My name is Evan Panagiotopoulos, a.k.a. The Fig Tree Guy, and I am passionate about all aspects of fig cultivation.
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Setting the tone: The 2026 New York winter was long, cold and snowy. I live in Orange County, New York, and in late 2025 I winterized all eight of my in-ground fig trees. Over the years, I’ve settled on a…
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Debriefing: Fig Tree Learning Exchange
According to Google, to debrief someone means to question or interview them after an experience or mission to gather information, review what happened, and learn from the event. Well, here I go with the debriefing. On May 9th, 2026 the…
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Hello Cragsmoor Free Library
Today, I led a discussion about growing figs at the Cragsmoor Free Library in Ulster County, NY. Let me begin by saying that the library itself was absolutely magnificent. The artwork displayed throughout the room added warmth and character, the…
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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…
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Dealing with Ambrosia Beetles
I dealt with these beetles during the spring of 2025, and I even blogged about it. I had to drastically cut back the branches of one of my potted fig trees. Now it’s spring 2026, and the tree still hasn’t…
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Unwrapping an Italian Honey Fig Tree in Zone 6b
Zone 6b, Mid-Hudson Valley, NY, USA. In late November 2025, I winterized an Italian Honey, Lattarula, fig tree for friends in Orange County, New York. I documented the process because I was concerned that trapped moisture under the protective covering…
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Preparation Will Reward Your Air Layering Endeavor
Ah yes, the shining armor of your creation. Wrap it around the entire structure to shield it from the harsh sun, reflecting light and heat like a guardian watching over a fragile secret. Beneath that humble foil, roots will quietly…
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Newspaper Article – March 5th, 2026
On March 5, 2026, Wallkill Valley Times published an article I wrote titled “The Fig Man of Corinth.” I am the Fig Man, and I was born and raised in Corinth, Greece. I hope you will find the article to…
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A Tale of Four Cuttings and a Linguistic Lesson
Today I’m proudly announcing a brand-new addition to the English dictionary: “Lotsaroots” (lots-a-roots). A highly technical, horticultural term meaning a cutting that has produced an impressive, borderline show-off amount of roots. Zone 6b, Mid-Hudson Valley, NY. Attached you will find…
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Where Fig Trees Wake Up to My Singing
Tomorrow’s sky will be gray and quiet, but the afternoon will bring a small gift of warmth. The temperature is expected to climb to about 52°F around 2 p.m., which in early March feels almost generous. After a late breakfast,…