peaches

It takes a committed gardener to consistently produce high-quality peaches or plums. These fruit crops are especially demanding when it comes to pest management because peaches and plums are attacked by many insects and diseases that must be controlled to have a successful crop. This publication provides information on how to identify pests and when to treat. It also includes a recommended spray schedule for disease and insect treatments based on stage of crop development.

Apples

Apples are traditionally a northern crop best suited for the northern third of Mississippi. Elsewhere in the state, apple trees can be planted in home orchards. Spur-type apple trees produce fruit more quickly than regular types and are usually preferred. Apples can be grown in most soils, but a well-drained silt loam is best.

Most apple varieties set a better fruit load and produce higher quality fruit when cross-pollination is ensured by planting two or more varieties. Choose varieties based on bloom periods (early, middle, or late).

Peaches, nectarines, and plums, all members of the Prunus genus, grow well throughout Mississippi if late spring frosts or freezes do not damage blooms or young fruit. Spring freezes or frosts during or after bloom are often the limiting factor for peach, nectarine, and plum production. Several factors affect the potential for spring freeze damage.