Growing Figs in Cold Climates

Grow sweet, fresh figs in climates previously considered impossible using proven protection and variety selection techniques. Complete guide to extending fig cultivation into zones 6-8 through winter protection, container growing, and cold-hardy variety selection.

Why Cold-Climate Fig Growing Is Now Possible:

New varieties and protection techniques enable fig cultivation far beyond traditional Mediterranean climates. These methods have been tested in locations with winter temperatures down to -10F.

What You’ll Master:

Variety selection for maximum cold tolerance without sacrificing fruit quality
Winter protection techniques that ensure survival in harsh climates
Container growing systems for mobility and climate control
Seasonal care including pruning, fertilizing, and harvest optimization
Propagation methods for expanding collections and sharing with other growers

Cold-Climate Success Stories:

Growers in zones 6-7 report successful harvests of 20-50 pounds per tree annually using these protection methods, with fruit quality matching warm-climate production.

Enjoy Mediterranean flavors in northern gardens. Essential for fruit enthusiasts wanting to expand growing possibilities beyond traditional climate limitations.

Author Biography

Lee Reich, PhD, dove into gardening decades ago, initially with one foot in academia as an agricultural scientist with the USDA and then Cornell University, and one foot in the field, the organic field. He eventually expanded his field to a “farmden” (more than a garden, less than a farm) and left academia to lecture, consult, and write. He is author of many books, including The Ever Curious Gardener, Weedless Gardening, The Pruning Book, and Landscaping with Fruit, as well as a syndicated column for Associated Press. Lee has a PhD in Horticulture from the University of Maryland, and an MS in Soil Science and a BA in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin. He blogs at leereich.com from his farmden in New Paltz, NY.