THE HOME FRUIT GARDEN IN THE SOUTH- 

 EASTERN AND CENTRAL SOUTHERN STATES J 



The National Nutrition Conference, held in Washington, D. C, 

 November 1941, urged Americans to eat more fruit. 



Well-ripened, sound fruits increase the healthfulness, variety, attrac- 

 tiveness, and palatability of meals. Despite the relatively large avail- 

 able supplies of fruit, many families, especially on farms, do not have 

 adequate quantities in the diet. In almost every part of this region 

 certain fruits and nuts that usually need little or no spraying can be 

 grown successfully in farm or suburban fruit gardens. Fruits that 

 need spraying are not so well suited for home production. By properly 

 selecting the kinds and varieties for home planting, a succession of 

 fresh fruit of high dessert quality can be available during much of the 

 summer, and surpluses may be canned, preserved, dried, or in some 

 cases frozen for use during other seasons. Such home consumption 

 of fruits, together with purchases of kinds that cannot be grown 

 successfully, should improve the diet and general health. 



This leaflet lists the best kinds and varieties of fruits and nuts for 

 home planting in the southeastern United States and gives brief direc- 

 tions for their care. Detailed information can be obtained from the 

 State agricultural extension service or agricultural college. 



Climatic Districts for Fruit and Nuts 



Summer and winter temperatures, rainfall, and prevalence of dis- 

 eases and insects are all important in determining the varieties that 

 can be grown in different districts. Although fruit and nut varieties 

 differ greatly in their adaptation to conditions, some kinds can be 

 grown in almost every home garden in this region. On the map in 

 figure 1 the southeastern and central Southern States are divided into 

 districts based chiefly on the length of the growing season. In general, 

 the same fruit and nut varieties can be grown throughout a district. 



Kinds and Varieties to Plant 



Under most conditions in this region the best fruits and nuts for 

 the home garden are, in order of adaptability where spraying is not 

 practiced, (1) grapes (muscadine), (2) pecans, (3) figs, (4) strawberries, 

 (5) dewberries, (6) blueberries (rabbiteye varieties), (7) pears, (8) 

 blackberries, (9) bunch (American) grapes, (10) peaches, (11) plums, 

 (12) apples, and (13) raspberries. Under the more subtropical con- 

 ditions, several citrus fruits, guavas, oriental persimmons, feijoas, 

 loquats, pomegranates, papayas, and many other fruits may be grown. 

 In certain locations black walnuts and Chinese chestnuts may well be 

 included. 



In all areas fruit trees and bunch grapes are benefited by proper 

 spraying, and in the vicinity of commercial orchards and vineyards 

 fruits in the home garden should be sprayed to prevent the spread of 

 insects and diseases. In almost every section, however, one can 

 grow certain fruits and nuts that do not require spraying and that 

 add greatly to the variety and healthfulness of the diet. 



1 Prepared by the staff of the Division of Fruit and Vegetable Crops and Diseases, Bureau of Plant 

 Industry, with the collaboration of horticulturists of the States in the region. The varieties suggested 

 herein are based on those recommended by these horticulturists. 



Issued May 1942 

 2 



