Q: I am interested in planting a peach tree in my yard in Henderson. Not knowing how peach trees fare in this climate, or what kind is recommended, I googled the subject and about all I learned was that you had some instructive “classes” in June, but could find nothing on what came out of those classes. Please, give me your thoughts on planting peach trees in Henderson and what kinds you would recommend.

A: I am getting ready to release our award-winning fruit trees for Southern Nevada list. In this group will be several peach trees that we are recommending. We are working with College of Southern Nevada to bring these award winners to Southern Nevada in bare root form and containers in spring 2010.

However, the last time I checked there were a few very good peaches for fall planting remaining at the College of Southern Nevada nursery on Charleston Boulevard. They were the Babcock peach.

As far as tree fruit go, peaches and apricots are some of our best performers. You should follow some very precise planting directions to give the trees the best possible chance of doing well. This includes adding lots of compost to the planting hole, staking the tree firmly after planting, whitewashing the tree after planting, using 4 inches of wood mulch on the surface of the soil surrounding the tree but away from the trunk a few inches, fertilizing in January with fruit tree fertilizer plus iron, and watering deeply but not every day.

You can pick up wood mulch from the orchard free of charge.