The peach is one of the most enjoyable of summer fruits with its succulent flesh and furry outer. Peaches are an excellent fruit to grow in almost any climate, if you have not tried to grow them already, and will require a little care. The selection on offer provides you with plants that are expertly grown and suited to many conditions, from containers in the urban garden to typical garden growing.

How to grow

Peaches are wonderful garden or greenhouse plants and are sure to reward. Plants for sale have been expertly grown and as such they require little more than planting and regular upkeep thereafter. When you receive your plant you should ensure that it is watered well and if you cannot plant it immediately ensure that your plant is stored in a cool and bright position until you are able to plant in to its final position.

Position 

A sunny site is preferred and a degree of shelter from cold winds and frosts is essential as blossoms appear in spring where frosts are likely. Ideally plants should be placed on a south- facing wall, however, any sunny spot should be fine and you can cover plants with garden fleece if frosts are predicted.

Soil 

A well-drained and fertile soil is key when growing Peaches. If your soil does not meet these essential requirements it can be easily improved with the addition of plenty of organic matter. Well-rotted garden compost, manure or multi-purpose compost should be used as this will help to open up the soil structure improving drainage as well as fertility. On heavier soils you may also wish to add horticultural grit, or another medium, to improve drainage further. A neutral to slightly acidic soil is ideal and you can identify your soil pH by using a soil testing kit.

Care

As with most fruiting plants, your peach will require regular application of a general fertilizer . It will also benefit plants if an annual mulch of well-rotted manure is applied to the base of plants in spring, avoiding contact with the main stem. Birds and other garden pests can damage trees and fruit and there are a wide range of pest control measures you can take. To protect fruits when in development place garden netting over the tree as this will act as a physical barrier.

Harvesting

Harvest fruits when they have achieved their final color and are plump. Remove fruits by hand or with the aid of pruners or lopers.  Alternatively you may wish to choose to leave fruits ripen on the tree and harvest when extra ripe and succulent.

Top Tip

When in flower your peach will require a pollinator in order to produce fruit. It is often the case that at this time of year there are few insects on the wing. It is possible to overcome this by pollinating plants yourself with the use of a paintbrush or other tool.