THE HOME FRUIT GARDEN IN THE EAST 
CENTRAL AND MIDDLE ATLANTIC STATES’ 
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 httle or no spray- 
ing 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 succes- 
sion 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 i improve 
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. 
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 vari- 
eties 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. In general, the 
same fruit and nut varieties can be grown thr oughout 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. Quuinces 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 
~ 4Prepared 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- 
eculturists of the States in the region. The varieties suggested herein are based on those 
recommended by these horticulturists. Issued April 1942; slightly revised October 1949. 
2 
