Fertilizing Figs In Spring - Get Your Fig Trees Off On The Right Foot

[@TramAiKhanh]

You are such a kind person, offering a lot of tips for beginners,as well as the seasoned gardeners 🙏 God bless you, and your (fig) trees 😍.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thank you! I really appreciate that. I'm happy to help.

[@daranall4949]

This was a fantastic step by step. I've patiently waited to re watch this to help me take care of my potted fig trees. THANK YOU!!!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thank you! I'm glad it was helpful!

[@freedomflyer6650]

Everybody should start a Victory garden , Regardless of how big or small it might be it will make a difference . Container gardens are a great option for city dwellers

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Freedom Flyer I agree. Whether you have 10 acres for a fruit tree orchard or a windowsill for an herb garden, it’s all something and it is a great thing to know where food comes from. It gives you appreciation for it.

[@mari-at-wiredlikeme8728]

I agree! Food I pick out of the garden and pop into my mouth always tastes the best. My backyard is the best place for snacks!

[@CandiceWA]

Thank you for lay out this is for container fig and the difference vs in ground at the beginning! I just love how clean and clear your sprang always is. I am planing some of my fig in ground.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thank you for watching! Glad it was helpful.

[@regina4918]

New subscriber from southern Cal. Came across your videos after searching how to care for fig trees. I don’t have the greenest thumb. Hopefully I won’t kill my 2 new fig trees I recently got from Home Depot. Also hopefully I can do better with all of my not so healthy pepper plants. I enjoy your videos. Very clear, concise and practical especially in regards to fertilizers. Thank you so much!! I appreciate your videos.

[@mssavedin92]

Well, I did the first feeding today. Awesome. March 27th, 2024 in Vancouver BC.

[@donnaz1961]

New subscriber here! So happy I came across your video! This is a great instructional video! Looking forward to April's! 👍😎

[@stepitup5409]

another excellent video. You will be my go to guy for growing my figs.

[@fancythat5136]

Thank you. I had no idea we should wait to fertilize until after the last frost, good to know.

[@yvonnezarm9333]

Fantastic explanation for beginners like me👍

[@ramachandran8666]

Excellent explanation and guidance for getting most of the fig trees (and other fruit trees). I just started growing them last year and been following your channel for getting the most out

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thanks for watching my videos! I’m glad they’ve been helpful.

[@cathrynlang6010]

@@TheMillennialGardener I mixed the Miracle Gro tomato water soluable fertilizer with almost one teaspoon of Epson Salt in 1 GALLON of water and dumped about 1/2-3/4gallon onto each of 3 fig trees in in 20 inch pots. That seemed to “green up” and make my Celeste 3 ft. Tall healthier. But my same size Alma which was doing great and growing length to the tree and looking healthy. made it look sickly and stop growing.!! Seemingly overnight. So I flushed the soil out with plain water the next day. It was in a bucket size pot tho; not a full 20 inch pot it is still alive and starting to get figs but not added height. Do I need to add any other minerals now? I did give it a “fig” fertilizer from a garden nursery but it has nitrogen as the higher number my trees are in their 3 rd year now I think and I still have a lot to learn I feel my potting soil is too heavy and not loose enough but since I live alone and a handicap, I just try my best with them now. Any advice you can offer will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[@caveman7608]

Man I actually understand what you are saying. I have watched other videos and the way they present it is confusing.

[@thehandsurgeon]

Excellent video!

[@rheaadams1437]

Straight forward and very detailed explanation without music backdraft which is great!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Rhea Adams thanks for watching!

[@renatara9026]

Amazing, your videos are so full of important details and you explain everything very well. Thank you so much.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You're welcome! I'm glad they're helpful.

[@charliegotbees1337]

Waiting for sure.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thank you!

[@Just-Nikki]

So excited for this!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thanks!

[@paulasiefert2059]

Alway clear and informative! Thank you so much.

[@donaldbeans-t6c]

GREAT JOB!

[@Balasad1979]

Thank you

[@jamesgray8712]

Really good video .. No unnecessary crap and you give the why behind the what .. Very important .. New Subscriber ..

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I appreciate that! Thanks for subscribing!

[@petershu1049]

Very specific information. Thank you for sharing

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thanks for watching!

[@ironbarklyn]

Thanks for such a great explanation of NPK - and early fertilizing , cheers

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thanks for watching!

[@0MrENigma0]

Thank you. Informative as always yet no sign of ego. Smile

[@1OKToni]

When you really are great, you don't have to tell other people.

[@Sabrina-wn6ey]

I have two fig bushes in pots. They have yet to produce fruit. I hope this year I'll be able to harvest some. They are lush with leaves already. I live in the Triad zone 7B. I had only been giving them and all my other food producers organic fertilizers. I think I will try some Miracle Grow knockoff this year too. My neighbor's bush is enormous. He cuts it back hard every year but it still gets 10 feet tall and about 15 feet wide. I have fig envy lol

[@TheMillennialGardener]

If they are in pots, you'll definitely see better results scrapping the 100% organic method and adding soluble fertilizers. I'm all for organic when possible, but remember, organic fertilizers usually need a thriving soil microbiome to break down the fertilizers. Containers don't have a thriving microbiome. To make things worse, they wash out every time they're overwatered or it rains, so they're constantly depleted. Pots are not a natural environment for fruit trees, so trying to fertilize them 100% organically when they're in an unnatural environment isn't optimal. It's one of those "exceptions" where organic isn't always best. I think you'll see great results with solubles.

