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 Post subject: Chemical Free Peaches
PostPosted: Sat Jul 17, 2010 5:11 am 
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Location: Dallas, TX
I met you at Athens Organics last year and discussed our peach orchard, in Athens. We are using your fruit tree spray program along with several other organic products for various issues.

I am happy to tell you that we are now introducing "chemical free peaches" to Henderson County and Tyler by Farmer's Markets, "local" produce, stands, and word of mouth via family and friends. This is our first production year of about 60 Harvester variety trees, with an additional 80 Sam Houston trees coming next year. I had always thought it would be harder to grow them, than sell them! Once intoduced into the market, they sell themselves as we are now getting folks returning to the market looking for our peaches and today one of the "local" produce suppliers agreed to allow us to supply them with ALL thier peaches next year.


Thanks for your research and "Crusade" for organic produce.
Rick and Nancy Chandler
Serenity Orchards
Athens, TX
903.675.8079


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PostPosted: Mon Aug 09, 2010 5:40 pm 
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Mr. Rick,

I just saw your post regarding your chemical free peaches. We have three peach trees, but one was "ate up" with worms this year. We did not spray. Please tell me your chemical free formula for spraying peaches and when you apply the spray.

Thanks!
Jep Tatum
Granbury, TX


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PostPosted: Fri Aug 13, 2010 10:23 am 
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Hey Jep,
For insect control, I add the garlic and pepper concentrate to Garrett Juice, both from my local organic store, every 10 days or so per Howards instructions. As soon as it is warm enough I set out Trichogamma Wasp cards, again per Howard's instructions.
I have found that Potassium Bicarbonate controls the fungus/mold that warm, humid weather brings.
Take care,
Rick


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PostPosted: Fri Aug 13, 2010 12:51 pm 
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Location: Conroe, Tx North of Houston
I had worms on one of my trees as well. I also had brown rot spots on the fruit on two other trees, one peach and one plum tree. Funny tho, when I used a spiritual healing pattern on the tree with the rot, it went away so I am thinking I have a treatment for the next time for that. Thanks for posting this info. You are definitely appreciated. Now, need to find these items near me or online for next year's crop.

When in the life cycle of the fruit do you apply the first treatment? After you have fruit or before? Thanks!


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PostPosted: Mon Jun 27, 2011 10:04 am 
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Joined: Sun Mar 21, 2010 5:05 pm
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Location: Hill Country
RChandler wrote:
Hey Jep,
For insect control, I add the garlic and pepper concentrate to Garrett Juice, both from my local organic store, every 10 days or so per Howards instructions. As soon as it is warm enough I set out Trichogamma Wasp cards, again per Howard's instructions.
I have found that Potassium Bicarbonate controls the fungus/mold that warm, humid weather brings.
Take care,
Rick


Rick, Looks like things are working well for you. I, and I am sure others would love to hear more about your operation. Any things that have or have not worked for you? Are you using the garlic & pepper in the concentration that Howard recommends? Are you making your own? or are you purchasing that as a product? Are you adding anything else to that?

Orange oil? Molasses? Neem? Insecticiadal soap?

Do you add the potassium bicarbonate to your insect repellent, or do you use it separately?

Fertilizer? Compost only? Organic Granular? Any foliar appliactions?

Lastly, I noted that you have not pruned your trees the historical method. Have you found any drawbacks yet? I know with disease, air circulation is a major factor... I have to decide this yr how I will prune mine, just looking for a little additional insight.

I misconveyed the truth, I have one more question: What type of sprayer are you using?

Okay, Thanks a Million for any additional insight! I'm in the Fredericksburg area, and have seldom seen any decent looking Organic Peaches. Generally, they look like something you would not care to eat. I'd like to prove that doesn't have to be the case.


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PostPosted: Tue Aug 30, 2011 4:50 pm 
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Hello Within Reason,
Sorry for the late response, I haven't browsed here in awhile.
I have found Howard's Tree Program to be on the mark for fertilization and pest control. everything you need in one place :)
I fertilize 3 times a year with dry organics along with the seasonal requirements, IE: soft rock phosphate in June, sul-po-mag in September. I highly recommend the mineral sands for the first 3 years, 3 times a year, at fertilization. These are broadcast via a hopper attached to my PTO on my tractor.
In addition to the 3 fertilization periods, I foliage feed every 7/10 days or no later than monthly applications, if I run into time conflicts. I had been using Garrett Juice combined with GARLIC/PEPPER, POTASSIUM BICARBONATE,and FISH EMULSION.
Last year I met an "old farmer" at Athens Organics who has his own recipe. It consists of 2 tablespoons hydrolyzed fish, 1 tablespoon of seaweed, 1 tablespoon of molasses, 1 tablespoon humic acid, 1 tablespoon BIO D or Agrispon and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar per gallon of water.
Since I have to use a 110 gallon sprayer, now that my 140 trees have matured (my 4 gallon backpack sprayer will no longer cut it), I buy the above ingredients in bulk for economic reasons.
I have found that you can use any of the foliage spray ingredients together at any spray.
As far as pruning, I followed the "historical method" as much as I could. Sometimes you have to go with what the tree gives you. Most of my trees have a proper scaffold at the proper height, but some, as the pics show would not cooperate. :)
I was in Fredericksburg last February, visiting the Nimitz Museum, you live in a beautiful area.
Thanks for the kind words and interest.
Alas, we had too warm a winter and I don't think I got 2 dozen peaches this June. With the drought, I have spent every week/10 days dragging 600 feet of water hose around the orchard, as a well and irrigation system are out of reach at this time.
The vast majority of the trees look well enough, but a few of the younger smaller trees are looking poorly, no matter how much water they get, though I limit it to 1 inch a week.
I am already anticipating next year's crop...the eternal optimist?
Take care


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