If plants requiring many hours of chilling are planted too far south, they will not bloom and grow normally in the spring. Conversely, if a low-chilling plant is set too far north, its requirement will be satisfied early and any warm weather will cause early bloom and probable freeze damage to both the crop and the tree. Minimum temperatures also dictate plant selection since many fruiting plants freeze at relatively high temperatures. Bananas, for example, are damaged at 32 o F, while apples can sustain temperatures of 0 o F without damage if they are dormant. Rainfall Rainfall and accompanying high humidities also play an important role in plant selection.
Irrigation can supplement rainfall, but water quality is critical for plants such a blueberries.
The varieties listed are those that are best adapted to specific area. By choosing only recommended varieties, a homeowner has a much greater chance of success.