THE HOME FRUIT GARDEN IN THE NORTH- 
EASTERN AND NORTH CENTRAL STATES ' 
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 Northeastern and North Central 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 for the home 
garden are, in order of adaptability where spraying is not practiced, 
(1) strawberries, (2) raspberries, (3) sour cherries, (4) grapes, (5) plums, 
(6) pears, (7) sweet cherries, (8) blackberries, and (9) apples. Under 
some conditions peaches, cherry-plum hybrids, and blueberries may 
be grown. Currants and gooseberries, which succeed well in all parts 
of the region, should be planted wherever quarantine regulations 
permit, that is, where white pines are not important. In certain loca- 
tions black walnuts, Chinese chestnuts, hickories, and filberts may 
well be included. Sour cherries succeed in all but the coldest part of 
the region. 
Fruit trees and grapes in all districts are benefited by proper spray- 
ing, and in the vicinity of commercial orchards and vineyards fruits 
1 Prepared by the Crops Research Division, Agricultural Research Service, 
with the collaboration of horticulturists of the States in the region. The vari- 
eties suggested herein are based on those reeommended by these horticulturists. 
Revised September 1952 
Slightly revised April 1958 
