THE HOME FRUIT GARDEN IN THE CENTRAL SOUTH- 
WESTERN STATES! 
The National Nutrition Conference, held in Washington, D. C., 
November 1941, urged Americans to eat more fruits. Well-ripened, 
sound fruits increase the healthfulness, variety, attractiveness, and 
palatability of meals. Despite the relatively large available supplies 
of fruit, many families, especially on farms, do not have adequate 
quantities in the diet. By properly selecting the kinds and varieties 
of fruit for home planting, a succession of fresh fruit of high dessert 
quality can be available during much of the summer season, and sur- 
pluses may be canned, preserved, dried, or, in some cases, frozen for 
use during other seasons. Do not let the fruit go to waste. 
This leaflet lists the best kinds and varieties of fruits and nuts for 
home planting in the central Southwestern States and gives brief 
directions for their care. Detailed information can be obtained from 
the State agricultural extension service or agricultural college in each. 
Climatic Districts for Fruit and Nuts 
Summer and winter temperatures, rainfall, and prevalence of dis- 
eases and insects are all important in determining the fruit and nut 
varieties that can be grown in the different parts of the country. 
Varieties differ greatly in their adaptation, but some kinds ean be 
grown in almost every home garden in this region. On the map (fig. 1) 
the central Southwestern 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 the southern part of the 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) dewberries, (5) strawberries, (6) blackberries, (7) bunch grapes, (8) 
peaches, and (9) plums. Under the more subtropical conditions, 
several citrus fruits, guavas, oriental persimmons, feljoas, loquats, 
pomegranates, and many other fruits may be grown. In certain loca- 
tions black walnuts, Chinese chestnuts, and filberts may well be in- 
eluded. In the northern part of the region, (1) strawberries, (2) bunch 
grapes (American), (3) sour cherries, (4) plum and cherry hybrids, (5) 
plums, (6) peaches, and (7) apples are most widely adapted. 
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 district, however, certain fruits 
and nuts can be grown that do not require spraying ‘and that add 
greatly to the variety and healthfulness of the diet. 
Varieties recommended for medium-sized gardens are listed in table 
1. Some of these suggested are different from those grown in commer- 
cial plantings. Usually more than one variety is listed in order to 
cover a long season. 
1 Prepared by the staff of the Division of Fruit and Vegetable Crops and Diseases, Bureau of Plant In- 
dustry, with the collaboration of horticulturists of the States in the region. The varieties suggested herein 
are based on those recommended by these horticulturists. 
2 Issued May 1942 
