THE HOME FRUIT GARDEN IN THE NORTH- 

 EASTERN AND NORTH CENTRAL STATES 1 



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

 in November 1941, urged Americans to eat more fruit. 



Well-ripened, sound fruits increase the heal thfuln ess, 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. In almost every part of 

 this country a number of fruits that usually require little or no spray- 

 ing can be grown in farm or suburban fruit gardens. Fruits that need 

 spraying are not so well suited for home production, but some edible 

 fruit that would not meet commercial grades will be obtained. By 

 properly selecting the kinds and varieties for home planting, a succes- 

 sion of fresh fruit of high dessert quality can be available during much' 

 of the summer season, and surpluses may be canned, preserved, dried, 

 or in some cases frozen, for use during other seasons. Such consump- 

 tion of home-grown 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 for home 

 planting in the Northeastern and North Central States and gives 

 brief directions for their care. Detailed information on these and 

 other varieties that may be suitable for this region can be obtained 

 from the State agricultural extension services or agricultural colleges. 



Climatic Districts for Fruits 



Summer and winter temperatures, rainfall, and prevalence of 

 diseases and insects are important in determining the varieties that 

 can be grown in the different parts of the country. Although many 

 fruits are not hardy in parts of this region, some kinds can be grown 

 in almost every home garden. In figure 1 the region is divided into 

 districts based chiefly on the length of the growing season. Usually 

 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 for the home 

 garden are, in order of adaptability where spraying is not practiced, 

 (1) strawberries, (2) raspberries, (3) sour cherries, (4) grapes, (5) plums, 

 (6) pears, (7) sweet cherries, (8) blackberries, and (9) apples. Under 

 some conditions peaches, cherry-plum hybrids, and blueberries may 

 be grown. Currants and gooseberries, which succeed well in all parts 



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

 try, Soils, and Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural Research Administration, with the collaboration of 

 horticulturists of the States in the region. The varieties suggested herein are those recommended by these 

 horticulturists. 



Issued August 1942 

 587735°— 44 Slightly revised June 1944 



