Question: I have been looking for a stainless steel hand held pomegranate press...it looks like a giant garlic press...Only one store in Yuba City carried it, Harpers Ferry. They no longer carry it...I want to make my own jelly but am not able to locate one. I don't want a commerical electric juicer because I was told that the seeds would only ruin the juicer and too much of the seed would be chipped and…

Question: how to take care for japanese apricot? Answer: The Japanese Apricot Tree (Ume) is generally speaking a low-maintenance tree. Therefore simple general care is recommended. If you are buying and planting a dormant, bare root tree dig a hole twice the width of the roots and just as deep. Place the tree and back fill the soil, watering as you go to settle out any air pockets. You will not need to water again…

Dear Sir/Madam,Question: I would like to grow table grapes. I would like to know the name of the large white sweet seedless grape. Is it Autumn seedless or another variety?RegardsJohn Answer: There are a lot of green (white) seedless grapes - the most well known being Thompson Seedless. It would help to know where you are located so the right one(s) could be recommended for your climate. Here are the Green Seedless Grapes that we…

Question: I have a 15 year old, healthy Western Schley pecan tree . It has never produced more than a couple handfuls of nuts. What variety would you suggest to help pollinate, I live east of clovis. Also, what local nursery sells your pecan trees? Thanks. Answer: For our western, arid climate, the best pollinator for Western Schley Pecan is Witchita Pecan. I will have the sales representative for your area contact you via email…

Greetings,Question: I really like the idea of EZ Pick trees. For us vertically challenged, it sounds convenient as heck.I have one question though, at least for now. Have you ever tried pruning Avocado Trees to create an EZ Pick tree? If so, were you successful?Thanks very much,MC Answer: I cannot claim to know much about Avocado trees. We do not grow them since they do not go dormant and everything we grow is deciduous. On…

Question: I live in New Orleans, La and am interested in growing the Anna apple. Can you send me the flyer for that apple tree? Also, do you think the ein shemer could be used an an effective pollinator for the Anna? Answer: We have updated and posted the information page for Anna Apple. You can download it from here: Anna Apple. Yes, Ein Shemer would be a good pollinizer for Anna Apple. So would…

Question: When do I trim back blackberry bushes, this was my first year with planting the Chester's last spring (we had no fruit this year) - Glen Answer: Glen, I see I need to take time to write a more detailed article on berry pruning (later). For now the quick answer with links to others. Chester fruits on second year wood (Floricanes). This means the new growth that you see this year will produce the…

Question: I am interested in sugar cane Jujube. Since it is a brand new variety, would the pricing on these plants be substantially more than other varieties of Jujube?Paul. Answer: Since the Sugar Cane variety will not be available until January 2011, I suspect there will be minor inflation adjustments over today's Jujube costs but not significantly different. Of course the prices the retail nursery charges is up to them and some of their charge…

Question: Interested in Mulberry and Jujube trees. Would order thru local nursery, but need information.Prefer small to moderate. One party lives in Solvang, CA; 90's typical in summer and can freeze in winter. The other is in Santa Barbara in a location that rarely freezes, and average highs are in the 80s. What varieties are most desirable? I had a Pakistan Mulberry and it tasted sweet but blah. Answer: Leslie, thank you for your question.…

Several questions have come in on the Keith Davey Chinese Pistache Question: What is the difference between Keith Davey and the Chinese Pistache Seedling?   Answer: The Keith Davey Chinese Pistache (Pistachio chinensis) is a budded selection chosen for its superior fall color and seedless nature.  By budding the wood from this tree we can duplicate these consistent and predictable characteristics for each tree planted.  On the other hand, the seedling Chinese Pistache is variable. …