Yes Richard I would give up my garden any day for one up above, and yes it seems like it won't be far off. You were wondering the blood peaches as to whether they tasted very good. For as you have mentioned to me, peaches can vary a lot in flavor and yes you are right. I would consider them sweet and the guy I got the seeds from knew a orchard that had them, and when they came into season he would buy several bushel for canning and freezing. He thought they were the best.
One thing that many don't take into consideration is the fact that fruit trees planted in different locations even though they are the same variety can taste distinctly different. I have two pears of the same variety that I grafted several years ago that are planted in different locations. But when you taste them side by side you will taste a difference in the sugar content. There are a few differences that a person might take note of when planting. First off is the soil structure and composition. One difference I can see in the dirt I planted the two trees mentioned in that one has more drainage which is necessary in my location, and that one is located in a old garden spot that has the more perfect balance of nutrients. Both can play a factor in sugar content and both need to be addressed when choosing a location and planting them therein. You in a dryer climate might not have to worry as much about drainage like I do where I live. But it works that way with many fruits and vegetables. If you can, turn the water even off before ripening and the sugar content will increase.
If you have chosen the correct site, and want to plant your tree properly, we have to do something some people dread to do and that is WORK. And without the aid of special tools, you could even add the word HARD in front of it. But we all know what happens when we don't do our best, our results for the most part equal the energy put into it. And as I say, it is hard work sometimes following God's plan for planting fruit trees, but His way is always the best. And if you didn't know God had a right way, let me share it for those that might not know.
The man of whom we purchased our peach trees told me that he would be pleased to have me observe the way they were planted. I then asked him to let me show him how it had been represented in the night season that they should be planted. I ordered my hired man to dig a deep cavity in the ground, then put in rich dirt, then stones, then rich dirt. After this he put in layers of earth and dressing until the hole was filled. I told the nurseryman that I had planted in this way in the rocky soil in America. I invited him to visit me when these fruits should be ripe. He said to me, "You need no lesson from me to teach you how to plant the trees." {3SM 328.2}
Sounds like work which it is, but let us read the results from planting as she was instructed.
I came here and began work on my place so earnestly that it inspired all with fresh zeal, and they have been working with a will, rejoicing that they have the privilege. We have provoked one another to zeal and good works. The school workers were afraid I would plant the first trees, and now both they and and I have the satisfaction of having the first genuine orchards in this vicinity. Some of our trees will yield fruit next year, and the peaches will bear quite a crop in two years. {TM 242.1}
Now for the the best part from such a planting endeavor, the eating quality.
If the Lord prospers us next year, as He has done the past year, we will have all the fruit we wish to take care of, early and late. The early fruit comes when there is nothing else, so this is an important item. The peaches are rich and juicy and grateful to the taste.
Makes me want to go eat one. So with the proper procedures followed, a fruit tree will not only survive, but thrive. Now I must admit I cheat for I have a 24" auger that fits on the skid loader. I can dig a 24" hole three feet deep and then add the necessary items to accomplish the finished results. I want to add before ending that it is wise to have a soil test done to amend the soil to the proper proportions. God bless