Planting and caring a fig tree in your garden: great idea for a green home

The fig tree is one of the oldest cultivated plants on earth. Its large leaves look very attractive, and its sweet, ripe fruits taste heavenly. In addition, the fig is not demanding at all and needs little care. In this post we will show you how to plant and properly care for the fig tree so that you can enjoy it for a long time. The fig can take place in the garden or in a planter to fulfill a decorative function, for example on the terrace. Continue reading.

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The fig tree originally comes from Asia Minor and, as I said, it is one of the oldest useful plants in the world. As a container plant, the figs reach heights of between 2 and 3 meters. They are mainly valued for their edible fruits, but the leaves of the fig are also very interesting. This is why the plant is a real eye-catcher in the garden. If the fig is left outside all year round, you should choose a hardy variety. These include, for example, the varieties “Violetta” and Michurinska “which can easily withstand temperatures between -10 and -20 degrees.

Planting & caring for a fig tree: choosing the best location

Proper location is very important for fig growth. The figs do best outdoors – in a sunny and sheltered place. However, the young plants are sensitive to frost – the low temperatures in winter can damage the roots and shoots. We therefore recommend that you grow the young figs in pots and cover them up in winter or put them in the apartment so that you protect them from the frost. In mild temperatures, you can even harvest ripe figs three times a year. For a good harvest it is important to water the trees regularly – especially from spring to autumn; in winter they need less water. In order to avoid waterlogging, the water must be able to run off well. You can leave the unripe fruits on the tree in late winter – in spring they produce a second harvest. If you are still unsure how to properly care for a fig tree call Stockton arborists for tree care advice and ask for a free consultation and guides.

Cut the plant properly

Caring for a fig tree also includes pruning. The figs usually grow expansively and branching begins at a low height. Pruning stimulates growth and helps give the plant the desired shape. Make the pruning after the shoot – at the end of February or early March – to see if there are branches that have frozen. Also remove any shoots that are too close together or that cross one another. Always cut back to a bud or branch. You can also cut back the older bushes that are already balding inside. That will stimulate the new driving growth. But you should know that after a radical pruning, the plants will not produce a harvest the next year.

Always wear gloves when cutting, as the milky sap of the figs can irritate your skin. To stop the milk flow, you can spray the interfaces with a little water. If you don’t want to deal with tree printing then Lexington, KY arborists for tree care will be happy to take care of that for you. Just give them a call and arrange a visit.

Tips for winter protection

The older fig trees (over 5 years old) tolerate the cold and the low temperatures quite well. You can keep the younger potted plants in the cold season in the dark basement or in the garage, where temperatures rarely drop below 0 degrees. That way the figs wouldn’t freeze to death. But do not forget to water the young plants from time to time in winter so that no drought damage occurs. You can protect the fig trees that are outside in the garden by covering the root area with some leaves. The crown can be protected with fleece, reed mats or single-strand spruce. And from the end of February you can put the young potted plants outside again.

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Gather the harvest

In the warm Mediterranean countries, the figs are harvested twice a year. The first harvest takes place in June and July, and the second – between August and September. The fruits of the second harvest are usually smaller, but with a higher sugar content.