I used those brown leaf bags to put around the fig and put leaves in side and then tarped over it last year and made sure the bottom was covered with dirt or leaves so no cold air blows up under there. I`m in zone 6 a .I still worry though if this winter is colder and may just wrap a blanket and then a tarp around and hope for the best. Your way makes it a lot easier ! Thanks Lou !!!
Great video Lou , the wraping begins i am almost done with mine i like to do it slowly over about a two week period, hope they all make it thru the winter.
Was wondering how you pulled it off in zone 7. Maybe I can make mini greenhouses work in zone 7b/8a. I had an LSU purple, Magnolia and White Marseille survive in 1 gallon containers in an open greenhouse with 4+ feet of snow last winter. Had a few VDB and a Brown Turkey survive outdoors without die back unprotected. Thinking I will put cement wire cages and 10 mm plastic over and around them. If they survived last winter when I lost 10 trees I planted in October without protection they should be ok. Maybe even a 55 gal barrel or cattle trough. With shade cloth on top.
That's awesome man. I've been doing Chicago hardy for like 4 years now and I bring them in like every winter. It's always exiting in the spring when the trees start to come alive and the kids love to eat them in the summer. I would love to try out some Celeste figs if you have any cutting to spare...
I'm sorry, at this time, my channel is strictly informational and for public use and benefit. My primary goal is to provide free information to those in need and to offer what I have learned about growing figs, and other fruits and vegetables, over a lifetime of experience. Kind regards, Lou Monti
Lou, I’m trying to find an alternative to using blankets because I don’t have enough for all my trees. Have you used plastic bubble insulation before? The kind someone gets from mailed packages. In your experience, what other materials other than blankets or foam can I use successfully?
Hi, there! I've never had any luck with any kind of plastic. It tends to trap moister from condensation, something that you certainly want to avoid. Wrapping burlap under the tarp serves as a pretty good overall wrapping material. Good luck! Lou Monti
@@loumonti10 Thanks for the reply Lou. Also, in your video you briefly mentioned that you DO NOT enclose the bottom of the wrapping, but you didn’t really elaborate. In a future video, can you please mention this topic in more detail? Thank you for passing on your years of wisdom to us newer figsters.
Ha I wish I saw this before I wrapped my new tree that I am growing from a sucker from my brother’s tree. My big concern is that in NYS zone 5 we have tons of voles and mice. Brother said to put poison inside or they girdle the tree but my neighbor’s cats and owls, etc I want them to live. So I wrapped everything with aluminum window screen. Hoping it works!
It was great hearing the passion you have for your fig trees. Really loved watching and listening to all the knowledge you have for figs. Thank you! I have a fig tree that I got from my father...grew a stick from his tree. I want this fig tree to live for many years in remembrance of my father. I got tired of wrapping my fig only to find much of the tree still dying back. This year I got hundred and hundreds of figs but only a few ripened. So, I'm building an insulated box to protect it. I am going to include a small 100 watt heater controlled by a wifi thermostat. I will be able to see the inside temperature. Any recommendation as to what temperature I should set it to? I wish I would have seen this video before purchasing all the material to build this box because it was expensive...over $400 to build a 4ft wide by 5ft high box...pressure treated plywood, 2 inch rigid insulation, 2x4 etc. I know this is overkill but I got fed up with a poor harvest.
I planted a Chicago hardy tree the spring and got a couple of figs.Before I wrap the tree, which is about four or 5 feet high, how much should I cut back? I heard you mention every three years.
Hi, Jerry! I don't think any pruning is necessary in your situation with that variety. The every three year method of pruning that I use is for exceptionally strong growing cultivars where it becomes neccessary to cut them back significantly in order to maintain control over them. It's better not to confuse that method with ordinary pruning procedures which are quite applicable in most situations. Regards from, Lou Monti
Hi Lou! I have two figs (one 3 years, one 2 years), and while one produced two years ago, neither produced this past season. I am in Harpers Ferry, zone 6b/7a. I have never wrapped them.. Is this the reason for my lack of production? Thank you! Keep producing such great content!
