Fruits

Blueberry varieties testing conducted in Santa Clara County to evaluate the following characteristics of each of the varieties: flavor, productivity, harvest season, landscape value including plant form, foliage characteristics, fall foliage color, and winter ornamental value.

When to plant: Blackberries / Raspberries: mid-January–March Strawberries: late August (summer plantings) or late October (winter plantings) Harvest window: May–September, depending on the variety Fertilization: Nitrogen in spring, additional applications as needed.

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…

Three main types of raspberries are grown in the United States: red, purple and black. They differ in ways other than fruit color. Red raspberries have erect canes and are propagated by suckers. These are usually grown in the Western States. Black raspberries have arched canes that root at the tips. Purple…

When/how to plant: Late fall through winter, using 2–3 year old plants. Blueberries require acidic soil; a soil test will help determine how much to acidify your soil. Be sure the soil has a pH between 4.5 and 6.5. If it's a clay soil, use organic matter to amend the soil, preferably peat moss. Oregon State…

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

Understanding citrus leafminer: Learn why this common pest causes cosmetic damage but doesn't harm your citrus trees.

Pomegranates grow naturally as a bushy shrub or as a small tree-if trained, they may grow 15 to 20 feet high. The tree is deciduous in interior and desert regions, but in coastal areas may lose only a portion of its leaves in winter.

Citrus are attractive, long-lived evergreen plants that require sun and warmth to produce flavorful fruits. Choose the sunniest, warmest location available. A southwestern exposure or a location that receives reflective warmth (from a surface such as a driveway, patio, wall, or pool) would be excellent.

When to plant: Early spring, while still dormant Harvest window: Many will yield fruit during two windows: May–June, then again August–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 tree is still…