Spring fertilizing/watering

[meatburner]

I tried the search feature but didn't find what I needed. I am new to figs and it's that time of year for the fig shuffle. When do you suggest fertilizing? The leaves are not bright green so I wandered if a dose of fertilizer would be okay or better to wait awhile. The pic is from several weeks ago so the leave are out. I couldn't post without a pic and this is the only pic on this computer, sorry. Thanks everyone.

[WillsC]

My way of looking at it is if they are awake and they are growing, fertilize them.

[meatburner]

Thank you sir.

[AscPete]

Early fertilization of potted trees will result in healthier and faster overall growth of leaves and breba figs.

Roots start to grow several weeks before bud break so they can utilize the early fetilization especially if its water soluble fertilizers. The soil microbes also need the "early" fertilization so that they can begin the process of breaking down the "fertilizers" so they can be absorbed by roots.

Wills recommends "if they are awake", many would recommend "as soon as bud break", but I start 2 - 3 weeks earlier when the soil temperatures are constantly above 45 deg F. Good Luck.

[WillsC]

Well I would consider bud swell as awake. I caution to advise people to fertilize too soon as it speeds up the bud break and if you are in a colder zone bud break and leafing before your chance of frost is over could be a bad thing. Once the buds break even if you are in a cold zone you might as well fertilize then as a frost is going to hit you anyway.

[AscPete]

I also consider awake and bud break as the same.

In-ground bud break is completely dependent on soil and air temperatures....
Potted bud break is dependent on the same variables...

I agree that Frost can be an issue, but most gardeners are aware of their local "Last Frost Date" so they can fertilizer their in-ground trees appropriately. For potted trees the "Fig Shuffle" can increase the season length and avoid any early frosts.

[Harborseal]

I think it depends. If you can't shuffle them I don't fertilize until I think the risk of frost is past. New growth is the most susceptible to frost damage. If you can bring them in and out as needed, fertilize asap. You'll get figs faster as the 2 big wigs said.

[meatburner]

Thanks all for the great advise. I am moving them in the garage at night and some days they stay out most of the day, weather permitting. Thanks again.

[newnandawg]

We are back into the 70's for high temps starting today for a while any way so I "juiced" (fertilized) up all my potted
plants up today. With a 90 % chance of rain tomorrow I will also fertilize the in ground trees that have leafed out.
I am thinking that we have had our last frost/freeze.