236 



GARDEN GUIDE 



Peaches thrive in a hght, well drained soil and preference should 

 be given to a northern aspect, as this tends to retard the date of flow- 

 ering and prevent a total loss of the crop which would result if sub- 

 jected to a* freezing temperature while the trees are in bloom. At best 

 Peaches are a precarious crop unless well protected from cutting winds. 

 During Winter, if the temperature falls to ten degrees below zero, the 

 blossom buds will generally be killed although In a dormant state, and 

 no fruit can be expected under such conditions. Peach trees come into 

 bearing early, and for this reason young plants should be selected for 

 planting and careful attention given to pruning to get the tree into 

 shape. 



Early Fall is the best time to plant, as the trees have a chance 

 to get rooted a little before the ground becomes severely frozen. The 

 roots being very fine, the trees should be planted as near the surface 

 as consistent with firm and secure planting, and a stake put at each 

 tree, if necessary, to prevent its moving. Peaches hke the ground 

 around them cultivated, and much better fruit will result. 



They require little pruning except to cut back strong growths, and 

 to thin out if the branches become too crowded. Dwarf standards 

 are preferable, but in small gardens trees can be trained against a 

 building or on a fence. Under this method of culture they produce 

 fme fruit, and ripening is assured in unfavorable seasons. 



A spraying with arsenate of lead will check any tendency of 

 fungous growth if done while the leaves are quite small; if done after 

 the fruit gains size the woolly down which covers it holds the spraying 

 solution and may cause some disfigurement. Aphids usually attack 

 the young leaves and if planted against a wall frequent severe syring- 

 ing with force enough to dislodge the insects will keep them in check. 

 A solution of nicotine may be used effectively against this black aphis, 

 but is almost sure to leave a stain on the fruit and should not be 

 applied in any case after the fruit is half grown. 



Early varieties are the best to plant as the season is none too 

 long for the maturing of the fruit. 



New varieties are raised from seed and their perpetuation is 

 secured by budding. This is done when the stock is quite small and 

 usually close down to the ground. 



The best kinds are those which are known to do well in partic- 

 ular locaHties, but those named are known to be generally good, 

 and can be safely reconimended, and are all freestone varieties: 

 Alexander. Medium size, white flesh, rich flavor. July. 

 Belle of Georgia. Large, showy, red cheek; flesh white, firm and 



sweet. August. 



Early Crawford. Large, yellow, of good quality. Early September. 



