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Safe?

This is a relatively small Neri 1 fig tree send to me buy mario_1. Thanks Mario. So what I was wondering is this small of a fig tree okay to keep in the garage over winter. And should I continue putting foam over all branches to keep then insulated? If I shouldn't over winter it what should I do? Should I insulate the pot?

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Is your garage heated?

Nope no heating at all stays cold.

If the garage is attached to the home, you should be ok to keep it out there, speaking of my experience only in zone 7b.  We had some lower teens last winter and my plants did well, the ones I didn't kill by putting in a big styrofoam box that molded within a couple of weeks, that is.  I would not recommend the foam.

So. I should removable the foam from the tree?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Smungung
So. I should removable the foam from the tree?


I would, but your only getting this from a second year fig grower with one winter experience.  
 

How cold does it get inside the garage?

I have no Idea I think I will freeze sometimes down stairs because a water bottle was left there once and It was ice.

What happens if it starts growing in the middle of winter.

Maybe u should just move it in on the really cold days and nights and take it back out when its not so cold ...it takes a few weeks to come out of dormancy so one or two days in the house shouldnt hurt it

A okay thanks.

Hi,
Your pot is small.
I stored such small pots in the garden house and the 5 trees all made it with lows down to -8°C/17F - My garden house has nice air vents - the roof is above and detached from the walls. The dirt got frozen solid several times during several days in a row.
I added some snow to the pots in the middle of the winter, and I watered them twice perhaps.
Your pot already looks really dry. I would give it some water and store in the garage now. The tree is already dormant.
Remove the foam as that would keep humidity next to the bark, and that will make it rot.
During the winter, check the pots every two weeks or every month. Remove any leaf left, check for slugs, rodents activity, small bugs.
I had plates under the pots for a bit of water to stay during 3 days after watering.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Smungung
So. I should removable the foam from the tree?
~trees need to breath or they rot i got first hand expierience on this i would remove it ,let it breath but it might breath through the foam ,but i wrapped my in ground trees tight in plastic and packed with straw,and tarped them,i was warned but didn't listen,trees half rotted away ,new plans this winter for sure.

Keep it inside the house close to a south facing window 

I'm in NJ a little south of you and I've kept my trees in a detached garage and have never had much of an issue. It regularly went down into the teens. I would think in your attached garage it should be ok. Maybe just keep it way near he back walk away from the outside doors.

Only thanks for your input should I insulate the pot to protect the roots?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Smungung
Only thanks for your input should I insulate the pot to protect the roots?
~i would agree to that it would help some, being so young yes,~

Quote:
Originally Posted by chucklikestofish
Quote:
Originally Posted by Smungung
Only thanks for your input should I insulate the pot to protect the roots?
~i would agree to that it would help some, being so young yes,~but agree on suggestion of keeping in house i do with my little young trees ,south window sounds good ~

Matthew
Your plants will do fine in your garage. Wait a little while longer for them to become dormant. In less than a month when the temperatures are constantly below freezing they should come in.Then put them in the garage without that piece of foam. Water them very lightly every month or so. I also will take some snow and put some on top of the plant in the winter, its a nice slow drip for them.
Good luck, you are doing great

You could reepot now or put pot and all into a bigger pot and fill between the 2 pots with potting soil and you be ready to go in spring, just add some fertilizer and remove the smaller pot of courses . Some older members may have a better suggestion, but eider way you should be safe in your garage.

Okay thanks guys.

You can also grow them under cfl lights through winter

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