White Forest Nursery

Fruit Tree Gardening Tip & Trick #1602

Plant three trees in one hole! Did you know that you can plant any three of several different fruit trees in one hole? This is usually done when a home gardener has limited space to grow trees.

Perhaps you’re a fan of stone fruits and would love to have what seems like one tree with plums, pluots, and apricots. Or perhaps you love peaches so much that you want early and late varieties for an extended harvest season. Can’t decide between nectarines and peaches? Grow both from the same hole!

You can also do this with citrus fruit tree combinations. Just remember that stone fruit trees are planted with stone fruit trees, and citrus trees are planted with other citrus trees. You’ll also notice that one of the pics show three mature semi-dwarf apple trees that were planted together several years ago.

If you ever read or hear an argument that this is not a good idea, we would beg to differ because of the experience we and several growers have had over the years. The “secret sauce” for this to work correctly starts with a good plan: choosing the right trees, planting location, planting depth & width, planting mix, pruning, systemic drench, copper spray, trunk protection, organic soil amendment & fertilizer, and watering. This looks like a lot, but that’s why our experts are here for you – to talk through these details and give you the confidence you need to harvest delicious fruit year after year!

If you want to read more about this, go here and then come see us soon to make your plan a reality!
https://www.davewilson.com/home-garden/backyard-orchard-culture/multi-planting-strategies/

*Here’s a surprise: We also have “Fruit Salad” trees, with multiple fruits grafted into the same tree! Yes, it’s like a dream come true! Stun your guests with a fantasy fruit tree yard!

This is for outdoor gardeners, homeowners, business owners, and business managers!

We wanted to remind you during this rainy weather to turn off the automatic sprinkler system and pause all your outdoor watering until the rain subsides.

Watering your lawn and outdoor plants is not necessary when nature is doing it for you. It's also not necessary for at least two days after it rains, and sometimes longer. Rainwater is so much better than tap water thanks to the nitrogen in it, plus you’ll save some money with the water turned off for a few days. Especially in this cooler weather, keep those sprinklers off at least 2 days for every 1/4″ of rainfall.

This is also a reminder for businesses and organizations around the county! Way too many businesses are seen watering at full schedule when the rain is pouring down. Besides it being costly to run the water while it’s raining, it’s also not healthy for lawns and landscapes. Plants and grass need to breath at the roots, and with too much water, roots can suffocate and cause plants to yellow and sometimes die.

The good news is… we need this rain, and we’re so grateful for it! The rain will subside soon, and we think an early spring is on the horizon. This means lots of fun gardening time is coming soon! Come in and select all your favorites for the best spring gardening season ever!

Friday, we received a huge shipment of various flowering shrubs and trees. Here is just a sample of so many items.

Now that the rain is subsiding, you need to come shop the nursery to see all the fresh ideas for your landscape.

Our experts can help you with a landscape plan and give you some awesome planting and growing tips! Come see us while the selections are great!

300 Morning Drive, Bakersfield 93306
(661) 366-6291

Mint & Herbs! Do you like to cook? Then, let's start an herb garden right now! Enjoy freshly picked herbs and spices for all your favorite dishes right from the garden! There's nothing better than "garden-to-table" when home-cooking!

There are more options besides what is shown here. All picks taken Friday. Come select your favorites!

Lettuce & Leafy Greens! We got 'em! Plant all your favorites now for a harvest of your favorite lettuces, spinach, mustard greens, and more!

Go organic! Be sure to talk with one of our experts about the best planting location, the right planting mix, and the best fertilizer!

Produce grown at home is more nutritious and much tastier! You can do this! Let's grow!

Many of you saw our list of bareroot fruit trees and asked, "Can we have a list of bareroot roses, too?"

Well, you got it! We have the largest selection of bareroot roses in all Kern County! Like/follow our page to be notified of posts in the near future describing the differences between various rose bushes and their special features! Save this list (image) to your phone or desktop and then open the image to zoom in for details.

WHY BARE ROOT???
Inexpensive and easy to grow! These are young and very healthy rose bushes that are sold "naked" without any soil or containers. We store the bareroots in wet sawdust until you take the bush home, rinse the roots, and either pot in a beautiful container or plant in-ground with good, fresh soil! Right now is the best time to plant bareroot roses, as they are cold-hardy and need time to get established during the winter so you have amazing growth and blooms this spring!

Talk with any of our experts about the best organic planting mix and fertilizers for the most spectacular results!

