Growing figs in Zone 7a

Here in Zone 7a growing figs is not a simple task. While there are some cold tolerant varieties you can find, perennial figs can still be tricky to grow when our winters can get pretty cold.

Enter MICROCLIMATE GARDENING!

We are successfully growing figs along the south facing side of our garage. The sun warms the garage wall and bounces radiant heat back onto the figs, making them nice and snug and keeps them happy, even when temperatures in Spring and Fall can fluctuate to extremes.

We prune back all of the fruiting canes in late fall and heavily mulch with straw bales. One year we used old bedsheets over the top of the straw mulch but we have abandoned that extra step as it didn't seem to make a measurable difference.

We LOVE coming out to snack on fresh figs in early Fall. Even my pickiest eater in the house loves these figs.

Are there hidden microclimates in your green space that you could use differently?

We'd love to explore the possibilities of growing perennial fruits, veggies and herbs with you. Contact us for more information or to schedule a walk-and-talk with our lead designer Bethany Keller.

Happy snacking!