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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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…
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The Secret to Happy Fig Cuttings: A Little Pampering
When you take a fig cutting, you’re not starting from zero. That piece of wood contains stored carbohydrates (starches and sugars) that the mother tree packed away during the growing season. Think of it like a built-in lunchbox for the…
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Adiós Gnats!
If I had a penny for every failed attempt to stop fungus gnats from killing my fig cuttings, I’d have two dollars. Fungus gnats are one of the most frustrating pests when you’re rooting fig cuttings. The adults are annoying,…
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Fixing a Waterlogged, Rooted Fig Cutting
I got a little careless while watering this fig cutting and ended up with a classic waterlogged situation. When I root my fig cuttings, I use a double-cup system. The inner cup holds the cutting and has drainage holes at…
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Look, Ma! Roots Everywhere!
I’ve been hard at work rooting my 2026 fig cuttings, and I’m happy to report that they’ve officially started developing roots. Warning: Secure your lunch pail before reading the next statement. I currently have approximately 470 cuttings rooting in a…
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Fig Trees Belong in Every Garden
Barry’s Grove is a nonprofit organization founded in 2022 and based in the Village of Walden, New York, with a primary focus on the Hudson Valley region. The organization is dedicated to environmental stewardship through hands-on initiatives such as tree…
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Announcing The Fig Tree Learning Exchange Event
This post is literally hot off the press. The Recreation and Parks Department of the Village of Walden, together with The Fig Tree Guy, is proud to host the first bi-annual Fig Tree Learning Exchange, a unique gathering created specifically…
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Hello, Roots! My First Fig Cutting of 2026
I am not kidding when I say that every single year, the moment I spot my first rooted cutting, I get a little teary-eyed. It never gets old. This year, I’ve officially kicked off the rooting process with—drum roll, please—400…
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When the Fig Gods Smile at the Supermarket
I love to shop at this chain of local supermarkets, Adams Fairacre Farms, a beloved local destination for quality and variety. I appreciate that they’re not expanding nationwide, because their brand and business are rooted in serving local Hudson Valley…
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Rooting Cuttings in Coco Coir
Every year, I experiment with a variety of methods to root fig cuttings, and for the most part, I’ve had great success with all of them. That said, my go-to method has always been rooting cuttings in transparent cups of…