However, marketing alternatives for smaller growers include direct sales to grocery stores or produce markets, and u-pick or roadside stand operations. It is important that several cultivars are grown which ripen in succession. This helps with marketing and efficient use of harvest labor and packing facilities. Because marketing costs on commercial groves are relatively high, u-pick operations have the potential of greatly reducing total costs. Labor Peach and nectarine production require high levels of seasonal hand labor.
Commercial growers hire labor for pruning, fruit thinning, and harvesting.
Family operations often supply their own labor. Timing of labor operations is especially critical with a delay of two days in harvesting possibly resulting in loss of all profits. Planting Situation Site selection and cultivar choice rank as the two most important factors in successful peach growing. In selecting a site, avoid low areas characterized by late spring frosts. Peaches can be grown on a wide variety of soils, provided they are well drained in the upper 4 to 6 feet.