Fig Fruit Farming In Kenya, How To Plant And Where To Buy Seedlings
Figs are fun and fairly easy to grow, but there are a few important things to learn about fig tree care. When good drainage is provided figs can grow in a wide range of soil, but they need a site free of root-knot nematodes.
For good fruit crops, and vigorous growth, plant in full sunlight. Cold injury will be further reduced if the fig does not receive direct sunlight early in the morning or late in the evening during the dry months. However, the site should receive a minimum of eight hours of sunlight daily during the growing season.
Soil Preparation for Your Fig Tree
First, you will need to dig a hole size 2x2x2ft, mix the top soil with 20Kg bucket of manure and pre-fill the hole almost to the brim.
Figs prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5), but soils of moderate alkalinity are tolerated. Most average garden soils fall between a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Soil preparation should always include a pre-plant soil test. If your soil pH is low, adjust the pH with lime. Spread the limestone evenly over the entire area where the figs will be planted, then till the soil. If possible, till at least a 6-foot by 6-foot area where each seedlings will be planted.
Fig trees grow best in well-drained, organically-rich soils, but they will grow on many other soil types and are tolerant of heavy clay soils if drainage is good. In soil with low fertility or compact clay it’ll be worth your time to mix in some organic compost to the native soil. They like the soil to hold a good supply of water, especially when the fruits are developing, but not so much water that the soil stays constantly soggy or wet.
Figs grown in the bush form may be set as close as 10 feet apart in the row and 15 feet apart between rows. Figs grown in tree form should be set 15 to 20 feet apart in the row and 20 feet apart between rows. Container-grown plants can be transplanted without being pruned; just remove them from the container, spread their roots, and set them in the planting hole. Fill the hole with soil; water heavily enough to settle the soil around the roots. Do not apply fertilizer in the hole at planting.
Figs respond well to mulching with organic materials. Mulch may reduce the effects of nematode problems.
Fertilizer Application On Fig Trees
Fig trees grow satisfactorily in moderately fertile soils with limited fertilizer. But fertilizer is needed in soils of low fertility or where competition from other plants is heavy.
Though nitrogen is usually the only needed plant nutrient, other nutrients may be lacking in some areas. If poor growth indicates the need for fertilizer, feed your tree. Fig trees can be fed with organic plant foods or inorganic fertilizers, such as 10-10-10.
Irrigation on Fig Trees
The first year is a critical time for your new fig. For highest yields, figs need watering throughout the first three months. The frequency and the amount of water depends to a large extent on the soil. As a rule of thumb, 1 to 1½ inches of water per week from rain or irrigation is adequate. Yellowing and dropping of leaves may indicate drought or over-watering.
In lawns, the grass beneath fig plants may wilt in the heat while the rest of the lawn does not. This indicates the figs need water. Figs grown with lawn grasses may require one or more waterings a week during hot, dry periods.
Once the tree is established, it should receive at least one inch of water each week. After the first year you don’t need to be quite as vigilant as the tree will have established its root system. Water regularly, especially during dry spells. Lack of rain/water can cause fruit to prematurely drop or quality to suffer, if not well irrigated during the dry spell. Keep at least 4 feet around the fig clear of grass and weeds, for less competition for water.
Pruning Fig Trees
Fig trees can be left alone to grow naturally or trained to grow as a large shrub or mid-size trees of various shapes.
It is not absolutely necessary to prune a fig tree. However, you can prune young fig trees during the first couple of years in a manner that will produce new “fruiting wood,” resulting in heavier yields of fruit the following season. Figs are produced each active growth season on “old wood” (branches produced the previous season). So, to produce more fruit in future seasons you need to produce more branches.
Pest and diseases of fig trees
In sandy soils you may develop a root knot nematode problem. The nematodes will weaken the fig and may cause you to have a poor growing plant, or produce little to no fruit. One way to tell if you have nematodes would be to check the roots, the will develop small knots. To help prevent nematodes, try a heavy mulch and large amounts of organic matter in the soil at the time of planting. The most common insect pests are mealy bug, three-lined fig borer, and ants. The application of insecticide is seldom warranted.
In rainy seasons or humid environments, fig rust can become a problem. This will show up as a rust colored brown discoloration on the leaf, resulting in early leaf fall. This disease can be controlled by a 5-5-50 Bordeaux spray (copper sulfate, lime, and water) applied every two to three weeks during the growing season. Although many diseases attack figs, most figs are grown in homeowner settings and do not receive pesticide sprays.
Harvesting Your Figs
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