I have a Zutano in Fremont. People say it doesn't have much taste, but I actually love it. It has a fresh clean taste. This plus citrus and guavas make this time of the year very tasty. Every nursery/HD/Lowes carry it.

I just put in a Reed, and I'll get one fruit next summer. It could easily be the best flavored backyard avocado, but you will need to protect it a couple nights in dec/jan.

You can get all the good varieties if you take a little drive south to "God's Little Acres Nursery" in Almaden valley.

I suggest doing your research...and buying only avos that are touted as being hearty to frost. I think you get cold there....right? Reed is excellent...but it is my most frost-sensitive tree (of my 17 varieties).

A pair of clippers and your local Home Depot? Lol

see if you have a master Gardner assoc. in your area and start there.