Archive Nut, Prune and Olive Programs

Basic care instructions for cleaning and sharpening your gardening tools, including recommendations for a yearly inspection, labeling tools, and wearing protective clothing.

In February 1997, a group of Master Gardener volunteers established a variety trial to evaluate 15 varieties of blueberries in a replicated trial. This was conducted at the Bay Area Research and Extension Center of the University of California located in the City of Santa Clara near Valley Fair Shopping…

When to plant: Citrus can be planted almost any time of year. The best time is after the last frost in spring (mid-March) Harvest window: Year-round, depending on variety Fertilization: Nitrogen in January, again in May/June timeframe. Monitor for zinc, iron, and other micronutrient deficiencies and…

When to plant: Early spring, while still dormant Harvest window: Many will yield fruit during two windows: May to June, then again August to October, depending on variety. Here is a video on how to harvest figs. Fertilization: If needed, a light application of nitrogen in early spring, while the tree is…

When to plant: January to March Harvest window: June to October, depending on variety Fertilization: Nitrogen in spring and fall, additional applications based on tree age, health, and soil quality Dormant Pruning (January to February) to encourage vigor; Summer pruning (post-harvest) to control vigor.

When to plant: January to March Harvest window: June to September, depending on variety Fertilization: Nitrogen in spring and fall, additional applications based on tree age, health, and soil quality Dormant Spray (December to February): depending on disease pressure, consider dormant sprays to control…

When to plant: January to March Harvest window: June to October, depending on variety Fertilization: Nitrogen in spring and fall, additional applications based on tree age, health, and soil quality Dormant Spray (December to February): depending on disease pressure, consider dormant sprays to control for…

When to plant: January to March Harvest window: August to October, depending on variety Fertilization: Nitrogen in spring and fall, additional applications based on tree age, health, and soil quality Dormant sprays as needed to control scale, aphids, mites, and overwintering psylla.

When to plant: February to March Harvest window: July to October, depending on variety Fertilization: Light (if any) nitrogen in the spring; monitor for possible zinc and potassium needs Prune in the dormant season, using the pruning system (cane or spur pruning) based on the grape variety.

Many potting soils become hydrophobictending to repel waterwhen they dry out, and are difficult to re-wet. Gardeners may see water draining out the bottom of a pot and assume that means that the soil is saturated.