We have a small peach tree that is having its first harvest. The peaches are all over the tree but they don't seem to be growing or getting ripe. They aren't falling off but most everyone else is harvesting by now and ours are just sitting there. The foliage looks fine and we have been watering in case that is the problem. We have sprayed a couple of times with basic H but that is all the interference we have offered. Any ideas?

-- Kathy (DavidWH6@juno.com), July 17, 2000

Answers

Kathy, since this is the first harvest, don't give up on it yet. You may not have planted the ideal variety for your area. It may need even more water (or less). It may have run out of food. If the tree is grafted, there may be a problem in the graft area that is restricting water and nutrient flow. It may be root bound. It may have sent its roots into a poor area of soil. It may still ripen the fruit this year, but it may also need a few more years to get a good root system established to support itself.

Your local county extension agent should be able to give you some help with this tree. Wouldn't hurt to ask. Gerbil

-- Gerbil (ima_gerbil@hotmail.com), July 17, 2000.

I have a tree in Texas with the same problem. It used to be a good tree and we used to harvest good, ripe peaches from it, but now they only get about half size and sit there and never ripen. I have no idea what the problem is.

-- green (ratdogs10@yahoo.com), July 17, 2000.