Talking avocados with grove expert Charley Wolk

In Fallbrook, Charley Wolk’s name is synonymous with avocado groves. Many would think that Wolk’s vast knowledge of avocados was something he must have learned growing up in a family agriculture business; however, this is not the case.

Wolk was born and raised in St. Louis, MO – not an area where avocado groves are generally seen. His interest in avocados began when he moved to Fallbrook in 1972. “I lived in Fallbrook before traffic lights and shopping centers,” said Wolk, owner of Bejoca Grove and Landscape Maintenance.

Holding the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps, Wolk was tran...