact, bare root trees often excel over their potted friends because they don’t have to contend with the transition from potted to ground soil.

During the winter months, you will find a wide selection of trees available.  Bare root trees look like something your 7-year-old made last week – just a stick with roots – but if cared for correctly, they will grow into a substantial provider.  Apple, apricot, cherry, fig, peach, pear, persimmon, plum, pomegranate and prune are just a few that await your garden. 

 Before purchasing your tree, take a look at your yard. Fruit trees require at least 8 hours of sun and well-drained soil. If you are not sure how well-drained your soil is, dig a hole about one foot deep and fill it with water. Let it drain and fill it again. Soil with adequate drainage should take no more than four hours to drain. It also helps to have some knowledge of your yearly climate.  Fruit production is dependent on the number of chill days you have per year.

While at the nursery, inspect the tree and roots for health. Roots should be balanced, undamaged and have an intact tap root with no cracks. Any signs of disease or pests should alert you to current or future problems you’ll want to avoid.

Plant your tree in a hole that is about 4-feet wide.  Dig the hole only as deep as needed to cover the roots. Water immediately and make sure the tree soil has no air pockets.  Place 3-4 inches of mulch around the tree, avoiding direct contact with the trunk.  Painting a coat of water-based paint diluted with water around the trunk from the ground to the first branch protects the tree from sunburn and discourages borers. Fertilizer can wait until further into the growing season. For more information visit: http://cagardenweb.ucanr.edu/Fruits_-_Nuts/

Revolutionary Gardening

By Andrea Peck

Way back, when 2014 was simply a fuzzy and distant fancy of the imagination, I was lucky to catch a TedTalk on Facebook. Ron Finley, a South Central Los Angeles native spoke about the lack of quality food (i.e. vegetable and fruits) in Los Angeles, the difficulty of getting healthy food and the simultaneous decay in health of the resident population. “Food is the problem; food is the solution,” he says with a force of personality befitting his conviction. His solution, in his small neighborhood, was to take the strip of dirt between the sidewalk and the road and plant vegetables. But, along with a lush, edible garden came a hefty fine to the tune of $400.00. He responded with a petition containing 900 signatures and won his case, but clearly, Mr. Finley had no idea the act of revolution that would ensue. He continues his work by creating gardens all over the city, one plot at a time.

Ironically, this is not the only person I know who has struggled to plant outside the lines. My father lives in Southern California. His home lies between the ocean and the railroad tracks which is somewhat of an odd juxtaposition. His garden took a number of years to finish to his satisfaction and is now surrounded on all sides by tropical green growth. It is not uncommon for drivers to put their cars in reverse and gawk at his handiwork. But, once he branched out to the nutrient-deficient stretch of land that serves as dusty parking lot and berm between the road and railroad tracks, he was also found in contempt. At the age of 76, he has planted more than a full block of land and beautified the neighborhood. Then someone complained. He is still awaiting a letter from the city regarding a specific date and time to address the issue. Nevertheless he regularly receives compliments and continues his legacy.

And then there is my neighbor in Los Osos who dickered with the county for the better part of a year when road construction from the sewer installation threatened a good portion of his front yard – a front yard that he spends joyful hours cultivating and one that is on the yearly coastal garden tour.

I saw my neighbor not long after I watched Ron Finley’s Ted Talk. He was giddy when I mentioned his newly planted area broaching the road. He told me that he had approached the construction crew when they were working in front of his home and convinced them to leave him more, not less space.

So, this year, my resolution is this: question the restraining line – sometimes a barrier just needs a door.

 Ron Finley’s Ted Talk visit: http://www.ted.com/talks/ron_finley_a_guerilla_gardener_in_south_central_la.html

WHAT: ADVICE TO GROW BY: PLANTING BARE ROOT TREES AND WINTER PRUNING OF TREES AND VINES

Organization: San Luis Obispo Master Gardeners

When: Saturday, January 18, 2014

Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Where: Garden of the Seven Sisters Contact: Ron Whisenand kelpdiver@charter.net

Info: 
 Winter is planting time for planting and pruning fruit trees, grapes, and berries. Learn tips on selecting, planting, and care of bare root trees including a pruning demonstration. Online info: http://ucanr.edu/sites/mgslo/