Announcement: In-Person Presentation on Growing Fig Trees @FAIR AMOUNT FOOD FOREST IN PHILADELPHIA

I am thrilled to announce an exciting event, "Growing Figs with Ross the Fig Boss," slated for Saturday, August 5th from 1 pm to 3 pm at Fair Amount Food Forest located inside Fairmount Park in Philadelphia. Join me in person as I explain the details of growing and nurturing these amazing trees. It's not just about the basics; it's about understanding the subtle relationship between the fig tree and its environment.

During this two-hour event, I will cover the fundamentals of fig tree care also mentioning tried-and-true techniques for quality fruit production that even novice gardeners can adapt. But that's not all! Participants might also get the unique opportunity to taste some of my own figs, gaining a hands-on appreciation for the diverse flavors these fruits can offer. This session promises to be an insightful blend of theoretical knowledge, practical tips, and sensory experiences, making it a must-attend for anyone keen on expanding their horticultural horizons.

Additional details

Address: 2300 N 33rd St, Philadelphia, PA 19132

Website: Fair Amount Food Forest

• There is no signup required.

• The event is free, but donations to the nonprofit that runs the food forest are always welcome. They are doing great work. A donation link can be found here or they can be made by cash or check:

• I will try my best to accommodate a Q&A and a meet and greet at the end of the event.

I hope to see some of you there!

If you want to listen to another presentation that I gave in 2021 for the California Rare Fruit Growers, see the video below:

The Growing Fig Tree Timeline

This comprehensive fig tree timeline serves as a valuable guide for beginners embarking on the journey of fig tree cultivation. It provides a roadmap of the season, from the beginning until the end, outlining all the necessary steps and precautions to be taken for ensuring the health and success of your fig trees. It covers everything from last-minute tasks during dormancy like pruning and unwrapping trees, to using season extension techniques for early start and protection against frost. The post serves as a beacon for beginners, providing guidance whenever they might feel lost.

In the first stages of growth, the timeline explains the importance of helping the trees awaken from their dormant state by providing them with ample sunlight and warmth to increase their metabolic rate. It lays out the risks of frost and how to guard against it, emphasizing the importance of proper hydration and exposure to sunlight for the trees' overall growth. It underscores that the efforts made at this early stage will pay dividends later, in terms of quicker growth, more abundant fruit, and earlier ripening.

Further into the season, the post delves into more specific care aspects such as the right fertilization schedule and dealing with possible nutritional deficiencies. It touches upon crucial points like repositioning branches for better sun exposure and when it's best to pot and plant the trees. The timeline provides useful information on sap flow, metabolic rates, and how these play into the appropriate timing for up-potting, planting, and propagation. It also advises on actions to enhance fruit quality and prevent any decrease due to excess nitrogen.

Lastly, the timeline leads you into the final stages of the season. It instructs on the fruit set and ripening stages, and how to optimize for a higher brix in your fruits. It also provides key tips on how to handle the trees as the weather turns cooler, including reducing water, encouraging lignification, and the right time to prune. Importantly, it takes the reader through the dormancy period, guiding on safe storage, pruning, and watering practices during this phase. It underscores that this timeline is more than just a set of instructions; it's a roadmap to success for beginner fig growers, providing a clear understanding of the life cycle and needs of their fig trees, and hence leading to a more fruitful outcome.

For additional tips on growing fig trees, check out the fig tree timeline, here.