MFJFIGS
Well-known member
This will be my thread covering winter protection and early start for in ground trees.
Post #1: Smith
When you are growing fig trees in brutal MA climate and your in-ground Smith refuses to lignify, needs heavy protection to survive the winter, and can benefit from an early start in the Spring.
1- Fence sections:
Third week of March 2026, I will double the height of the enclosure by adding a panel on each side. This will allow me to untie the branches and expand the south facing section to allow much more sunlight inside the enclosure.
(I dismantled a dig-less fence last year and never thought they would come in handy to build winter enclosures);
2- Insulation:
Early spring and during daytime, the R-30 insulation on the south side will be replaced with thick construction plastic sheet to let in natural light; and create a greenhouse effect;
3- Incandescent lights have two purposes:
keep temperatures from dipping below mid 20’s during winter; and, keep temperatures in the mid 50’s during spring (nighttime);
4- Govee:
Wi-Fi thermometer to monitor and record temperatures;
5- Metal mesh around the trunk along with liquid and dry rodent repellents, and cayenne pepper. Rodent poison is sprinkled outside the metal mesh;
6- Heavy Duty tarp:
Four layers; mulch applied around the bottom on top of the tarp with decking on top to seal and trap warm temperatures inside the enclosure.
It started to rain so final touches will be done later: such as placing a few heavy rocks on top of the decking boards…
I plan to update this thread as I make progress throughout the seasons.
Other in-ground trees that will receive this level of protection and attention:
WM#1, Hâtive D’Argenteuil X2, Violet Sepor, White Marseilles.
RDB, Hollier, Florea, Pastilere, RLBV, and a few Mt. Etna trees will receive basic protection.
Post #1: Smith
When you are growing fig trees in brutal MA climate and your in-ground Smith refuses to lignify, needs heavy protection to survive the winter, and can benefit from an early start in the Spring.
1- Fence sections:
Third week of March 2026, I will double the height of the enclosure by adding a panel on each side. This will allow me to untie the branches and expand the south facing section to allow much more sunlight inside the enclosure.
(I dismantled a dig-less fence last year and never thought they would come in handy to build winter enclosures);
2- Insulation:
Early spring and during daytime, the R-30 insulation on the south side will be replaced with thick construction plastic sheet to let in natural light; and create a greenhouse effect;
3- Incandescent lights have two purposes:
keep temperatures from dipping below mid 20’s during winter; and, keep temperatures in the mid 50’s during spring (nighttime);
4- Govee:
Wi-Fi thermometer to monitor and record temperatures;
5- Metal mesh around the trunk along with liquid and dry rodent repellents, and cayenne pepper. Rodent poison is sprinkled outside the metal mesh;
6- Heavy Duty tarp:
Four layers; mulch applied around the bottom on top of the tarp with decking on top to seal and trap warm temperatures inside the enclosure.
It started to rain so final touches will be done later: such as placing a few heavy rocks on top of the decking boards…
I plan to update this thread as I make progress throughout the seasons.
Other in-ground trees that will receive this level of protection and attention:
WM#1, Hâtive D’Argenteuil X2, Violet Sepor, White Marseilles.
RDB, Hollier, Florea, Pastilere, RLBV, and a few Mt. Etna trees will receive basic protection.
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