Author: Evan Panagiotopoulos
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Fencing Your Garden, A Wise Move
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Your garden is a labor of love—whether it’s bursting with vegetables, blooming with flowers, or simply a peaceful retreat from daily life. But even the most beautiful garden can suffer without protection. That’s why installing a fence is more than just a good idea—it’s a wise move. Animals are one of the biggest threats to…
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Correctly Pruning a Branch
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One of our favorite ways to unwind is by visiting the Orange County Arboretum, a peaceful haven where we can stroll through winding paths surrounded by towering trees and vibrant blooms. It’s always a joy to spend time immersed in the quiet beauty of nature — such simple moments, yet so memorable. On our most…
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Ambrosia Beetles Strike Three Potted Figs
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In the early spring of 2025, three lovely potted fig trees were stretching their limbs and yawning off winter, ready to burst into leaf. I was feeling pretty proud as a fig parent, honestly. But then, I noticed something… weird. Tiny noodle-like strands were poking out of the trunks. Not spaghetti. Not worms. It looked…
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Types of Fig Cuttings
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Fig Propagation Using Cuttings Fig propagation through cuttings is a technique embraced by many fig enthusiasts, and I feel compelled to share this post especially for those new to the process. Personally, I prefer taking cuttings from dormant fig trees, selecting branches that are brown and woody—not green. To explain: if a fig branch begins…
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Green Portland Cuttings and New Friendships
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Let me tell you a story that’s been quietly ripening for about six years—like the best kind of fruit. It all began on a family trip to Portland, Oregon. We stayed at a cozy hotel nestled in a charming neighborhood, full of strollable streets and local shops. Just around the corner from where we stayed,…
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Should I protect my POTTED fig trees when it rains?
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Should I protect my POTTED fig trees when we expect lots of rain? Yes, you should protect potted fig trees during prolonged or heavy rain, especially if the rain is frequent or intense over a long period. Here’s why and how: Why to Protect: How to Protect:• Move to Shelter: If possible, move the pots…
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Wallkill Library Program – Now Full!
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Throughout 2025, I had the pleasure of offering eight fig-focused programs to local libraries—and to my delight, every single one reached full capacity, with waiting lists quickly forming. This response has been incredibly rewarding on multiple levels. Not only does it confirm the growing interest in fig cultivation among library patrons, but it also validates…
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Notching test was successful
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Do you know that you can induce budding in a fig tree by notching above a node? This technique is commonly used to encourage a latent or dormant bud to break and grow into a new branch or shoot. How Notching Works: For Fig Trees Specifically: Tips for Success: If you’d like to reach out…
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Spread spent coffee grounds around your fig trees!
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I recently blogged about NPK (Ref 1, Ref 2), which stands for Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K), the three essential nutrients that are the backbone of any good fertilizer. In fact, these three numbers on a bag of fertilizer represent the percentage of each nutrient, in that exact order. For instance, a 5-5-5…
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Yes! There will be growth in the spring!
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The title is a quote from movie Being There. Two nights ago, an online frost warning went out, and, always one to play it safe, I covered my nine planted fig trees with my concrete curing blankets. I wasn’t taking any chances, even though the temperature never dipped below 40°F—no complaints here, though! It’s always…