A different way growing figs

[aap]

Growing figs inground in my zone 7a is possible this way.

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Framework made with 1 1/2 “ plastic pipe. Schedule 80. Circles are figtrees. I cover figtrees late in winter, need to fully hardened before covering. Anything green will dry out and die.

It makes it easy to winterize them with leaves or straw.

[Travis]

Have you done this, or is it something you’re going to try?

[jcguarneri]

I like the idea of spreading it out in 2 dimensions. Almost like an espalier on its side.

Also, this thread is relevant for those looking at this or similar techniques:

Step over figs

Last year I planted a row of Figs ( a mt. Etna type ) in my un heated high tunnel 10 ft apart. Pruning to 2 upright shoots.when those shoots got like 3 ft tall, I bent them over , and tied them , in opposite directions,to a piece of pipe ,6 inches off the ground. Running the length of the row, About 80ft. So , the plant came up 6inches and then layed flat ( tied to the pipe)in opposite directions. Soon after this ,most of the buds along the flat part started to grow upright, all along tha…

[Hillbillyhort]

Yes my “step over figs “have been highly productive this year
1- 3 gal. Every two - three days. Since September.
From a ~80 ft row.
Slowing down now. Almost all have ripened.
So easy to cover for winter.
I highly recommend this method !

[aap]

No, been studying this for my spring project, because my figtrees in containers getting out of hand. Age has a lot to do. Last spring I started taking trees out of pots, and in the ground they go. Each will grow with only 4 branches to train.

[Hillbillyhort]

@aap
I don’t think it’s necessary to have that many horizontal cordons.
Mine just have one cordon in each direction,
“. They fill in nicely. “
The row ends up being 4. + ft wide with just one horizontal cordon.
I am only picking from one side, having to step into the plant to pick far side. The leafs are scratchy, would not want the row any wider. In fact I need to thin more.
A single row of cordons to cover for winter.
All uprights cut back to 2-3 buds.
Short narrow area to cover for winter protection

[aap]

I only allow so much space for figs, there for I choose them to grow with 4. A total of 5 trees that’s all I need I am not surrounded by figeaters and paw paws and persimmon.Not much in spraying fruit trees.