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A colorful stone fruit salad featuring peaches and plums in a bowl.

Best way to grow Stone Fruit Salad (Peach Plum)

This recipe actually describes how to grow stone fruit trees, not how to make a fruit salad. It provides instructions for planting and caring for peach and plum trees.
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Prep Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 trees
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Planting Materials
  • 1 Peach tree bare-root or container
  • 1 Plum tree bare-root or container
  • 2 shovelfuls Compost or well-rotted manure
  • 1 bag Mulch wood chips or straw
  • 2 Stakes for support
  • 2 Tree ties soft material

Equipment

  • Shovel
  • Watering can or hose
  • Pruning shears
  • Gloves

Method
 

Planting
  1. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil and dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep.
  2. Mix compost into the soil removed from the hole.
  3. Carefully place the tree in the hole, ensuring the bud union is above ground level.
  4. Backfill the hole with the amended soil, gently tamping to remove air pockets, then water thoroughly.
  5. Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk.
  6. If the tree needs support, insert stakes and secure the tree with soft ties, allowing for some movement.
Care and Maintenance
  1. Water newly planted trees regularly, about 1-2 times per week, especially during dry periods.
  2. Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fruit tree fertilizer, following package instructions.
  3. Prune in late winter for peaches and after harvest for plums to remove dead or diseased branches and shape the tree for optimal fruit production.
  4. Monitor for pests and diseases, addressing any issues promptly with appropriate organic or chemical controls.
  5. Protect young trees from frost and extreme heat.
  6. Harvest fruit when ripe, which is typically in summer for peaches and plums, indicated by color and softness.

Notes

Ensure you choose varieties of peach and plum trees suitable for your local climate. Cross-pollination may be necessary for some plum varieties, so consider planting two different types for better fruit set.