Author Steven Biggs at his fig growing workshop in Ben Nobleman Park

For a short time, we had fig trees in Ben Nobleman Park Community Orchard. Unlike the rest of our fruit trees, these little potted plants were just visitors. They came along with their owner, author and gardening coach Steve Biggs, who lead a workshop on how to grow figs. Steve, a self declared “Fig Pig” is passionate about these beautiful trees and has been growing them for over 20 years.

So many of us think that fig trees are only suitable to a balmy Mediterranean climate. And yes, that is where fig trees come from. But Steve’s workshop and his newly published book “Grow Figs Where You Think You Can’t” teaches us that fig trees can thrive in Canada as long as you know how to care for them. And that caring for and overwintering fig trees is easier than you think.

On July 22, the day of the workshop, 8 students joined Steve at our harvest table and under the shade of our Elm trees they learned how to prune, pot, overwinter and harvest fig trees as well as how to choose varieties and combat pests. Thank you Steve for a wonderful workshop. If you couldn’t make it and want to buy Steve’s book, you can visit his website www.Grow-Figs.com.

Fig workshop in Ben Nobleman Park with Steven Biggs