Hey everyone! So, my amazing mother-in-law just gifted me a bunch of plants, including a peach tree (not sure of the variety, but it has purple leaves) and a Winesap apple tree. I'm in zone 7, and it's been scorching lately, but thankfully we're expecting cooler weather soon. I've never had fruit trees before, and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the information out there. Do any of you have simple resources or tips for a newbie like me? Also, should I plant them about 20-30 feet apart for pollination? Thanks a bunch!
2 Answers
From my experience with my own peach tree, the key is to learn how to prune it as it grows. But the really big thing is pest control—if you wait too long to spray, you'll lose all your peaches to bugs! I learned that the hard way. Don’t forget to protect your harvest!
Your peach tree might just be an ornamental variety, which can self-pollinate, so you might still get some fruit even if it’s not super tasty. For the Winesap apple, you definitely need another variety to pollinate with, and timing is important since Winesap is a late bloomer. Just remember to adhere to the planting distance suggested on the tag to avoid issues! Oh, and check out resources like Anne of all Trades on YouTube for some straightforward advice.