[@KYM-12]

This is very helpful, thank you!

[@Cenepk101]

I have 4 inground fig tress. 3 yrs in the ground. 2 are about 18" tall and 2 are about 4" tall. They look like they are just now breaking dormancy. My neighbor who has 2 fig trees- 1 that is 100 yrs old and 1 that is about 7 years old are completely leafed out and actually has teeny fruit. I cannot understand what the issue is... I am no novice gardener. My figs are in full sun - 6-8 hrs. They are watered when it gets dry with no rain in sight. 7 B garden .Any suggestions ? I always top dress with compost and wood chips for mulch in spring and fall. Normally fertilize with Dr Earth fruit tree fertilizer.

[@y0nd3r]

That is a massive back yard. You must make pretty good money at this. Easily 4 times the size of my yard.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

It's a pretty standard residential plot. The backyard is only 8,000 square feet.

[@y0nd3r]

@@TheMillennialGardener lucky guy. The standard for my neighborhood is 5663 for the entire property, front and back. All the lots are this size unless they've been able to purchase an adjacent property.

[@armyofcookies]

1. Does the second high nitrogen fertilization include the epsom salt as well? Just wanted clarification cause you mentioned you do it once for the first fertilization and then once again at the beginning of fruiting. 2. I purchased the Expert Gardener All-Purpose fertilizer (10-10-10) 40 lb bag for about $13 to use in place of the Miracle Gro Tomato Plant Food (18-18-21). Could I just double the amounts used in the soluble fertilizer mixture? So 6 Tbs of the 10-10-10, instead of the 3 Tbs of the 18-18-21? If not, how do you calculate substituting one fertilizer for another? 3. On your in depth video on fertilizing the fig trees, you mixed your slow release all-purpose organic fertilizer with 1.5 Tbs of bone meal but the actual amount of the all-purpose organic fertilizer is not specified. What is the ratio between the two? I only have one Chicago Hardy that I purchased in the late summer of 2019 so I'm pretty new to all of this. I just binged watched a buttload of your videos cause they're so informative and easy to understand. Eternally grateful for all your hard work.

[@donnatierney2078]

I so love you and your fig trees.. Seattle🙋‍♀️

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thank you! And thanks for watching!

[@nmnate]

Just did a 1/2 strength miracle-grow fertilization this morning. Currently, I'm trying to get the figs adjusted to outside light on the porch. Unfortunately our last frost date is in Mid May...but I drag my trees into the garage if there's a temperature 34F or lower on the forecast. All trees are already awake, nothing I can do about that. Just have to give them the best chance I can. I mix my custom potting mix with azomite rock dust. Should be good on micronutrients.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

The "Fig Shuffle" is a pain, but it is worth it. If I were you, I'd look into getting some of those plant dolly's that are round and have wheels on them if you don't have a heavily sloped driveway. You'll be able to wheel them out. My garage has a huge lip in the concrete, so I can't do it, but if it were flush I would have several.

[@motorpenny]

Thank you for the information. How are you fertilize Figs with dormant brebas after the winter. How to handle them?

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I do not grow for brebas. I only grow for main crop.

[@stefandomagalski3722]

Ever try adding limestone/chalk? They love it! Hope the frost wasn't too bad these last two nights

[@GospelOutside]

Hi Stefan. Where do you get chalk?

[@stefandomagalski3722]

@@GospelOutside try a hardware store

[@andrealawton397]

What do you do with the excess? When you clean out your bucket, where do spill out the excess? Is it ok to spill it out in the yard? Thanks!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Do you mean if you make too much fertilizer and wind up with extra? I just give it to my in-ground trees. I have trees planted all over the place, so it's impossible to make too much. There is always a plant that will appreciate the extra nutrients.

[@heatherhall3452]

Just did slow release fertilise (Osmocote) my 1 fig tree, I don’t have the other fertilisers yet, only a liquid power feed which is your fish - compost -seaweed fertiliser, so I’ll wait until I buy the epsom salt & all purpose fertilisers - I’m assuming 1 gallon is the same as 1 litre because our buckets are 5 litres - thanks for teaching me 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽☺️🇦🇺

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thank you for watching! Good luck.

[@ansabulfone6940]

I gallon is almost 4 litre

[@JacobSimpson]

My figs already are fully leafed out. Leaves aren't full size but they will be in a week probably. There is already about an inch of new growth on my trees with no fertilizer. All my air layers from last year are the same way. But my tree produces fruit really early too. I normally have fruit by July. Thanks for the informative video! I didn't know what each thing did. I knew nitrogen encouraged green growth, but I didn't know what phosphorus and potassium did. Maybe I'll try it out on last year's air layers!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Are your trees in-ground or in containers? My Celeste fig is in ground and is fully leafed out with full-sized leaves. The tree looks great and it is weeks ahead of the container trees. In-ground just goes faster, I guess because the ground keeps the roots warm whereas the container figs are more exposed to cold temps.

