Q.fig trees
We have tried to get a fig tree to grow for several years, each time it dies back down to the bottom and sprouts out at the bottom in the spring. At this rate I never will get a tree that has a fig on it. Please offer your advice, as we need it.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
It is just a smidge too cold where you are for the fig you are trying to grow. I would recommend looking for a more cold hardy fig, or if you are growing the hardiest figs, try planting it in a sheltered location, such as near a foundation, where it will have protection for the cold.
You can also try wrapping your fig in straw and burlap in the winter - for at least a few years. Sometimes, if it is a bit too cold, if you can get teh tree to establish well, it can fend off the cold.
Worse comes to worse, and none of these are possible, consider growing figs in containers. I do this myself. I simply put the containers in my garage in the winter and let the tree go dormant. They are very happy trees and I do get figs from them.
