Winter Protection for Fig Tree

[@michaeldyer1322]

I admire the work you've put in with the temperatures you've got. Here in yorkshire (england) it's not as bad, fleece does the trick

[@niagaragardener8866]

I guess I know what my next project is for my Chicago Hardy fig here in St Catharines. Very simple, clean and effective design on your insulated box.

[@tbuch5919]

Thanks, bit of work to build, but much quicker each season now. i haven't have any problems yet, but i'm a bit worried about mice getting into that nice warm cozy box and wreaking havoc on the tree overwinter. i might put some mesh on the bottom, or a trap in there next year.

[@Brockqtaxi1]

Is that St. Catharines Ontario?

[@Brockqtaxi1]

Is that St. Catharines Ontario?

[@robtripicchio4069]

I live in michigan and have three medium size trees that are in pots. Normally the trees go in our garage, but I really like this idea alot. Have you been happy with your box? Any modifications you wish you did differently. Thanks

[@tbuch5919]

It works great. The biggest problem is storing the box all summer. It would be tempting to make the box bigger, to allow the tree to grow larger, but i know its not needed, and would catch more wind and cost more to heat. The access door is great, i used it a lot. I dont have any improvements yet, time will tell how it holds up.

[@shoshanae3830]

Hi T. You said it 'screws' together. How are you doing that? thanks

[@vinceandtheresa1243]

Hello. Great video. I also live in southern Ontario and trying to keep my fig alive over the Winter. Can you please post a link to that Inkbird temperature controller? I cant find it with the bulb. Many thanks.

[@tbuch5919]

I bought it on Amazon. Here is the ulr www.amazon.ca/dp/B01M6WMUYI/ref=pe_3034960_233709270_TE_item

[@vinceandtheresa1243]

@@tbuch5919 Thanks. Got my box built and temperature gauge installed. The box looks pretty air tight. Did you put any holes in for ventilation? Did you get any mould growth if no ventilation. Many thanks for all the help. The bush I have is more sentimental to me than having the fruit, so its important to me. Thanks again. V

[@tbuch5919]

@@vinceandtheresa1243 I do not have ventilation holes. There was mold in the box and on the fig bush by spring, but i didn't notice any ill effects from it. I removed the lid a few times over the winter when the weather was above zero and dry to let it breath. I also usually need to prune a few branches to fit the bush in the box, and I keep some of those cuttings in the fridge over the winter as insurance, i could start a new tree if i had to.

[@dns_error]

@@vinceandtheresa1243 did it work? Doubt it works in Canada. Easy to just put it in a pot and move pot in the garage

[@vinceandtheresa1243]

@@dns_error Yes, has worked now for 2 years. My fig is planted in the ground like the video so I can't move to the garage.

[@mikewhitaker2306]

You should experiment with a large container 50 / 75 gallon a bit bulky to be moving around though

[@RayMirshahi]

Why not use one ceramic heater bulb instead? They are more efficient especially because you don't need light.

[@tbuch5919]

Yes, that would be better, i just dont have one yet. Im going to try and monitor next year if the heater/light bulbs come on at all. I have chistmas lights on the outside thst come on at the same time. I didnt notice them on at all this year.

[@vinceandtheresa1243]

Hello. Hope you and your family are doing well. I built my box and installed the inkbird temperature controller. So far all looks good. When do you take the box down? Thanks again, really hoping for fresh figs this year.

[@tbuch5919]

I'm trying to guess when the temperatures wont go below about -5C anymore . For my area, that is about mid to late April.

[@vinceandtheresa1243]

@@tbuch5919 Thank you. I live in the Hamilton area so I think about the same as you. Thanks again!

[@MetaView7]

you need to state which zone you are in.

[@Figamico]

Any updates on your fig tree you winterized last year?

[@tbuch5919]

Its doing fantastic. I've been meaning to post an update soon, maybe in 3-4 weeks the figs will be ripening.

[@Figamico]

T Buch when u boxes the fig tree nothing rottened ? Anyways, its a good idea how you winterized it. I had wrapped mine with burlap, plastic , aluminum foil insulation and finished it of with tarp. It still killed my tree to the bottom . Moister somehow got in and killed the top of tree.

[@tbuch5919]

@@Figamico I've used the box for the last two years, without any problems. There is a little mildew on the surface of the box, but none on the fig tree. I open the lid off the box on warmer, sunny, dry days about twice per winter to let it air out. The lid of my box keeps out most of the rain.

[@andrewstewart2675]

Do you take it apart in the summer?

[@tbuch5919]

Yep, i completely took it apart right after this video, and it'll go back up in Nov/Dec.

[@studi0z]

use home assistant buddy !