Last year the week after I planted my first kitchen garden I bought this little homely peach tree from Home Depot. It's a Semi-Dwarf Bell of Georgia.I complain all the time about being from the south but when it comes right down to it, I sorta miss some things about it. And even though I'm not from Georgia, I am well versed in the deliciousness of the Georgia Peach. So, when Mr. Wonderful said he'd like me to grow some peaches, I picked this variety hoping to plant a little of my southern heritage in my yard. Check out the "flower bed" in the picture below. Boy that brings back memories of sod and weed removal last year.
I dug a hole and plopped it in and watered it when I remembered.
Here it is this morning. It's kinda wild looking and I suppose I should prune it some day but I don't know how to do that either. It's done really well in this spot but I'm worried that it's going to outgrow this space fast. 
After I planted this tree, a guy I work with who lived on a farm with an actual orchard told me that I may as well dig this up and throw it in the trash because I'd never get a peach tree to bear fruit in Chicago. He says it's too cold. Well, that's OK too. I still think it's pretty.
I am not sure what zone you are in, but here in 6B we get lots of peaches. I live in a city and there is a peach tree a few blocks away in a vacant lot - we forage peaches from it. They are a bit small, and often bee-stung, but they are peaches nonetheless. There are also commercial orchards here, and backyard peach trees. So, I know they grow further north than Georgia! Ignore the naysayers and keep on growing your tree. I would definitely look into pruning, through - it makes a difference, right from the beginning. You could train the tree so that it works for that space.
ReplyDeleteNot true! Not true! A fellow I worked with had a peach tree and he had bags and bags of peaches.
ReplyDeleteAnd he lives even farther north than you do. I agree with Matriarchy completely. Look on line how to prune a peach tree for maximum beauty and peaches. I love the pale pink flowers you included. (I had really good luck for quite a while with growing nectarines, so you won't have any trouble with peaches.) Have a great holiday.
Hmpf. I KNOW that people grow peaches up here in Cleveland... so why the heck not in Chicago, too?! I just planted a peach tree myself, so it's fun to see how much growth yours has put on in a year, Gina.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely right: you CAN grow peaches there, Gina. You just have to protect the flowers from frost; that's what stops the fruit. Northern gardeners usually grow apricots and peaches as espalier trees (ie trained up against a south-facing wall) with some means of protecting the blossom and budding fruit until danger of frost has passed. Bit of a hassle, of course, but it CAN be done.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to you! I went to the link and read the first post and LOL at the 'lazy bastard' comment! I don't think so! Your posts often make me laugh and the world is a better place for your garden and blog! If anyone can grow peaches in Chicago, you can!
ReplyDeleteThat's ridiculous - I've seen peach trees loaded with fruit on garden tours here in Chicago. You may need to make sure you have the right variety and a protected place, but you can certainly grow peaches here!
ReplyDeleteYes, you can grow them where you are! I agree you might have to protect it from frost in the spring, but that's not so bad when you think of the benefits!
ReplyDeletethank you all for the vote of confidence! I sure hope you are right!
ReplyDelete