Hi Stan,

I tried to get through on radio today but couldn't wait long enough as I was at work. I need help with my beautiful dwarf peach trees. I purchased two dwarf (patio) peach trees in Port Alberni. Two years ago, after they did their normal dormant period the blossoms came out and low and behold we had beautiful little peaches about 1.5 - 2 inches in diameter.

My daughter had bought me a tea rose, which I guess had spider mites. Well the mites got on my peach trees. I sprayed with the spider mite stuff from Safeway. Needless to say to get rid of the spider mites the peaches were destroyed. The following year no blossoms and this year it looks like we're not getting any blossoms as before the blossoms came before the leaves and last year the leaves came first and this year it looks like it may be the same. Please, can you help me? By the way I work shift work and I can't always listen to your program so can you PLEASE , PLEASE e mail me back. ? thanks so much Lorraine in Edmonton

PS - Further to this message, I forgot to tell you that once it's warm enough in the spring the peach tree is put outside on the veranda until it gets cold in the fall, when the leaves start falling off a lot and then I put the trees in my cold storage with no lights and very little moisture. Boy I hope you get back to me.

Would transplanting affect the tree so it doesn't blossom? I moved them into a bigger pot, too. Sorry! I thought I had "the final answer".

Have a great day
Lorraine

Lorraine - I hasten to respond.
How sad that stores are carrying products that they, being management, have no idea how to use, or of the damage that is caused by pesticides from their stores are capable of.

Pesticides are taken internally, and distributed throughout the plant system. This invasion of a foreign product triggers the plants defense system, which in turn upsets the balance and pre-programmed vernalization of the plant.
Leafing, bud setting for future flowers and the production through the fruit is at risk.

Leach your peach with five gallons of water to drench out the impurities from the root system and any being held in the soil mix.
Begin the therapy for the plant by providing a good natural light source, with cooler evenings than the day temps of the same room.

Leave off the fertilizer until new growth begins sometime in March. Carry on with the procedures you applied before the upset.
Hope this will be of help.