300 Morning Drive, Bakersfield 93306
(661) 805-2628

Groundcover Roses can make great cover for flowerbeds, hillsides, and open areas, but it can also be the start of a spectacular rose garden! Want an all-white rose garden (moon garden)? Or perhaps you should go red & white, mixing some beautiful red hybrid tea and floribunda bushes in the midst of lots of white groundcover. Put some climbers behind all this, and you could have an amazing rose garden from spring, all the way into next winter! With your favorite colors! Year after year! Groundcover roses tend to stay low (1.5 to 2 ft) and spread as they grow and mature. We carry two types, available now in bareroot.

White Drift® has pure white, fully double flowers that are perfectly shaped like miniature roses. These impressive white blooms will brighten gardens of all shapes and styles. This grows as a gentle spreader throughout its growing season. White Drift is perfect for zones 4-11, needs full sun, and grows to about 1 ½ feet tall and 2 ½ - 3 feet wide. Once planted, water this bush regularly until it is established. Then, water once the top three inches of soil are dry. It’s drought tolerant and great for hillsides, open areas, or in beds alongside walkways.

White Meidiland® produces non-stop, snow-white, double blooms from spring into winter or until frost. With a spread of up to 6 feet, it's a smart choice for banks, rocky areas and erosion control. It's eye-catching on its own or makes a sizzling combination planted around your favorite tree roses! Drought resistant, ideal in full sun with afternoon shade. Grows to about 2 feet tall.

Come see us and follow us for more informative posts!
300 Morning Drive, Bakersfield 93306
(661) 366-6291

Let stalk rhubarb! See what we did there? 😉😂

Rhubarb is an herbaceous perennial that grows from short, thick root clusters. By the early 18th century, rhubarb was grown as a vegetable crop in England and Scandinavia. Although rhubarb is actually a vegetable, it is often put to the same culinary uses as some fruits. The leaf stalks can be eaten raw when they have a crisp texture (similar to celery, but in a different family), but are most commonly cooked with sugar and used in pies, crumbles and other desserts. They have a strong, tart taste. Rhubarb stalks are commonly cut into pieces and stewed with added sugar until soft. The resulting compote can then be used in pies, tarts and crumbles. You can also make a really nice jam with rhubarb! 😋

Rhubarb is a rich source of vitamin K and a moderate source of vitamin C. The Victoria Cherry Rhubarb available here at the nursery is a particularly popular rhubarb to grow! It is noticeably milder and sweeter than other varieties. Available in bareroot, you want to plant this right now so you can harvest some this spring and then every year thereafter! It grows easily in good soil and looks beautiful as the "cherry red" stalks grow out with bright green leafy heads!

Add some Victoria Cherry Rhubarb to your garden this season! (Limited supply)

The Nectaplum is a hybrid cross between a nectarine and a plum. Technically, it's 1/2 nectarine, 1/4 Peach, and a 1/4 Plum.

Have a look at the pictures to see all the details. Right now is the best time to plant these bareroot trees. Take the bareroot tree home, rinse the roots well, and plant the tree in fresh, organic mulch. The nectaplum is self-pollinating and ripens mid-July to mid-August. Ask our experts for the best planting mix and the best fertilizer.

Come see us soon for a nectaplum tree and perhaps a couple of other favorites!

300 Morning Drive, Bakersfield 93306
(661) 366-6291

The Mary Washington Asparagus is a good one to grow, and it’s available now in bareroot!

Mary Washington Asparagus produces uniform spears and a heavy yield. This perennial vegetable is disease-resistant to rust, and it's extremely cold-hardy and heat-tolerant, making it a low-maintenance addition to your garden! Harvest asparagus plants in April or May. This asparagus is self-pollinating.

A mature stand of asparagus plants produces several spears each week, up to eight weeks. During this time, a healthy plant should yield around 20 spears. When asparagus plants grow in a sunny site with good drainage, proper irrigation, and adequate nutrients, the plants easily multiply, so be sure to plant them with plenty of space to grow out.

Asparagus is a perennial vegetable, so you just plant them once and enjoy season after season of succulent spears. Expect light cuttings in the first and second year and a regular crop thereafter.

It’s the perfect time to plant these bare roots, so come in soon and talk with our experts about the best planting mix!

300 Morning Drive, Bakersfield 93306
(661) 366-6291

We have an incredible selection of houseplants, vintage hummingbird feeders, gift items, and so much more! Come out and visit soon! 🤩

Got Blackberry? We do!

Come see us and talk with one of our experts about the various types, which will be best for you, the best planting tips, soil, feeding, and watering tips… We’re here for you!

Imagine buying a blackberry bush for the price of a couple of fast-food meals and having delicious blackberries for life!

