Tips to Growing Figs
Figs are a superfood that has made its mark and has been around for some time, figs are filled with vitamins and have so many benefits. Including these trees in your garden is an added benefit.
In fact, figs have been around since ancient times. The bible dates figs back as far as thousands of years which means that the ancients knew about this fruit. Even Jesus made mention of this tree in the bible so the fig tree has survived from century to century and has come down to us.
But just like those in ancient times that knew the benefits of these fruits and took advantage of them, we can do the seem also and experience those benefits that will help keep us healthy. In this article, we looked at how to grow figs.
How To Grow Figs
- When planting figs look for a sunny location
- The planting hole should be prepared with organic soil. The soil ph should be between 6.0-6.5 also the soil should be a well- drain soil
- Give proper spacing of plants about 6-10 feet is sufficient for good air circulation
- Fertilize with organic fertilizer or synthetic. Follow the label because the label is the law
- Keep plants well-watered but don’t overwater because this will encourage disease brought on by fungus.
- Adding a 3-inch layer of mulch has proved to be of good benefit. For more on the benefits of mulch follow the link
Insect pest, send them running
Insect pests just can’t leave our gardens. They love to make a feast out of our garden plants but what is so good is that we can strike back and send them running. Here is a list of insect pests to watch out for.
- The fig tree borer
- Spider mites
- Fig scales
- Confused sap beetles
- Dried fruit beetle
- Fig beetle
- Freeman sap beetle
- Darkling ground beetle
- Carpenter worm
Control measures include several methods depending on the insect pest for example.
Spider mites and scales may require insecticidal soap and horticultural oil sprays mix with water. When it comes to borers the bottom part of the tree should be enclosed with netting material. The top of the netting should be covered with foil coated in vaseline.
The carpenter worm larva is controlled with the use of parasitic nematodes
Baits traps should be used for confused sap beetles, freeman sap beetles, and dried beetles. Using an insecticide containing malathion will also help. When it comes to the darkling ground beetle the best defense is to keep the area free of weeds and debris.
Diseases of the fig tree
There are several diseases that are caused by a fungus that will infect figs that are.
- Phomopsis canker enters the tree because of injury. The sign of this disease includes dead tissue around the wound. Control involves the removal of the infected part and properly disposing of it.
- Fig mosaic shows up as blotches on the leaves. These blotches are caused by a virus. The mites that spread this virus can be controlled with horticultural oils or miticides.
- The Aspergillus is a fungus that infects the insides of the fig by causing it to turn green then powdery. The tree needs to be destroyed and the soil should be treated with a fungicide. Planting can be done after a year.
- Fig rust appears as small orange spots that get larger if left untreated. In some cases, the leaves may drop. Control measures include using a copper-based fungicide
- Endosepsisis is caused by a wasp that is responsible for pollination. The wasp enters the figs to lay its eggs. When the wasp dies the fungus develops on the body of the dead wasp that is inside the fig. The tree should be destroyed and the soil treated with a fungicide. Wait for a year before planting.
Harvest time for figs
The time to harvest figs is when the fruit neck wilts and the fruits hang down if picked before these signs figs will not ripen also ripe figs are soft to the touch when squeezed gently. Ripe figs are delicious and sweet if pick too early the taste is unpleasant they will have a dry and rubbery taste so wait for the right time and you will be enjoying your harvest of figs.
Storing figs
Ripe figs that are not eaten right away can be dried or frozen. Figs can be dried in the sun or by using a dehydrator. In the case of freezing thoroughly wash and dry figs then transfer them onto a baking sheet freeze them until hard and place them in a container. Figs can be stored anywhere from 1-2 years.
The final word
Figs are great and you will love them, They are so healthy and contains the right amount of vitamins that have proven to be beneficial. It is good to be able to eat the fruits of our labor.
About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
I think a fig tree may be a subtropical plant. Is a fig tree something that could be grown in my area? I live in Pennsylvania. We have pretty harsh winters. I was thinking perhaps I could keep it in a large pot and bring it indoors in the winter. What do you think?
Hello Wendy so good to see you and thanks so much for your support, now to you question. Figs are pretty amazing with it vitamins and all that other good stuff I hear your concern and will answer yor question as best as I can. When planting figs especially in the colder climiate it is best to look for those that are cold hardy such as Chicago figs, Celeste figs, Ventura figs or Brown turkey figs.
When the winter comes remove branches that is diseased or weak, tie the branches together to make a column, also place a thick layer of mulch around the roots to protect them from the cold also place a pole in the ground next to the tree and tie the branches also wrap the tree in several layers of burlap leave the top open for heat and moisture to escape.
Install chicken wire around the tree and fill with leaves or straw also wrap the entire tree in plastic insulation and place a 5 gallon back on top upside down to seal the top of plant. When spring comes around and the weather starts to warm up you can remove the tree’s winter protection.
With container grown figs it is just a matter of allowing leaves to fall make sure that your plant is well watered. Bring plant on the inside like the garage, the basment, green house, sun room or other cool try place. During the actual winter while plant is indoors water lightly once every two weeks. When winter has passed and spring time comes around you will being to see new leaves emerging. When this happens and night time temperature starts to warm up you can return your container plant to the outside.
So sorry for such long answers but hope this helps and please let me know how it goes all the best to you Wendy and have a wonderful.