Hi!
I am a new member, I just finished posting in the New Members area, and the site and forums look fantastic! I am a pretty novice gardener, but I learn quickly. I just purchased a new home in the San Francisco Bay Area (see my post in New Members) and I want to focus on
growing fruits and veggies mainly. I have a couple of questions, and I figured this was the place to go.
First, I am looking specificly for a Don Gillogly avocado (dwarf). I have read a bit about them, and it is definitely the variety I want to try. I am wondering if anyone could recommend a place near the San Francisco area to purchase one. I am actually in Contra Costa county, but I would be willing to drive an hour in any direction to find one. I have seen them for sale on the internet from Wayside Gardens, but I read elsewhere that people that purchased them from that site got a 4 inch
plant in various states (some in bad shape). Also the cost for one from there is FIFTY BUCKS! Those that bought from a nursery in the southern California area have reported buying for the same price, but getting a 4-6 ft
tree. I am more than willing to pay 50 dollars for one, but I would prefer to buy from a local nursery to see what I'm getting, or at least buy from a site that can offer a cheaper price if I am indeed getting a 4 inch
plant. Any ideas?
I also am interested in
growing a few fruit
trees and shrubs. Apple, lemon, lime, perhaps a peach and a pear, and definitely blueberries. Obviously I want to get a variety going, and I'm looking for dwarfs for all
trees, and also looking at espaliering some of them along a back fenceline. I would love to hear some varieties that you like for these fruits, and what you think would work well for me in my area, and when I would be wise to start them. The sonner I start, the sooner I can eat some great fruit I figure, but I don't want to
plant at the wrong time.
As far as veggies and herbs go, I plan on trying some of them as well, but most outdoor veggies will have to wait until next year when I can start quite a bit earlier. I definitely would like to start artichokes (a personal favorite of mine), so recommendations for them would be great. Also, what can I start around mid august, as far as veggies go?
Sorry for so many questions, but a brand new home with a nice backyard for
growing edible fruit/veggie
plants has me excited!