I was reading about black top soil. I have 4 acres in central Texas I want to put in a peach orhard.?

Question

This land was once used for growing cotton. It is black soil and when damp VERY sticky. It is very solid soil. How well will this grow peaches?

Answer 1

Be sure that the peach variety you chose is resistant to a fungal disease called Cotton Root Rot. I do not know enough about peaches to know whether some are, all are, or none are, but it is a wicked disease that is present in most or all former cotton fields. And I do know that many members of the Prunus genus, the genus that includes peaches, are susceptible.

Answer 2

You need to contact your county agricultural agent's office. They will have information specific to your area as to the possibility of growing peaches or other fruit on the property you have.

Texas has a very helpful and excellent county agricultural agency. They can be reached at :

http://texasextension.tamu.edu/