Peaches in the Pacific Northwest
Forum Archives
Lisa A
Location: Oregon, Greater Portland Metro
Posted: Sep-27-2004 at 10:54pm
The following post originally appeared in the thread, Apples in the Puget Sound in Rainy Side Cafe, and is in response to bakingbarb's query about lack of peaches at area farmers' markets.
Our climate isn't as conducive for peach growing as it is for pears, apples and cherries. At the nursery, we sold a few varieties that do better here but most peaches don't. 'Frost' is one variety we carried.
bakingbarb
Joined: Jul-02-2004
Location: Washington, Western
Posted: Sep-28-2004 at 9:55pm
Lisa why do peaches not do well here?
I was so excited to move out of Mi and the hot hot humid summers and the darn cold winters. Now I am a little dissapointed in this gardeing thing. Of course every area has its problems. Plant diseases were abundant in Mi becasue of the humidity although I notice here spring and fall are very wet. Also Mi has some serious pest problems that weaken the lives of peaches and plums.
I hate this, I have to have a peach tree.
I plan on shopping with raintree so I will rely on them to help me.
We are just going to drive out to Monroe in a couple of weekends and see if we can get some apples and pumpkins. I noticed a few old style farm stands.
thanks all
~BakingBarb
GardenNut
Location: Washington, Western Cascade Foothills
Posted: Sep-29-2004 at 9:00am
You can grow peaches here, it's just not as easy as, say, apples or strawberries. Farmers grow what the land will best produce, and here it's berries / pumpkins / veggies. I believe that peaches generally prefer more heat than our summers usually produce - think Georgia.
You'll need a variety suited to our region - you're already on the right track with Reintree. And you'll have to watch for peach leaf curl.
In fact, you can see a great picture of Debbie's peaches here. I'm sure she can give you more tips on growing them .
Chris Sunset 4 USDA 8a
Lisa A
Location: Oregon, Greater Portland Metro
Posted: Sep-29-2004 at 10:53am
Thanks for clarifying for me, Chris. You can grow peaches, they just pose more challenges, same as trying to grow a good watermelon here. We have a long growing season, but our cool summer nights can offset that advantage for some crops. The trick is to choose a variety that does best in our climate. And then learn what diseases to watch for, such as peach leaf curl, and take appropriate actions when necessary. Check out IPM management (Integrated Pest Management) for them at your local extension service. IPM focuses on prevention first, such as selecting a region-appropriate variety. When problems arise, treatment methods progress in this order - cultural, biological and then least toxic treatments. It's what I practice and I've found that 99% of the time, I rarely have to move beyond biological methods. Saves me time and money.
Oops, I went off on a tangent! Back to why peaches don't do well here . . . summer heat, or lack of, is, as Chris posted, the reason, IIRC. I googled the OSU site and found a list of peach and nectarine varieties for the Willamette Valley. The valley tends to have more sun and warmth than areas of Washington; check out the brief list of varieties at this WSU extension site. Towards the bottom of the link, you'll find another link that will help you connect with your local extension service for more information.
bakingbarb
Joined: Jul-02-2004
Location: Washington, Western
Posted: Sep-29-2004 at 6:49pm
Lisa, thanks for all that. I was thinking heat units today beacsue we were talking squash on another thread and that got me going. It would be a huge if I could not grow peaches here. My tree in Mi. got peach leaf curl easily and peach tree borers but the fruit it put out was bountiful and delish just the same. It was reliance. I have much to learn about here that is for sure.
~BakingBarb
Gardening for the Homebrewer: Grow and Process Plants for Making Beer, Wine, Gruit, Cider, Perry, and More
By co-authors Debbie Teashon (Rainy Side Gardeners) and Wendy Tweton