National Peach Month

Although sweet, juicy peaches came from Europe over 2000 years ago, they have made quite an impression in Canada since their arrival in Ontario. By 1890, the peach had made it's way into British Columbia and touched Nova Scotia.

Canada peach trees differ from what you see in the States. Peach trees in Canada live 10-20 years, bearing fruit after 2-3 years. Growing peaches is easy in Ontario where 80 percent of peaches come from; and in British Columbia, where 18 percent come from. Peaches do not do well in Quebec because of the chilling temperatures. (Peaches can suffer from climate change - cold temperatures dropping to -23C.)

Canadian peaches grow best in the months of July through September where peach growers can plant 12 or more varieties of peaches.

"In the semiarid valleys of British Columbia, irrigation is essential for commercial culture. In Ontario, orchards are normally cultivated until July; a cover crop is then established to absorb surplus soil nitrogen, to slow tree growth and thus aid in hardening off for winter and to hold snow to protect the roots. In BC a permanent sod cover is usually established and orchards are not cultivated. Orchards are baited in fall and trees are painted with repellents to discourage injury from animals." (The Canadian Encyclopedia)

How To Grow Peaches

each trees can grow in USDA Zones 5 to 8; but are perfect-tasting in Zones 6 and 7. As with any fruit garden, growing peaches requires the proper care in order to yield a full harvest of peaches.

1) Choose a site where you can plant peaches in full sunlight and avoid low areas where frost may occur.

2) You will either have container peach trees or grafted trees. For container trees, remove the plant from the pot and shear any roots. For grafted trees, position the curves away from the sun when planting.

3) Dig a hole and set the tree on top of a small mound of soil. Spread roots away from the trunk without bending them.

4) Space larger fruit trees 15-20 feet apart. (Smaller trees can plant

Peach Tree Protection From Wildlife, Birds and Other Animals

Peach growers, listen up! Installing a deer fence is the most effective means for protecting peach plants from deer, rabbits and other small critters; however, fruit will not yield during the first year of planting peach trees. Therefore, it's best to start protecting trees from wildlife with tree guards. The tree protection easily wraps around trees protecting the base from small animals and deer rutting. Bird Netting is also easy to handle and can protect fruits from birds who may try to swoop down on the plants.

Combining these wildlife control methods makes for a safe and secure fruit garden.