Hi Lou, I have a Chicago Hardy here in zone 6a Connecticut. How much more wrapping would I need to protect my tree through the winter? We get down to -12, sometimes lower in a cold spurt. Thanks.
Hi Kathy! I'm so sorry! In my opinion, 12 below zero is too cold, even for a Hardy Chicago type, to survive without major dieback, eventually. Please keep in mind that I don't want to discourage you and that container growing is certainly a viable option for your area. Additionally, you could try a fantastic sweet spot if you have one (a micro climate) to plant your tree in ground, but, sooner or later, a cold snap will most likely come along and set you back considerably. Good luck, best wishes, and thanks for watching! Lou Monti
@@loumonti10 This is an example of false advertising on part of garden centers/growers!! LOL The Hardy Chicago fig is sold as hardy in zones 5-10. Since I'm a zone 6 I should be Ok to grow this variety. Not happy at all. I don't have a garage to overwinter them in. I was looking forward to having some fun next year with them too. Thanks for answering and you have saved me from a lot of work that wouldn't give me happy results. Your channel is wonderful and it's evident you put a lot of work into it. Thanks again!!!
I use a freeze thermostat that only turns on when it gets really cold. You don't want to have to remember to turn on a switch manually because you'll get a cold night that will surprise you!
Well, I appreciate your suggestion, and I have given that option consideration in the past. However, quite honestly, I prefer that my temperatures stay above 20, not 32 during the protection period. A completely dormant fig tree can easily withstand temperatures well below freezing. I am not concerned about temperatures that High. In fact, I am just as concerned about overheating as I am with extremely cold temperatures! I don't begin to worry until temperatures drop down to, say, 5 or more degrees below 20. I prefer keeping my wrapped figs as cold as is safe to keep them in the deepest dormancy possible throughout the Winter. Keeping them colder helps to prevent them from a quick reaction out of (or partially out of) dormancy during significant warm up spells of any alarming duration. I worry about them cooking in their wrappings and dying as much as experiencing dieback from extreme cold. I'm not trying to discourage you if that method has worked for you in the past. I might give it a try on some of my trees next year. Thank you for your suggestion! Take care, Lou Monti
I have been successfully wrapping my fig trees. This year was an amazing crop. I even pruned them a lot and they still grew and produced. You may like a video I made on how I wrap my trees. It is easy and a simple variation. Check it out under Fig tree wrapping. Let me know.
Do you have any Smith trees that survive in ground? I’m in the same zone as you but heard smiths aren’t cold hardy. Would love to get one though. Just can’t do container
This topic has been discussed in my videos. Stay tuned for next video on this subject. This is an Educational channel with the purpose of presenting and exchanging information about growing figs, Persimmons, and the organic gardening of other fruits and vegetables. I do not sell anything, and I don't have any other agenda except to do my best to remain objective and to help my fellow gardeners that are seeking knowledge. Regards from, Lou Monti
Many years ago I have done that occasionally, but I prefer a method which promotes better air circulation within the enclosure. It's better to keep things dry within the wrappings and to allow for a small light for additional heat during severe dips in temperature. It also discourages creatures from attempting to make it their Winter sanctuary. If I choose to use a light, which I often do, a 60 watt lightbulb is needed for large fig trees, 40 for medium sized trees, and 25 for small trees. NEVER MORE!!!
Hello Mr. Monti; Do you also "sever" the roots of your older in ground fig trees during the year and if so does it help it fruit??? And what time of the year would you perform the root prune? Once or twice?? Thank you
Yes, I always do. 12 to14 inches from the trunk on small trees, 18 inches on medium trees 30 on larger. It makes for a denser and more vigorous root ball while initially stressing the fig tree to induce more productivity. Spring is best.
