Late frosts affecting this summer's peach crop

If you’re a fan of peaches, than this is the time of year for you.

“Our growing season starts about May the 10th and lasts until around the first week of August,” says Lisa Smith, the co-owner for Mathis Peaches.

To have a good growing season you need enough temperatures below 40 degrees in the winter, and no frost after the peach trees have bloomed. Unfortunately, there were days with frost before the trees bloomed this year.

“This year we have a very slim crop; we do have peaches but we had two frosts after the peaches bloomed, so that wiped out a lot of the crops so some varieties have a good bit of peaches, and some variety we don’t have any of,” Smith says.

This is not just happening here in Mississippi.

“Yes, the whole southeast is pretty much in the same situation that we are,” Smith explains. “Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, they all have very, very low crops this year because of the weather.”

Despite a weak growing season for peaches, this Saturday’s Earth’s Bounty will still be a worthwhile experience for the whole family.

“It’s a great place to see all your friends, meet old friends, see new friends,” Smith says. “All the farmers are going to be there with fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s getting to be summertime, all the fresh stuff is coming in. We’ll have peaches, there’s going to be peas and butter beans, squash, tomatoes, so there’s going to be a lot going on: live entertainment, food, kid’s activities, so come on out and support us.”

This month's Earth's Bounty will be this Saturday, June 2nd from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Singing Brakeman Park in downtown Meridian.