Just Peachy – Farmers boast plentiful peach crop

Peach lovers rest at ease. This year’s crop promises plentiful and tasty peaches through August, says area farmers.
“(The crop) is looking good. It seems like an excellent season so far,” said Harvey Webb, owner of Webb’s Orchard.
The season started at the beginning of June and should continue through August. Each part of the season offers a different type of peach, according to Alan Davis, co-owner of Davis and Son Orchard.
“The first peaches are clings. There’s not a lot you can do with those besides eat them,” he said.
Peaches are popular for cooking and canning, he added.
Avid canners usually wait for freestone peaches, which won’t be available until later in the season.
“They’re a whole lot easier to pop open and take the seed out,” Davis said.
Webb and Davis agree that the recent rain and mild-to-hot temperatures have made for a great growing season.
“This is the first year in five years that we didn’t lose part of our crop to a late freeze,” said Webb. “The rain and the hot weather is good for putting a lot of sugar in the peaches. The flavor has been excellent this year.”
Last year, hail storms also effected the appearance of the fruit.
Each peach grower faces challenges — organic and man-made.
Davis said traffic has been slower at his stand since South Mountain State Park closed.
The Davis family has been in the business since the 1960s. The Webbs have been growing peaches for about 80 years.
Both families have weathered the changes and hope for a good season.
“You just kind of pick what you can and sell what you pick,” said Webb.
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Lincoln County has three peach farmers all located on N.C. 18 near N.C. 27 West:

Davis and Son Orchard
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday
704-276-2647

Knob Creek Farms and Creamery
Hours: 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Sunday
704-538-1405

Webb’s Orchard
Hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Sunday
704-276-1654by Diane Turbyfill