Peaches are very reliable trees. They not only grow fast but they also produce fruits within a few years of planting, thus making them an excellent addition to your outdoor space. Think of how attractive they would look against your wooden shed (check there wooden sheds) and the shade that they would provide on those hot summer days. There are two main ways in which you can grow these trees. The first method involves producing a tree from a pit.
While this method is effective at most times and is an affordable option, most gardeners tend to shun it owing to the time taken for fruits to develop. If you go down this route, you should enjoy your first harvest in about three to four years,
The other option involves getting a young tree from a nursery.
Given that such trees have often established by the time they get transplanted, the chances of success are quite high, and thus people prefer using this method. If you use a young tree, you can harvest fruit in as little as two years. Sometimes, you can do so in one year.
When it comes to how to plant a peach tree, it is essential that you realize that this tree is quite delicate and you should thus be ready to take good care of it. For one, you have to ensure that the conditions in which it thrives are suitable for its growth. Also, you must protect it from infestation by insects and diseases. If you keep all these factors in mind, you will be sure to enjoy abundant harvests in the future.
Preparations
You could always opt to use a seedling if you do not mind the hassle that comes from planting such. However, the best way to go for a first-time tree farmer, the best bet would be in getting a young tree. Visit a local tree farm or nursery and go through the options available before making a decision. Go for peach trees that are at least one year old when making the purchase. It takes about three to six years for a peach seed to become a mature tree and for this reason; you will have a bit of a head start regarding produce production.
As for some of the things you should look for, leaves are some of the things to which you should pay attention. During fall and early spring, peach trees tend to have few to no leaves, and this makes transplanting them very easy. If you choose a tree with many leaves and widespread branches, transplanting it will be quite a hassle. For one, the change will be hard for the tree, and it could end up dying, unable to keep up with the strain.
If you’re one of the brave few and you wish to use seeds in the planting process, you need to look into the traits of the ‘mother peach.’ If it is sweet, the chances are high that the fruits you get will also be tasty. It is important to note though that this is not a guarantee. Get a sweet peach and let the pit dry before cracking it open. Inside, you will find seeds which you can then use in this quest.
The variety of peach tree that you decide to plant will be dependent on the climatic conditions in your region. Start by asking an expert about the trees that you should consider based on your zone. Take the example of if you live in an area with cold weather during most of the months. You would need a variety such as Frost as this can withstand the severe temperatures without getting affected.
If you need something small that you can grow under controlled conditions such as inside your wooden shed, you should look into the Honey Babe variety as well as others in this category. With about six meters of height, these varieties should not pose a problem to you in the future, provided there is sufficient care in place.
Springtime is the best period to transplant a tree. Given that the tree will be dormant during this time, it will not undergo much strain during the change, and this will give it time to establish before other seasons begin. If you choose to transplant your tree in the summer, the chances of failure are very high.
Whether you are planting the peach in the indoors or the outdoors, you must ensure that the location you choose receives adequate sunlight. If you can provide at least six hours of direct sunlight, the tree will grow healthy. Additionally, you should ensure that the tree is in a warm place such as a south-facing wall. The more heat the tree receives, the sooner you can start enjoying the fruits.
As for the soil, ensure that it is fertile and well-drained. You should also look into the aeration levels to prevent the occurrence of frost.
Planting Time
Once you find a location that pleases you, start by breaking soil in a five-foot diameter section. You can use a spade for this. The essence of this area is to give the tree enough space to spread its branches, thus enabling it to grow strong. Also, it protects the tree from having to compete for nutrients with grass.
Next, dig at least twelve inches into the ground to prepare space for roots. Make sure that you spread the roots towards the outside and while doing so, ensure that you do not bend them as this will be harmful to the tree. Add organic matter into the hole and mix it into the soil before watering the mixture. At this point, you can work on regulating the pH if there is a need for it.
Take the peach tree and set it in the middle of the soil mix and cover up the roots with dirt.
Care Practices
It is important that you water your tree now and then when the soil becomes too dry. If you live in an area with adequate rainfall, you can rely on the rain for watering, and you can divert your attention to mulching and weeding. It is vital that you boost the soil nutrients at least twice a year to ensure that your tree gets all the nourishment it needs. Additionally, use pesticide on your tree to keep insects at bay.
With these few processes out of the way, you are well on your head to reaping the fruits of your labor.
