I am new to the fig world but not gardening. Located in King George Virginia. Have a 20' X 100' hoop house in which I have been growing tomatoes. ( 1/3 of it is heated and currently used as a propagation area) Plan on converting it to figs. I am soliciting opinions as to varieties and training methods that members might recommend. Please keep in mind that My main quest is to produce and market figs along with the other fruit I grow, (Nectarines, Peaches, Plums, Raspberries, Blackberries, and Muscadines.) not necessarily just “collect” figs. I have 16 fig trees outside already that I started from cuttings in February which are already 6'+ tall. (Celeste & BT) See attached picture. I am currently thinking of training trees I might put in the hoop house to the Japanese step-over form which should allow me, through the use of straw and the hoop house, to grow with good winter protection. However, as with Tomatoes, I really am anticipating the main advantage of growing in the hoop house will prove to be the ability to control moisture, and perhaps extend the season a little. I will try to “bird proof” the hoop house with netting on the sidewalls and doors. Recently acquired two rolls of green netting for this purpose from the Habitat Resale store for $15 each. Thought it was a real find. (Pics attached) Would appreciate any and all input.

Very impressive set up, Benny.   How does it withstand high and/or gusty winds?

I am also trying to find ways to extend my fig production season, but I have far less property and mechanical aptitude.  My method is to simply grow several different varieties.

Please continue to post...especially pics of your step over  project.  Some of us here are doing the same, and several  are planting hedges with trees spaced closely together.  We are always sharing ideas, and we learn a lot from each other.

I have been amazed at how well it has withstood everything nature has thrown at it so far. I built it from scratch 4 years ago, the frame is made from chain link fence top rail. Took me about two weeks.

I'm not planting any more figs in-ground in my greenhouse. I planted Strawberry Verte 3 gal plants last winter. Those plants went nuts with growth this summer and produced very few figs. In fact I got more ripe fruit off the plants in 3 gal pots last year than off the monsters this summer. They grew to about 10ft wide by 10ft tall this summer despite limiting water to just enough to keep my other fruit alive.

Here's a writeup on my operation. There are pictures lower in the post. I'm sorry some were moved and no longer post.

http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/fruit/msg081351586372.html?11637