For many generations the story has circulated that simply planting a peach pit in the ground could grow a peach tree. The tale is not a myth, but neither is it completely true. Cleaning off a peach pit and burying it under a few inches of soil will sometimes lead to the growth of a new tree. More times than not, however, it won’t.

If you wish to attempt to grow a peach tree by this method, simply wash the pit, removing all traces of flesh, and plant it approximately three to four inches deep (7.6 to 10.1 cm) in sandy soil. Plant the pit during the later winter or early spring, and prepare to wait. If the pit sprouts, you should not expect the tree to bear fruit for at least several years. Do not be frustrated if the tree fails to grow. Sometime the pit rots, and sometimes it ends up as a feast for ground squirrels.

A far more successful method of growing a peach tree is to first do a bit of research, and then visit a local nursery. Select a peach tree best suited to your climate. This is fairly simply, as peach trees tend to be quite hardy and resilient. In contrast to many trees, they actually prefer a chilly climate. Like a peach pit, they should be planted in the later winter or early spring.

Have selected a variety of tree, find a nursery-grown peach that is under three years old. The reason for this, is that peach trees over three years old do not transplant well. Also, look at the tree for signs of disease. These can include discoloration, holes, or black spots on the leaves.

Peach trees are self-pollinating, so you need not plant two, three, or an entire orchard to produce your own fruit. One tree will suffice. It should be planted in sandy or well-drained soil. Do not plant a peach tree in soil that is loamy or contains a high clay content. Too much water will drown the roots of a peach tree, and soils of this type tend to retain too much water.

Finally, before digging a hole, remember that peach trees need plenty of sunlight. Avoid planting them in any sort of shaded area. Many a grower has discovered the hard way that even the shade of an existing tree will block the sunlight necessary for the healthy growth of a peach tree.

Once all these considerations have been met, the rest is easy. After bringing the tree home from the nursery, soak the roots overnight in a bucket of water. Also, trim any roots that appear to be damaged or diseased.

Next, dig a hole both deep and wide enough to easily contain the tree's entire root ball. Insert the tree and fill the hole, but do not pack the soil tight. Most important of all, do not add fertilizer. Though they are highly resistant to cold temperatures, the roots of a peach tree are still sensitive. Nothing will kill them faster than fertilizer.