[@JacobSimpson]

@@TheMillennialGardener both. I have one that is in ground that is about 20 feet tall and has limbs about that long going out. I have 8 container figs and they are fully leafed out too. About as far along as the big in ground one.

[@tomwaits4205]

I am going to be moving an LSU Purple fig i was gifted into a 25 gallon pot too live for the next 2 years. Is there a particular bagged soil you recommend? I use Dr. Earth ferts almost exclusively for amending raised beds. Thanks!

[@ummehaniyah8314]

Thanks very use full information

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thanks for watching!

[@robertjohnson9832]

What if your trees in containers are leafing and have figlets already a monthf vefore the last frost date? High desert of Arizona.

[@jdoboy6835]

Buying Fish Emulsion. LOL,,, OR you can take a break from all of the 'work' & go fish! I use a barrel that's about 2 sizes too large. I throw a handful of tripple 10 in the bottom & or place chopped-up fish casings in the bottom, & OR use very old completely-aged manure, (Ace). When GROUND planting, I Either dig a deep trench before planting cutting, or dig a deep trench along side, & bury all of those fish casings very deep, so the new roots can branch out when looking for nutrients. Done Deal,,, & you also have an awesome dinner! ;>) I watched 4-5 of your videos, & read most of the comments,,,, but I STILL couldn't find what kind of potting soil you use for your cuttings & transplants!???? BTW,,,, I usually drill 4- 1" holes, 2" UP THE SIDES OF MY CONTAINERS,,, not in the bottoms.. I don't want all of the fertilized water to easily run out! Take note of what the roots look like when transplanting. AND,,,, I'm always experimenting. If I have 6 fig containers, I will use a certain fertilizer routine on 3,,,, THAT'S the only way to know exactly what's working,, & what's a waste of $$$$$$.! THANKS, for all of the helpful info. ;>)

[@ChristinesBackyardGarden]

Thanks for the information. Just what I needed. What is the purpose of the cages aroud the containers?

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Issues with rabbits eating low hanging fruit.

[@ChristinesBackyardGarden]

@@TheMillennialGardener Okay. Great idea.

[@annieoneill3876]

I was wondering what is the purpose of laying the black plastic sheet over the ground for?

[@Esthermyrrh]

Me too!!

[@marcobertoldi3649]

Can I use this same method for my new planted outside fig plants.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

If they are very young fig trees that are still in the "growth" phase and not yet beginning to fruit, yes.

[@sarahpayne2873]

thank you for sharing, i am in the UK and have missed the initial fertizing in March, the trees are about 8 years old. we are just getting some warmer weather and the trees have buds just about to begin opening, can i do the first fertilse now in april?

[@Rehank213]

Great video and simple to follow. You mentioned repeat this fertilization process every 10-14 days, do also have to use all purpose organic fertilizer after every 10-14 days with high nitrogen and fish fertilizer? Also, I want to use only organic fertilizer, do you recommend any organic fertilizer which is high in nitrogen?

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thank you. Every 10-14 days you apply both the slow release organic fertilizer AND the soluble chemical fertilizer with fish emulsion. What soluble fertilizer you use depends on where you are in the growing season. You may want to view my playlist to see the other fertilizing videos because high nitrogen is what you use in the beginning of the season, but not heading into late spring/early summer: kzbin.info/aero/PL1gY7BoYBGIFNbJEUdApbh_E57uNBLG2j If you want to use only organic fertilizers, you will have to order expensive soluble types if you're growing in containers, or skip out on them altogether, but your performance in containers will suffer. I do not use organic soluble fertilizers because they're many times more expensive, and I don't see the benefit of soluble organics because solubles don't feed the soil - so why pay more for something that's reduced to its bare elements? It's all the same when we're talking about solubles. Fish emulsion is the exception - it's great stuff all around and is good for your soil.

[@samialsahhar9621]

Great information. Thx!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Sami Alsahhar thanks for watching!

[@FrogRogers]

Do you find that the more wood chips and organic material makes the soil either high PH or low PH. Seems like mine do better when I had a lowering ph additive to soil. Maybe mine just has too much wood chips and stuff in them. Liking the videos. About to prune some figs and pant one in a container. thanks for sharing the info.

[@AkashP-o5i]

Do you have a video for in ground figs for this? Please need to know how to fertilize

[@annadavis6361]

I love your videos! Thank you! So excited to take care of my fig trees in zone 7b. Fig in pot!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I appreciate that. Thank you for watching. Best of luck!

[@valentinawernli1496]

What are some of the keepers. i.e.., fig trees that do well in our wet humid climate. Varieties that perform well despite moisture?

[@jenniferdomdom9412]

Thank you☺️

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thanks for watching.

