MMMM peaches! A luscious ripe peach has no comparison. Peaches are well worth growing even thou challenging they can be.
A home-grown ripe peach is so much better than those sold in stores.
Peach blossoms in spring are a beautiful site. But peaches can be a bit picky so it's very important to get them off to a good start. For Zone 6 that means choosing the right variety and the right location.
Varieties
Selecting the appropriate peach varieties that are well-suited to Zone 6 is crucial for a successful harvest. The peaches that have done best for me in zone 6 are Saturn, Reliance, and Contender. Peaches are very micro-climates so I would ask your extension agent what varieties do well in your area.
Saturn: A reliable and popular variety that produces medium to large-sized fruit with excellent flavor. The fruit is flattened and tastes delicious. Disease-resistant to bacterial leafspot. Freestone makes a great peach for canning. Ripens in late July.
Reliance: My best peach. Known for its cold hardiness and resistance to late frosts, this variety is a great option for Zone 6 growers. Bears at a young age. Resistance to peach leaf curl. Freestone. Early ripens in July.
Contender: similar to the classic Redhaven but hardier and ripens later. Cold hardy and disease resistant. Resists bacterial leaf spot. Blooms later in spring which is an advantage when you have a late spring frost. Yellow very sweet freestone fruit. Resistant to leaf spot.
Peaches are reliably self-pollinating but a friend planted close by (within 100 feet) will improve yield.
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Coming soon - Growing Fruit in Zone 6
Location
When planting peach trees in Zone 6 they need full sun and benefit from getting some good early morning sun.
The Queen
Think of peach trees as the queens of the orchard. Higher ground looking down on everyone else and facing the morning sun as it rises. They also like to be up a bit higher and not in a low area where cool moister air settles.
Peaches are royalty!!
Put them on high ground that stays warmer.
Soil Preparation
Soil preparation is very important for peach trees. Peach trees are not big on clay soil - which we have in abundance in zone 6. They like well-draining slightly acidic soil.
If your soil does not drain well consider a bottomless raised bed for your peaches. One that’s 12-inches deep with three-foot sides will work well. Dig the soil under the raised bed and add amendments before adding soil to the top. I like the Sun Grow products (Amazon link) to add to raised beds.
They are heavy feeders and like a soil rich in nutrients. Every spring I pull back to mulch and add two inches of compost around the tree’s drip line. Then I put the mulch back over the compost and let the worms do their thing.
You may have seen my secret sauce recipe for fruit trees in other videos. However, for peaches, we have added something new. Greensand. This will help loosen the soil and add some potash which peach trees like.
picture of secret sauce
So start by digging a nice big hole and mix your garden soil with the amendments in my secret sauce. Sometimes I recommend planting fruit trees in the fall. Not peaches.
Plant them in spring but after your last frost. Young peaches are sensitive to temperatures under 50° F.
Graft
Grafting is used to control the size of the tree and combines the benefits of the rooting stock with the tree. It is very important to keep the graft above the soil level. If the graft is covered with soil during planting it could develop roots from above the graft. This would result in a full sized tree.
For dwarf trees, the bud union should be planted 2 to 3 inches above the soil line.
Water & Mulch
Throughout the growing season, make sure to water your peach trees regularly, especially during dry periods. Applying a layer of mulch around the base of the tree can help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
Peaches benefit from a thick layer of mulch. Wood chips work well for them. Keep the mulch back from the trunk.
Peaches in small spaces
Peach trees actually do well in small spaces and can easily be trained as an espalier. They benefit from the warmth coming from the home.
You can grow dwarf peaches in a container.
Many dwarf varieties of peaches do well in small places. Peaches are self-fertile but will produce more with a friend of another variety.
When planting in urban areas consider how close you are to any utility (electric, water, sewage) lines. Consider the mature height of your tree and the mature spread of the roots.
Pruning and Thinning
Another reason peaches do well in smaller gardens is they like pruning. Proper pruning is essential for the health and productivity of peach trees. In late winter or early spring, prune your trees to remove dead or damaged branches and promote new growth. You can prune off the tip at the end of branches to encourage a wider shape.
