Carl Weschcke
Growing Nuts in the North
A Personal Story of the Author's Experience of 33 Years with Nut Culture in Minnesota and Wisconsin
"Growing Nuts in the North" by Carl Weschcke is a personal account and practical guide on nut cultivation written in the mid-20th century. This informative work offers insights gained from the author's 33 years of experience with nut growing in Minnesota and Wisconsin, highlighting both his successes and failures in this unique horticultural pursuit. With a scientific yet accessible approach, the book aims to assist amateur horticulturists in nurturing nut-bearing trees and shrubs, making it both educational and engaging. The opening of the narrative introduces the author's passion for nuts, tracing his early memories of foraging during childhood. He reflects on his initial encounters with various nut trees, particularly black walnuts and butternuts, and shares anecdotes about identifying them based on their distinctive fruits. Additionally, he discusses his journey into nut cultivation, including his early missteps with gardening techniques, the relationships he formed with nurserymen, and his explorations into grafting techniques. In this section, Weschcke sets the stage for a deeper exploration of nut culture and the essential lessons he learned throughout his endeavors.