Sunday, March 1, 2009

Growing Peach Trees

By Austin Thomas

It is useful to have the tree planted in a lawn because then sheets or clothes can be laid under the tree on to which the fruit can drop when fully ripe.

Unfortunately, all the fruits do not ripen at the same time and so this makes the harvesting very onerous.

Generally speaking, if the land is in good heart, it is not necessary to apply the dried blood until the bush trees start to slow down in growth. This may happen quicker on the grass system than it does on the straw system and I had used, for peaches in grass, cocoa shell at 4 oz. to the sq. yard. It is not a dear organic fertilizer and it has given good results when applied in February.

Opinions differ greatly as to whether it is better in this country to grow trees on their own roots, on peach stocks or on plum stocks. The latter were, of course, used for many years by the nurseryman for trained trees which were to be planted in greenhouses. It is said that the Brompton Stock produces the largest tree whereas the Common Mussel Stock produces a much smaller tree. The truth is that we don't know enough about stocks at the moment, especially as different varieties undoubtedly behave differently on the various stocks mentioned.

If a fan-shaped tree is to be planted against a wall or a fence, the base of the tree should purposely be planted 6 inches away from the wall and the half-circular hole dug out to a depth of 8 inches should be arranged so that the bulk of the roots can be spaced out properly. Should it be necessary to cut back some of the broken roots, the cut should be at an angle of 60 degrees, facing upwards. This encourages more fibrous roots to be produced.

Several choice varieties of nectarines are Early Rivers. Probably the best early nectarine-a greenish yellow covered with brilliant scarlet. Flesh tender, juicy and rich flavoured. Season mid-July; Elruge. One of the hardiest of the nectarines and so very popular. Bears greenish white fruits with a purplish red flush. These are delicately perfumed. Season late Aug; Humboldt. A very beautiful variety both when in bloom and when the fruit is ripening. A later flowerer and so useful in frosty spots. Fruits orange with a deep crimson flush. Flesh juicy, tender and golden. Season mid-Aug; Joini Rivers. Probably the earliest of the outdoor nectarines. Produces large fruits, golden yellow colour coupled with darker stripes of a crimson flush. Season mid-July; Lord Napier. A great favourite of mine because it is a regular cropper, producing large, extremely delicious rich-flavoured fruits. These are pale yellow with a deep browny, crimson flush. Season early Aug; Pineapple. Only recommended for the southern and southwestern gardens. The fruits are large, greeny yellow with a crimson- red flush. The flesh is melting and has a slight pineapple flavour. Season early Sept; Violette Hative. One of the oldest varieties known which my French friends claim is the best. The nectarine is smaller than any other of the varieties and with a good flavour. It should do well in the south and south-west. Season mid.-Aug. - 16035

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