DIY Network

Pruning, Pests and Harvesting Kelly Givens has tips for pruning and harvesting figs and for keeping them pest free. From "Fresh From the Orchard" episode DFFO-108

Pruning figs is a snap as long as you follow a few simple rules. Kelly Givens demonstrates the basic dos and don'ts of fig pruning, then demonstrates the difference between a close-eye and an open-eye fig. She also gives some invaluable harvesting tips and explains why gloves are a good idea for fig harvesters.

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Pruning

Figure A

Figs don't need as much pruning as other fruit trees, but you may want to prune to control the size. Pruning is best done in early spring, after the danger of frost is past but before leaf growth has started. Remove about one-third to one-half of the fig's annual growth, if desired. Always make sure that you prune above a node (the point where a leaf is attached to the stem) and make the cuts at a 45-degree angle (figure A).

Disease Management

Figs are typically disease- and pest-resistant plants. They rarely require spraying of any sort.

The most common problem with figs is root-knot nematodes, microscopic worms (about 1/50") that live in the soil. Nematodes are most often a problem in southern parts of the county where the soil is sandy, and then most often in old garden beds where vegetables have been planted for many years.

The best way to prevent nematode damage is to plant in nematode-free soil. If you think your soil might have root-knot nematodes, send a sample to your county extension service for testing prior to planting. If nematodes are present, plant elsewhere.

Note on the Cooperative Extension Services

You may have noticed that we often refer you to your local cooperative extension service for additional information. Why? Because extension service agents are local experts, the ones right in your own neighborhood. They understand your local climate and growing conditions better than anyone else.

If you don't know how to get in contact with your local extension service, here is a website that will help you easily locate the extension service nearest you: www. csrees.usda.gov/Extension/.

On occasion, gardeners will have problems with insect damage (figure B). Some varieties of figs have built-in protection from insects in the form of an eye, which can be either open (figure C) or closed (figure D). Figs whose opening on the bottom is very tiny are called closed-eye; those with a slightly larger opening are called open-eye. Since insects can more easily penetrate an open-eye, these figs are sometimes more susceptible to insect damage.

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

Special Tip

Figs in Containers

Fig trees also make good container plantings, especially in northern climates where gardeners have long enjoyed planting figs in pots. The containers can be kept on a patio or balcony, where the tropical-looking leaves can be enjoyed close up and the fruit is within easy reach. When cold weather comes, the figs can be moved into a garage or greenhouse and overwintered.

Harvesting

Figs should be allowed to fully ripen on the tree but should be picked as soon as they are ripe or they will spoil. Daily harvesting is a good idea to prevent spoilage.

Pick when the fruit softens, droops down and easily pulls off the tree. A milky sap sometimes oozes from the stem of figs when picked (especially if the figs are not quite ripe) (figure E). The sap contains a protein-decomposing enzyme that can be irritating to your skin, so consider wearing gloves when harvesting (figure F).

Figure E

Figure F