6 LEAFLET 2 19, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE 



The varieties recommended for a medium-sized garden in represent- 

 ative parts of the different districts are given 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 each of pears, Chinese chestnuts, 

 some plums, muscadine grapes (including one male vine), apples, 

 blueberries, and avocados must be planted to insure pollination. 



Planting and Care 



Sources of Plants. — Most fruits adapted to this region are not 

 grown from seed but are propagated by cuttings and grafting or bud- 

 ding. Exceptions are guavas, papayas, and occasionally oranges and 

 a few others. Fruit varieties are propagated by commercial nursery- 

 men, who are generally dependable sources. 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 should be on moderately 

 elevated land or on a slope that will provide satisfactory air drainage. 

 In other words, the site should not be frosty. The soil should be 

 reasonably fertile and well drained. A location where the soil tends 

 to remain wet after rain should be avoided. Pecans need a deep soil 

 and figs a site where the roots can run under a building. 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 few 

 grapevines on an arbor or a fence, a few fruit or nut trees around the 

 buildings, or a row or two of berries by the fence. In other sites the 

 size of the planting is determined by the needs of the family and 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 and grapes. A 

 half-acre garden that includes fruit and nut trees and that will furnish 

 fruit in season for a large family is diagrammed in figure 2. 



When and How to Plant. — In the northern districts usually a 

 better stand of trees and plants will be obtained by setting them in 

 the fall or as early in the spring as it is possible to prepare the soil. 

 In the other districts planting may be done during late fall or winter. 

 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. Also, 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 and nut 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 placed about the roots of the tree in the holes, and the sub- 

 soil is used last to fill up the rest of the hole. The soil should be 

 thoroughly firmed about the roots to prevent drying out and to help 

 hold the tree in position. 



Pruning Before Planting. — Strawberries should have all fully 

 developed leaves picked off before being planted. The canes of dew- 

 berries and blackberries should be cut back to 6 inches at time of 



