If you are itching to get in the garden despite the cool weather, Gates County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer Cynthia Wagoner has a propagation project that can be done at almost any time. Cynthia is originally from Ohio and often writes about her experiences and gaining garden knowledge as a "transplant" to the more southern states.
______________________________________________________________________________________Buckeye Discoveries: Propagating Fig Trees
Written By Cynthia S. Wagoner, Extension Mater Gardener Volunteer
In 1975 in Norfolk, Virginia, I saw a fig tree for the very first time and tasted the fruit. At this point in time, I had only experienced fig newtons, and never had a fresh fig. I was hook. In the ensuing years, I learned more about figs and how to grow them After becoming an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, I learned how to propagate them, giving the saplings to friends and neighbors. Below are several methods on how to propagate fig trees yourselfMethod #1
1. Take cuttings in January through April approximately 6 inches long.
2. Dip in rooting hormone. (Available at gardening centers)
3. Put cutting in seed starting soil mix in small pots.
4. Put into a greenhouse-like environment until leaves sprout. Must have high humidity. I use a plastic tub with lid and keep in a sunny location inside my house.
5. After roots emerge, plant in larger pots and put in shade outside. It could take 3 to 6 weeks before ready to transplant to larger pots after roots have developed.
6. In the fall, plant in the ground at permanent location.