Great video. I'm also NJ 7A and new to fig growing. I have 3 types and want to make the most of them. You mulch the base of the plant, wrap it with foam or a blanket, then a sheet, then a plastic tarp? Is that correct?
Yes, Kimberly, I would say that your general description is essentially correct, with a few tweaks, as well. Leave little areas where you can allow a little ventilation under the tarp near to the ground. You can close off those ventilation airways during extreme cold weather. Also, it is a good idea to wrap burlap around the outside, or throw a sheet over it, in order to prevent the sun from warming the space inside of the wrappings excessively. Too much heat can be as formidable an enemy as can be cold! Good luck! Lou Monti
Lou they are work. I didn't realize how much when i started 4 years ago. The first two years was slow and minimal due to my inexperience and lack of care. Now they are loaded and healthy because of the care and work. They demand care. I luv ur videos have a happy thanksgiving.
Thanks lou . You cover a technique that few if any other video cover. Bare rooting the trees for winter storage and grant your viewers permission to root prune their trees with their shovel as they dig them up.
@@loumonti10 on the WTF Fig forum i was proposing horizontal stacking of fig trees in above ground storage sheds or greenhouses but couldn't come to grips about the weight of the root ball in the grow bag. Previously having seen one of your videos talking about planting your trees in grow bags then planting in the ground. So this video is the continuation of that earlier video I viewed. So you I presume horizontally stack your bareroot tree formed fig trees in your root cellar. That 's got to be a shallow cellar. Right not a walk in, I couldn't imagine
Thanks lou my grandfather from Sicily had a huge fig tree and I am following the tradition in Missouri
I used those brown leaf bags to put around the fig and put leaves in side and then tarped over it last year and made sure the bottom was covered with dirt or leaves so no cold air blows up under there. I`m in zone 6 a .I still worry though if this winter is colder and may just wrap a blanket and then a tarp around and hope for the best. Your way makes it a lot easier ! Thanks Lou !!!
Great video Lou , the wraping begins i am almost done with mine i like to do it slowly over about a two week period, hope they all make it thru the winter.
Thank you!!!! And you have a beautiful property!👍🏾
Was wondering how you pulled it off in zone 7. Maybe I can make mini greenhouses work in zone 7b/8a. I had an LSU purple, Magnolia and White Marseille survive in 1 gallon containers in an open greenhouse with 4+ feet of snow last winter. Had a few VDB and a Brown Turkey survive outdoors without die back unprotected. Thinking I will put cement wire cages and 10 mm plastic over and around them. If they survived last winter when I lost 10 trees I planted in October without protection they should be ok. Maybe even a 55 gal barrel or cattle trough. With shade cloth on top.
Wow! Amazing video, thank you so much- now I know all the possible reasons why mine died back even though I wrapped them.
Great video Lou. I live in zone 7b. I have never wrapped my figs. I'm going to try this year. Please consider videos on your pruning method
That's awesome man. I've been doing Chicago hardy for like 4 years now and I bring them in like every winter. It's always exiting in the spring when the trees start to come alive and the kids love to eat them in the summer.
I would love to try out some Celeste figs if you have any cutting to spare...
I'm sorry, at this time, my channel is strictly informational and for public use and benefit. My primary goal is to provide free information to those in need and to offer what I have learned about growing figs, and other fruits and vegetables, over a lifetime of experience. Kind regards, Lou Monti
Lou, I’m trying to find an alternative to using blankets because I don’t have enough for all my trees. Have you used plastic bubble insulation before? The kind someone gets from mailed packages. In your experience, what other materials other than blankets or foam can I use successfully?
Hi, there! I've never had any luck with any kind of plastic. It tends to trap moister from condensation, something that you certainly want to avoid. Wrapping burlap under the tarp serves as a pretty good overall wrapping material. Good luck! Lou Monti
@@loumonti10 Thanks for the reply Lou. Also, in your video you briefly mentioned that you DO NOT enclose the bottom of the wrapping, but you didn’t really elaborate. In a future video, can you please mention this topic in more detail? Thank you for passing on your years of wisdom to us newer figsters.