We have several varieties here for you. Some thornless and some with thorns. Some that work well in containers and some that grow best in-ground.

Baby Cakes Thornless: Great in pots! Ripens late June/early July
Black Satin Thornless: Ripens in July
Kiowa: The biggest blackberries! Ripens May/June
Navaho Thornless: Large blackberries. Ripens late June/early July
Olallie: Unique & delicious hybrid! Ripens May/June
Prime Ark Traveler: An everbearing bush that begins to ripen in June

If you’re still reading, here’s a tip. Buy two different varieties. Buy one that ripens early, and another that ripens later. This way, you can harvest early and then extend berry production through much of the summer!

Please share this with your berry-loving friends! See you soon!

Lion’s Tail (Leonotis Leonurus)

This native of southern Africa thrives in sunny California, where it is prized as a water-smart, deer-resistant choice for landscaping. Although it does best with regular irrigation, it is quite drought hardy. It grows in full sun, in any clay, loam, or sandy soil that drains well. Compost and a thick layer of mulch are great for this plant. At the end of winter, you can cut it back to about 8 inches (20 centimeters), and give it a deep watering. Long-lasting flowers are in bloom from most of spring through fall.

This was one of the first African shrubs that explorers transplanted to Europe, in the mid-1600s. Its sugary nectar attracts hummingbirds, which pollinate the plants as they slurp the sweet stuff. In the Americas, which have no native species of sunbirds, hummingbirds—found only in the Americas—do the job. Blooms also attract butterflies and bees.

These members of the mint family grow quickly. Lion’s Tail reaches heights of nearly nine feet in good conditions. Where temperatures are mild, lion's tails are perennials. Ideal in planting zones 9-11.

Okay, ready to buy one and plant it in your landscape? Let’s grow!

Dwarf Heavenly Bamboo is an awesome decorative shrub for the landscape or for large patio containers.

In stock now and ready for you to take home and tuck into (flower) bed. 😊

We have several eye-catching shrubs for your landscape here at the nursery. Come see us!

Are you seeing these creepy little bugs inside your home? Earwigs, or Pincher Bugs, can be quite a nuisance for homes and sometimes gardens. In Europe, they were initially called “earwigs” because of an old myth that these bugs crawled into people’s ears while they slept at night and fed on their brains. Of course, this is not true, and pincher bugs pose no real threat to people and animals.

If you’re finding these inside your home, they are typically entering via crevasses and cracks during cold or hot weather. They look hideous, with a big pincher claw hanging off the back of the bug’s abdomen. If you pick one up, it may pinch, but doesn’t break the skin and poses no threat of disease or illness.

These bugs can pose a threat in the garden. They eat at night and like to feast on old decaying vegetation, new seedlings, soft fruits and sweet corn. But they can also be beneficial to the garden because they like to feast on aphids and other damaging garden insects. In short, they're rather annoying insects.

Since earwigs prefer moist, protected areas, they usually congregate in areas with high condensation such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Using a dehumidifier and keeping floors clean can help get rid of earwigs.

If you suspect an earwig infestation in your home, contact a licensed pest control professional to conduct an inspection and work with you to develop an earwig control and treatment plan. In order to get rid of pincher bugs or prevent an infestation, homeowners should remove leaf piles, mulch piles or other vegetation on their property. They should also consider moving objects such as firewood piles and logs away from the home, thereby creating a perimeter around the house that is free of organic material. Overwatering flowerbeds, gardens, and lawns can also lend to more pincher bugs around your home.

The evergreen Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo 'Marina') would be a magnificent addition to your landscape or garden. And you may want to add nighttime landscape lighting to highlight the beautiful features of the multi-trunk structure which will surely turn the heads of your neighbors and guests!

They say the “strawberry” tree got its name from the arbutus berries, which slightly resemble a strawberry. But have a look at the pictures! Don’t the little buds and blossoms look like little, miniature strawberries? The English call it the Cain Apple or Bearberry tree. The Spanish call it Madroños, and in Italy it’s called the Corbezzolo. The Marina variety is perfect for Bakersfield and Kern County as it tolerates the heat and requires little water once it is established.

The fruits of the strawberry tree are edible and have a mild sweet & sour taste, but they’re not commonly consumed fresh due to their gritty (seedy) texture and mild flavor. Prepared in sauces and jams, however, the fruit (arbutus berry) is a delight to the tastebuds.

