So interesting about the new understanding about how deep roots can go. I was wondering how my peach trees could produce such juicy peaches this year, despite a dry summer when I was rarely able to give them extra water.
I should also point out that peaches are remarkably adaptable. Although native to somewhere in Eastern China (not Persia), they are found growing, ferally, throughout China and Mongolia, as well as Eastern Europe, Australia, much of the drier parts of Africa, North America, and even Canada (and probably South America). And those are the seedlings that have gone roque. They have readily adjusted to all manner of watering patterns and amounts. I've always recommended that peaches (and almost all other fruit trees) be watered deeply to get them "established." And then watered, also deeply, only when a serious drought has visible negative effects on the trees.
I did water mine deeply in the early years, plus we tend to get a lot of spring rain. But later in the summer the top layers of soil get very dry without extra water. We had the best peaches this year that we have ever had, probably because of the extra heat, a silver lining of climate change.
You have done it again Joe! Amazing facts!
So interesting about the new understanding about how deep roots can go. I was wondering how my peach trees could produce such juicy peaches this year, despite a dry summer when I was rarely able to give them extra water.
I should also point out that peaches are remarkably adaptable. Although native to somewhere in Eastern China (not Persia), they are found growing, ferally, throughout China and Mongolia, as well as Eastern Europe, Australia, much of the drier parts of Africa, North America, and even Canada (and probably South America). And those are the seedlings that have gone roque. They have readily adjusted to all manner of watering patterns and amounts. I've always recommended that peaches (and almost all other fruit trees) be watered deeply to get them "established." And then watered, also deeply, only when a serious drought has visible negative effects on the trees.
I did water mine deeply in the early years, plus we tend to get a lot of spring rain. But later in the summer the top layers of soil get very dry without extra water. We had the best peaches this year that we have ever had, probably because of the extra heat, a silver lining of climate change.
Amazing, isn't it?