[@jenniferdomdom9412]

I bought one of your raspberry latte and it’s doing good, hopefully it gives me figs this year ☺️ praying 🙏

[@TheMillennialGardener]

@@jenniferdomdom9412 that's awesome! Glad to hear it rooted. Raspberry Latte is notorious for not wanting to fruit the first year. I was able to get it to fruit by pinching. It gave me a few fruits, but most dropped. It's an "investment fig." I hear it does better the 2nd and 3rd years. You'll want to pinch it. It's a very vigorous grower.

[@arthurhernandez5681]

Great informative video! Would this method of fertilizing apply to other fruit trees like Plums, Apricot and Peaches?

[@TheMillennialGardener]

For the majority of fruit trees that have a dormancy period, yes. Most fruit trees react well by feeding them nitrogen upon breaking dormancy to encourage leaf growth, then moving to a more balanced fertilizer, or a higher phosphorous fertilizer, later in the year. You have to be careful, though, because some trees won't fruit well if you give them too much fertilizer, period. Another exception would be citrus. High phosphorous isn't good for citrus, and you should purchase citrus-specific fertilizers for citrus. I couldn't tell you confidently when it comes to tropical plants that originate from areas without true seasons. Figs are very similar to tomatoes and peppers in my experience, and I fertilize them the same as my figs with excellent results.

[@arthurhernandez5681]

@@TheMillennialGardener OK, great! I'll try it on my tomatoes and peppers this season. I use Down to Earth Citrus Mix 6-3-3 for my Meyer Lemon, Mexican Thornless Lime and Miho Satsuma. All three are flowering. I appreciate your response. Have a great growing season!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

@@arthurhernandez5681 that sounds correct. Citrus are some of the rare trees that like a higher nitrogen feed all the time. Sounds like you made a good choice!

[@ErthKwaik]

Thanks for all the great content! I live in zone seven and eastern Texas. It's mid April right now, should I start off where you did in mid April and skip those different first two fertilization's, or should I go ahead and start with the nitrogen rich later in the season?

[@stevesamoffgridsmallholdin5378]

Excellent

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Thank you!

[@Frenchiemomma]

How did your avocado and satsuma do this year? I am going to try to plant mine outside this year. South side of the house.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Fantastic. I posted recent updates for both of them. This video is me harvesting my first Owari satsumas this winter: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZXTiJuhfZl-bdE And this is a video I just put together last month on pollinating my avocado for self-fertility: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpvHfoCgj898bMk Both trees are healthy, especially the avocado. It is growing so fast you can almost watch it grow.

[@kevinkehren5038]

Good video thanks

[@tomiannarino8673]

Hi, love your video’s, I recently purchased a Chicago a Harvey fig tree about its two or three years old. It was grown in a 5 gallon container, it didn’t come with the container. I up potted to a 15 gallon container. would I be safe to use the full concentration of fertilizer that you recommend for its first couple feedings. it’s just starting to break dormancy. Thanks Tom

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Yes, a mature tree can easily handle a full-strength dose of fertilizer. Just make sure you follow the manufacturer's recommendations for full strength. Don't go stronger. It's better to fertilize more frequently with lighter dosages than fertilize less frequently but with stronger concentrations.

[@Jude2408]

I’ve just fertilzed 6 trees (in Australia, almost spring and frosts are gone). How frequently do I give them this mix? These 6 are my babies which I raised 12 months ago. Only got a few fruit but hoping for better results this year if I can protect them from Fruit Bats and Bower birds.

[@joanneholcombe735]

If ur fig is a new planting and small, do u add the organic fertilizer along with the fish, miracle gro and epsom salts?

[@venuscomb57]

I’ve watched some of your videos, very nice presentation and successful fig production. I’m in NSW, Australia. My lone fig tree at the backyard is fruiting twice a year but the fruits aren’t the best, they ripen quickly but it’s full of worms from fruit fly. I’ve sprayed them with salt, vinegar and dishwashing liquid water to deter fruit flies and get them still.I’m getting frustrated to see fruits going to waste all the time. What do you use to get rid of the pests? May you share your value bid tip, please. Thanks

[@happynlife6769]

Did you find the answer regarding finding worms in the fruit? I am experiencing the same problem. I live in FL. If you found any solutions I would love to hear from you. Thanks.

[@Dgleft12]

New subscriber…is there a time for northern climates where you feel it’s safe to pull out of hibernation? Can they go out in the day (cart) and then back in garage at night?

[@TheMillennialGardener]

That's going to depend on your frost dates and forecast. "Northern climate" could fluctuate wildly. You must look up your frost dates. Your figs can't get hit with frost if they started to break bud. If you want to pull them out early, that's fine, but you must bring them back in if it's going to frost or freeze.

[@Dgleft12]

Thank you! @@TheMillennialGardener

[@Dgleft12]

I️ forgot to ask this….I️ do all potted as I️ said. However I️ bought a fig that was in a corner of an indoor nursery….4 years old, in a pot, 3 feet tall and fully leafing as of today…..do you treat this the same as the ones out of hibernation or just skip the first two High N feedings? Thanks so much.

