If you are looking for fruit that is delicious and relatively salt-tolerant, you should consider growing Figs in your garden. These trees are new to the Ohio market, and it’s possible you don’t know much about them. But it’s worth knowing a little bit about them before planting them in your yard.
Figs are a new crop in Ohio
It’s only been two years since the first figs were planted in Ohio. Fortunately, they’ve gotten off to a good start. The Malinichs, who run a niche fruit farm in Nova, Ohio, have a variety of figs growing and plan to expand their offering.
Tim and Beth began planting figs in 2018. They originally started with berries, but decided to try a more intensive crop. As they’ve grown, they’ve expanded into pears and peaches. Now they’re trying their hand at hardy figs.
They’ve grown from three parent trees and are producing more fruit than they can eat. Some fig varieties have invasive roots that are a problem in warmer climates. If you want to grow figs for profit in Southern Ohio, the best bet is to grow them in a high tunnel.
Figs are not vegan
Figs are one of the many fruits of the plant world that are widely admired for their taste and nutrient content. These fruits are often considered a healthy alternative to sugar, and are a great source of fiber, calcium and potassium.
They are also a versatile ingredient in many different dishes. However, some vegans argue that figs are not vegan, or at least not in the way they should be. Besides the obvious issue of animal suffering, there are other reasons why figs do not qualify as a vegan food.
Figs are a result of a wasp’s death
Figs and wasps have been growing together for sixty million years. Their life cycles have evolved to be mutually beneficial. The fig uses the nutrients provided by the wasp, and the wasp uses the fig to grow. This is why figs can be found in many Mediterranean countries.
There are about 900 species of figs. Each of them has its own unique wasp. Most commercially grown figs are not pollinated, but some varieties do not need to be.
Some figs are considered fruits, but they are not. They are casings filled with hundreds of tiny flowers. They are inverted flowers, not fruits.
Fig trees should be spaced 12 to 20 feet apart
The fig tree is an ideal fruit bearing tree for home gardens. It’s not as difficult to grow as many other fruits, and it can produce high yields.
They have large, deep leaves. Their trunks can grow to 30 feet tall. Fruits are round and sweet. Fresh figs make good tarts and pies.
To grow a fig tree, you’ll need a sunny area that’s well drained and moist. If you want to keep your trees in a container, use a soil-based potting mix. Place the plant in full sun and water it frequently. A reusable mesh bag is a great way to protect it from birds, squirrels, and other pests.
Fig trees should be planted in late fall
The best time to plant fig trees is in the late fall or early spring. This is because it provides the heat-loving varieties with an opportunity to sink their roots before the cold winter weather sets in.
To properly plant your fig trees, dig a hole about two or three times the size of the root ball. Make sure the soil is loose and fertile. If the ground is clay, add organic material to the hole before planting.
Once the figs have been planted, make sure they are watered well. Avoid overwatering, which can weaken the tree.
Fig trees should not tolerate poorly drained sites
Fig trees are a subtropical plant that can be grown in a variety of soils. The root system of these plants is very shallow. However, they do well in drier soils.
Figs need to be planted in a sunny area that is well drained. You can use mulch or a growing mix to increase the nutrient availability. They can also be planted in containers. A good mix should include loamy soil, compost, and manure.
Figs require about one inch of water per week during the active growing season. If the soil is not dry enough, you may need to water more frequently.
Figs are relatively salt-tolerant
Figs are relatively salt-tolerant and can tolerate varying amounts of salinity. However, it is possible for different cultivars to vary in the level of salt tolerance.
Currently, most fruit trees are severely restricted by salinity. Toxic salts accumulate on the leaves, which in turn decreases the photosynthetic leaf area. Consequently, figs may experience premature senescence. They may also experience wilting, stunted growth, and defoliation.
In addition to being salt-tolerant, figs can grow well in many types of soil. However, they are highly susceptible to disease. Some of the common diseases found in figs include rust and root-knot nematode. Fig rust attacks the leaves of the fig tree and causes complete defoliation. Moreover, fig rust lesions enlarge as the season progresses.
