THE HOME FRUIT GARDEN IN THE EAST 
CENTRAL AND MIDDLE ATLANTIC STATES: 
The National Nutrition Conference, held in Washington, D. C., 
November 1941, urged Americans to eat more fruit. 
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 little or 
no spraying 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 
succession 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 im- 
prove 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. 
DISTRICT | 
DISTRICT 2 
Fiaure 1—Map of the East Central and Middle Atlantic States showing districts 
where similar climatic conditions favor the growing of the same fruits and nuts. 
District 1— Winters severe, growing seasons short, and only the more hardy and 
early-maturing varieties can be grown satisfactorily. District 2—Somewhat 
longer growing seasons and more temperate climate than district 1; most stand- 
ard northern fruit varieties thrive best. District 3—Higher average temperatures 
and still longer growing seasons; some of the standard northern fruit varieties 
are less adapted, but some of the less hardy ones can be grown. District 4— 
Climatic conditions similar to those of district 3, but preference for certain 
other varieties has become established. 
1 Prepared by the staff of the Division of Fruit and Vegetable Crops and Diseases, Bureau of Plant Indus- 
try, with the collaboration of horticulturists of the States in the region. The varieties suggested herein are 
based on those recommended by these horticulturists. 
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