THE HOME FRUIT GARDEN 3 
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 
varieties 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 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 practical, 
(1) strawberries, (2) raspberries, (8) blackberries, (4) sour cherries, 
(5) grapes, (6) some plums and pears, (7) sweet cherries, (8) peaches, 
and (9) apples. Quinces 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 the highest vitamin C content of any fruits that can be grown in 
this region. Even when frozen, strawberries keep their high vitamin 
C content for many months. Strawberries should be a part of almost 
every garden. Grapes, which are also adapted to most locations and 
conditions in this region, are important in the diet. A succession of 
varieties to furnish fruit over a long period may be selected. More 
nut trees may well be planted. All are high in food value. Some, like 
the black walnut and pecan, are well adapted for use as shade trees. 
The newer named varieties are better than the wild seedlings. 
Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and grapes cover the season 
from May or early June till frost. Larger gardens that include the 
tree fruits will furnish a greater variety of fresh fruit during much of 
the year. Because yellow peaches and some varieties of plums, 
fresh, frozen, or preserved, are very rich in vitamin A, they should 
be grown wherever possible. 
The varieties recommended for medium-sized gardens in representa- 
tive parts of the districts shown in figure 1 are listed in table 1. Some 
of the varieties suggested are not those that would be recommended 
for commercial plantings in these districts. Usually more than one 
variety is listed in order to cover the long season. For example, the 
Howard 17 (Premier) strawberry ripens early and the Catskill several 
days later. Blakemore is the best variety for preserving, so it is sug- 
gested where it is best adapted. Early Harvest is an early, Eldorado 
a midseason, and Brainerd a late blackberry; these three varieties 
furnish fruit for at least 2 months. Similarly, Portland, a white 
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