A-Frame for Winter Fig Protection

Last week, my boys and I stopped by Adriano's for a visit.

Adriano grows it as a multi-stemmed bush, cutting out stems that become too big and, therefore, less flexible.

His potted trees were outside; still dormant, but buds swelling nicely.

He showed me his in-ground Desert King fig that overwinters covered with an A-frame.

Alternative to Burying Your Fig

Thinking of growing an in-ground fig, but don't want to chop the roots and lay it flat?

The A-Frame method is another approach to overwintering figs if you're in zone that's too cold for figs to survive unprotected.

Uncovered for Spring

He says this big in-ground Desert King fig has been there for about 40 years.

He grows it as a multi-stemmed bush, cutting out stems that become too big and, therefore, less flexible.

When winter comes, he bends over the branches, and then places an insulated A-frame (made from wood and styrofoam) over the top.

Through Summer

It never fully stands upright, but instead is bent over, so that it looks as if it is praying!