Best Tips for Growing and Harvesting Peaches & Nectarines

Starting Off

Using a hammer or nutcracker, get the seed of a peach pit out and insert it into a sealed bag with moist soil.
Keeping this bag in a refrigerator for 2-3 months will allow for the seed to begin germination at a much faster rate because of the cold climate simulation.
Once you see roots exposed, add the seedling to a container sitting in a very sunny location. Remember to keep the soil moist for speedy growth.
By starting this process in December, you can then plan to move your seedling outdoors after the last frost in April.

Make sure that your peach variety is best for your climate and ensure that, for best growth opportunities, you have given your peach tree the required “chill hour requirement.”
Soil climate that has a pH of 6-7 and excellent drainage is best for peach trees. If you cannot obtain this naturally in the environment, simulate this with a raised garden bed.
Water the soil completely and adjust the soil for depth change.
Melnor Pro Tip:
- Using our long line of smart water timers, you can schedule certain days and specific times that you would like your sprinkler to be on!
- This is especially helpful when you are away from the house for extended periods of time during the early stages of the peach tree’s life.
Fertilizer and mulch help to enrich the soil so the peach tree always has enough nutrients to pull from. Remember, you are growing a tree, timeliness matters.

A soil basin ring around the trunk of the tree can also help by adding a “reservoir” of nutrients.
Using a stake, attack the tree to help against wind destruction and bending.

Give trees 2 gallons of water a week as they approach maturation. This same amount can last a fully grown peach tree for a week and a half.
Prune trees for optimal fruit production.

Late June through August usually is the best time to harvest your peaches. This gives them a sweet, full flavor that will pack a punch each bite.
Tell tale signs of ripening include:
- Peaches that do not have any green coloring
- Peach skin and structure begins to soften
- Best way to really know is to taste test a small peach

Source

MasterClass staff, “How to Grow a Peach Tree in Your Backyard” MasterClass, November 8, 2020, accessed July 14, 2021, https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-a-peach-tree-in-your-backyard#how-to-care-for-a-peach-tree.

As the temperatures drop and the days shorten, preparing your lawn for winter is crucial [...]

21
Oct

Are you dreaming of a picture-perfect lawn? One of the best ways to ensure lush, [...]

12
Apr

Embrace the changing seasons and master fall garden clean-up! With the right approach and a [...]

23
Oct