The Surround technique that I learned from Scott is spot on. Only one question. How to go about washing it off. Do I just scald them and slip the peals off or make an effort to wash them gently before scalding. I’m planning on freezing sliced peaches for future pies or chopped for future jams; but I would like to give some away to my neighbors. They might look at me a bit funny when they see them and I explain what I’ve done. The peaches do really look great and taste exceptional. Just ask my squirrels.
It does not wash off easily esp. on peaches which have fuzz. I blanch them before I peel skin off for jam and freezing.
My neighbors and friends are happy to get free tree-ripened peaches with low spray once I explain what Surround is. Surround alone will not help with brown rot. That’s why I’ve told my neighbors and friends that my fruit are low spray, not organic.
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Many thanks, Mamuang. I will proceed as planned. Like you I mix in a dose of Captan to cover for brown rot when the peaches are ripening. I have one early tree that is about to drop a load of peaches on me. They are tasting great this year. The squirrels and racoons are a bother but I know I will get my share.
Your raccoons and squirrels are definitely more generous than mine.
I’ve thought about surround for pawpaws for a couple years but the cost keeps me away…
I’ve not heard of any pest bothers pawpaws.
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I had considered it for shading of the leaves to reduce stress in adverse conditions. Probably not necessary as my trees get more established.
But it’s actually a bit of a misconception that pawpaws do not have pests or diseases.
KSU’s orchard last year was overrun with fungal disease. They are now doing research on anti-fungal sprays. I have battled it too.
Insect pests are less of an issue but there are some - pawpaw peduncle borer, ambrosia beetles, etc.
Still, compared to something like peaches, in my region, they are a breeze to grow.
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