[@alexisarcher2521]

will a smith fig do well in zone 7 in a 5 gal grow bag?

[@TheMillennialGardener]

No. Do not plant fruit trees in grow bags. it's a disaster waiting to happen. If you must grow a fig in a container, I recommend these: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqaleZV4os1mnrcsi=nQt1WELGjGxfGoJ1

[@markcampolo577]

One of one out of eleven of my rooted cuttings which are healthy plants has droopy leaves starting two days ago and just happened out of no where. They have been watered and not over watered. Could this be a disease ? All these plants are in the same soil medium . Can you give any advice ? These have been in the garage on a heat mat and grow light. I have been acclemating them when the sun is out like you explaned on your videos. Thanks, Mark

[@jere29555]

Thanks for the information. I am in zone 8A in South Carolina. My container fig has already started to bear fruit but the foliage is small and all but stopped when the fruiting started. This is the first time trying to grow in containers. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Hey neighbor. I’m in 8A in NC about 40 mins north of the SC border. The figs that you see are likely breba crop. Some fig varieties form an early crop of figs on previous year’s wood called a breba crop. Remember, main crop figs only form on new year’s wood. Breba figs are generally larger and inferior and prone to dropping. But mediocre figs are better than none!

[@glennallan8630]

i just got a bunch of trees put in the pot figs etc`(April 11 )should i do one of the first treatments or what would be best?

[@mikeporro3311]

Hi i was wondering why i didn't get a reply, here it is lol!, thanks again. I am 7a and my potted trees broke dormancy about 8 days ago and some have leaves half the size of your hand. I have to take them in and out of the garage . What nighttime temps are ok to leave them outside? I haven't fed them yet but plan on doing it tomorrow. The growth is vigorous but needs to green up growth is kind of pale .

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You can leave figs that have leafed out outside as long as it doesn't frost or freeze. Just be careful because I've had many occurrences where it's frosted in the 34-37 degree range. Figs will do just fine at 34-35 degrees at night if it doesn't frost or freeze, but if you get frosted on, it'll damage the tender growth and possibly cause some tip damage once the trees break dormancy. My rule of thumb is to move them up against the house for radiant heat protection and try not to bring them out until your last chance of frost. If they haven't broken bud yet, frosts aren't an issue.

[@kellylazar2654]

Thank you for the step by step explanation. I live in Northeast Ohio and it’s pretty cold. All of my figs are potted and in the garage. Our last frost typically doesn’t incurring till the end of April…sometimes early May. And the temperatures fluctuate up and down. Would you recommend me doing the first fertilization in April and wheeling the figs in and out of the garage should the temperature dip? Also after the second application do I just use the all purpose fertilizer every 14 days? Thank you so much.

[@peterdeschane229]

I have two Chicago hardy fig I live in zone 6B and just took my trees outside after two days I got white leaves what did I do wrong?

[@TheMillennialGardener]

What do you mean by "white leaves?" Did the trees break dormancy indoors, and you carried them outside with green leaves on them? If so, what probably happened is the leaves that broke bud indoors had no resistance to UV from the sun, so when you carried them out, they were immediately scorched by real sunshine. Any plants that form leaves in an indoor environment, trees or annual vegetables, have to be slowly acclimated to real sunshine or they'll get bleached and sometimes even killed. If this is the problem, the fig tree will recover easily, but making that mistake with tomato or pepper seedlings, or newly rooted fig cuttings, can kill all of them.

[@frankiemarchese2978]

I have in ground fig trees. Im in zone 7. Just about to break dormancy. I have a 20-20-20 organic fertilizer but those #’s seem high. Would that do damage? Is there a way I can use half of what they say and make it 10-10-10?

[@miaderitis3483]

Hello. I am having trouble with my fig tree can I message you for advice ?

[@jenniferhayes5071]

I have two fig trees (one 3 gal and one 1 gal) that I purchased and potted in Feb. We recently got frost even though the temps were in the 30's, and the new leaves and possibly buds were damaged and now shriveled and brown. Any advice on how to proceed with these trees this spring? Are they ruined for this growing season? Should I fertilize? Thank you.

[@lorenesanders119]

Thanks

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You're welcome!

[@allansharonmiller6514]

Do you have problems with no drainage in these Lowes buckets?

[@TheMillennialGardener]

The buckets have many holes drilled in them. You must drill drainage holes, or your plants will die. See how to make them here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5yyYXWpr7ukg7M

[@victoriaroberts7837]

Do you make and use compost tea?

[@TheMillennialGardener]

No.

