Question from Debbie: I have a client who lives in the North Tustin area and he has both a two-year old peach tree and apricot tree who each have dropped their fruit in last years. What is the cause and what should we do??? Both are planted in the ground in full sun. Answer from […]

Question from Bob: Grew an REED avacado from seed tree is about two inches- two and a half inches at base, and 7 1/2 ‘ tall, when does start producing fruit and /or blooming ? Answer from Pat: Your tree may never produce flowers and fruit or if it ever does this most likely will […]

Question from Jess: Do Blood Oranges need another nearby to cross pollinate? My mentor and I have researched this all over and can’t find an answer. We figured I anyone knew, it would definitely be you!! Answer from Pat: Blood oranges do not require cross-pollination with another citrus tree in order to bear fruit. On […]

Question from Kevin: I would like to know how much blood meal I should put under my citrus trees, even the ones that are flowering? Answer from Pat: It sounds to me as if you have been killing your trees with kindness—I mean the ones that are not doing well. Mulch should not be deeper […]

Question from  Barbara: I have a kumquat bush that is in a huge planter. It is three years old. Last year we had 20-30 fruits. This year the bush is FULL of blooms and I am hoping to have a bumper crop. My problem is ants. I have read that it is an indication of […]

Question from Melody: I am writing to get some information on grafting fruit trees. We have 5 or 6 old avocado trees that don’t produce fruit and I am thinking maybe grafting would work to have them bare fruit again. If this is in fact a way to restore old trees, we are looking to […]

Question from Maureen: I’ve been to your talks at Rogers Gardens (looking forward to April). And have your book. We put in a small orchard of 10 trees 7 years ago. We’re in Palos Verdes about 1 mile from the ocean with a garden that is east facing (not ideal, but can’t be helped) The […]