Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Peaches have attractive (not to mention delicious) fruit, and beautiful stems and leaves.
(Photo courtesy of Steven Depolo)
Peaches can be planted on the north side of the home, barn, or stand of trees where winter shade
will be provided so the temperature during fall and spring season changes will be more even instead
of erratic. You can also paint the tree trunk and major branch joints with white paint after leaf fall
to reflect the winter sun and help protect the tree from damage caused by temporary winter thaws.
There are tons of peach varieties to choose from, so try checking with your extension office for
tips on which ones to try. In southern climates with mild winters, you should look for low-chill
cultivars. Because peaches are generally self-pollinating, you can plant a single peach tree on your
property. In fact, the gorgeous pink flowers can easily take the place of an ornamental pear that
won't bear fruit for you!
Peaches come in two types: clingstone peaches in which the fruit is attached to the pit inside, and
freestone peaches in which the pit is more detached and separates from the flesh better. Growing
your own peaches allows you to select some of the most delicious, thin-skinned peaches from years
past, the likes of which you've never purchased at a grocery store. Commercial growers select variet-
ies with harder flesh and thicker skins that hold up well to the abuse of shipping hundreds of miles.
Your peaches only have to make it from tree to teeth.
Over the Garden Fence
Nectarines are a naturally occurring sport (wild mutation) of peaches. Nectarines are fuzzless peaches and
are produced both from breeding nectarines to nectarines and from grafting sports that appear on peach
trees.
