Are they any good tricks and tips to ripening better figs? Besides moving to California or acquiring the wasp, of course. Or cheating with a greenhouse!
In my mind, the things figs will need to develop the best flavor are heat, low water, and sun. In a container, one can cover the top of the pot to prevent rain from getting in and carefully control moisture levels. In the ground you are at the mercy of the weather.
I'm trying these tricks to see if they help:
1) Planting on a slope when possible - excess rain will go downhill, hopefully. This slope is west facing, so it gets plenty of summer sun
2) Placing large rocks around trees - see the picture. These should both divert some rainfall and absorb heat/radiate heat. I've been adding the large, flat rocks (slate/shale?) on the south/west sides as my back permits. They get hot in the summer sun!
3) Planting near the house - my house is light colored and south facing, so reflects a lot of sun. Plus the microclimate boost in the winter is beneficial.
4) Adding sand to planting holes - extra drainage, less moisture in the soil. Might not be too effective as I've found fig roots travel very far, very fast and don't remain in the planting hole long.

Any other thoughts?
In my mind, the things figs will need to develop the best flavor are heat, low water, and sun. In a container, one can cover the top of the pot to prevent rain from getting in and carefully control moisture levels. In the ground you are at the mercy of the weather.
I'm trying these tricks to see if they help:
1) Planting on a slope when possible - excess rain will go downhill, hopefully. This slope is west facing, so it gets plenty of summer sun
2) Placing large rocks around trees - see the picture. These should both divert some rainfall and absorb heat/radiate heat. I've been adding the large, flat rocks (slate/shale?) on the south/west sides as my back permits. They get hot in the summer sun!
3) Planting near the house - my house is light colored and south facing, so reflects a lot of sun. Plus the microclimate boost in the winter is beneficial.
4) Adding sand to planting holes - extra drainage, less moisture in the soil. Might not be too effective as I've found fig roots travel very far, very fast and don't remain in the planting hole long.
Any other thoughts?
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