districts are given in table 1. Some of the varieties suggested are 

 different from those grown in commercial plantings. Usually more 

 than one variety is listed in order to cover a long season. Two or more 

 varieties each of pears, perfect-flowered Chinese chestnuts, some plums, 

 muscadine grapes (including one perfect-flowered vine) , apples, blue- 

 berries, and avocados must be planted to insure pollination. 



Planting and Care 



Sources of Plants. — Fruits adapted to this region are propagated 

 by cuttings and grafting or budding. Exceptions are guavas, papayas, 

 and occasionally oranges and a few others, which are grown from seed. 

 Fruit varieties are propagated by commercial nurserymen, who are 

 generally dependable sources. Names of nurseries can be supplied by 

 the State agricultural extension service. 



Location or Planting. — Although it is generally desirable to have 

 the planting near the house and perhaps adjacent to the vegetable 

 garden, this may not be the most favorable location. The planting 

 should not be in a low or frosty area but on moderately elevated land 

 or on a slope that will provide satisfactory air drainage. The soil 

 should be reasonably fertile and well drained. A location where the 

 soil tends to remain wet after rain should be avoided. Pecans need 

 a deep soil and figs a site where the roots can run under a building. 

 Fruit trees should not be planted near wood lots or shade trees, since 

 full exposure to sunlight is needed. 



Size of Planting. — The size of the planting is determined by the 

 available space, by the needs of the family, and by the kinds of fruit 

 that can be grown. Most small gardens (10 by 50 feet to 30 by 50 feet) 

 should consist mostly of berries and grapes. A half-acre garden that 

 includes fruit and nut trees will furnish fruit in season for a large 

 family (fig. 2). 



When to Plant. — In the northern districts usually a better stand 

 of trees and plants is obtained by setting them in the fall or as early 

 in the spring as possible ; in the other districts planting may be done 

 during late fall or winter. It is important that the plants be dormant. 



How to Plant. — Prepare the ground as thoroughly as for a vege- 

 table garden. Do not allow the roots of plants to dry out. Set berries 

 and grapes at the same depth as they grew in the nursery and fruit 

 and nut trees slightly deeper. Spread out the roots when setting the 

 trees or plants. Separate the topsoil and subsoil when digging the 

 holes. Place the topsoil about the roots, and fill up the hole with the 

 subsoil. Thoroughly firm the soil about the roots to prevent drying 

 out and to help hold the tree in position. 



Pruning Before Planting. — Pick off all fully developed leaves 

 before planting strawberries. Cut back blackberry and raspberry 

 canes to 6 inches. Grapevines are usually cut back to one or two buds. 

 If fruit trees are unbranched whips, head them back to a height of 3 

 to 3% feet. If they have several good-sized branches well spaced along 

 the trunk, three or four may be left. The branches should be spaced 

 about a foot apart up and down the trunk and should point in different 

 directions. 



Cultivation. — The cultivation of the home fruit garden is similar 

 to that of the vegetable garden for the first part of the season. After 



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