Question
QUESTION: Hi Nick,

I am searching the web to get a definitive answer a problem with my fig tree. The tree I have is a Brown Turkey and is in a 10 gallon pot.  We have had it for almost four years now.  It fruited just fine last year.  Only had issues with the squirrels (thieves).  Here is my problem:  This year the tree began well, producing full leaves and beginning fruit growth.  However, in April and May, quite a few leaves began to yellow and drop off.  I assumed it was a water issue so I began to water it quite frequently, to ensure soil remained moist.  (We have mulch around the tree in the pot)  The pot the tree is in is a self watering type that has a small reservoir with an overflow.  However, I did notice a few weeks ago that the pot had a small cut at the bottom (damage from bumping with the mower), which let the water out when I was watering so I do not believe the reservoir capability is functional.  Now the yellow leaf problem has almost completely disappeared however, when the fruit begins to ripen (does not completely turn brown to deep purple like last year), it drops off the tree.  The fruit has a rubbery soft feel to it.  When cut open the fruit is dry/porous in the middle.  I have even picked one that looked almost ripe but it was dry also.  The green fruit is firm to the touch.  The temperature here where I live in New Jersey has been in the mid 80抯 to low 90抯.  Hot and humid and we have had a good bit of rain this summer.

Oh, one last question.  We take the pot into the garage during the winter.  I have been putting about 2 ltrs of water on the soil every 2 weeks or so.  Thought was to ensure the tree does not completely dry out and die.

Hope you can answer my questions.

TX,

JJP


ANSWER: Hi Joel, the only abnormality I can see that would cause your Fig to shed it fruit prematurely would be not enough moisture getting to the roots, if the soil is compacted, then the water you are applying may be running down around the root ball and out the drainage holes, you may need to dig down and see if that is happening, the other is too frequent fertilizing, this will also cause a Fig tree to shed its fruit before maturity. Other then those two things, Figs are pretty care free. The yellowing leaves was probably a bout with Rust Fungus, which is a real bad problem down South, where it thrives during the rainy season. Nick

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you Nick for your quick response.  However, would the lack of water caused by the what you identified in your response cause the fruit to be rubbery soft to the feel and dry/porous in the middle.

Also, is it O.K. to water the Fig Tree when I bring it into the garage, as I referenced in my original question, during the winter or should I just let it be until I bring it out in the spring.

Thanks again,

JJP

Answer
....Yes, lack of proper irrigation will manifest itself in many ways, one primary result is dry fruit that can sometimes seem dehydrated; if a plant or tree is dormant, (as I imagine your Fig will be in the garage, because of the chill factor), it needs no water, but if it is not dormant and is still leafed out, then it will need to get just enough water to keep it viable. Research "dormancy in plants" and you will get a better understanding of how plants and trees need to be treated if brought indoors for the Winter. Nick