Q: I planted a fig tree for three years in a row and cannot seem to keep them alive. I do not know what I am doing wrong. I live in Catalina, north of Tucson, a little cooler area and my soil is sandy.
A: Figs are certainly a good plant for our area. Some basic things to consider include allowing enough room for them to grow to a mature size, planting them in well-drained soil, and planting them in the fall or early spring to allow them to get established before the hot summer weather. The two varieties that do well here are the brown turkey fig and the black mission fig. Irrigation should be scheduled every week during the summer and every two weeks in the spring, fall, and winter. Light fertilization can be applied during the growing season (May, June, and July). Split a half-pound of nitrogen fertilizer between those three months and water in after applying. If you are seeing other specific symptoms related to the death of your figs, please let me know so we can puzzle them out.
Peter L. Warren is the urban horticulture agent for the Pima County Cooperative Extension and the University of Arizona. Questions may be emailed to tucsongardensage@gmail.com
