Fig Culture: Helping You Grow a Fig Tree in a Cold Climate

Growing Figs in Pots: Fig Tetris, Variety Trialling, and Collector Wisdom

Click here [https://www.foodgardenlife.com/fig-culture-newsletter] to get the free Fig Culture newsletter for fig-growing tips and ideas. Especially for climates where figs don't normally thrive. - - - How many fig trees can one person reasonably grow? Nina Jay might not be the person to ask—unless you want the fun answer. In this episode, I chat with fig collector and expert Nina Jay about growing figs in the Mid-Atlantic, where winter protection, ripening windows, and variety choice all matter. Nina grows a large collection of container figs, and she brings a wonderfully organized—and only slightly obsessive—approach to trialling varieties, keeping records, overwintering trees, and squeezing a fig collection into a garage. We talk about how Nina thinks through growing-season “fig math,” why early and mid-season figs matter in cooler climates, and why late-season varieties can be risky unless you have a plan. Nina also explains why she grows in pots, how she uses trellising and irrigation in her fig patch, and how she stacks trees for winter storage in what she calls “fig Tetris.” Along the way, we get into favourite fig varieties, California fig envy, caprifigs and hand pollination, the importance of good records and good labels, and why the fig community is such a generous place for new growers.  In this episode: * How to think about early, mid-season, and late figs * Growing figs in pots for flexibility, trialling, and winter protection * Nina’s garage storage system for a large fig collection * “Fig Tetris” and the art of fitting trees into winter storage * Using irrigation and trellising for container figs * Why Chicago Hardy is still a great starter fig * Fig varieties including Smith, I-258, White Madeira #1, Vince 3, and more * Caprifigs, fig wasps, and hand pollination * Keeping a fig database with photos, dates, labels, and source information * Finding local fig growers, swapping cuttings, and learning from the fig community - - - Click here [https://www.foodgardenlife.com/fig-culture-newsletter] to get the free Fig Culture newsletter for fig-growing tips and ideas.  Especially for climates where figs don't normally thrive.

Fig Cordons in Cold Climates: Craig Boyer’s Japanese Espalier Trials

Click here [https://www.foodgardenlife.com/fig-culture-newsletter] to get the free Fig Culture newsletter for fig-growing tips and ideas. Especially for climates where figs don't normally thrive. - - - Craig Boyer of Coastal Fig Company [https://www.coastalfigcompany.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] joins me to talk about a fig-growing system with great potential for cold climates: fig cordons grown low to the ground inside high tunnels, with a second layer of protection using low tunnels or row covers. Craig explains how he’s using low cordons for commercial fig production in Pennsylvania. Instead of digging and burying fig trees each fall—or instead of heating the greenhouses—Craig trains horizontal cordons close to the soil, then holds in heat with covers. In this episode we discuss: * how the fig cordon system works  * combining high tunnels and low tunnels for passive winter protection  * getting fig bud break and fruit production dramatically earlier  * pruning and spacing strategies for commercial production  * leaf pruning and airflow management  * “the row cover dance” and avoiding heat damage  * fig varieties that performed best in Craig’s trials  * using passive solar heat instead of paying heating bills  Craig also shares how support from the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program helped make the project possible (see below). Learn more about Craig’s project here: Coastal Fig Company project profile [https://www.coastalfigcompany.com/profile/coastalfigcompany/profile?utm_source=chatgpt.com] About Craig’s work with cordon figs: This material is based upon work supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, through the Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program under subaward number FNE22-003-AWD00000495. - - - Click here [https://www.foodgardenlife.com/fig-culture-newsletter] to get the free Fig Culture newsletter for fig-growing tips and ideas.  Especially for climates where figs don't normally thrive.

Cold Hardy Fig Varieties: Expert Advice from Pierre Baud on Choosing the Right Figs (French Episode + Transcript)

Click here [https://www.foodgardenlife.com/fig-culture-newsletter] to get the free Fig Culture newsletter for fig-growing tips and ideas. Especially for climates where figs don't normally thrive. - - - Note: This episode is in French. An English transcript is available on our website. [https://www.foodgardenlife.com/fig-culture/1-7] In this episode, I speak with Pierre Baud of Pépinières Baud, one of the leading voices in fig cultivation and cold-climate fig selection. We explore his decades of work with fig trees, the inspiration behind his book on cold-hardy fig varieties, and why climate-based classification is so important for growers. Pierre shares practical guidance on choosing fig varieties for different hardiness zones—from 7A and 7B through to warmer Mediterranean-like climates. We also discuss common mistakes growers make when selecting fig varieties, how temperature and heat affect performance, and which cultivars stand out for flavour, reliability, and versatility in the kitchen. If you’re growing figs in a marginal or warm climate, this conversation offers rare, experience-based insight into how to choose the right variety—and why that decision matters more than most people think. Topics covered include: * Why fig varieties should be chosen by climate zone  * Key differences between 7A, 7B, 8A, and warmer regions  * The most reliable cold-hardy fig varieties  * Common mistakes fig growers make  * How heat affects fig performance  * Best varieties for fresh eating vs cooking  * Whether multiple varieties improve success  * Pierre Baud’s personal favourites English transcript available here. [https://www.foodgardenlife.com/fig-culture/1-7] Dans cet épisode, je jase avec Pierre Baud des Pépinières Baud, un expert en culture du figuier et en sélection de variétés adaptées aux climats froids. On revient sur ses décennies d’expérience avec les figuiers, l’inspiration pour son livre sur les variétés rustiques, et pourquoi c’est si important de choisir des figuiers en fonction du climat. Pierre partage des conseils concrets pour sélectionner les bonnes variétés selon les zones de rusticité — de 7A et 7B jusqu’aux climats plus chauds de type méditerranéen. On parle aussi des erreurs fréquentes quand on choisit ses figuiers, de l’effet des températures et de la chaleur sur leur rendement, et des variétés qui se démarquent pour le goût, la fiabilité et leur polyvalence en cuisine. Que vous cultiviez des figuiers en climat limite ou en climat chaud, cette discussion vous donne des perspectives rares, basées sur l’expérience, pour faire les bons choix — et comprendre pourquoi c’est plus important qu’on pense. Sujets abordés : • Pourquoi choisir ses variétés de figuiers selon la zone climatique • Les différences clés entre les zones 7A, 7B, 8A et les régions plus chaudes • Les variétés de figuiers rustiques les plus fiables • Les erreurs courantes chez les producteurs de figues • L’impact de la chaleur sur la production • Les meilleures variétés pour manger frais vs cuisiner • Est-ce que planter plusieurs variétés augmente les chances de succès • Les coups de cœur de Pierre Baud - - - Click here [https://www.foodgardenlife.com/fig-culture-newsletter] to get the free Fig Culture newsletter for fig-growing tips and ideas.  Especially for climates where figs don't normally thrive.

