Fig trees will produce an abundant amount of sweet fruits with relatively little care and they are very easy to plant and grow.
Best Growing Conditions...
Sun - The best and most fig fruits will be produced when trees are growing in full sun. However, fig trees that receive a little shade during the hottest part of summer days will still produce good crops.
Soil Type Preferred - Figs will grow reasonably well in most soil types except for very compacted clay or very infertile soils. Fig trees grow and produce the best fruit in well-drained but moist fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. In soil with low fertility it'll be worth your time to mix in some organic compost to the native soil. They like the soil to hold a good supply of water, especially when the fruits are developing in summer, but not so much water that the soil stays constantly soggy or wet.
Soil pH Preferred - Fig trees do best in a slightly acidic soil, somewhere between 6.0 and 6.5 on the pH scale. Whenever growing plants that prefer a specific pH it's a good idea to test the soil. Testing kits are available at most local nursery and garden centers or you can buy soil test kits online here. Your local Extension Service might provide soil testing services as well. Depending on the results of the soil test, you can add lime to raise the pH or soil sulfur to lower the pH (make more acid).
How To Plant A Fig Tree
Below are general guidelines for planting a container-grown fig tree in sites that provide average garden soil.
STEP 1 - Begin by digging a hole two to three times as wide and no deeper than the rootball. Place the native dirt you remove from the planting hole around the perimeter of the hole.
STEP 2 - Depending on the type, fertility and porosity of the soil you are planting in, you might need to thoroughly mix in a soil amendment to the native soil removed from the planting hole. When planting in heavy clay soil thoroughly mix in some good organic matter, copmosted manure, a good planting mix, and/or sand at a 50/50 ratio with the clay soil. When planting in very sandy, quick-draining soil you might want to consider adding in some peat moss and or compost to help retain moisture. When planting in fertile, loamy soil you might not need to add any soil amendments at all.
STEP 3 - Remove plant from container and carefully loosen feeder roots on the surface of the rootball.
STEP 4 - If the soil is well draining, place the rootball in the planting hole making sure that the top edge of the rootball is at or slightly above ground level. If necessary, place more soil in hole and tamp to achieve proper height. If the soil might remian constantly soggy or wet during winter or periods of heavy rain, set the rootball in the hole so that at least half of the root ball is above ground level.
STEP 5 - Begin to backfill around the rootball with your soil mixture, tamping as you go to remove any air pockets. When planting the rootball higher above ground level, as described in Step 4, backfill to the top edge of the rootball and taper gradually from top-edge of root ball to ground level. Essentially, you are planting the rootball in a "raised mound." Do not place any soil on top of rootball.
STEP 6 - With remaining soil mixture build a water retaining ring to about 3 inches or so in height around perimiter of mound to serve as a catch basin for water from irrigation or rainfall.
STEP 7 - Water your newly planted fig tree deeply at time of planting. Thereafter, monitor soil moisture by using the finger test, and water when necessary, but be careful not to overwater. Water enough to keep soil damp but not constantly soggy or wet. Most likely, your newly planted pomegranate will not need watering everyday. A good soaking rain or watering once or twice a week is usually all that's necessary until the plant is established. Once established, most pomegranate will need little attention to watering, except during prolonged periods of dry weather. Plants planted during the fall and winter months will require less water.
STEP 8 - Apply a 2 inch layer of wood mulch, or a 4-inch layer of pine straw to help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
Happy planting and harvesting!
