A Fig Grower’s Journey

  • [Highland Mills] Fig-ure It Out: Mastering the Art of Growing Fig Trees

    Join me at the Woodbury Public Library, Rushmore Memorial Branch in Highland Mills, New York, for two hours packed with fig knowledge! Discover the care, and cultivation of fig trees, along with tips and tricks to help your fig-growing journey thrive. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this workshop is for you!…

  • Experiment #486

    Well, not really—but I do love experimenting, especially when it comes to my figgies. I’m always eager to try different and sometimes unorthodox methods in my gardening adventures. Whether it’s tweaking propagation techniques, testing new rooting mediums, or experimenting with unconventional ways to winterize, I believe that every trial is an opportunity to learn something…

  • Cleanliness is Next to Godliness

    Well, I’m not going religious here, so let me explain. This phrase perfectly captures the importance of keeping things clean and orderly, especially when it comes to fig propagation. Clean tools and workspaces aren’t just about tidiness—they’re crucial for preventing contamination, disease, and other issues that could harm your cuttings or plants. In fig cultivation,…

  • Do as I tell you, but not as I do

    In late fall I take cuttings from my trees that I grow in my backyard. During the winter, I root these cuttings, and by early spring, they’re ready to be shared with fellow fig enthusiasts. One of my favorite trees grows to an impressive 7–8 feet and produces an abundance of purplish figs every year.…

  • Always Be Ready

    Always Be Ready

    I was in New Paltz, New York, today for some business, and it was freezing cold. Naturally, I stopped at Starbucks and ordered a Frozen Mango Dragonfruit Lemonade Refresher! Yes, you read that right—it was freezing cold outside, and I ordered a frozen drink with, brace yourselves, extra ice. Why, you ask? Well, it’s a…

  • Upcoming Free Workshops

    I am in the final stages of collaborating with several local libraries in Dutchess and Orange counties to organize engaging workshops about fig cultivation. These workshops will provide attendees with valuable insights into the history of figs, their cultural significance, and practical knowledge on growing and maintaining fig trees. Topics will include propagation techniques, pruning…

  • My Pastilliere Rooted!

    On 11/25/2024 I purchased four Pastilliere cuttings (five shipped) from www.figbid.com. I must give credit to the seller, CoastalFigCompany, for providing an exceptional experience that earned them a perfect score. One of the cuttings I received was unusually thick, which initially worried me since I had never worked with such a cutting before. However, as…

  • Winterized Figs Update

    The past few days, temperatures in New York, Zone 6b, have been on the warm side and I decided to get out there and “play” with the winterized figs. Each bed has two one-inch PVC pipes running diagonally to connect its corners. Then, I covered the bed with a tarp to protect it. I installed…

  • Cutting Development Stages

    I am trying to help customers of mine understand what they are buying. Most fig cuttings are taken from dormant trees, but some cuttings, when taken during the summer, are green and come from trees that are not dormant. At this stage the cutting doesn’t have any roots and its bark is smooth. At this…

  • Rooting Fig Cuttings in Water

    Rooting figs in water requires careful attention, as the water needs to be changed daily. Occasionally, I skip a day—but never more than that—because staying vigilant is key. The process is “simple”. It will take about two weeks for tiny bumps to start forming at the bottom of the cuttings. Approximately four weeks later, you…