Archive Nut, Prune and Olive Programs

When to Prune Avocados and Suggestions of How to Prune In the past avocados were rarely pruned. In fact, if the trees got very big, growers would stump them down to 3-4 feet and then let them regrow. This would often be a disaster, since the trees rapidly grew to stupendous sizes again.

Some of the pleasures of summer and fall include biting into a moist, fresh piece of fruit, or eating a warm, baked pastry filled with juicy fruit. Adding to the enjoyment would be if the fruit came from a tree in your garden.

Favorite plants for winter gardens in Fresno County are brassicas such as cabbage, broccoli and kale which are available in standard and ornamental varieties. If you're growing these healthy vegetables, keep an eye out for cabbageworms.

The bumps on oak tree foliage and branches are galls caused by minute cynipid wasps, and do not harm people or the trees. Tasks Cut warm-season grasses short and over-seed with cool season grasses annual or perennial rye or fine fescue. Better yet let them go dormant to save water and mowing.

The fundamental chemistry of combustion lies at the core of the living world. When it happens within a cell it's called respiration. When it happens outside organisms, it's called fire. (Stephen Pyne, NOVA) Plants cannot move when threatened by fire.

A spectacular leaf insect is the latest addition to the Bohart Museum of Entomology's hallway display of origami, all crafted by UC Davis alumnus Kevin Murakoshi of Davis. Leaf insects, family Phylliidae, resemble leaves as their name implies.

Biochar, the product of charring wood under low oxygen conditions, shares many properties with activated charcoal, a common component of at-home water purifiers.

We are thrilled to report that all UC Master Gardener Programs have now been billed for the Active and Limited Active volunteers on their rosters (on the billing date).

I didn't blog all summer because life has been busy with doctor appointments for various members of my familynothing serious, just maintenance. As one gets older, a lot of maintenance is needed. I also had a milestone birthday in the summer. It takes a lot of energy and time to celebrate.

Yerba Buena (Satureja douglasii) is a perennial herb native to the west coast of the United States and up into British Columbia.