It all started with a tiny Celeste I bought on ebay. I lovingly cared for it for 2 summers and buried it underground for two winters. Finally, in 2011, it produced one (1!) fig ripe fig. Actually, it also produced 3 others--but as Celestes are known to do, it dropped the rest before giving me a shot at them. I split the lone droopy little packet of goodness with DH, and from that moment I was hooked on fresh figs.
Last winter I added a Hardy Chicago to my collection and bought a few ebay cuttings. Luckily most came from well-regarded members of this forum, but I also purchased cuttings from one of the less reputable members (you know who you are!) before I found this website. I also managed to over-fertilize the Celeste, so this year I got lush green vegetation but no fruit.
Since joining the forum, I have educated myself through reading old posts and following new topics, but all the information has fueled a burgeoning fig addiction. I bought additional cold-hardy plants and cuttings since joining and I now have 12 varieties in all. Just recently, a few trees were planted in the yard--with protection--after racking up vigorous growth last summer in 5-gal SIPS. Although I initially thought I’d only grow my figs in containers, I’m now working toward getting all of them into the garden when their size is right. One of my most important lessons this year was that hauling trees and containers into (and out of) the garage is not part of my long-term development plan. Cuttings of each of variety are rooting in cups as insurance, along with several new varieties I’ve been lucky to acquire from generous forum members (many thanks!) and a friend at work.
With your assistance, my first "serious" season was a successful start toward my goal of having a bountiful crop of fresh figs in season. I’m now eagerly looking forward to the 2013 growing season.