Question: What happened to summer fruits last summer? Every summer I look forward to an abundance of peaches, nectarines, peaches, etc. But last winter, no market I visited had more fruit than usual and all were at the regular price of 2 kilos. or additional prices. What happened to the fruit? At such prices, which family can afford it?
Although there are many economic reasons for the high cost of production (water costs, high fuel and fertilizer costs), I will explore issues that affect fruit quality and yield, particularly for local growers.
The unusually cold early summer affected the fruit crop in several ways. This year we have seen a delay in flowering due to the cold weather. You think it's winter when trees wake up and flower. Pollinating insects were also less active, probably due to the cold temperatures and absence of flowers.
When the trees begin to grow and bear fruit, the ripening time is reduced to a few weeks. For many early ripening fruits, this means less time for fruit and flavor development. Late ripening fruits are slightly damaged. Market prices, even for late fruits, generally reflect higher prices.
Question: I noticed something on the apple branch; They are about an inch long and half an inch wide, and are firmly attached to the branch. I have been an avid gardener in Southern California for over 50 years and have never seen anything like this. It helps!
don't worry! This is a praying mantis egg box. Mantises are praying mantises and are useful in reducing insect populations. Note that they also eat "good" insects like beetles, butterflies, lacewings, and flies. Even larger birds have been known to catch and eat hummingbirds. However, they are generally useful additions to your garden. If you see a bird near a hummingbird feeder, be sure to move it.
Note to Readers:
I have received many questions about mosquito bite heat treatment equipment. As a professional gardener I can't recommend any specific products, but if you search for the term "mosquito itch" you will find many similar products. Most are between $20 and $30 and are definitely worth it!
I have received sponsorship requests for other exclusive products. While I appreciate your confidence in your ability to review your product(s), I cannot hold it against the nature of the Master Gardener program. For example, they may recommend products by their generic name, but not a specific company's product by brand name.
Los Angeles County
mglosangeleshelpline@ucdavis.edu; 626-586-1988; http://celosangeles.ucanr.edu/UC_Master_Gardener_Program/
Orange County
ucceocmghotline@ucanr.edu; http://mgorange.ucanr.edu/
Riverside County
anrmgriverside@ucanr.edu; https://ucanr.edu/sites/RiversideMG/
San Bernardino County
mgsanbern@ucanr.edu; 909-387-2182; http://mgsb.ucanr.edu
