INDOOR WINTER ACTIVITIES FOR FRUIT GARDENERS

Fruit gardeners don't welcome wintry weather, but we can remain busy indoors with various projects. Grow an avocado, lemon, or mango tree by collecting seeds from the fruits. It may not bear for a long time, but you'll have fun.

Start hardy fruits, such as the Alpine Yellow woodland strawberry, from seed. Those in USDA hardiness zones 6-8 can propagate hardy prickly pear cactus from seeds, available from Thompson & Morgan.

Gardeners with greenhouses can grow many fruits indoors. For newcomers Greenhouse Basics-Gardening In Your Greenhouse by Mark Freeman from Stackpole Books, is a good starting place. Illustrated with line drawings it has all the practical information one needs on caring for indoor plants, selecting the best equipment, preparing soil, starting seeds, and hardening off plants. He has down-to-earth advice on houseplants and edible greenhouse crops.

Greenhouse Gardener's Companion-Growing Food & Flowers in Your Greenhouse or Sunspace by Shane Smith, with over 20 years experience, has long been a favorite. This comprehensive book from Fulcrum has been completely revised and updated. Before buying or building a greenhouse let this book guide you through the process. Over 300 plants are profiled. It contains the latest integrated pest management tips, and has 250 illustrations.

Winter is ideal for trying new recipes. Michigan State University Press published an English edition of a best-selling French book on preserves. Christine Ferber, internationally known master patissiere, is noted for her delicious creations. In Mes Confitures-The Jams and Jellies of Christine Ferber, she shares her personal recipes with readers. She begins with a thorough discussion of the techniques and ingredients. If you've never tasted jams and preserves made without pectin you're in for a treat. I think I'll try Banana with Bittersweet Chocolate. These are arranged by season.

Winter is an opportune occasion to plan fruit garden projects. Creative Homeowner Press released Trellises & Arbors-Landscape & Design Ideas, Plus Projects by Bill Hylton. These are superb projects for kiwi and grape vines. In addition to chapters on tools, techniques, and materials, there's a plant directory along with tips on training, pruning, and caring for the vines. Each project is color-illustrated with step-by-step instructions.

During some free time, read up on nontoxic pest control. Tiny Game Hunting-Environmentally Healthy Ways To Trap and Kill the Pests in Your House and Garden by Hilary Dole Klein et al is published by the University of California Press. This engaging book suggests safe nontoxic methods for handling indoor and garden pests. Each pest and its control is profiled in detail and illustrated with drawings.

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