Fig Tree
Ficus carica
More fig tree growing tips…
For container fig trees:
Plant fig trees in a pot or container at least slightly oversized to give room for its roots and space for it to grow.
Grow them in a soil-based potting mix and add fine bark chips to improve drainage.
Keep the tree in full sun in the Summer.
In the Spring and Summer, be sure to add a high-nitrogen fertilizer every four weeks and water the tree moderately.
In the Winter, move the tree indoors and keep the soil moist.
For outdoor planted fig trees:
Plant the tree in the spring or early fall in full sun. Fig trees can grow in most types of soil as long as the soil is well-drained and contains plenty of organic material.
Space fig trees at least 20 feet away from any buildings or other trees.
If given the chance, fig trees put down deep roots, so bear that in mind when choosing a planting spot.
To plant container-grown trees in the ground:
1) Remove the plant from its pot and remove any circling roots by laying the root ball on its side and using shears to cut through the roots.
2) Dig a hole that is a few inches deeper and wider than the spread of the roots. Set the tree on top of a small mound of soil in the middle of the hole. Be sure to spread the roots away from the trunk without excessively bending them.
3) Plant the tree 2 to 4 inches deeper than it was originally in the pot (check the color of the trunk to see the original soil line).
With their large, lobed leaves and slender, woody branches, figs have lots of ornamental appeal, but they’re mostly grown for their delicious edible fruit, which turns purple, brown, or yellow-green when ripe and can be eaten fresh, cooked, or dried.
These fast-growing trees thrive in warmer regions and are typically planted in late fall or early spring. However, growers in cooler climates can keep figs by growing hardy, dwarf trees in pots and overwintering them indoors.
Light: Outdoor figs need 6 to 8 hours of direct light, while indoor figs can do well in sunny, south-facing windows. For indoor plants, keep in a sunny spot of the house such as a sunroom, or in low light homes, keep figs under a grow light for 8 to 12 hours a day.
Soil: Figs can tolerate a range of soils, but slightly acidic, well-draining, loamy soils with a pH of between 6.0 and 6.5 are ideal. Standard potting mixes will work for potted figs, while compost blended into planting holes can help outdoors figs thrive.
Water: Water container-grown and young fig trees regularly with about 1 inch of water per week. Established, outdoor trees may not need any additional water beyond rainfall.
Harvesting fig fruits
You should harvest figs only when they are fully ripe, as they will not continue to ripen off the tree. The figs should be fully colored and slightly soft to the touch.
You may need to invest in bird netting to protect your crop; figs are a favorite of birds and squirrels.
When picking figs, wear gloves or long sleeves because the sap from the fig tree can irritate your skin.
Figs are very perishable. Store figs in the refrigerator; they will keep for 2 to 3 days.
For long-term storage, you can freeze figs whole for later use. Another storage method is to dry the figs. You can also can your own figs.
Loquat Tree
Eriobotrya japonica
A beautiful ornamental evergreen tree that produces delicious golden-orange fruit, harvested in the spring after the tree has put on a show with stunning, sweet-scented white flowers in the late Winter.
Although this tree is common across many parts of North America, many gardeners won't get to enjoy a harvest. The tree will not produce fruit in colder climates unless grown in a greenhouse. In suitable climate conditions, loquat trees grow fast, 1 to 2 feet per year.
Light: Producing the most fruit and flower in full sun, the loquat tree will also tolerate partial shade but it will be less productive.
Soil: The tree prefers well-draining loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. Heavily compacted clay soil or soil with high acidity and high salinity is not suitable for growing loquats.
Water: The loquat tree is drought-tolerant but will be more productive when it gets regular water. Newly planted loquat trees should be watered every second day. Keeping the roots moist during this stage is crucial. From around six months to three years of age, the tree will benefit from being watered once a week during the dry season. Once fully established, water less frequently unless there is a dry spell.
More loquat tree growing tips…
Plant a loquat tree in late fall or early spring.
The planting site should have full sun to partial shade with at least 5 hours of direct sunlight every day.
If you are at the lower end of the tree’s hardiness range or the winter temperatures in your location are temperature is borderline, find a sheltered spot near a wall or where concrete, stone, or paving absorbs the heat during the day and releases it at night, thus creating a warmer microclimate.
A south- or southeast-facing side of your home is ideal to capture the most warmth during the winter.
For container loquat trees:
Loquats can be grown in containers. Plant in a pot at least 10 to 16 inches in diameter and large drainage holes. Fill the pot with a high-quality, well-draining potting mix. Keep in mind that potted plants need more frequent watering than plants in garden soil.
Planting a loquat tree in the ground
Space trees 25 feet apart. For pollination, plant at least two compatible varieties of loquat trees within 100 feet of one another.
1) Dig a hole three to four times the diameter of the nursery container and three times as deep.
2) Add some of the soil back into the hole and place the tree from the container into the hole so that the top of the potting soil is flush or slightly above the surrounding soil level.
3) Backfill with two-thirds of the original soil and gently tamp the soil.
4) Before backfilling with the remaining original soil, water slowly and deeply to soak the soil.
5) Stake the tree to ensure your newly planted tree grows straight and strong winds won't dislodge the roots.
Harvesting loquat fruits
It's important that any fruit fully ripens on the tree before harvesting.
It takes around three months from the time the flowers to open to the fruit to mature.
Loquats are ready when the stem turns a yellow-orange color and it pulls away easily.
Loquats are best eaten soon after harvesting as they don't have a long shelf life. Stored in the fridge, they may last up to one week.
Strawberry Plant
Fragaria
Strawberries are well known as one of the most popular fruits on the plant. With a vivid color, tender texture, succulent sweetness and high vitamin C content, they are well worth growing yourself.
The sturdy little plants prosper when planted in properly prepared beds or rows, or you can put them to work as edible edgings or let them sprawl over the top of a wall. Strawberries are happy to grow in strawberry jars and hanging baskets, too.
Light: Strawberries thrive in full sunlight, basking in at least 6-8 hours a day.
Soil: they prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Amend the soil with compost for added nutrients and ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogged roots. Raised beds are ideal for growing strawberries; they promote fluffy, well-drained soil and help prevent invasion from weeds and grass.
Water: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells, but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. Mulching around plants helps retain moisture and suppresses weeds.