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The Holmes Grown Blog

How to Stake Avocado Tree Branches: Protecting Fruit and Guiding Canopy Growth

Propping up low-hanging avocado branches is one of the most critical canopy maintenance jobs during heavy fruit-bearing seasons. When an avocado branch…
San Diego Agriculture: Why San Diego County Leads California in Value Per Acre

San Diego County holds a surprising title in the world of farming: it is the number one county in California for agricultural…
Farm Gate Pricing Explained: Why Family Farmers Receive 10% of Grocery Prices

Farm gate pricing is one of the most fundamental concepts in agricultural economics, yet few consumers outside the farming community understand what…
First Avocado Tree in San Diego County: The Surprising History of Escondido Avocados

San Diego County is known across the world as a premier avocado growing region, but few people know where that agricultural legacy…
Hass Avocado Patent 139: The History of California’s Most Famous Fruit

The Forgotten History of Plant Patent 139 Hass avocado trees dominate modern grocery stores, but few consumers realize that this legendary variety…
Avocado Grove Lifestyle: Sunset Harvests and Family Farming in California

Living on an avocado grove in Southern California offers a unique rhythm that connects daily work with the changing beauty of the…
Shiny vs Dull Avocados: How to Tell Fruit Maturity on the Tree

Understanding how to evaluate avocado maturity directly on the tree is an essential skill for growers and backyard enthusiasts alike. When inspecting…
How Planting Sunflowers Boosts Avocado Tree Pollination and Fruit Set

Growing productive avocado trees requires more than just proper irrigation and soil management. Getting a generous, consistent fruit yield heavily depends on…
1,700 Avocado Farmers Left: The Story Behind Southern California Avocado Groves

Southern California avocado farming has undergone dramatic transformations over the past half-century. Today, only about 1,700 avocado farmers remain across the region,…
How to Repair and Maintain a Vintage Avocado Pole Picker Tool

Maintaining vintage avocado harvesting tools is essential for keeping family farm operations running smoothly and efficiently. When an old pole picker seizes…