The strawberry tree can be pruned to stay smaller and fit in compact areas. Or it can be pruned to grow tall with a broad canopy. The Strawberry Tree makes a great shade tree! The Arbutus 'Marina' featured here is a slow grower, but can reach a height and spread of 30 feet. It’s annual growth causes older bark to peel away from the trunk and branches, revealing the beautiful, shiny, red, new bark underneath.

Supply is limited! Come in soon if you’re interested in planting one of these beauties! Get the best planting, pruning, and growing tips from our experts, and be sure to ask them about our “Success Pack” and tree insurance option.

Loquat Trees? Yes, we have those! 😁

Featured here is the Gold Nugget loquat, and we have other varieties, too, including the Big Jim and a couple of others. You'll have to come see us for the best planting and growing tips from our gardening experts. Follow their tips and ask about our "Success Pack" for the best results: https://whiteforestnursery.com/success-pack-planting/.

Loquats are a unique and delicious tropical fruit that grow well here in Bako if grown in the right location and planted at the right depth will good soil. These evergreen loquat trees can be grown in large containers or planted in-ground and pruned to a desired size. Left to grow out in-ground, a mature tree can reach a height of 20-30 feet. Grab one of these trees before they're gone! With our mild winter, it's a good time to plant, and it's easy to protect from mild frosts.

There's nothing so satisfying like bringing delicious, fresh-picked fruit from your garden to the kitchen.

In case you haven't noticed, it's getting a little chilly outside. 🥶

Some plants and trees love cold weather, but there are some that will die if they freeze.

Evening temperatures are forecasted this week to drop down to 35° F tomorrow and Tuesday, and it is forecasted that Friday will have a low of 32° F. Buy frost cloths and cover your frost-sensitive plants & trees (including citrus trees) on nights that are forecasted to get near or below freezing.

If you are unable to purchase these frost cloths from us, be sure to use a light cotton sheet to cover your plants & trees. Do not use plastic sheeting. You can also wrap Christmas lights around your plants and trees to add some warmth overnight (no LEDs -- they produce no heat).

Always be prepared! Come see us for frost cloths. We're open 8 to 5, six days a week, closed on Wednesdays.

300 Morning Drive, Bakersfield 93306
(661) 366-6291

Do you shop at the grocery store? Are you happy with the prices on natural edibles like honey, herbs, and vegetables? Do you think prices will go higher? 🤔

Growing your own edibles at home is a fun (and some say therapeutic) hobby that will teach you patience and give you a new gratitude for the things God gives us to eat.

Produce at the grocery store isn't preferable for several reasons:
🥦Commercial fruits & veggies are most often grown with harmful pesticides.
🥕Commercial produce is harvested early because it's easier to ship.
🫑Produce that isn't ripe lacks flavor and nutrition.
🧅Grocery store prices are OUTRAGEOUS!

Grow your own edibles at home this year for healthier, more nutritious, better tasting fruit, veggies, and herbs! You CAN do this! Talk with one of our gardening experts for the best planting and growing tips. We're here to help you be a successful, confident, happy gardener! 👩‍🌾

*Adding local honey to your diet can help support your immune
system. 😉🐝

Come see us! Open 8 to 5, six days a week, closed on Wednesdays.
300 Morning Drive, Bakersfield 93306
(661) 366-6291

Happy Friday!

We received a shipment of fresh plants today. Here's a smattering of some things out on the floor at this very moment. There's a lot more.

Now you know what to do after breakfast tomorrow. 😉 See you then.

300 Morning Drive, Bakersfield 93306
(661) 366-6291

Friends, we want to encourage you to please follow us here on Facebook to be informed of real-time updates of what's happening at the nursery throughout this winter and spring. You'll see lots of encouragement and tips to grow your own fruit (some you may have never heard of), veggies, and herbs, as well as beautiful trees, flowers, roses, camellias, and so much more!

Bareroot fruit trees are now on the nursery floor and available for you! This is a mild winter, so right now is the best time to pick your favorites, take them home, rinse the roots, and plant them in preparation for spring blossoms! Again, please follow us and stay tuned for more details about some fruits that are delicious and rare! We have over 200 varieties for you to choose from. Bareroot costs less than potted trees -- no soil and no pots, and they're easy to plant and grow. 🍏🍐🍎🍒🍑

Feel free to save this pic and reference it for a complete list of fruit trees available.
And please come see us! Besides bareroot fruit trees, we also have the largest selection of bareroot roses in Kern County! Grab a jacket and come see this amazing display of bareroot! Ask any of our experts how to plant and care for these trees to get the best results! 👩‍🌾🌱💙

300 Morning Drive, Bakersfield 93306
(661) 366-6291
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qThZb8sVAvrMj39j6

*PS~ Citrus Tasting is coming soon! Follow us for more details about this amazing annual event! 🍊🍋

The famous Boysenberry is made from a combination of different types of berries, including the loganberry, dewberry, raspberry, and blackberry. It's usually called a hybrid between a blackberry and a raspberry, as these are the two dominant berries.

