Video Overview
Almonds are among the most nutrient-packed nuts, known for lowering cholesterol, managing blood pressure, and preventing sugar spikes. They thrive in hot, dry summers and are a great addition to gardens in Central California, the Southwest, and other areas with minimal late frosts.
Planting Almond Trees
Almonds are part of the stone fruit family and share similar requirements with peaches and plums. Follow these steps to plant your tree:
- Sunlight: Choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil.
- Planting: Dig a hole as tall as the root ball and three times as wide. Place the tree in the hole, backfill the soil, and water it in thoroughly.
- Weeding: Keep the area around the tree (about 3 feet in diameter) free of weeds.
- Protection: Use a white tree guard or paint the trunk with a 50/50 mix of water and white latex paint to prevent sunburn.
Care and Maintenance
Proper care ensures a healthy almond tree and a bountiful harvest:
- Pruning: Prune to maintain an open center shape for better air circulation.
- Fertilizing: Apply organic fertilizer regularly to support growth.
- Watering: Almond trees need 2-3 inches of water every 1-3 weeks, with more frequent watering for sandy soils.
Pest and Disease Control
Almonds are susceptible to issues like shot hole virus, peach twig borer, and San Jose scale. Protect your tree with these steps:
- Dormant Spray: Use organic products like Monterey Liqui-Cop for shot hole and Monterey Horticultural Oil for scale.
- Cleanliness: Remove fallen leaves, prunings, and debris from under the tree to reduce pest habitats.
Harvesting and Storing Almonds
Almonds are ready to harvest when the hulls begin to split, typically in late August:
- Harvesting: Place a tarp under the tree and shake the branches to collect the nuts.
- Drying: Lay almonds on trays with good air circulation and protect them from birds using netting.
- Storage: Freeze in-shell almonds to kill pests, then store for up to 8 months. Shelled almonds can be stored for a year at room temperature.
Plant an almond tree today and enjoy the many health benefits of these nutrient-dense nuts. Grow organic for life!
