I captured this photo on November 27, 2024, just before temperatures plummeted below freezing. Preparing for the harsh New York State winter was no small feat, especially when it came to maneuvering those heavy plastic pots and the concrete curing blanket into place between the exterior wall of the house and that dense row of boxwood.
As you can see, I wrapped the branches of my fig trees with foam water pipe insulation, which I picked up from a local hardware store. To secure the insulation, I tied it firmly with rope, allowing the insulation to extend a few extra inches beyond the tip of each branch for added protection against the cold.
With the combined warmth of the house foundation, the shelter provided by the boxwood, and the insulating power of the concrete curing blanket, I’m optimistic that the fig trees—fondly nicknamed “figgies”—will endure the bitter winter temperatures.
Notably, one branch in particular stands out in this setup. At roughly four feet long, I left it intact as part of an ongoing experiment (#578) to see if a branch of that size and thickness (about 2 inches in diameter) could survive under these conditions. Typically, shorter branches are much easier to protect, but I’m curious to see if the length and girth of this branch offer it any natural resilience. Only time—and the unpredictable New York winter—will tell!
I took extra care to ensure the concrete curing blanket extended over the ground, providing ample insulation to protect the root systems of each potted fig trees. The roots are the heart of the plant, and keeping them safe from the bitter cold was a top priority. Interestingly, I sourced these blankets from a Facebook Marketplace ad, managing to snag two of them at a great price. They’ve turned out to be an invaluable addition to my winterizing arsenal, proving that resourcefulness and a keen eye for bargains can make all the difference in safeguarding my fig trees through the harsh season.
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Stay tuned, keep on rootin’ and happy growing!
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