[@juliegoulandris9609]

I have a question how early when transplanting fig seedlings do you fertilizr

[@TheMillennialGardener]

julie goulandris I do it after the plants have been fully acclimated/hardened off upon transplanting into their permanent containers. I have a video on how to do this here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnyml6CnhdCmqrM

[@69juamex]

Question is Epson salt all the same? Here in my area I only have seen the salt in the pharmacy area.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

69juamex as long as you check the ingredients and it is pure epsom salt with no additives, yes, it is all the same. However, you’ll pay a lot more at the pharmacy because they’re marketing it for medical purposes. Walmart just got a ton of the Salt of the Earth brand bags for $5-6 each. If you check the garden department, they’re well stocked and you’ll save a lot of money. Alternatively, I have some linked in my Amazon Storefront in the video description that is affordable.

[@69juamex]

@@TheMillennialGardener thank you. I did visit walmart and found the epson salt you use along with all other ingredients. I will be able to fertilize then this weekend. Thank you for all the great information.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

69juamex excellent! Glad I could help. Good luck!

[@MrDieseloo1]

Is it normal for fig trees to lose there leaves when brought outside? Do they need hardening?

[@Jameson1979]

Thank you!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

James Nguyen you’re welcome. Thanks for watching.

[@Chris-nj2jz]

Here in Los Angeles we have had a pretty mild winter and with the past week or so in the low 70's my trees are starting to bud break. Pretty early, but think it's time to start this first round of high N fert routine? Looking at slightly cooler weather for the next week or so, but nothing drastic.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Since you're in LA, your chances of frost are near zero, right? If you are comfortable that you won't see frost and your buds are breaking, you can go ahead and fertilize. Just keep in mind that any new growth will be tender and fertilizer will force more new growth faster, so if you live in a frosty zone, you may want to wait until you're beyond your last frost.

[@666Necropsy]

organic fertilizers still work for potted figs. you just have to adjust and know your rates. the synthetic fertilizers are much higher in npk. if you adjusted for the same npk numbers you would notice very similar results. its hard to get a large amount of organics in the top of the pot because it just takes up more space. there are plenty of weed growers that have been using straight organics for years lol.

[@roccoconte2960]

I was thinking of using a h.d. or lowes 5 gal. bucket for one of my trees do you drill wholes in the bottom of the buckets , i did not notice any.

[@baseball8z]

100% drill holes in the bottom. The roots will suffocate and rot otherwise

[@MG-ds5tb]

Can you still use this formula if my fig trees have already started growing a few leaves?

[@GospelOutside]

I would like to know as well.

[@nahidniger1236]

Thanks.nice video. But I have some queries. First, do u mix plant food? But you say in video all purpose. Regarding Epsom salt what is the ratio? You spread all purpose on each tab - is it 3 tablespoon per tob? I am waiting for your reply.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Nahid Niger I use: - Soluble 24-8-16 plant food in the ratio recommended on the box. This was 1 tablespoon per gallon. “All purpose” will vary from manufacturer. Check the N-P-K for higher nitrogen feed. - Epsom salt I used 1.5 tablespoons in 5 gallons.

[@Laborchet]

Hey man, i just got my first fog tree and got hooked on your KZbin channel with so much good info but after watching your videos from last year and this year but I still hAve some doubts as to where I stand and which method to begin with. I have a small plant with 3 big leaves and 2 small leaves. It’s probably around 8-10 inches tall and I just planted it onto a 10” pot to allow it to grow roots and get started. I figured I probably wouldn’t get much fruit if any this season. I live in Miami so zone 10b and get hot summer temps ALL the way up into November and even December some years. Should I start with the nitrogen rich fertilizing so the plant can grow leaves and then move onto the second stage of balanced fert or should I go directly into balanced fertilizer since my plant is already out of dormancy and seems to be growing new leaves. I got it about a week ago and it came in a tiny plastic pot. It’s now in a 10” pot. Please advise if you can, thanks man

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Good question. Even in your position with your frost-free climate, I would still give the first 2 fertilizings with higher nitrogen. The reason why is you're trying to put on green growth and enhance vigor right off the bat rather than force fruiting on a tiny tree. Since it is so small still, I would focus on growing the tree first before I tried to shift energy into fruiting. You have essentially a 365 day growing season, and you'll actually get much better fruit quality in your dry season, so I wouldn't rush fruit. You're going to have a heck of a time trying to ripen figs in your summers due to the radical heat and rain, but they'll do well if you can get them to hold until the fall when the rains stop.

[@Laborchet]

The Millennial Gardener thank you for the reply! I actually went ahead and did a fertilizing before your reply. I used miracle grow all purpose and the fish emulsion in water like you did, and used a bit of the bone meal and another granulated fertilizer. I basically followed your video for the mid-spring fertilizing because I figured I was already in mid spring. But for the second fertilizing I will just use the MG all purpose and fish emulsion so it gets a nitrogen rich fertilizing like you recommend to get the plant to put on new growth. At which point do I switch over to the more balanced fertilizing which will then hold until fruit starts to show, right? I noticed in less than a week from fertilizing that the 3 leaves got greener and bigger and the 4th leaf grew huge to almost the size of the other 3. Also noticed a new leaf starting to grow, so 5th leaf. I moved the tree to a place where it gets sun almost all day and noticed it doesn’t seem to wilt under the heat so I left it there. So basically I will do nitrogen rich for the next fertilizing, how long do I want to continue with the nitrogen rich before switching to a more balanced formula?

