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Site Selection and Soil Preparation
Site selection for peaches and all stone fruits is similar to that for apples (see Orchard Establishment), with the following additional considerations:
First, more attention must be paid to minimum winter temperatures. Areas of Pennsylvania having winter temperatures of -10° F or below should not be considered for growing peaches or other stone fruits.
We strongly recommend that, if stone fruit is to be followed with stone fruit, a nematode sample be taken before removing the old orchard and that the ground be row-cropped for 1 to 2 years with a suitable grain. Do not use broadleaved crops such as soybeans or alfalfa since they may harbor the stem pitting virus. Corn or small grains are suitable. For more information on nematode problems and site preparation, see Part II, Diseases, Pests, and Natural Enemies—Peach Stem Pitting. The season before planting it is important to take care in choosing the herbicide program for the agronomic crop. Avoid high rates of atrazine during that year.
All commercial peach varieties, except J. H. Hale, are considered to be self-fertile. Even so, it is advisable to place bees in large blocks of one variety to ensure adequate pollination.
Using a water-soluble, exterior grade, white latex paint on stone fruit tree trunks may reduce winter injury. A good grade of dairy whitewash paint will also work. Apply to the southern and southwestern sides of stone fruit tree trunks, including the bases of main branches. The paint reflects much of the sunshine striking the trunk during bright winter days and reduces the amount of heat entering the bark. This lowers the possibility of bark splitting and subsequent tree damage.
It is particularly important to paint stone fruit tree trunks and the bases of main limbs up to 8 to 10 years of age. Smaller trunks and main limbs of younger trees respond more to the extreme fluctuations of winter temperatures and may be injured more severely than older trees.