Peaches – Growing Healthy Fruit

Q: I have a problem caring for my peaches because I have gotten into beekeeping and can’t use pesticides anymore. I get brown rot and worms in the peaches.

A: It is TOUGH to get a crop of peaches without spraying fungicide in spring to prevent brown rot. The worms you see are the larvae of peach curculio, which is equally tough to control without regular insecticide sprays, whether organic or synthetic. You can protect your bees by spraying all insecticides in the evening. Your best bet for chemical-free pest control is thorough sanitation (removing diseased fruit and twigs when seen) and praying for a dry spring each year. I have a guide to pest control on fruit trees at Fruit – 2020 Homeowner Spray Guide.