[@TheMillennialGardener]

@@Laborchet I designed my first video with high nitrogen feeding to be implemented when your tree is just breaking dormancy. The idea behind the initial nitrogen boost is to speed up the transition from dormancy into growth, and in the first video, I tell you your first 2 fertilizings should be higher nitrogen. Assuming you fertilize every 10-14 days like I recommend, your first fertilizing will be on Day 0, and the second on the Days 10-14. From there, your third fertilizing will be with MG Tomato on Days 20-28 depending on your schedule. By then, you should have a few inches of new green growth and new leaves leafing out. If you don't have any mature leaves leafing out, you may want to extend your high nitrogen phase. Given your heat situation, I would expect significant green grown in 20-28 days.

[@gagouche22]

I planted my Italian everbearing about 5 months ago in a 20 gallon container. It had what appear to be rust. I asked the nursery, and they told me to stop fertilizing it for a year. I am a little worried. What would be your suggestion?

[@dotnb]

I don't have fish emulsion. Can I use worm castings instead?

[@TheMillennialGardener]

They are two very different things. Fish emulsion is a soluble fertilizer that is immediately available for uptake by the tree. They're not substitutes for one another. You can purchase fish emulsion at Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes and many other big box retailers. Walmart sells is for about $19 a gallon.

[@pascalemackey2319]

Would you use the same protocol for potted citrus?

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Not exactly. Citrus don’t need as much fertilizer as figs because they don’t grow nearly as quickly. Also, citrus prefer higher nitrogen all season. You want something like a 6-2-4 for citrus. MG All Purpose actually works well on them all season, but you don’t need to feed them as heavily and as often. They also don’t need all that bone meal. Just adding a good organic 5-5-5 or 6-2-4 is enough.

[@stevenpeavy140]

Do you have a temperature range for when I bring my pruned fig out of the basement?

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You just don't want to expose your trees to any severe freezes. If they are completely dormant, they can withstand freezes in the 20's. If they're starting to bud swell and leaf out, a simple light frost can cause a lot of damage. My dormant trees have taken temps in the low 20's with absolutely no problem, but I had a late 29 degree freeze in March kill a couple to the roots because they leafed out and the freeze came out of nowhere after a long warm stretch. It's really judgment.

[@stevenpeavy140]

@@TheMillennialGardener we want to transplant tree into a larger pot. May I start the first feeding then transplant or do it all at once?

[@im11000]

Can I use Jack’s 10-20-30 water soluble fertilizer in addition to 10-10-10 granules Thank you 😊

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I wouldn't recommend combining a soluble fertilizer with a synthesized 10-10-10. 10-10-10's are generally pelleted. You want to use an organic slow release fertilizer to feed your microbiome and add organic matter to the soil. 10-10-10's won't do that. AS for 10-30-20, no, that is not a good choice so early in the season. I use that exact product, but much later in the year when it's time to fruit. I would stick to the ratios and fertilizer types in the video for best results.

[@AbdulQadir-ho3ki]

What type of fertilizer used in dormancy time in December please need name of fertilizer

[@TheMillennialGardener]

You should not be fertilizing during dormancy. Fertilizer should have been stopped this far into the season. I have a video on the subject here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2qzaHqspMStgZY

[@Fattiapples]

If I just used the fish fertilizer without the miracle grow 24-8-16, would that nitrogen source not be enough as far as soluble fertilizer to jumpstart leafy growth? I do have granular

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Fish fertilizer is not a very strong fertilizer. If your trees are in containers, you are going to have to feed them heavily to get great production. Granular organics and fish fertilizer just isn’t strong enough for best results. Going 100% organic when growing in a container, which is as unnatural of a home for the tree as possible, doesn’t work well in my experience. I strongly urge synthetics when growing in containers. If you are growing in-ground, it is much easier to be 100% organic. You don’t need synthetic fertilizers for a well-established tree, but you’ll need a lot of fish fertilizer to have the same effect.

[@Fattiapples]

@@TheMillennialGardener thanks appreciate your response!

[@johnmassaro2830]

If I put all up pot my trees to 15 gallon permanent containers this coming spring, should i still use approximately the same mix amounts and about a gallon per tree still or will i need to up the amount?

[@TheMillennialGardener]

What do you mean by "mix"? Do you mean the potting mix medium? Or do you mean strength of fertilizer? The concentration of fertilize should be followed based on the directions on the package. My brand recommends 1 Tablespoon per gallon of water for outdoor uses, which I always maintain.

[@johnmassaro2830]

@@TheMillennialGardener I was referring to the amount of the liquid fertilizer mix per plant...example to mix the 5 gallon bucket, per directions...for a 5 gallon pot you were saying 1/2 gal or 1 gal per plant...do i still need only the same amount poured onto each tree or do i need more due to bigger container?...also on the soil mix to up-pot to 15 gallon containers... is it about equal parts of potting mix & peet moss, and then half part of the humus/manure?... sorry for all the questions at once...lol.

