Hi again, gwhalh! It's nature at work, not much I know of to delay or encourage blooms, it is partly soil temps, partly air temp that triggers it. Look for swelling buds now in your area, they'll be alright against freezing until they start to open, and then light frosts for a while until nearly fully open. I've lost peaches 2 of the last 3 years due to premature flowering and late freezes, I even tried the sprinkler idea they do in Florida to protect citrus.
Don't apply mulch in fall until after a few frosts, that will allow soil to chill, otherwise, not much to add...
