Growing almonds is a year-round business.

In winter, trees are pruned and orchards cleaned. A good chill during November and December followed by a warmer January and February coaxes the first almond tree blossoms from their buds. Almond blossoms are typically small, delicate pink or white flowers, and are generally among the first to bloom each year.

Because the almond tree is not self-pollinating, at least two different varieties of trees are necessary for a productive orchard. Bees pollinate alternating rows of almond varieties. From February onward, orchards should be frost-free, have mild temperatures and minimal rain so blossoms can flourish and bees can do their job.

By mid-March, the first signs of a fuzzy gray-green hull can be seen. In early July, the hulls split open slightly, exposing the shell inside. The whole nut and stem finally separate and, shortly before harvest, the hull opens completely.

To prepare for harvest, orchard floors are swept and cleared. Mechanical tree "shakers" knock unshelled nuts to the ground, where they are allowed to dry before they are swept into rows and picked up by machine. Finally, they are transported to carts and towed to the huller.