Author
Ximena Ruiz
Ximena Ruiz, CCA, serves as an extension fruit specialist with a university cooperative extension service. She advises commercial orchardists and backyard growers on cultivar selection, tree management, and small-fruit production. Ruiz completed an undergraduate degree in plant science at Clemson University and later finished a master’s degree in horticulture. Her fieldwork focuses on helping regional growers maintain healthy orchards and adapt planting systems across varying soils.