Several varieties of figs are perfect to grow in Georgia.
Planting a fig tree in your backyard allows you to pick fresh figs that can be used in desserts, salads and breads. To ensure that the fig tree you plant will thrive, select a fig variety that is recommended for Georgia's climate. Conadria, Celeste and Hardy Chicago are recommended by the University of Georgia for the middle and northern part of Georgia, while three three varieties are joined by Alma, Brown Turkey, Green Ischia, Hunt, Kadota, LSU Purple and Magnolia as viable strains in the southern portion of the state. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Contact your county extension office to get instructions for sampling the soil for root-knot nematodes and the soil pH. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 6.5. Adjust a low pH by spreading dolomitic limestone in the planting area.
2. Till a 6-foot by 6-foot area for each fig tree to a depth of 8 inches. Till to a depth of 16 inches for badly compacted and clay soils that may be found in parts of Georgia.
3. Prune one-third off the top of bare-root fig trees if it wasn't pruned at the nursery. You don't need to prune the tops off of fig trees grown in containers before planting.
4. Dig a hole three times bigger than the diameter of the root ball and 4 inches deeper than it was planted at the nursery. Slant the sides of the hole at a 45-degree angle.
5. Form dirt in the middle of the planting hole into a pedestal to set the fig tree on. Tamp the dirt with your hands as you make the pedestal to make it firm.
6. Cut the container down the side and remove it from around the tree's root ball. Remove any wrapping, wire or bindings from the tree.
7. Break up the soil around the roots. Set the fig tree on top of the pedestal. Spread the roots out in the hole, down the sides of the pedestal.
8. Backfill the hole around the tree with the soil you dug out. Tamp the soil gently with your hands as you go, to prevent air pockets.
9. Water the area around the tree thoroughly to settle the soil and get rid of any air pockets around the roots.
Tags: around tree, around roots, depth inches, planting hole, root ball