Everyday Fig Loaf: A Simple, Nourishing Recipe with Signe Langford

Click here [https://www.foodgardenlife.com/fig-culture-newsletter] to get the free Fig Culture newsletter for fig-growing tips and ideas. Especially for climates where figs don't normally thrive. - - - In this episode, I’m joined by chef, recipe developer, and food writer Signe Langford to talk about one of those fig recipes that quietly becomes part of your everyday routine: a wholesome, seed-and-nut fig loaf. Made with dried figs, olive oil, nuts, and seeds, this loaf is dense, sliceable, and full of flavour—perfect for breakfast, snacking, or alongside cheese. We talk about: * Why figs are such a powerful ingredient in the kitchen  * How simple, whole-food recipes can still feel indulgent  * The role of texture in recipes like this one (and why resting the batter matters)  * Flexible substitutions using what you have on hand  This recipe is part of our ongoing work on a cookbook focused on olives, lemons, and figs—ingredients we keep coming back to for their flavour, versatility, and deep roots in food culture. You can find the full recipe here. [https://www.foodgardenlife.com/grow-figs-blog/fig-loaf-recipe-seed-nut-bread]   And follow along as we develop the cookbook on Instagram: @oliveslemonsfigs [https://www.instagram.com/oliveslemonsfigs/] - - - Click here [https://www.foodgardenlife.com/fig-culture-newsletter] to get the free Fig Culture newsletter for fig-growing tips and ideas.  Especially for climates where figs don't normally thrive.

Growing Figs in Quebec: A Family’s Journey into Greenhouse Innovation (French Episode + English Transcript)

Click here [https://www.foodgardenlife.com/fig-culture-newsletter] to get the free Fig Culture newsletter for fig-growing tips and ideas. Especially for climates where figs don't normally thrive. - - - Note: This episode is in French. An English transcript is available on our website [https://www.foodgardenlife.com/fig-culture/1-5]. How do you go from curiosity to becoming a pioneer in commercial fig production? In this episode, I speak with Anne-Marie Proulx of La Vallée du Moulin [https://www.lavalleedumoulin.com] about how she and her family built a fig-growing operation from the ground up. What started as an interest turned into a passion—and eventually a business focused on producing figs where they’re not winter hardy. In Quebec! Anne-Marie shares the story behind the operation, what it takes to grow figs commercially, and how their work changes throughout the seasons. We also get into her favourite fig varieties and practical advice for anyone interested in growing figs at home. Whether you're a gardener, a small-scale farmer, or just curious about how niche crops become viable businesses, this episode offers a fascinating look into a unique agricultural journey. English transcript available here. [https://www.foodgardenlife.com/fig-culture/1-5] Comment passe-t-on de la curiosité à devenir un pionnier de la production commerciale de figues ? Dans cet épisode, je m’entretiens avec Anne-Marie Proulx de La Vallée du Moulin à propos de la façon dont elle et sa famille ont bâti une exploitation de culture de figues à partir de zéro. Ce qui a commencé comme un simple intérêt s’est transformé en passion — puis en une entreprise axée sur la production de figues dans une région où elles ne sont normalement pas rustiques en hiver. Au Québec ! Anne-Marie partage l’histoire de leur exploitation, ce qu’il faut pour cultiver des figues à l’échelle commerciale, et comment leur travail évolue au fil des saisons. Nous abordons également ses variétés de figues préférées ainsi que des conseils pratiques pour toute personne souhaitant en cultiver à la maison. Que vous soyez jardinier, petit producteur agricole ou simplement curieux de savoir comment des cultures de niche peuvent devenir des entreprises viables, cet épisode offre un regard fascinant sur un parcours agricole unique. - - - Click here [https://www.foodgardenlife.com/fig-culture-newsletter] to get the free Fig Culture newsletter for fig-growing tips and ideas.  Especially for climates where figs don't normally thrive.