The older peach trees are reaching the end of useful production and will be removed after one more season. Intercropping can continue for at least 4 more years and will stop as the cherries begin to produce a significant amount of fruit. Gladiolas are the current intercrop of choice. Tree pesticides are directed away from the intercrop to enable safe entry for field workers to harvest flowers. Pumpkins are intercropped within a new orchard.
Growers report large leafy ground cover can help manage weed growth later in the season.
This combination requires rodent guards on the trees year-round. Farmers have observed heighten summer activity by both rabbits and field mice under the leafy ground cover and have encountered high tree mortality as a result of trunk girdling. Intercropping zucchini during the second year of orchard establishment. Open space between the row enables access by the field sprayer and orchard sprayer. The grower must manage insect pests and diseases for both crops.