In My San Diego Garden and Kitchen

It’s citrus season in Southern California. My navel orange tree is laden with fruit. Ditto the tangerine tree. There are limes too and kumquats are beginning to turn orange.

‘Washington’ navel oranges.

We have more oranges than we can eat so we share with neighbors. There’s orange marmalade to be made after the holidays. Last year I made about 65 jars so I can give them away with abandon (just as my mother and grandmother did).

Navel oranges for juice

Fresh orange juice is the breakfast routine at this time of year. The weather has turned decidedly cooler at night which causes the citrus to become sweeter. Last week during our stormy period it was 38 degrees in the garden.

Wish I could share some of this California sunshine in a glass with those of you in the throes of winter weather.

‘Satsuma’ tangerines

I picked tangerines yesterday afternoon. Unlike oranges, tangerines do not store well on the tree so the season is shorter.

I wandered the neighborhood, refilling my bowl as needed, sharing tangerines with neighbors. They are so sweet and juicy.

My little neighbor friend was happy to accept more tangerines.

‘Lolla Rossa’ lettuce, red and green romaine and arugula.

I continue to harvest various greens in amounts for a salad. Only minutes from plant to table.

Cheery alstromerias bloom now when there’s not much other color in the garden.

See what other garden bloggers are bringing in from their gardens on Harvest Monday hosted by Dave at Our Happy Acres.