Growing Peaches

The peach trees you receive were dug in the fall and stored over winter with their roots in moist sawdust.  On arrival check the plant.  If there are any broken branches or roots prune these off.  Place the roots in water for a period of not more than 2 hours. 

Choose a site that receives full sun or nearly so.  Protection from north and west winter winds is essential, particularly in colder areas.  The site you plant your trees in should be well drained.  Wet soil will cause the roots to rot.  If water comes into the hole when you dig the hole, do not use that site.  Dig a hole so that the crown of the plant (where the roots meet the stem) is at ground level.  Do not plant too deeply or the stem may eventually rot.  The depth of the hole should be just deep enough for the roots.  It is far more important to create a wide hole, as most roots will grow horizontally. 

Using the same soil that was in the hole, mix in a small handful of bonemeal and a handful of a high nitrogen supplement such as blood meal, fish meal, feather meal or alfalfa meal.  Hopefully you can test your soil to determine its pH or acidity level.  Peaches prefer a pH of 6-7, so soils that are below this level should receive a heavy dusting of agricultural lime in the area where the tree’s roots will eventually grow. |Repeat this process every six years.  A shovelful of good quality compost should be incorporated as well.  Mix this well and distribute it evenly around the roots, making sure there are no air pockets.  Once the hole is filled, soak the soil thoroughly to ensure good contact between the roots and soil. Many people create a small ‘crater’ to keep the water centered on the root system. Give the plant the equivalent of an inch of rain at least once a week, but do not allow the soil to become soggy.  Soil should be moist but never saturated.

For the first year provide a stake close to the trunk to prevent wind from rocking the plant.  Use a flexible tie that will not harm the bark.  After one year remove the stake.

For the first year, prune only diseased or damaged wood.  As the tree grows you can remove one or two branches each year if necessary to create a balanced structure with branches around 8inches (30cm) apart. The more you prune, the more you will delay fruit production.  As always, the answer lies in balance.

Peaches are a risky crop in Hardiness Zones 4 and 5, but if you provide protection, have a hardy variety and keep your plant well-watered and fed, you will have a good chance of picking and tasting one of nature’s finest fruits.