Nice Lou, very informative video 😊
Ha I wish I saw this before I wrapped my new tree that I am growing from a sucker from my brother’s tree. My big concern is that in NYS zone 5 we have tons of voles and mice. Brother said to put poison inside or they girdle the tree but my neighbor’s cats and owls, etc I want them to live. So I wrapped everything with aluminum window screen. Hoping it works!
How did your trees fair? I'm looking to grow some myself in western NY soon.
It was great hearing the passion you have for your fig trees. Really loved watching and listening to all the knowledge you have for figs. Thank you!
I have a fig tree that I got from my father...grew a stick from his tree. I want this fig tree to live for many years in remembrance of my father. I got tired of wrapping my fig only to find much of the tree still dying back. This year I got hundred and hundreds of figs but only a few ripened. So, I'm building an insulated box to protect it. I am going to include a small 100 watt heater controlled by a wifi thermostat. I will be able to see the inside temperature. Any recommendation as to what temperature I should set it to?
I wish I would have seen this video before purchasing all the material to build this box because it was expensive...over $400 to build a 4ft wide by 5ft high box...pressure treated plywood, 2 inch rigid insulation, 2x4 etc. I know this is overkill but I got fed up with a poor harvest.
I planted a Chicago hardy tree the spring and got a couple of figs.Before I wrap the tree, which is about four or 5 feet high, how much should I cut back? I heard you mention every three years.
Hi, Jerry! I don't think any pruning is necessary in your situation with that variety. The every three year method of pruning that I use is for exceptionally strong growing cultivars where it becomes neccessary to cut them back significantly in order to maintain control over them. It's better not to confuse that method with ordinary pruning procedures which are quite applicable in most situations. Regards from, Lou Monti
Hi Lou! I have two figs (one 3 years, one 2 years), and while one produced two years ago, neither produced this past season. I am in Harpers Ferry, zone 6b/7a. I have never wrapped them.. Is this the reason for my lack of production? Thank you! Keep producing such great content!
Hi Lou, I have a Chicago Hardy here in zone 6a Connecticut. How much more wrapping would I need to protect my tree through the winter? We get down to -12, sometimes lower in a cold spurt. Thanks.
Hi Kathy! I'm so sorry! In my opinion, 12 below zero is too cold, even for a Hardy Chicago type, to survive without major dieback, eventually. Please keep in mind that I don't want to discourage you and that container growing is certainly a viable option for your area. Additionally, you could try a fantastic sweet spot if you have one (a micro climate) to plant your tree in ground, but, sooner or later, a cold snap will most likely come along and set you back considerably. Good luck, best wishes, and thanks for watching! Lou Monti
@@loumonti10 This is an example of false advertising on part of garden centers/growers!! LOL The Hardy Chicago fig is sold as hardy in zones 5-10. Since I'm a zone 6 I should be Ok to grow this variety. Not happy at all. I don't have a garage to overwinter them in. I was looking forward to having some fun next year with them too. Thanks for answering and you have saved me from a lot of work that wouldn't give me happy results. Your channel is wonderful and it's evident you put a lot of work into it. Thanks again!!!
I use a freeze thermostat that only turns on when it gets really cold. You don't want to have to remember to turn on a switch manually because you'll get a cold night that will surprise you!
Well, I appreciate your suggestion, and I have given that option consideration in the past. However, quite honestly, I prefer that my temperatures stay above 20, not 32 during the protection period. A completely dormant fig tree can easily withstand temperatures well below freezing. I am not concerned about temperatures that High. In fact, I am just as concerned about overheating as I am with extremely cold temperatures! I don't begin to worry until temperatures drop down to, say, 5 or more degrees below 20. I prefer keeping my wrapped figs as cold as is safe to keep them in the deepest dormancy possible throughout the Winter. Keeping them colder helps to prevent them from a quick reaction out of (or partially out of) dormancy during significant warm up spells of any alarming duration. I worry about them cooking in their wrappings and dying as much as experiencing dieback from extreme cold. I'm not trying to discourage you if that method has worked for you in the past. I might give it a try on some of my trees next year. Thank you for your suggestion! Take care, Lou Monti
I have been successfully wrapping my fig trees. This year was an amazing crop. I even pruned them a lot and they still grew and produced. You may like a video I made on how I wrap my trees. It is easy and a simple variation. Check it out under Fig tree wrapping. Let me know.
