Hi, a friend gave me a peach tree that grew from a seed. It is only about 1-1/2 to 2 ft. high and still spindly. I live in Southern CA where it is hot, and the earth here is clay. A peach grove was here before the house was built so peaches do grow in this area o.k.
I want information about how to care for this tree and also how to prevent the potential problems that fruit trees can have. Any suggestions (including book recommendations) will be appreciated. Thanks, Bette
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Thank you very much for such complete information. You covered what I was wondering about and more, like the copper spray and aphids, and companion planting, mulch, good soil in the planting hole, etc. Now I can go plant my tree. It's been waiting for me to get into action. Thanks again, Bette
Not sure about the conditions in Southern CA, but I would probably consider digging a good hole before you plant and putting a good dose of potting mix or compost mixed with good soil into the hole before you plant it out. A neighbour gave us a black boy peach tree he grew from seed and its done well at our place but we are spoilt with fairly good although dry soil, more sandy loam than clay. I have planted tansy below my peach tree because it protects it (companion planting) and you do have to give them a copper spray when the buds just start appearing late winter/early spring to stop fungal leaf curl that can decimate the tree and make it less likely to fruit. Also they need WATER, or the leaves drop off rather quickly. Really my trees have been really good and didn't need much care other than the copper spray once a year and a prune in autumn. I removed inner branches so it was a 'vase' shape this apparently lets light into the center and keeps good air flow and prevent fungal diseases. You may find you get aphids on the fruit as they begin to ripen, I just washed them off my fruit as they did no real harm. You could spray with neem oil if you felt like it but I don't see why. Also make sure there is no grass underneath as they hate the competition, the tansy plant does appear to be helping the trees so I guess companion planting works! Oh, and if you are prone to dry like me, try mulching with straw around the base of them.
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Thank you very much for such complete information. You covered what I was wondering about and more, like the copper spray and aphids, and companion planting, mulch, good soil in the planting hole, etc. Now I can go plant my tree. It's been waiting for me to get into action. Thanks again, Bette