The harvest has been virtually completed and preparations for winter and next year are now underway. All of our fruit trees have been “topped” and some hedged, as the initial pruning phase begins. This lowers the tree size to a reasonable height for easier harvesting, gives the tree more strength, and with more sun exposure, allows for better sized fruit.

Rodent trapping is an ongoing chore. With the change to micro-sprinklers in recent years, gophers and squirrels have become an increasing problem. In the past, our irrigation system actually flooded the growing area with 2 or more inches of water to satisfy the need of the trees, and most of the gophers and squirrels were “flooded out” as well. While the micro-sprinklers help to conserve water and fuel, the system softens the ground, allowing the rodent population to expand – sometimes at a rapid rate. Studies have shown that a single squirrel can consume 200-300 pounds of walnuts in a season. Gophers can easily kill newly planted trees and severely affect older ones.

We have removed many of our sick and unproductive trees – an ongoing process which attempts to maintain economic sensibility with productivity. Some less desirable varieties have been replaced with new ones which we feel will be an improvement, but we are never sure until we harvest the fruit 3-5 years after planting – truly a long-term commitment and investment.

We continue our commitment to provide our customers with the freshest, best tasting fruit and vegetables available as The Fruit Bowl celebrates its 75th season of continuous operation.