Category: Fig Dormancy
-
Moving an Unknown, but Prolific, Fig Tree
For a variety of reasons, this fig tree needed to be relocated, but the primary issue was sunlight, or rather, the lack of it. The original location simply did not provide enough direct sun for the tree to truly thrive. As every fig grower eventually learns, figs absolutely adore sunshine. The tree has now been…
-
Fig Winterization Results – Zone 6b, NY
In my own backyard, I use this exact same winterization method on all of my in-ground fig trees because, quite simply, it works. Over the years, it has proven to be reliable, practical, and effective against our unpredictable Hudson Valley winters. That being said, fig trees have personalities of their own. Some wake up early…
-
Monitoring Fig Trees After Winter Protection
We’ve officially said adiós to the cold, snowy days and endless winter nights, and now the fig trees are beginning to awaken from their long seasonal slumber. One by one, the in-ground figs are showing signs of life by showing tiny buds swelling and the promise of a new growing season unfolding before our eyes.…
-
The Shed Test: Winter Victory for My Potted Figs
Zone 6b, Mid-Hudson Valley, NY.Investing the time to insulate the shed was absolutely worth it. Every single potted fig made it through the brutal New York winter, snow, ice, and all. We endured several nights when temperatures plunged below zero degrees Fahrenheit, the kind of cold that makes you question every gardening decision you’ve ever…
-
Don’t Just Cut—Help the Tree Heal
When you prune a tree, it’s often said that you should seal the wound to protect it from future damage. While there are certain pruning cuts that, given time, will heal themselves naturally, many gardeners still believe in giving the tree a little extra help. Not too long ago I blogged about trees properly healing…
-
A Cozy Winter Home for Your Potted Fig
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read people’s posts on social media saying they can’t winterize their potted fig(s) because they don’t have a garage, cellar, or shed. My answer is always the same: keep it simple and get a little creative! Take a look at this photo I snapped of the side…
-
A Novel Approach to Fig Tree Winter Protection
Materials you will need: twine, PVC pipes, two for each bed, a hacksaw to cut the PVC pipes to length, also you will need a drill to mae the necessary four holes for each bed. You can easily pick up PVC pipes at your local hardware store. The raised bed I was working on measured…
-
Fig Cuttings with Character
It’s late November here in Zone 6b (Mid-Hudson Valley, NY), and my fig trees have finally gone fully dormant—perfect timing for pruning. As always, trimming day means a bounty of cuttings, and I’m constantly on the lookout for ones that stand out in some special way. The thick cuttings are always my favorites—they root more…
-
Moisture: The Hidden Threat When Winterizing Fig Trees
Under that plastic bag is a pruned Italian Honey (also known as Lattarulla) fig tree, all tucked in for winter. I filled the bag with dry leaves gathered from the property—every single one checked to make sure there wasn’t a trace of moisture. They were perfectly crisp and dry, just what I wanted. My plan…
-
Figs love to go dormant
Fig trees enter dormancy after they finish producing their main crop. Dormancy is their built-in survival mechanism—a way to conserve energy and protect themselves through the cold months. This quiet period ends only when temperatures rise again in spring (Ref 1). As I write this on November 17th, 2025, here in the Mid-Hudson Valley of…