Uncommon Fruits Worthy Of Attention: A Gardener's Guide

by Lee Reich

A practical gardening guide as well as a book for reading and savoring, Uncommon Fruits will help garden enthusiasts--from novice to expert--successfully cultivate and enjoy such fruits as cold-hardy kiwis; the pawpaw, 'banana of the north'; the diminutive and delectable alpine and musk strawberries; cherries from 'Olde England' and Manchuria; the clove currant; Asian pears; the jujube; the maypop; the juneberry--and many others.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction, Plants

288 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1991

About the author

Lee Reich, PhD is an avid farmdener (more than a gardener, less than a farmer) with graduate degrees in soil science and horticulture. After working in plant and soil research with the USDA and Cornell University, he shifted gears and turned to writing, lecturing, and consulting.

He writes regularly for a number of gardening magazines and his syndicated gardening column for Associated Press appears biweekly from coast to coast.

His farmden has been featured in such publications as the New York Times and Martha Stewart Living, has won awards from National Gardening and Organic Gardening magazines, and has been included in “Open Days” tours of the Garden Conservancy.

Reviews

[Justin K. Rivers · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the best resources for information on an interesting assortment of lesser-known fruit - including how to grow them. It has been extremely helpful for me.

I have two complaints. First, it really needs a new and updated edition, especially in terms of the availability of different cultivars. Second, Reich does not give the USDA zone hardiness ranges for the various fruits in a consistent manner. Several times I found myself halfway through a chapter before realizing that the fruit in question was basically impossible to grow in my climate zone.

Nonetheless, this book is an excellent resource that contains essential details for growing these interesting fruits. I fear, sadly, that many of the cultivars he has mentioned may already be lost.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is chock full of cultivation and propagation information for fruits outside the mainstream but common in the permaculture literature. The only downside is that you're bound to go out and buy at least a few of the plants mentioned after you read the book. Read my full review (with highlights of four of the top plants) of Uncommon Fruits Worthy of Attention on my blog.

[Ruth]

More of a reference book than something to read straight through. The list of nurseries and suppliers in the appendix is pure gold though.

[Arlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Without a doubt, worthy of attention.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to grow pawpaws.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good details on interesting fruit trees. Worth the quick read.