Fruit Culture by Region

Fruit growing varies widely by climate. To get accurate information on how to select, grow, and manage fruit in your region, use the following listing of links by region:

• Fruit Growing by Region.

Fruit-Growing Basics

This espaliered apple tree is both ornamental and productive. (Photo credit: Karen Jeannette)

The following resources provide information about fruit growing that is generally applicable across the United States. See the "Fruit Growing by Region" section above to find more regionally specific information.

Selection

• Selecting the Right Site for Small Fruits (Virginia State Cooperative). This article covers site selection and cultural preferences for strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries.

Pruning

• Pruning Fruit Trees and Other Small Fruits (Arizona Cooperative Extension).

• How to Espalier an Apple Tree (Chicago Botanic Garden) provides information on this artful form of pruning.

Fertilizing

• Fertilizing Tree and Small Fruits (Iowa State University) discusses fertilization timing, amounts, and grades of fertilizers (percent nutrient content described on the fertilizer bag) for use on small fruits. Any references to timing, which is based on dates and not seasons (for example: date = "apply in early August"; season = "apply in mid- to late summer") may need to be verified with your local Extension publications or office.

Harvesting and Storing

• Harvesting and Storing Tree Fruits (Iowa State University Extension) is generally applicable across the United States where these fruits can be grown.

Pest Management Tools and Information

Apple maggot damage (Photo credit: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org)

The following diagnostic tools are helpful in identifying pest problems:

• Berry Diagnostic Tool (Maintained by Cornell University)^[1]

• Midwest Small Fruit Pest Management Handbook (Ohio State University Extension), a comprehensive pest management publication.

• Pests in Gardens and Landscapes—Fruit and Nuts (University of California - Statewide IPM Program)

See the following resources for listings of online publications and tools by region:

• Fruit Disease Pests by Region.

• Fruit Insect Pests by Region.

Credits

1. ↑ Collaborate effort between Marvin Pritts, Ph.D., at Cornell University, Gina Fernandez at North Carolina State University, and Kim Hummer at the National Germplasm Repository at Corvallis, Oregon. See footnotes on Web site for more information.