Peaches!
by
Judy
1 Material
$50
2 Hours
Easy
I'm not sure if this qualifies as a project but it was for me!
Four years ago I planted 2 peach trees.
Did you know these trees do not need a second to cross pollinate each other? They don't. But I'm glad I have 2.
So, I planted according to the farmers instructions I purchased them from.
A hole twice as big. Mounded in the center to support the roots and water daily for 2 weeks or more if it needs it. Don't drown the roots though.
Four years later a bumper crop of peaches.
This past spring I asked a farmer friend if they knew who I could ask about peach trimming.
Who knew, they had acres of them!
I was invited to a live trimming to watch.
Picking my friends husbands brain for hours, I learned so much!
First, to straighten out the crooked trunk, tie a thick strap in the opposite direction to even it out. That only took this season and it's all fixed now. I planted it a little crooked.
Then he told me to trim the trees middle out, find the 3 main stems and trim away.
Cleaning out the middle makes the sun be able to get to the peaches since it fills in so thick.
Bake the farmer brownies to thank him is a must.
As you see, I have gorgeous peaches now.
On this years new growth, will produce next years fruit. So the dark wood is not going to produce a thing.
Thinning out fruit when it begins to appear will seem counterintuitive but it helps them
not crowd and makes larger jucier fruit.
Trimming branches and fruit is sending all of that energy back to the growing fruits.
You are actually helping your crop be larger.
Just the beginning or picking season. Imagine juicy peaches in your freezer ready to snack on in the dead of winter! Sorbet anyone?
Before re planting a fruit tree investigate how, where to plant. What it needs. How to trim it.
Youtube is great.
Check your communities cooperative extension for specific details about your growing area.
See how no branches cross over or crowd the next one?
After trimming before the leaves came out, it has new growth of over 24"!
We have had really great rain this year so I know that helped.
If you choose to plant fruit trees be aware of the critters who may visit. We choose to not spray our crop. So far so good!
Comments
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2 comments
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It absolutely counts as a project! Your tree looks so beautiful!
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Great job! Nothing like orchard or homegrown fresh peaches! Be very proud of yourself. 🍑
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