CHAPTER XII 

 The Fig 



To be successful in the cultivation of Figs it is necessary to 

 keep the trees furnished with sturdy short- join ted growths, 

 and this can only be done by growing them in a border where 

 the roots are restricted. If Fig trees are allowed an unlimited 

 root-run they will make growth freely, but fail to produce a 

 crop of Figs. This refers to trees under glass and in the open. 



Supposing the trees are grown against a wall, which is the 

 usual practice, a border 4 feet wide and 2 feet deep is sufficient 

 in size for them. It should be enclosed at the bottom and front 

 by stone slabs fixed in cement or concrete to keep the roots 

 confined to that space. The bottom of the border ought to 

 slope a little to the front to carry off excessive moisture, and a 

 3-inch drain pipe should be laid along the bottom to carry off 

 the water to a convenient outlet. Over the stone place a layer 

 of brickbats covering the entire bottom, and on these put old 

 turves grass-side downwards. The bulk of the border should 

 be made up of good loam, which has been cut and stacked for 

 some months ; this should be chopped up, old mortar rubble 

 and coarse charcoal being mixed with it. If the compost is 

 made firm and trodden well round the roots at planting-time, 

 the trees will make sturdy growth, which is so essential to suc- 

 cess. 



Planting may be done in November or at the end of 

 March ; but in cold districts it is advisable to protect the tree 

 in winter by thatching with straw or covering with sacking, 

 which may be removed late in March or early in April. 



Pruning. Well-developed young trees will not need prun- 

 ing the first year, and all that is necessary for some time is to 

 remove those growths that would cause overcrowding. Old 

 trees often present more difficulties, especially if they have been 

 neglected. The object is to keep all parts of the trees furnished 

 with young fruit-bearing shoots, and such should be trained 



71 