[@edwarddelsole7262]

Container figs in garage have already started new growth and tender leaves and it's only end of Feb.. I can't safely take them out until late April in PA. So when do you recommend first fertilization?

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Some of mine have begun leafing out as well. Especially Pastiliere given how early it is. It's leafing so much I may have to protect it if we get a frost! I recommend waiting until your last frost to fertilize. Going earlier will only encourage more growth before it's safe.

[@edwarddelsole7262]

Thanks that's good advice!

[@TheMillennialGardener]

@@edwarddelsole7262 you’re welcome.

[@Laurel-Crowned]

Great info! Have you ever used kelp? I gave all ten of my figs I just got in the ground this month on their second watering some kelp tea and they are all starting 😀. Gave some to my pistachio trees last year and they finally started growing better

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I do not use kelp. I use fish emulsion, because I believe it is generally superior to kelp in strength and micronutrient content, and it's cheaper and readily more available. Walmart, Home Depot and Lowes all stock it whereas I've never found gallons of kelp in a store. I don't have an issue with mammalian pests in my area, so the fish emulsion odor doesn't have a negative impact. However, if you can't deal with the smell of fish emulsion because of pests or your own smell tolerances, I usually recommend kelp because the micronutrient content is high and odor is much less.

[@Laurel-Crowned]

@@TheMillennialGardener thanks! I'll have to give it a try! I have clay soil and lots of gophers so I buried some chicken wire three feet deep around all of the trees, hopefully it keeps them out. I also have alot of cats around but not sure if they would bother the trees if I used it. Thanks for your reply & great vids!!!

[@Laurel-Crowned]

@@TheMillennialGardenerHI, I ended up getting some of that Alaskan stink, whewee this stuff is hard to be around 🤢 anyway I mixed it my kelp tea and gave them a gallon and I've also been giving them some super bloom every week. I only water once a week and was wondering if I should maybe water and fertilize them twice a week instead. What do you think? How often do you fertilize yours? Do you have some in ground that you fertilize also? I'm pretty sure my soil does not have any thing besides maybe high potash but I'm still waiting for my soil tests to come back any day now 🤔 I think two more days will be a month since I sent it off so yeah any day now. All six are about three inches tall so far. I had originally planted them in miracle grow potting soil but last year every time they would start growing I would water them and they would all die back so I'm glad I got to get them in ground this year, just a real bummer the top three feet died back so they're starting anew. I will never ever buy miracle grow potting soil again, everything I potted in it died or wouldn't grow, what a waist of a couple hundred bucks 😩. I ordered another ten gallons of that fish guts to drive the gophers away from all my shade trees, I was reading they don't like bad smells and it seems to be working 🙏 spent the last six years starting them all from seed to just feed the gophers 🤦‍♂️

[@arthurneroshchin5015]

I found someone in Italy that has fig cuttings and they say they can ship them now. Is it a good idea and will they survive?

[@TheMillennialGardener]

I would be very wary. Most international sales are scams, and they do not sell the varieties they claim to. If it is a reputable seller, importing fig cuttings without a phytosanitary certificate is illegal, so there is a good chance they'll be seized by Customs and destroyed. It's possible they can get through, but the Customs laws exist for a reason - it's to prevent pests and diseases endemic to other continents contaminating ours. That's how you wind up with invasive species. I would not buy from anyone internationally, unless they are extremely reputable and have the ability to trade internationally. If they cannot provide that supporting documentation, I'd assume it's a scam. Check Figbid. You will be able to find practically any variety your heart desires there, and almost everyone on Figbid are reputable sellers. Check their reviews.

[@Aviator168]

You are using a concentration that's supposed to spread out on the ground for fig trees in containers? Assume 1 tablespoon weights 14g, with that MG your are using, that's about 900ppm of nitrogen concentration. Am I hearing this right?

[@amtulnaseerahmad4244]

Is it for increasing heat

[@kk-hd3ki]

Hi there. Thx for the videos!!! Do you have a website where your fig trees can be purchased? TIA

[@TheMillennialGardener]

If I sell any, it'll be on Figbid. I've posted my profile in an announcement video back in January when I was selling cuttings. I propagated few trees, though. I sold off all the wood as cuttings, so I won't have many this season.

[@someguy621]

Does your fish fertilizer have element 115 in it as well?

[@michaelokrepky4542]

Hi, I am rooting fig cuttings and it is sending out roots. But these roots are toward the top nodes and not the bottom. What should I do?

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Hi, I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean. Can you explain in a little more detail? Are you saying that you buried multiple nodes, and only the highest node is rooting and the lower nodes are not? Or something else?

[@michaelokrepky4542]

The Millennial Gardener I am rooting them in paper towel with water in a bag. And yes only the higher nodes are rooting the lower ones are not.

[@TheMillennialGardener]

Michael O'Krepky in that case, I would move the cuttings into soil oriented properly. I have had luck rooting greenwood cuttings in the summer using paper towels, but I haven’t had success with dormant, hardwood cuttings. I believe damp medium is superior.