They require lots of sun and plenty of space to grow in healthy surroundings By Michael Harrelson (This article originally appeared in the March 8, 2025 edition of the San Diego Union-Tribune) Considered by historians to be the first of the domesticated crops, figs (Ficus carica) have long been part of the cultivated diet of […]
By Jodi Bay, UC Master Gardener of San Diego County “There’s nothing quite like the taste of a beautiful summer strawberry.” – William Katt Sweet and delectable, strawberries are many things to many people: a savory treat, a flavor that brings back summer memories, a food rich in anti-oxidants, or a fun way to introduce […]
By Barb Sands (This article originally appeared in the December 14, 2014 edition of the San Diego Union-Tribune) How do you celebrate your family holiday and heritage at this time of the year? Perhaps your traditions were handed down over generations, may have been shared from families overseas, or may have been adapted depending on […]
Winter is when I do most of my fruit tree pruning. Why most and not all? In which part of winter? Let’s get into the details … First, let’s answer this foundational question, “Why do we prune fruit trees?” Because it’s unwise to go out and start cutting branches arbitrarily just because you’ve heard you’re […]
Start or add to your citrus orchard this month when conditions are generally ideal for planting. Oranges, lemons and limes thrive throughout the county; grapefruit and tangelos do best inland. Pick varieties hardy in your area and plant in full sun in well-draining soil. Dig a hole as deep as the root ball, but twice […]
