Zhao Jianping picks a honey peach at his farm in Dongshe town, Tongzhou district. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

As honey peaches hit the market, the busiest time of the year has begun for a family farm in Dongshe town, Tongzhou district.

This year, farm owner Zhao Jianping pruned half of the dense branches on his peach trees. As a result, sunlight now reaches nearly every fruit, and ventilation has improved.

After the branch-thinning, each tree retains only 75 kilograms of fruit. "It may seem like the yield has dropped, but each peach weighs over 250 grams, and the taste has improved," Zhao said.

The secret to the extra sweetness also lies in several large earthenware jars specifically used for fermenting soybeans, which are the best fertilizer for peach trees. "We bury 4 kg of soybeans around each tree and apply chicken manure as a top-dressing 20 days before harvest," Zhao explained.

"Compared to chemical fertilizers, these ecological fertilizers require more effort, but the peaches develop a natural sweetness," he added.

This year, all sales orders are being processed through online channels. Customers place their orders via WeChat the day before, and farmers pick and deliver the peaches the following day. Daily sales range from 50 to 100 kg, with peak days seeing up to 50-60 boxes delivered.