| My dad wants to plant a fig tree on our property. our house faces east, which side should he plant on and is our climate conducive? |
| Fig trees are hardy to about 10F (USDA zones 7-11). If subjected to colder temperatures, the tops of the trees will die back, but new sprouts will emerge from the roots in the spring. Figs will tolerate shade but grow best in full sunshine. They are adaptable to many kinds of soil, prefering a well-draining fertile loam with a neutral pH. Figs do not need much fertilizer and water requirements are not high. Water regularly during spring and summer when fruit is forming, but withhold water in autumn to help the tree harden off in preparation for winter. Fig trees are usually pruned into a vase shape which allows air and light to penetrate to the center of the tree. Gardeners in cold-winter regions usually wrap the tree in a protective layer of newspapers wrapped with burlap. |
