Fig Trees and Chicken Manure

I’ve been interested to watch our fig trees grow over the year. I transplanted them last Fall into various places around the yard. We had a terrible winter last year, and our fig trees were all badly frost burned. The tips were black and dead by Spring. I wasn’t sure if they would come back, but new growth soon emerged from the base of the plants once the weather warmed up for good. I was relieved that all had survived. This year I’ll have to be careful about mulching heavily around the plants, possibly completely covering them with straw or leaves once they lose their foliage.

One thing that has been particularly of interest to me is how well the fig tree that I planted near the chicken run has grown. I can only assume the runoff water has carried with it manure from the ground, which has then naturally fertilized the tree. Check it out:

This is one of three figs I transplanted to my front yard. It has grown a little this year, but isn’t much larger in height than it was when I put it in the ground last Fall. My handsome littlest fella is there to give you an idea of how big it is.

And here is the fig tree next to the chicken run. Keep in mind, it was the same size as the previous fig tree at transplanting time. I’ve been shocked to watch it grow several feet above the others in just a few months’ time.  I’m hoping the chickens will be able to feast on the figs that fall into their run when this plant is big enough to produce plentifully.

Perhaps I will mulch the other figs with chicken litter so that they can benefit from a little manure as well.

Amazing difference, huh?

Have you had impressive results doing anything in particular with your fig trees? I’d love to know what you’ve discovered works best!