Do you have any Smith trees that survive in ground? I’m in the same zone as you but heard smiths aren’t cold hardy. Would love to get one though. Just can’t do container
This topic has been discussed in my videos. Stay tuned for next video on this subject. This is an Educational channel with the purpose of presenting and exchanging information about growing figs, Persimmons, and the organic gardening of other fruits and vegetables. I do not sell anything, and I don't have any other agenda except to do my best to remain objective and to help my fellow gardeners that are seeking knowledge. Regards from, Lou Monti
How many trees are in the space behind your house , the 8' ones planted close together?
Great video. Do you ever fill the center with leaves or hey and then wrap with a tarp?
Many years ago I have done that occasionally, but I prefer a method which promotes better air circulation within the enclosure. It's better to keep things dry within the wrappings and to allow for a small light for additional heat during severe dips in temperature. It also discourages creatures from attempting to make it their Winter sanctuary. If I choose to use a light, which I often do, a 60 watt lightbulb is needed for large fig trees, 40 for medium sized trees, and 25 for small trees. NEVER MORE!!!
Thanks Lou
Hello Mr. Monti;
Do you also "sever" the roots of your older in ground fig trees during the year and if so does it help it fruit??? And what time of the year would you perform the root prune? Once or twice?? Thank you
Yes, I always do. 12 to14 inches from the trunk on small trees, 18 inches on medium trees 30 on larger. It makes for a denser and more vigorous root ball while initially stressing the fig tree to induce more productivity. Spring is best.
Thank you so much for your reply, I truly appreciate your knowledge and expertise. GOD bless you!
Great video. I'm also NJ 7A and new to fig growing. I have 3 types and want to make the most of them. You mulch the base of the plant, wrap it with foam or a blanket, then a sheet, then a plastic tarp? Is that correct?
Yes, Kimberly, I would say that your general description is essentially correct, with a few tweaks, as well. Leave little areas where you can allow a little ventilation under the tarp near to the ground. You can close off those ventilation airways during extreme cold weather. Also, it is a good idea to wrap burlap around the outside, or throw a sheet over it, in order to prevent the sun from warming the space inside of the wrappings excessively. Too much heat can be as formidable an enemy as can be cold! Good luck! Lou Monti
Hey Lou how's it going. Great video, do you hit those trees with a lime sulphur dormant spray before you wrap them up?
No, Dan, I've never done that. I have never needed to spray in ground trees for an insect infestation.
Which growing zone do you live? TY!
I'm in 7-A.
Lou they are work. I didn't realize how much when i started 4 years ago. The first two years was slow and minimal due to my inexperience and lack of care. Now they are loaded and healthy because of the care and work. They demand care. I luv ur videos have a happy thanksgiving.
Thanks! Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanks lou . You cover a technique that few if any other video cover. Bare rooting the trees for winter storage and grant your viewers permission to root prune their trees with their shovel as they dig them up.
Thank you for watching!
@@loumonti10 on the WTF Fig forum i was proposing horizontal stacking of fig trees in above ground storage sheds or greenhouses but couldn't come to grips about the weight of the root ball in the grow bag. Previously having seen one of your videos talking about planting your trees in grow bags then planting in the ground.
So this video is the continuation of that earlier video I viewed.
So you I presume horizontally stack your bareroot tree formed fig trees in your root cellar. That 's got to be a shallow cellar. Right not a walk in, I couldn't imagine