THE HOME FRUIT GARDEN IN THE SOUTHEAST- 

 ERN AND CENTRAL SOUTHERN STATES x 



In almost every part of this country certain fruits and nuts can 

 be grown successfully in farm or suburban fruit gardens. Fruits that 

 need spraying are not well suited for home production. In all areas, 

 however, fruit trees and bunch grapes are benefited by proper spray- 

 ing; 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. By properly selecting the kinds and varieties of fruit 

 for home planting, a succession of fresh fruit of high dessert quality 

 can be had during much of the summer. Surpluses can be canned, 

 preserved, dried, or in some cases frozen for use during other seasons. 



Climatic Districts for Fruits and Nuts 



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 

 fruit and nut varieties are not hardy in parts of this region, some 

 kinds can be grown in almost every home garden. On the map shown 

 in figure 1 the southeastern and central Southern 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 this 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) straw- 

 berries, (5) blackberries, trailing, (6) blueberries (rabbiteye vari- 

 eties), (7) pears, (8) blackberries, erect, (9) bunch (American) 

 grapes, (10) peaches, (11) plums, (12) apples, and (13) raspberries. 

 Under the more subtropical conditions, several citrus fruits — guavas, 

 oriental persimmons, feijoas, loquats, pomegranates, papayas — may 

 be grown. In certain locations black walnuts and Chinese chestnuts 

 may well be included. 



Muscadine grapes are adapted to the greatest number of locations 

 and conditions, except in the more northern districts, where the bunch 

 grapes are better adapted. The muscadines produce heavily without 

 spraying and furnish fresh fruit over a long period as well as fruit 

 for jelly, preserves, and beverages. 



1 Prepared by the Crops Research Division, Agricultural Research Service, 

 with the collaboration of horticulturists of the States in the region. The 

 varieties suggested herein are based on those recommended by these horti- 

 culturists. 



Revised December 1951 Slightly revised July 1969 



