In My San Diego Garden and Kitchen

Apricot season commenced almost three weeks early this year. Our winter had scant rainfall and unusual Santa Ana heat events. Field biologists around the region report everything is early this year. I usually associate blooming Jacaranda trees with May. This year they were in full array the third week of April.

Unfortunately, the apricot crop is disappointing. One of the three trees planted in 2007 did not produce and the Blenheim apricot, the most reliable variety will only yield a few dozen apricots. Perhaps not enough winter chill hours. In 2025 we harvested 75 pounds of apricots.

No apricot ice cream or apricot cobbler or apricot compote or apricot cobbler this year. We’ll be hopeful for next season.

The Dorsett Golden apple crop is promising with nice sized fruit. Also, it’s just about the time that marauding critters in the ‘hood decide they’re ready too. Netting discourages them.

Alpine strawberries are plentiful in the front garden and we reward ourselves as we weed nearby.

I’ve harvested beets from time to time this spring, mostly to share with friends. Last week we lifted the three dozen that remained but I neglected to take a photo.

I pull carrots as needed though soon they’ll all be harvested. Pelleted Bolero carrot seed is my go to for ease of planting, with little thinning and reliable production.

The Yukon Gem potatoes will likely be ready to harvest in a few weeks. Those are covered with netting as well since crows have been sampling them.

My warm season garden is yet to be planted. Some years are like this when other commitments—all good things—take precedence. But I’ll have tomatoes in September!

A happy moment this weekend was gathering the flowers and arranging this bouquet for the church entry table.