August Is Peach Month!
Posted on August 01 2019
Summer isn't all about watermelon and berries! August is declared to be National Peach Month; and for good reason. With over 300 varieties of peaches in the United States, they make great picnic snacks to have on-hand and are used to make the best-tasting pies and ice cream. Peaches are easy to grow in zones 5-9; and can bear up to 66 pounds of fruit each year if grown properly.
Here are tips on growing peach trees
Before planting peaches, choose a site with well-drained with moderately fertile soil that can receive full sunshine for at least six hours. Be sure to avoid low areas because frost can more easily settle there and destroy your peaches. Plant the peach trees in spring; but keep in mind that fruit will not bear the first year. Growers must wait 3 to 4 years before it starts to produce fruit, notes the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.
Keeping fruit trees away from wildlife
Young peach trees are vulnerable to small animals during the first year of life. Therefore, it is recommended that fruit growers prepare their growing site with tree guards wrapped around the base of trees for tree protection against wildlife. As the trees mature, tree guards can be removed and deer fencing can be added around the perimeter of the fruit garden.
Peaches are fun and easy to grow producing many delicious types of peaches for the whole family to enjoy in the summer season.
