Hey, plant lovers! Welcome to another exciting post of Plant Fanatics. Today, I'm going to share with you my incredible journey of creating a living fruit tree fence made entirely out of fig trees. If you're looking to transform your garden into something unique and functional, stay tuned. We'll dive into the details of how I achieved this in my food forest, and yes, I'm in planting zone 6 where winters can be brutal, reaching as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit. So, let's get started!
Why Figs? Breaking the Norm in Colder Climates
Every time I mention growing figs, people are genuinely surprised. Most gardens are filled with apple, pear, or cherry trees, which are great and essential for any garden. However, expanding your garden to include more exotic fruits like figs is entirely possible, even in colder climates.
The Mystery of Cold Hardiness
Before you start thinking, "Well, I live in zone 2, it's too cold for figs," let me clarify something about cold hardiness. We measure it based on the average temperatures where cold-hardy fruits can sustainably grow and not just the extremes. Most cold-hardy fruit trees stop growing after zone 5. The good news? The figs I planted behind me are cold-hardy varieties, pushing the boundaries of where figs can thrive and still produce fruit.
Creating the Wall: The How and Why
You might be wondering why I built a wall of fig trees at the entrance of my food forest. Well, our neighborhood has a disc golf course nearby, and I wanted some privacy while I enjoy my garden. This living wall has exceeded my expectations, offering both privacy and an abundance of delicious figs.
Privacy with a Purpose
Living in a dense neighborhood, I initially needed a way to hide from view while I worked in the garden. Traditional fences work, but they don’t provide the aesthetic and multifunctional benefits that a living wall of fig trees does. Over time, my food forest became so lush that the wall almost became obsolete for privacy, but it still serves as a beautiful and productive entranceway.
Bush vs. Tree: Fig Growth in Cold Zones
In colder zones, figs grow more like bushes rather than trees. Unlike their California counterparts that become massive trees, figs in zones like mine can spread out to about 6 feet wide and 8-12 feet tall within a single growing season, even after winter dieback.
Steps to Building Your Living Fruit Tree Fence
Transforming your garden with a living fruit tree fence is easier than you might think. Here are the main points to get you started:
Selection of Fig Varieties
Not all fig trees will thrive in colder climates. You need specific cold-hardy varieties that can produce fruit within the shorter growing season typical of colder areas. Check out our free ebook on our website, How to Grow Figs in Cold Climates, which goes into great detail on this subject. It's an invaluable resource if you're serious about growing figs.
Spacing and Planting
We planted our fig trees at three-foot intervals. Given that these bushes can grow 6 feet wide, this spacing allows them to intermingle and form an effective fence.
Proper spacing is crucial - Plant trees three feet apart to allow full growth and integration into a fence.Continuous Fruit Production
Each node on a fig branch can produce fruit continuously throughout the growing season. Even in October, when frost starts to become an issue, fig trees will still try to push out fruit. They're incredibly productive, often continuing to bear fruit well into the fall.
Minimal Pest Issues
One of the great things about figs is that they experience very few pest issues. Sometimes, if the fig variety has an open eye (a small opening at the bottom of the fruit), ants might get in. However, they usually target one fruit, leaving the rest unscathed.
"Even if a few ants do get into your figs, it's not the end of the world. Just cut open the fruit, rinse it, and enjoy it. They still taste amazing!"
Timeline: Fast and Rewarding Growth
Building a living fruit tree fence doesn't take as long as you might think. These trees are relatively young, only two years old, yet they've thrived and produced abundantly. By the end of a single season, these bushes will at least double, if not triple, in size and be loaded with ripe, delicious fruit.
From Cuttings to Fruiting
If you start from cuttings, your fig trees can produce fruit even in their first season. Though the initial yield may be small, each subsequent year, the crop will increase. Remember, it’s crucial to choose the right variety for your climate. Random fig trees from a store won't cut it, and growing from seeds is almost always a waste of time.
Growing from Seeds: Think Again
While it's entirely possible to grow many fruit trees from seed, figs are not one of them. The odds of getting a female, fruit-bearing fig tree from seed are slim, and the quality of the fruit is highly unpredictable. Instead, start with cuttings, which have a proven track record.
Varieties and Resources
We sell cold-hardy fig cuttings and trees on our website, especially designed for colder climates. There's a range of varieties we've extensively tested to ensure they're reliable and productive.
"You need specific varieties for your planting zone. Don't just take advice from someone growing figs in a warmer climate."
Tips for Warmer Climates
If you live in a warmer zone, the fig trees will grow differently. They won't become bushes but will turn into large trees, so the planting parameters will differ. It's crucial to seek advice from growers in a climate similar to yours.
Conclusion
Growing a living fruit tree fence of fig trees in colder climates is not only possible but also highly rewarding. You'll enjoy privacy, beauty, and a bountiful harvest of figs. For more information, check out our ebook or visit our website, American Fig Company. Happy planting, and see you in the next blog post!
If you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends who might be interested in growing figs in colder planting zones. Until next time, happy gardening!