I just signed up.  I have 1 fig that has been coming back every year for 32 years and
only bears a few figs at close of season.  In reading the forum, I see there is a lot more I need to learn about covering it etc.  No idea what type it is.

I'd like to get an other fig and start to learn more; I'm in CT - zone 5 I believe, so
it sounds like Chicago Hardy would be a good choice. and
here's the question.  I was ready to just order one from a company, but when I read
about the dangers of getting a mis-labeled plant, and then saw the low priced plants on ebay and the cuttings....... (But it sounds like rooting cuttings may not be for beginners)
would I be wise to wait awhile or order soon?  Also are there members of this forum that will sell plants and if so, where are they listed?  Sorry this is more than a question
but I just need to get steered right; I don't mind buying stuff but I don't want to waste
money.  Thank you for advice.

I think...a guy like you needs to talk to Bass, Trees of Joy owner.  PM him and he'll hook you up.  So far as I know, him and Joe Morley are the fig nurserymen for people in cold NE places.

You probably have more options than Hardy Chicago. Protection is the more important issue. If you protect your plants, then they will fruit earlier and more abundantly because they will spend less energy regenerating themselves each season, and more energy on fruiting.

Don't be afraid of trying cuttings. It ia a rite of passage and an easy way to add varieties.

There are several threads on the forum that will help identify quality sellers, on Ebay or off. Feel free to used the search function for that. There is also a tutorial on searching under the "Start Here" thread.

OK thanks.  I built a small greenhouse that has done well; have worked on a waste
oil heater with some success and my particular interest is using a heat-tape type 
heating cable to maintain a root area and plant temp. that stays above 20 degrees
but no where near enough to break dormancy as I was reading about the dangers of that.
Since I love figs, I figure I might as well grow them rather than keep buying the
dried ones.....

welcome to the forum John, as far as rooting cuttings not being for beginners,,,,, we all started somewhere. Jump right into the pool.

John if you're looking for a really good deal on cuttings you should look into the "BULK CUTTINGS FOR THE FIG FOUNDATION " thread. You can't go wrong with that deal.

Hi John- I have a Hardy Chicago for you. I can send it to you when the weather breaks and by then the roots should be good to ship as well, just PM me your address. It will take some time to grow but it is a good fig. As far as cuttings go, I would research the forum to see the how-to's and get started now. It may take some tries before you get it right. I may just now be on the brink of getting it (third try).

btw- Jon from Encanto Farms also has true varieties. It also benefits the Fig Foundation!!! http://encantofarms.com 

Ronde de Bordeaux may be a good option (as long as it's not at an inflated price) since it is early and it has good taste, although it will need winter protection.

Hello and welcome Alan!! where in CT are you?? I'm in Brookfield. I will be experimenting with outdoor planting using some of the cuttings I've received growing in the Bronx, NY unprotected. I'm in zone 6b and some of these plants are old enough to have survived some of NYC's 6B'ish winters in the past few decades. As for the rest of the figs that are known not to do well with our cold winters, fig shuffle in the spring and fall for them.

Hi John. Welcome to the forum. There are a lot of really knowledgeable folks on this forum. I bet if you post a couple of fig and leaf pictures, somebody will be able to give you an idea about the type of fig you have. Who knows, it could be a unique variety.
There is a video somewhere on this forum that shows how to root a summer cutting by sticking it in a pot with one or two leaves still attached, covering it up with the top half of a 2-liter bottle, and presto.
Maybe you can practice rooting with your tree's new shoots this summer, since it doesn't produce that much fruit anyway. Those new cuttings, in pots, brought inside for the winter may reveal a gem.
I'm also in CT, and I bought a whole bunch of cuttings from Jon (pitangadiego on eBay). If you do a search for fig cuttings on eBay, you'll find that there are some people who are very reputable, and members of this forum.
check out some posts by Rafed, Harveyc, grasa, gorgi, desert dance, dieseler, driveway farmer. Sorry if I forgot to mention somebody obvious, everybody.
If I do well with my cuttings, I may be able to share some new plants with you this summer, I work all over Connecticut. .

container culture is another option. don't have to wrap up the tree, and you can move it to where ever you want to. downside is root pruning and up potting if you want bigger pot and bigger tree. soil and container cost is also involved. 

Hi All;

I'm pretty amazed by all the welcomes and good wishes, and thanks to everyone.  Just knowing there are caring people to ask your questions to who won't look down on you
because you don't yet understand is huge.  I'm taking notes of the suggestions and
ideas mentioned so I can follow up and check them off.  Already it seems like this
forum is active, a gold mine of knowledge and yes......some fun.

Thanks especially Pittsburgh for the Hardy Chicago; it will have a good home.  I'll
send you my address.  I live in a small town named Bethany and even though we
have only 1 acre, we have 2000 sq ft. vegetable garden and 20 different fruit trees
and bushes.  When my one fig gets going I will post some pictures.  Working with
cuttings sounds interesting; I'll give it a try.

Thanks again to all.

John, I just looked at the USDA zone map. Bethany looks like zone 6B.

hey John and welcome

I know that there all all kinds of figs out there, and you have plenty of room to grow, get yourself a large Hardy Chicago from Lowes or Home Depot or a local nursery. Many get started with these types, and we love the taste of our now three year old HC! Cold Hardy, grows well, produces tastey figs!

here is a pix of my HC....late Fall harvet

Thanks to everyone for encouraging advice; I'm one who needs it.

Ruuting; thanks as that subject was confusing because different zone maps have us
in different places but sounds like the USDA map is the one to go by. Never did like
those zone 5 winters anyway  ;-)

Mark; those are great pix of your figs; a very kind member has already promised
me a HC fig when the right time to send arrives.  I'm reading posts now to find
one other variety that would do well here and that will give me something to
learn about cuttings.  Open to suggestions from anyone about any fig that might
be in 2nd place after the HC.

John