Trying to find floral, bright nectar producing tree for yards in Washington state west side.
Here are some trees and shrubs that should attract bees in Washington state:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/linden/linden-tree-information.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/madrone/madrone-tree-information.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/cherry/pollinating-a-cherry-tree.htm
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/12-plants-entice-pollinators-your-garden
do you have to have 2 apple trees to fertilize or can it be 2 different fruit trees to fertilize
They have to be, at least, in the same Genus to cross pollinate.
I bought gooseberry, raspberry and red currant fruit shrubs but they have never flowered or produced fruit in five years, but very sturdy plants
If all are experiencing the same symptoms, then it is likely a soil nutrient issue.
Soil that contains too much nitrogen, and not enough phosphorus and potassium or that has a pH imbalance, can cause flowering and fruiting issues.
If there are no other symptoms, then these parameters are likely imbalanced. These articles will help you to test for deficiencies and pH imbalances:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm
California? I have purchased a fruit salad tree & haven't transplanted it in the ground as I was told that fruit trees yellowed more if planted in the ground in the fall? But I am not sure how true this is & if it applies to my region? Northern California actually the surrounding Sacramento, Ca. Area to be precise.
There are many grafted trees labeled as "fruit salad" trees. Some are citrus, some are stone fruits, and there are some that are pear varieties or apple varieties. They will each have slightly different planting times depending on which fruit group that it is. You are in zone 9, so a frost is possible.
For all of them, spring is the best time. Winter and summer should be avoided, and autumn can be done, as long as the weather cooperates, but I don't advise this.
This article will give you more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/fegen/what-is-a-fruit-salad-tree.htm
I fertilised them in April/May, water weekly while it's Winter around the base only. I see there are very small black bugs on them? Leaves are curling, turn red/yellow.
Watering once a week in winter is probably too much unless it's very dry. You can water further out than the base, because the roots have spread out.
Here are common fruit tree diseases. We have more information for each type of fruit tree. Just search the gardeningknowhow.com site for your particular fruit trees. There is a leaf curl disease which has a symptom you mention. Leaf reddening can be due to stress, disease or insects. Bugs on fruit trees are often aphids or spider mites.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/fegen/common-fruit-tree-diseases.htm
https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=38749
How much spacing between fruit trees? I have info regarding this question as it relates to like trees. But can the space between these like trees be used for different trees, allowing me to use the limited space more effectively?
If you try to plant in-between, the trees and plants will compete for water and nutrients. Plus, your fruit trees need air circulation to prevent fungal diseases so planting in-between is not a good idea.
This summer I thought I bought a blackberry bush. At first the 2 twigs bore nothing for about 2 months, then suddenly sprouted stems and leaves that did not look like a blackberry or bear fruit. Not long after, it developed orange spots on all its stems and leaves which browned and fell off. Small black bugs were swarming on its parts. I am going to remove it. What are the orange spots and bugs? Do I need to purify my soil now? Many thanks.
It sounds like these plants had multiple problems.
These links suggest two different possibilities, but regardless, I would carefully dispose of the plants.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/plant-leaf-spots.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/controlling-aphids-and-ants.htm
I think your instincts are accurate regarding sterilizing your soil. Here's how to do that: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/sterilizing-soil.htm
We don't recommend specific retailers, but I would certainly try to buy quality plants from an established garden nursery or plant outlet. That way you can return the plant if it's inferior, and you have the added benefit of garden experts who can help you with problems if they arise.