How to Take Care of a Fig Tree in Ontario

For those who enjoy eating figs, growing a fig tree is a natural fit. The large, attractive tree, with its glossy green leaves and branches that spread wide to shade everything around, make the tree an even better choice for home growing situations. Figs require some very specific care in regard to nutrition and protection. In a cooler climate, like that found in Ontario, take a couple extra precautions to protect your fig tree.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Whitewash
• Paintbrush
• Fertilizer
• Loam
• Compost

Instructions

1. Make sure that your fig tree is growing in the right spot, especially in a cooler region like Ontario. Fig trees need full sun exposure, consistent watering schedules and plenty of space--the spreading branches and roots of fig trees can be disruptive, and do best if they have room to spread as they like. Fig trees also need to be protected from cold winds and winter temperatures, so it's best to plant them near a structure that can act as a wind break.

2. Mix the ideal planting soil for your fig tree, to provide good nourishment for its growing. Figs require fertile soil that can keep them moist, but that will also drain quickly. Turn over the top 12 inches of your soil with a shovel, and add a mixture of half loam and half organic compost. (You should end up with 1/3 garden soil, 1/3 loam and 1/3 compost.)

3. Water your new fig tree regularly to help it establish. The ideal watering schedule is to water until the soil is moist, at least twice a week, when the tree is young. Once the fig tree matures, you can cut down to one heavy watering every 1 to 2 weeks.

4. Fertilize the fig tree once a year with 8-8-8 fertilizer (a fertilizer that contains equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium). Use 1 pound of fertilizer for every year of tree age. When you're using fertilizer, always follow the manufacturer's directions for mixing and applying.

5. Figs need lots of sunlight, but can be damaged by direct winter sun exposure to their tender wood. To protect the fig tree's wood, which is soft and prone to rot and decay, paint whitewash on any exposed wood before the winter. This is especially important in cold areas like Ontario.

Tips & Warnings

• Fig trees can re-sprout and grow again from roots and stumps left in the ground.

• Figs ripen in the spring.

• Fig trees do not require extensive pruning, and can grow successfully as either bushes or trees.

• Enclose fig trees in metal wire or mesh to protect them from wildlife.

• Fig trees and their fruit can be damaged by excess water or temperatures of less than 30 degrees.

References

• Gardening Know How: Fig Tree Maintenance--How to Grow Figs
• CRFG.org: Fig