IN YOUR ORCHARD
TIME TO CONSIDER With harvest starting later than usual this year, it may feel premature to think about post-harvest tasks. Yet, the foundation for a successful 2026 season begins the moment the last almond leaves the field. As growers wrap up harvest, it's time to shift focus toward planning, nutrition and orchard care. Here are the essential steps to take this fall.
Strategic Planning for 2026 Start by mapping out your 2026 calendar. Schedule a post-harvest meeting with your PCA/CCA to review the season’s performance. Use tissue, soil and hull sample data to identify nutrient deficiencies and discuss what worked, what didn’t, and where improvements can be made. This is also the ideal time to build your fertilizer and pesticide budget — ensuring a focused, efficient approach to next year’s crop management. It’s also the perfect time to develop a budget for the new crop year. A well-structured budget helps guide decisions on spray and fertilizer applications, product selection and cost management. Think of it as your roadmap for the season — reducing confusion and increasing confidence in your farming strategy.
Water: The Post-Harvest Priority Post-harvest water management is critical. We return to full Evapotranspiration (ET) rates to support bud differentiation — a process that determines whether buds become fruiting or vegetative. Insufficient water during this phase can lead to reduced bloom and yield in the following season. If water is available, use it to strengthen your trees for next year. This last year was considered mild as far as temperatures are concerned. This means that your almonds have been functioning at their optimum pace. The stress from holding back water can have lasting impacts, but you can mitigate that by getting water on soon and often after harvest. Nutrient Management: Post-Harvest Nitrogen, Potassium & Boron Gone are the days of applying 75–100 units of nitrogen post harvest. CDFA guidelines now recommend only 20% of your annual nitrogen be applied during this period. If July tissue samples show levels above 2.5–2.8%, additional nitrogen may not be necessary. However, heavier crops or low nitrogen levels may warrant a post- harvest application to support next year’s bloom. Potassium (K) is vital for bloom development. Check both soil and tissue levels. If soil K is high but unavailable to trees, consider granular applications placed 3–4 feet from the trunk. In micro-irrigation systems, use a diverted broadcast method to target the wetting zone. Drip systems may require fertigation to address deficiencies. For quick uptake, liquid K injections are effective. Hull samples are the best indicator of boron levels. Less than 80 ppm is deficient and orchards may benefit from a foliar and/or soil application. Always consult your
Winter Shaking. Photo by Mel Machado
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ALMOND FACTS
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