Middle Georgia peach season brings good size despite weather challenges

Lane Southern Orchards says this year’s peaches have good size, but recent rain has affected the process of getting fruit from the farm to customers.

PEACH COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Peach growers in Middle Georgia are navigating a 2026 season shaped by warm winter weather, late spring frost and recent heavy rain.

Lane Southern Orchards farm manager Tyler Wainwright says this year’s harvest was overall good, starting in February. But due to the recent heavy rainfall, it did impact the transition of peaches from the farm to the packing stations to the retail store.

“And we’ve had a good bit of rain, so we’ve got good size with the fruit,” he said. “The main thing is just trying to be done before the heat of the day.”

Wainwright says with locals eager to purchase peaches each year, they try to stay stocked up the best they can.

“We keep plenty in stock up at the retail,” he said. “Many options from big purchases to small purchases to family. One thing we are really trying to grow is our mail order. We’ll ship anywhere in the U.S. within one to two days. And that just kind of gives people a chance to try real fresh peaches and taste the difference.”

Wainwright says they have good sizes this year.

He says to pick the perfect peach, look for vibrant golden or yellow backgrounds with deep red blushes, ensuring there is zero green skin. He also recommends gently squeezing and smelling the peach for sweetness.

“So, our peach season starts in February,” he said. “The guys get here, we’ll prune the trees twice, keep an eye on the weather; really watching for a chance of the freeze, go in and thin the peaches, and then we’ll pick the same tree up to four or five times.”

He says Georgia’s peach industry has changed quite a bit but remains an important part of the state’s identity.

“It’s evolved with technology on the farming aspect,” he said. “Newer varieties, newer farming techniques, GPS’s, it’s sustained here, because we’re able to provide a great product. People know Georgia for their peaches, and we try to do a good job serving that to our customers.”

If you’re interested in picking up some peaches this season, Lane Southern Orchards is located at 50 Lane Road in Fort Valley.