Just Peachy!!

This beautiful peach blossom belongs to my peach tree. 

Peach Blossom "Peach Reliance"

It is the Peach Reliance.  The Peach Reliance is an excellent choice for the northern gardener as they can with stand temperatures to -25 degrees and here in Maine that temperature isn't unlikely.  In fact this year it will be interesting to see how the Peach Reliance does with all the sub freezing temperatures we've had.

 

Peach trees in general take about 4-5 years to start producing fruit which can be a negative for those who want to grow peaches and want them the same year, but on the positive side you don't need 2 trees for pollination as some fruit trees do.  One is sufficient. 

 

Last year was my first full year and we easily got enough peaches to can over 24 pint jars with plenty left over.  Probably would have gotten a lot more if I had known how to treat the tree with some of the issues it had.  I had a hard time figuring out issues such as spots on the fruit, sap on the fruit, canker. 

 

You know I have to say I found it difficult to find the information I needed to know about my problems with my peach tree.  So this year I will try harder to stay on top of things and try to get any pests or diseases as soon as I see them.  In fact I think I will get in touch with some local growers to see what they have done to deal with such problems.

 

I'm going to be pruning this year pretty heavily clearing out branches that are crossing each other and thinning out the whole tree in general.  I will be leaving one year old branches that have three buds on it.  The center bud is the leaf bud and the two outer buds are the flowers.

 

I'll fertilize in May.  When the tree starts producing fruit I will start thinning them out to one fruit every six to eight inches on a twig.  This will be the hard part as I don't want to get rid of any fruit, but to ensure a healthy tree I need to get over it an do it.

 

Growing peaches as with any fruit or vegetable is through trial and error.  I do make it a habit to use as much organic materials as possible including any pest control I may and hopefully may not need.

 

Below are a few products that you can purchase from my Society 6 site.  Beautiful décor for your home or office.

 

iPhone & iPod cases and skins  iPad cases and Laptop & iPad skins

 

 

Mugs, Tote Bags and Pillows

 

Wall Clocks and Shower Curtains

 

Great gifts for that gardener in your life or you!!

Happy gardening!!

 

 

Flower Power Friday........

I know I said I would have photos of my progress, but due to rain and me feeling under the weather I didn't get really anything done.  The ground got to soft with all the rain we are having and so doing any sort of planting would just compact the soil.  I have to say I'm very frustrated that I haven't been able to get out there.  This when I can easily fall behind, but I'm not going to let that happen.  I just have to reorganize my plans a bit.  Weather permitting I will have many updates for you.

 

So with that said I will still have a Flower Power Friday......featuring my Peach Blossoms.  About 5 years ago I planted a Peach Reliance tree which would handle temperature of -30 degrees, which here in Maine that could easily happen.  Last year we got our first blossoms which were only a few and our one and only peach.  This year I'm thrilled to say there were blossoms all over the tree and I'm hoping for a full crop of peaches.

 

This first photo was taken last year

Peach Reliance Blossom

 

This next photo was taken this year just about a week ago

 

Peach Reliance Blossom

When I got the Peach Reliance I didn't realize it would take 4 years to get any fruit.  With Peach trees they are for the most part self pollinating therefore you don't need a second tree.  Where if I were to grow apples I would need 2 trees and they would have to be different.  Not exactly sure why that is, but I do know that I would only have to wait two years for fruit. 

 

Have a Safe and Wonderful Holiday Weekend!

See you for Tuesday Treasury!!