Garden

The official start of spring is still a few days away. The orchard is getting dressed for the occasion now.

a clump of daffodils under the pear trees

Hollywood plum tree in bloom

plum blossoms

apple blossoms

5-in-1 peach tree

It is another gray day as another major rain storm is descending on the Central Coast. The cool, wet February has kept most of the orchard trees dormant. Only a couple of early varieties have bloomed. However, there are still plenty of blooms as the daffodils are putting on a show. Daffodils are among the few things that gophers ignore and they seem to do well in our moderate climate.

While most of the apples and stone fruit trees are still dormant, some of the citrus trees are ready to harvest and several are loaded with fruit. Brought in a few this morning. Tangerines, limes and Morro Blood Oranges. Not sure what to do with so many limes. I will juice the oranges to have with breakfast. The taste normal for orange juice, but it does seem odd to have “orange” juice that is red.

Pluots, pears, apples, tomatoes, melon, corn were the normal harvest. A bit early, but It turned out that a lot of the acorn squash and the pie pumpkins were also ready to bring in from the garden.

Each year I end up comparing several varieties of tomatoes trying to find the best for our climate.

This tomato was named “Fourth of July”. It did not live up to its name, but given our cool summers that is no surprise. It has produced a lot of small (salad) tomatoes in clusters. Since it did not ripen more than a few days before some of the large fruited varieties, I probably won’t plant it again next year.

This one is called “Northern Exposure”. It was a winner producing clusters of very large tomatoes. It is a determinate variety so the basic plant has stayed at a smaller size than several of the others which needed to be clipped to keep within the allotted area.

“Summer Girl” seems to be similar to “Northern Exposure” With respect to the fruit. But it has been producing more vegetative growth.

This one is Park’s “Whopper”. It seems to ripen a little later than the other two, but fruits are again, quite large. It also makes for a very large plant which needed trimming.

“Red October” is supposed to be good even when fall weather comes and cools off. It is making large fruits and is later than that other types. Remains to be seen how late it will be productive and if it will live up to its name.