I have a fig tree in a pot, given to us for our silver wedding by a much loved and much missed cousin. Every year I worry that the winter will finish it off, but every year it has survived:
It even made it through the snow this year, when we had more snow than I can ever remember in Edinburgh. I think it may be the twiggy things you can see in this picture:
But this summer, what with heatwaves and such, it has not only survived but is producing actual figs:
How exciting is that? I’m not holding out for a fig glut, but you never know.
Meanwhile we had our first ripe tomato for tea last night:
We ate it with some chopped garden cucumbers and a little salt and vinegar, to accompany a Friday night Indian takeaway.
We should really be working our way through the courgette and broad bean glut but last night we were all too tired. Today I’ve just harvested the last of the broad beans from last autumn’s cardboard experiment and will do something improving with them:
Here’s how they looked in the autumn, planted through the smiley cardboard, and in the spring after all that snow:
Hard to believe but the changing seasons and the surprising survivals are what makes it all worth it.
Our daughter has a big fig tree with lots of figs in London but she thinks that the squirrels will have eaten them all before she can get at them.
better watch out for the squirrels then! Ours seem to have gone away but they might come back if they know there are figs
I’ve been reading a forum based on the States – one of the commenters said he had a fig tree – the trick was getting the figs to ripen, as they need a lot of heat. Should the heatwave abate, maybe figs will ripen indoors?
I’m just pleased to see them at all. I could bring it indoors but generally plants seem to be happier outside so I’m not sure that would help.
Yes, probably best to keep the plant outdoors – you could always ripen the fruit indoors later, if need be.
All very exciting. It is great to look back and remember what we have achieved. The tomatoes look delicious!