If there is room in the yard for only one fruit tree, the peach is usually the one chosen. In the fruit is a stone, covered with a fleshy substance that is juicy and of fine flavor when mature. This is the good stuff that we planted the tree for. Peach trees are moderately tall and spreading, according to the variety. The division of the fruit into freestone and clingstone refers to the relative tendency of the flesh to cling to the stone. The two classes merge in different varieties and the same variety may be cling or freestone in different seasons. There are nearly 300 varieties grown in the United States.

Peaches are not long-lived trees, only lasting about 30 years. So, how many to plant? For the home, don't plant more than 3 or 4 - they take a considerable amount of care. Planting more trees than you can take care of usually results in wasted and rotten fruit at the trees harvest. A mature tree will produce an average of 3 bushels of fruit. When do you want them to ripen?  This will help you decide on what variety to plant.

Look for the following characteristics in the variety you choose. Make sure the tree is hardy in your area and will bloom when there is no possibility of hard frost that will kill the blossoms. Try to get a tree that is resistant to any diseases that may be in the plant community.  Some diseases are not controlled by sprays.  Choose a variety that will suit your needs.  Do you want the fruit for eating fresh? Get a freestone.  For canning purposes, some clingstone varieties are best.

When is the best time to plant your tree? Many people buy bare root trees in winter. Plant them as soon as the soil can be prepared. For canned stock in spring, the same thing goes-plant them as soon as you can. You want the roots to be well established as soon as possible so they can transport energy and nutrients to the new growth that will heavy clay soils. If one of these is the only situation you have, make a raised bed for your tree. To plant, dig a hole about 2 feet wider than the spread of the roots and deep enough to accommodate them. Plant the tree at the same depth that it was at the nursery. Before planting, check the roots, removing all broken ones and shortening any that are real long (12 to 18 inches). Place the tree in the hole and spread the roots. Separate them and make sure they are not cramped. Don't put any fertilizer in the hole. Now you can fill it in. To avoid air pockets, tamp the soil down as the hole is filled. When it is filled several inches from the top and the soil is firmly tamped, pour in a gallon or two of water. This will help settle it around the roots. Let the water soak in, then fill the hole the rest of the way and water again. -Be sure the graft union on the tree trunk is a couple of inches above the soil surface.