THE HOME FRUIT GARDEN IN THE 

 PACIFIC COAST STATES AND ARIZONA 1 



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

 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 

 the country certain fruits can be grown successfully in farm or suburban 

 fruit gardens. Fruits needing spraying are not so well suited for home 

 production. 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 surpluses 

 may be canned, preserved, dried, or in some cases frozen for use during 

 other seasons. Such consumption of home-grown fruits, together 

 with purchases of kinds that cannot be grown successfully, should 

 improve the diet and general health. 



Do not let surplus fruit go to waste. 



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

 home planting in the Pacific Coast States and Arizona and gives brief 

 directions for their care. Detailed information can be obtained from 

 the State agricultural extension services or agricultural colleges. 



Climatic Districts for Fruits 



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

 eases and insects are all 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. On the map (fig. 1) the States are 

 divided into districts based chiefly on the length of the growing season. 

 In general, the same varieties can be grown throughout a district. 



Kinds and Varieties to Plant 



Under most conditions in this region the best fruits and nuts for the 

 home garden are (1) grapes, (2) strawberries, (3) Young or Boysen 

 dewberries, (4) red raspberries, (5) filberts or Persian (English) wal- 

 nuts, (6) plums and prunes, (7) cherries, (8) pears, (9) peaches, 

 (10) apricots, and (1.1) apples. In restricted locations in California 

 other fruits, including figs, olives, avocados, and citrus fruits, can be 

 grown. Fortunately, in most parts of this region fruit plants are free 

 from many diseases and some insects that attack unsprayed trees in 

 the more humid regions. In commercial apple and pear districts 

 where the codling moth is a serious pest, any apple and pear trees in 

 home gardens require spraying for the control of this insect. In almost 

 every district, however, certain fruits can be grown that do not require 

 spraying and that add greatly to the variety and heal thfuln ess of 

 the diet. 



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

 Industry, with the collaboration of horticulturists of the States in the region. The varieties suggested herein 

 are based on those recommended by these horticulturists. 



Issued June 1942 



