S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



Strawberries are also well adapted to gardens in this region. They 

 are the first fruit to ripen, are of fine flavor, and are highest in vitamin 

 C content of any fruits that can be grown in this region. Even when 

 frozen, strawberries keep their high vitamin C content for many 

 months. Therefore, strawberries should be a part of almost every 

 garden. 



Only the Beta grape is hardy in most of the region. Some other 

 varieties may be grown in eastern Nebraska near the Missouri River 

 and under irrigation at the lower elevations in Utah and Idaho. 



Varieties recommended for medium-sized gardens are listed in 

 table 1. Some of the varieties suggested are different from those 

 grown in commercial plantings. Usually more than one variety is listed 

 in order to cover a long season. Two or more varieties of apples, pears, 

 and sweet cherries should be planted for cross-pollination. 



Planting and Care 



Sources of Plants. — Fruits adapted to this region are propagated 

 by commercial nurserymen, who are generally dependable sources of 

 fruit varieties. Names of nurseries can be supplied by the State 

 agricultural extension service. 



Location of Planting. — Although it is generally desirable to have 

 the planting near the house and perhaps adjacent to the vegetable 

 garden, this may not be the most favorable location. In general, the 

 planting should not be in a low area but on moderately elevated land 

 or on a north or northeastern slope that will provide satisfactory air 

 drainage. A north or northeastern slope has better protection from 

 drying winds in summer and from bright sunshine in winter and early 

 spring. In all the Plains area the fruit garden must have protection 

 from the wind. Natural hills, woodlands, buildings, or trees planted 

 as windbreaks may furnish this protection. The windbreak should be 

 5 or 6 feet high before the fruit trees are planted. Protection from 

 the west, south, and north is needed in that order of importance. A 

 5-row windbreak with the fruit garden starting 50 feet from the last 

 row is suggested. Fruit trees should not be planted near wood lots 

 or shade trees, since full exposure to sunlight is needed. 



Size of Planting. — The size of the planting will vary with the 

 space available. In some locations there may be space for only a row 

 or two of berries by a fence, a few fruit trees around the buildings, or 

 a few grapevines on an arbor or a fence. In other locations the size 

 of the planting is determined by the needs of the family ard by the 

 kinds of fruit that can be grown. Most small gardens (10 by 50 feet 

 to 30 by 50 feet) should consist mostly of berries. A half-acre garden 

 that will furnish fruit in season for a large family is diagrammed in 

 figure 2. 



When and How to Plant. — In this region trees and plants should 

 be set as early in the spring as it is possible to prepare the soil. The 

 ground should be prepared as thoroughly as for a vegetable garden. 

 It is important that the plants be entirely dormant, with no buds 

 starting, at time of planting; the roots should not be allowed to dry 

 out. Berries and grapes should be set at the same depth as they 

 grew in the nursery. The fruit trees should be set slightly deeper. 

 The roots should be spread out when the plants are set. When the 

 holes are dug the topsoil and subsoil are separated. The topsoil is 