The story of how this berry came into existence starts with a gardener named Rudolf Boysen, who lived in northern California. Soon after Mr. Boyson created this new hybrid cane berry, he was introduced to Walter Knott of Knott's Berry Farm. The berry was named after Boysen, and Mrs. Knott is considered to be the one who helped bring attention to this now famous berry by introducing boysenberry pies, jams, and syrups.

These are available here at the nursery as regular (thorny) or thornless varieties. Have a look at the picks and see if you aren’t tempted to plant one of these now for delicious fruit this spring and summer. Be sure to ask one of our experts about the best planting method, mix, fertilizer, etc. for the best results. We are here to help you be a successful home gardener! Come see us!

300 Morning Drive, Bakersfield 93306
(661) 366-6291
Directions to the nursery: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qThZb8sVAvrMj39j6

There is nothing quite like ripe boysenberries plucked fresh off the vine on a hot summer day. They’re delicious!

Happy New Year!!!

We wish you the very best 2024 you could possibly imagine!

Make a resolution to garden more, grow your own edibles, spend more time with your loved ones, and take better care of yourself.

Blessings to you all!

Peruvian Lilies

Give these beauties some afternoon shade, and you'll have beautiful lilies all spring and summer!

PS~ Spring is probably coming early this year! 😉😁 Let's grow!

Let's talk about citrus trees on this gorgeous Friday! And just wait until our annual citrus tasting event coming in about 6 weeks! Follow us and watch for more details coming in February! 😉🍊

We have the widest selection of citrus trees in Kern County! Shown here are only a handful of different varieties, but you'll have to come in and see all the types and sizes we have for your home! We have some that you may have never even heard of!

We have citrus trees for containers and citrus trees to plant in-ground! And one of our experts can give you super-cool tips on planting, growing and pruning for the ultimate success! Remember, citrus trees are heavy feeders, so be sure to ask which fertilizer is best and how often to feed your trees!

300 Morning Dr, Bakersfield 93306
(661) 366-6291

😁

More Bareroot! This time, we feature Bareroot Magnolia Trees and Bareroot Incense Cedar Trees! These are available right now (until they're gone 😁).

Both are gorgeous, and both accent any landscape! When you visit to purchase a couple of these trees, talk with one of our experts about the best planting location, planting depth, the best planting mix, feeding, pruning... You know, all the goods! We can't wait to assist you! Come see us!

300 Morning Drive, Bakersfield, 93306
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qThZb8sVAvrMj39j6
(661) 366-6291

It's a "Rose Wednesday" post!

All these are available to take home, plant, and grow right now! Available in bareroot or in 5-gallon containers.

Plan ahead! Plant these now for a beautiful spring garden!

Come talk with our experts for the best planting tips!
300 Morning Drive, Bakersfield 93306
(661) 366-6291

If you're wondering which plants bloom in the winter, this is the post for you.

Camellias LOVE the cooler weather and produce beautiful, colorful, rose-like flowers. Some of the varieties have wonderful fragrances!

You can plant several both early and late-season bloomers around your home and have solid big blooms from fall all the way into spring!

There are several varieties to choose from. The camellias featured here begin to bloom in the fall and continue blooming well into winter and spring. Some other late-season varieties (which we'll feature soon - including white and cream colors) will begin to bud and blossom during this winter and will continue blooming into spring. Stay tuned and follow us for more details about these.

Camellias are evergreen shrubs, so their foliage will stay a lush green throughout the summer heat (requiring afternoon shade) after the blooms stop producing. Be sure to ask one of our experts about the best planting location and method, including details about our Success Pack and the best feeding and care.

Remember, if you like big colorful winter blooms, go with lots of camellias from White Forest! They're like a little slice of Heaven on cloudy, rainy days. 😇🌸🌧

300 Morning Drive, Bakersfield, 93306
(661) 366-6291

As we move into Christmas, let's look at some of the Creator's beauty. It's now officially winter, and these bedding flowers are just thriving! These pics were just taken Thursday.

You can plant these flowers in-ground or in beautiful containers. They look awesome in hanging arrangements!

Have a look at all the pics and please tell us which is your favorite. We'd love to know what you like! Follow us for more pics and videos of everything gardening! Let's grow together!