Growing Figs in Pots: Fig Tetris, Variety Trialling, and Collector Wisdom

Written By Steven Biggs

Growing Figs in Pots

How many fig trees can one person reasonably grow? Nina Jay might not be the person to ask—unless you want the fun answer.

In this episode, I chat with fig collector and expert Nina Jay about growing figs in the Mid-Atlantic, where winter protection, ripening windows, and variety choice all matter. Nina grows a large collection of container figs, and she brings a wonderfully organized—and only slightly obsessive—approach to trialling varieties, keeping records, overwintering trees, and squeezing a fig collection into a garage.

We talk about how Nina thinks through growing-season “fig math,” why early and mid-season figs matter in cooler climates, and why late-season varieties can be risky unless you have a plan. Nina also explains why she grows in pots, how she uses trellising and irrigation in her fig patch, and how she stacks trees for winter storage in what she calls “fig Tetris.”

Along the way, we get into favourite fig varieties, California fig envy, caprifigs and hand pollination, the importance of good records and good labels, and why the fig community is such a generous place for new growers.

In this episode:

  • How to think about early, mid-season, and late figs

  • Growing figs in pots for flexibility, trialling, and winter protection

  • Nina’s garage storage system for a large fig collection

  • “Fig Tetris” and the art of fitting trees into winter storage

  • Using irrigation and trellising for container figs

  • Why Chicago Hardy is still a great starter fig

  • Fig varieties including Smith, I-258, White Madeira #1, Vince 3, and more

  • Caprifigs, fig wasps, and hand pollination

  • Keeping a fig database with photos, dates, labels, and source information

  • Finding local fig growers, swapping cuttings, and learning from the fig community

Steven Biggs

Recognized by Garden Making magazine as one of the "green gang" of Canadians making a difference in horticulture, Steven Biggs is a horticulturist, former college instructor, and award-winning broadcaster and author. His passion is helping home gardeners grow food in creative and attractive ways.


He’s the author of eight gardening books, including the Canadian bestseller No Guff Vegetable Gardening. His articles have appeared in Canada’s Local Gardener, Mother Earth News, Fine Gardening, Garden Making, Country Guide, Edible Toronto, and other magazines.


Along with over 30 years working in the horticultural sector and a horticultural-science major at the University of Guelph, Steven’s experience includes hands-on projects in his own garden including wicking beds, driveway strawbale gardens, and a rooftop tomato plantation—to the ongoing amusement of neighbours.


When not in the garden, you might catch him recording his award-winning Food Garden Life podcast or canoeing in Algonquin Park.

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Fig Cordons in Cold Climates: Craig Boyer’s Japanese Espalier Trials