THE HOME FRUIT GARDEX 3 



Climatic Districts for Fruits and Nuts 



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

 eases and insects are important in determining the fruit and nut 

 varieties that can be grown in the different sections. Although 

 varieties differ greatly in their adaptation, some kinds can be grown in 

 almost every home garden in this region. On the map (fig. 1) the 

 East Central and Middle Atlantic States are divided into districts 

 based chiefly on the length of the growing season. Id 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 for the home 

 garden are. in order of adaptability where spraying is not practical. 

 (1) strawberries, (2) raspberries, (3) blackberries. (4) sour cherries, 

 (5) grapes, (6) some plums and pears, (7) sweet cherries, (8) peaches, 

 and (9) apples. Quinces and blueberries may be grown under some 

 conditions. Currants and gooseberries should be planted only where 

 quarantine regulations permit, that is. where white pines are not 

 important. In certain locations black walnuts, Chinese chestnuts, 

 and filberts may well be included. 



In all districts fruit trees are benefited by proper spraying, and in 

 the vicinity of commercial orchards fruit trees 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. 



Strawberries are adapted to the greatest number of locations and 

 conditions. They are the first fruit to ripen, are of fine flavor, and 

 have a very high vitamin C content. Even when frozen, strawberries 

 keep their high vitamin C content for many months. Strawberries 

 should be a part of almost every garden. Grapes, which are also 

 adapted to most locations and conditions in this region, are nnportant 

 in the diet. A succession of varieties to furnish fruit over a long 

 period may be selected. More nut trees may well be planted. All 

 are high in food value. Some, like the black walnut and pecan, are 

 well adapted for use as shade trees. The newer named varieties are 

 better than the wild seedlings. 



Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and grapes cover the season 

 from May or early June till frost. Larger gardens that include the 

 tree fruits will furnish a greater variety of fresh fruit during much of 

 the year. Because yellow peaches and some varieties of plums, 

 fresh, frozen, or preserved, are very rich in vitamin A. they should 

 be grown wherever possible. 



The varieties recommended for medium-sized gardens in representa- 

 tive parts of the districts shown in figure 1 are listed in table 1 . Some 

 of the varieties suggested are not those that would be recommended 

 for commercial plantings in these districts. Usually more than one 

 variety is listed in order to cover the long season. For example, the 

 Howard 17 (Premier) strawberry ripens early and the Catskill several 

 day- later. Blakemore is an excellent variety for preserving, so it is 

 suggested where it is best adapted. Early Harvest is an early. Eldo- 

 rado a midseason, and Brainerd a late blackberry; these three varieties 

 furnish fruit for at least 2 months. Similarly, Portland, a white 

 grape, and Fredonia. a blue one, are early; Delaware, midseason; and 



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