I had the same exact issue with my veteran peaches a week ago. I picked all of mine a little early and set them on the countertop for several days and they are now very good.

They're more flavorful if left on trees...but if the choice is early pick or birds...I prefer eating peaches.

Thanks, that was what I wanted to hear! They are huge beautiful Elberta peaches so I will try & wait maybe a couple more days (keep a watch on the birds on them though!) & the pick all of them & lay them on newspapers in the garage. Should they be kept in the dark or by a window? Will try & keep any left-overs that seem to be pretty much ripened in the refr., then..... peach cobbler?! :)

Sure wish someone had invented a netting easier to use!

I agree that ripening them on the tree will yield much better fruit. The fruit cannot fully ripen and develop that true natural sweetness, without the sun.

Your husband is right. You should shorten the tree, so that you can manage it more easily, and get a better quality netting, if the birds are a problem.

They can be picked a week early and ripen to good quality. If picked 2-3 weeks early you're looking at store quality fruit. If the background color on the peach is changing from green to yellow it's nearly ripe. If the bird damaged ones taste good then they are ready to pick.

That is a great idea... now to find a bird willing to share ...!! :)Thanks everyone for some great ideas!

ME, again!! :

OK, hubby picked all but 3 (put some netting around them for me!) of the peaches off the tree & put them in the refr.!!! Wouldn't it be better to put the peaches at room temp. & maybe in a sunny window? I hate to see all those huge Elberta peaches become inedible!

If they still need to ripen, room temperature is better.