Farming Throughout the Year
Working in the orchard requires long hours and it ’ s a yearlong endeavor . January through February are reserved for planting new trees and pruning the existing ones . In the spring , there are typically three blooms spanning February to March .
If there isn ’ t enough rain , watering is required four times a year by laying large pipes between each row of trees , a process that takes about two weeks to complete . Disking is required year round and takes place every three months . The process loosens the soil , breaks up clods and surface crusts , improves soil granulation , surface uniformity and reduces soil erosion . Disking the orchard takes a couple weeks to complete .
Labor of Love
Operating the orchard is a labor of love that doesn ’ t come without its challenges . The Garza family works during the day and manages the orchard on evenings and weekends .
Eddie Garza Jr . shared , “ In farming , you need to know a lot of different things and be willing to work hard . Operating , maintaining , and fixing equipment like tractors and forklifts is a part of this work . I remember driving a forklift when I was 10 years old . Helping my parents pick up trays full of dried fruit . They were long days , but at that age , I thought it was pretty cool being able to drive the tractor !”
Eddie ’ s sister Michelle Garza-Rivera has also worked in the orchard since childhood . She had a secret weapon .
“ I remember changing water pipes when I was 10 years old . We would try to have fun with it and race each other to see who could finish their lines first . Of course , I would always win because my mom would help me !” She proudly shared .
Making Memories
The Garza Family orchard is a labor of love and the Garza family is happy to share it with you ! Bring the whole family to pick fresh fruit in the orchard or try their sun-dried apricots .
They are located in Gilroy east of the shopping outlets , and are open during the harvest from the last week in June through the first week in July . Come enjoy fresh fruit , good company , and see the labor of love they have cared for all these years !
For more information contact :
Eddie Garza : eddie . garzafarms @ gmail . com Michelle Garza-Rivera : michelle . garzafarms @ gmail . com www . garzafamilyfarms . com Follow on Facebook and Instagram @ garzafamilyfarms
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