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 made.
And yet… the figs prevailed.
Tucked safely inside the insulated shed, they slept through the worst of it, protected from the biting wind and relentless freeze. Opening that shed door and seeing healthy, undamaged trees was more satisfying than I can describe.
Lesson learned.
Next year, every single potted fig will be winterized in the shed. No hesitation. No second guessing.
Yes!
I must give full credit to my good friend and neighbor, who was absolutely instrumental in completing the shed insulation. His craftsmanship, patience, and willingness to brave freezing temperatures made the whole project possible.
As for me, I contributed in my own… unique way.
I helped quite a lot by strategically standing in his way, periodically checking my phone and sending texts while he worked. I also boosted morale by buying him coffee a couple of times, a critical component of any successful construction project. At one point, he even entrusted me with an important mission: a trip to the local hardware store to buy nails for the nail gun. I returned victorious.
There were also several moments when I stood akimbo in the middle of the shed floor, gazing thoughtfully at the ceiling and pointing upward, offering what I’m sure were deeply insightful and highly technical observations.
But I digress.
In all seriousness, without his help, the figs might not have made it through those subzero nights. So while I’ll gladly celebrate the success of the insulated shed, the real credit belongs to a good neighbor and perhaps just a little to the coffee.
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Stay tuned, keep on rootin’ and happy growing!
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