Peaches may look and taste like exotic fruit, but they can be grown successfully in your garden here in the UK. These delicious fruits are ready to harvest in late summer, which is why August is designated as Peach Month. Originally a native of China, peaches are cultivated all over the world, and they found their way to our shores four centuries ago.
Growing conditions
Peach trees are surprisingly hardy and grow well in pots or against a sunny wall, perhaps close to your Lifestyle garden furniture. Plant in the ground between November and March, or year-round if you opt to grow in a container. Make sure you have good drainage by either filling your planting hole with rubble or lining your pot with gravel. Digging in some well-rotted manure to your potting compost will also help keep nutrient levels high.
Year-round care
As soon as the blossom appears, boost fruit production by transferring pollen with a soft brush. Thin out the fruit once you have several on a branch – it’s better to focus the plant’s energy on fewer, juicier fruits. Your peach tree will need regular watering and feeding with a liquid fertiliser once a week during the late summer and early autumn. Once you’ve harvested the best of the peaches, it’s time to prune by removing all the old growth and keeping your tree protected from frost over the winter.
Varieties
Duke of York and Peregrine both produce high yields, Rochester has yellow flesh and crops in late August, and Redwing is also a popular variety, as it fruits well and is resistant to leaf curl. If you’re growing in a pot, opt for a dwarf variety like Garden Lady.
By following these tips, next summer you may find yourself harvesting ripe, juicy peaches – the perfect summertime snack.
