Plant nursery

Unless grown in containers, most fig trees do not require regular fertilization. However, if your fig tree is not growing much (less than 12 inches in one growing season), you can add ½ to 1 pound of nitrogen supplement. Divide up the nitrogen into 3 to 4 feedings. Start applying the nitrogen in late winter and end in midsummer. You can also apply a layer of mulch around the tree to help prevent weeds and keep in moisture for the roots.Fig trees require little pruning. During the dormant season, be sure to remove all dead, diseased, or weak branches to encourage growth. If you have an abundant growth of figs, you can thin the fruit to encourage larger figs.

If your area experiences a particularly cold winter, fig trees planted outdoors may die back to the ground. If the tree is of a hardy variety, the below-ground part of the tree will likely be unaffected. Remove all dead wood while the tree is still dormant and watch for new growth in the spring.

Harvesting Figs
You should harvest figs only when they are fully ripe, as they will not continue to ripen off the tree. The figs should be fully colored and slightly soft to the touch. You may need to invest in bird netting to protect your crop; figs are a favorite of birds and squirrels. When picking figs, wear gloves or long sleeves because the sap from the fig tree can irritate your skin.

Storing Figs
Figs are very perishable. Store figs in the refrigerator; they will keep for 2 to 3 days. For long-term storage, you can freeze figs whole for later use. Another storage method is to dry the figs. You can also can your own figs.

The Chinese chestnut grows to a height of 40–60′ and a spread of 40–60′ at maturity. It grows at a slow to medium rate, with height increases of anywhere from less than 12″ to 24″ per year. The Chinese chestnut grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained, and clay soils. It is drought-tolerant and does well in hot, dry climates.

This tree should be planted in pairs or groups to ensure pollination and yields a ripened nut crop mid/late September through October. A prickly 2–3½” seed husk encloses 1-4 nuts. The nuts are large, meaty, crisp, and sweet, although less sweet than American chestnuts. It begins to bear nuts in 4–5 years if grown from seed. While the chestnuts are valuable for human consumption, they are also valuable as food for wildlife.

This tree grows in a rounded shape and provides dense shade with a handsome, spreading canopy. It features simple, alternate leaves that are 3–5″ in length and dark green in color with a toothed margin. This tree has wood that is very durable and resistant to rot and is highly resistant to chestnut blight.