THE HOME FRUIT GARDEN IN THE EAST 

 CENTRAL AND MIDDLE ATLANTIC STATES l 



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, 

 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 region many kinds of fruits that usually require little or no 

 spraying can be grown successfully in farm or suburban 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 fruits 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. Do not let the 

 fruit go to waste. Such home consumption of fruits, together with 

 purchases of kinds that cannot be grown successfully, should im- 

 prove the diet and general health. 



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

 home planting in the middle region of the eastern United States 

 (fig. 1) and gives brief directions for their care. Detailed information 

 on the culture of other varieties suitable for local conditions in the 

 States within this region can be obtained from the State agricultural 

 colleges or extension services. 



Figure 1. — Map of the East Central and Middle Atlantic States showing districts 

 where similar climatic conditions favor the growing of the same fruits and nuts. 

 District 1 — Winters severe, growing seasons short, and only the more hardy and 

 early-maturing varieties can be grown satisfactorily. District 2 — Somewhat 

 longer growing seasons and more temperate climate than district 1 ; most stand- 

 ard northern fruit varieties thrive best. District 3 — Higher average tempera- 

 tures and still longer growing seasons; some of the standard northern fruit 

 varieties are less adapted, but some of the less hardy ones can be grown. Dis- 

 trict 4 — Climatic conditions similar to those of district 3, but preference for 

 certain other varieties has become established. 



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

 of Plant Industry, Soils, and Agricultural Engineering, with the collaboration of horti- 

 culturists of the States in the region. The varieties suggested herein are based on those 

 recommended by these horticulturists. Issued April 1942 ; slightly revised June 1945. 