Thinning is important with peaches. Young fruit that is too close together won't reach a good size and is more prone to fungal issues. Thin fruits so they are 6 inches apart.
Peach trees grow well in a goblet shape. That means we prune out branches in the center to form a nice open shape. This allows the sun to get to the middle of the tree and encourages good airflow.
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Pests and Diseases
Peaches are prone to a lot of pests and diseases. It is essential to monitor your trees regularly and take preventative measures. So you want to get them on a good organic spray schedule. I have a free download of orchard maintenance schedule which I'll link below.
Common insect pests that may affect peach trees include aphids, borers, and plum curculio. Many types of borers burrow and feed beneath the bark, lay eggs, and can cause the tree to wither.
One pest I've dealt with on peaches is Japanese beetles. Honestly, the best method is to knock them off plants into a bucket of soapy water. Don't put out those Japanese beetle traps as they will just draw everyone else beetles to you.
Diseases such as peach leaf curl and brown rot can also impact peach trees in Zone 6. To prevent these diseases, choose disease-resistant varieties when possible and practice good sanitation by removing and disposing of infected branches or fruit.
Peaches also get a variety of molds and mildew like black fungus. The best steps are prevention and having a spray and fertilizing schedule. Pruning to provide good airflow is critical with peaches.
You can download my orchard maintenance chart for free in the website store.
Peaches are popular with local wildlife including deer and a variety of birds. Fencing is the best option for mammals and netting will help keep birds away.
Harvest
Peaches can be harvested anytime from late June to September depending on variety. When choosing peach varieties compare their harvest schedule and get peaches that mature in early and late summer to give yourself the best range of fruit.
Are they ready?
One way to tell if they are ready is that they will have that wonderful sweet aroma.
Ripe fruit will come off the tree with a slight twist.
Storage
Peaches have a short life once picked. About a week in the fridge. They are great to make into jam.
I like to slice them and can them. They are great for pulling out in the middle of winter.
Ways To Use Peaches
Ways to Use Peaches in Cooking:
Fresh Peach Salsa:
Combine diced peaches, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, and salt for a delicious salsa to pair with grilled chicken or fish.
Peach Caprese Salad:
Layer sliced peaches, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a balsamic reduction for a sweet twist on the classic Caprese salad.
Grilled Peaches:
Cut peaches in half, remove the pit, and grill until caramelized. Serve with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a simple and tasty dessert.
Peach and Prosciutto Pizza:
Top pizza dough with sliced peaches, prosciutto, arugula, and a balsamic glaze for a gourmet pizza experience.
Peach BBQ Sauce:
Cook down peaches with tomato paste, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices to create a unique and flavorful BBQ sauce for ribs, chicken, or tofu.
Peach Cobbler:
Bake a classic peach cobbler topped with a buttery biscuit crust for a comforting and satisfying dessert.
Peach Smoothie:
Blend peaches with yogurt, banana, and a splash of orange juice for a refreshing and nutritious smoothie.
Peach and Goat Cheese Crostini:
Spread goat cheese on toasted baguette slices and top with sliced peaches, honey, and a sprinkle of thyme for an elegant appetizer.
Peach Sorbet:
Puree peaches with sugar and lemon juice, then churn in an ice cream maker for a refreshing homemade sorbet.
Peach Glazed Pork Chops:
Cook pork chops with a peach glaze made from pureed peaches, soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar for a sweet and savory main dish.
Enjoy experimenting with these delicious ways to incorporate peaches into your cooking repertoire!
Author, Ame Vanorio, founder of Fox Run EEC, Master Gardener, and kid still playing in the dirt. You can check out here Author Page on Amazon.
Raspberries are a great addition to your garden. Each plant typically produces one to two quarts of fruit. In addition, the leaves make a great tea and vinegar. Growing raspberries at home also ensures that your fruit is organic and free of pesticides.