For Maria, growing fruit trees is a relaxing and rewarding way to connect with the land, provide fresh food for her family, and create something that will nourish them for years to come. After participating in Urban Tilth’s FREE Farm Stands and receiving trees through our giveaway, Maria and her husband have continued growing their […]
Peach and nectarine trees can be especially vulnerable to peach curl, a common fungal disease that can affect leaves and overall tree health. The good news is that there are several simple, natural ways to help prevent and manage it without relying on chemical sprays. What Is Peach Curl? Peach curl is a fungal disease […]
Composting is one of the simplest ways to turn everyday food scraps and yard waste into something useful. Instead of sending these materials to the landfill, you can let them naturally break down into rich, healthy compost that can be added back to your garden. Whether you have a backyard, a small outdoor space, or […]
Free seasonal and year-round fruit tree care and support for communities across West Contra Costa County The Orchard for ALL! Program is dedicated to helping community members care for and maintain their fruit trees throughout the year. We provide free seasonal and year-round tree care, making it easier for community members to keep their existing […]
A Look Back at Summer 2026 with the Orchard for ALL! Team The 2026 Summer Apprenticeship Program was a six-week experience filled with hands-on learning, environmental education, and personal growth for our four apprentices and facilitators. Throughout the program, apprentices explored environmental justice, agriculture, tree care, food systems, and community resilience while gaining practical skills […]
Thinking about giving your citrus trees a little trim? Great idea! But timing is key. Unlike many trees that are pruned in winter while dormant, citrus trees have their own schedule. Pruning at the wrong time can stress the tree and reduce fruit production. The Perfect Time to Prune Citrus Skip WinterCitrus trees do not […]
Spring is the perfect time to wake up your trees and give them some extra care. As buds swell and blossoms appear, it is your chance to inspect for damage, prune carefully, and give them a nutrient boost to grow strong and healthy Why Spring Is the Best Time for Tree Care Pruning Broken Branches […]
Spring is the ideal time to plant a fruit tree and give it the best start. Careful planning and attention at the beginning can make a big difference in how well your tree thrives. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you plant your tree with confidence 1. Choose the Right Location Selecting the right […]
Understanding your climate is essential for choosing the right fruit trees. Zone 10A is characterized by mild winters, with average lows around 30 to 40°F, and hot, dry summers that often exceed 85°F. Rainfall follows a Mediterranean pattern, with wet winters and dry summers. Frost is rare, but occasional light frosts may occur in winter. […]
Keeping your fruit trees healthy starts with proper watering. Young trees, in their first one to three years, need deep watering two to three times per week during the growing season, though you should adjust based on rainfall. Established trees require less frequent watering, typically once every one to two weeks, but may need extra […]
