The Classic Mediterranean Fruit Tree You Can Grow In Sandy Soil

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When you picture the Mediterranean coast, chances are you imagine sunny skies, beautiful blue waters, and hills blanketed with fruit trees. Oranges, lemons, olives, and figs have all been cultivated there for centuries. The good news is, you don't need to take a plane to enjoy the lifestyle and fruits of the Mediterranean. If your backyard has well-draining sandy soil, you've already got what it takes to grow one of the region's most iconic fruit trees at home. With a little bit of information and some patience, you can transform your home into an oasis filled with delicious figs (Ficus carica).

Fig trees might be native to the Mediterranean, but they can be planted here, too. In fact, many regions across the United States are perfectly suited for growing them. Across the country, figs can grow outdoors and survive winter temperatures in zones 7 to 11. Hardy varieties can also be grown in cooler climates, though container-growing might be required so you can overwinter the trees.

With their big, lush leaves and sweet fruit, fig trees bring both beauty and flavor to your backyard. Fig trees can produce fruit twice a year, once in spring and again in fall, though the second one tends to be higher in quality. This gives you tons of chances to eat them, cook with them, or make some jam. Different varieties have their specificities, but in general, they all have a few requirements: plenty of sunshine, some warmth, and free-draining soil. This is even lighter than a well-draining mix, which is why sandy soil is such a perfect match. Just be sure to give your fig tree a little bit of breathing room, since they're able to stretch out to six feet tall if you let them.

If there's one thing that fig trees really need, it's free-draining soil. Typically, the type of soil that will help fruit trees flourish is loamy soil. But fig trees are one of the plants that thrive in sandy soil. To figure out which type of soil you have, grab a small handful from the yard and test it with your fingers. If the dirt falls apart easily when you open your hand, or can't be pressed down into a ball, it's sandy soil. Loamy soil stays in one piece until you jab at it, while clay soil holds its shape firmly. Sandy soil also has a distinct texture that feels like gritty little grains of sand are in it. 

Wait for the spring to plant your fig tree, so that it will get more time to grow its roots before winter. Choose somewhere that gets lots of sunlight but is protected from too much winds. A wall or fence is an ideal backdrop because it helps shelter the tree, offers a bit of warmth at night, and it naturally keeps the tree from growing too large.

Successfully planting a tree in sandy soil is easy. Start by picking up a young plant from a nursery, and dig a hole to plant it in. The depth depends on the size of the tree and its roots, but as a general rule, aim to dig a few inches deeper than the pot it came in. When in doubt, don't hesitate to ask the nursery staff for specific guidance. Once your fig tree is in place, fill the hole, give the soil a good watering, and you're done.

To keep your fig tree healthy and thriving after it's planted, there are a few things to know. First things first, fig trees typically need about one or one and a half inches of water each week. This water can come from rain, or from the watering can. If you see the leaves start to droop and turn yellow, it's a sign that it needs a bit more water, but it's best to avoid getting to that point. Instead, keep the water moist, though avoid making it soggy and overly wet. While the sandy soil should help eliminate excess water, it's best to avoid risking waterlogging your fig tree.

And while you might have sandy soil, you might not have Mediterranean-worthy winters. If you live in a region of the United States where winter temperatures drop below 10 degrees Fahrenheit, it's best to cover your outdoor fig trees to prevent any winter damage. To do this, use some bags designed to protect trees in the winter, like Meekear's Freeze Protection Plant Cover or horticultural fleece for fruit trees. 

To make wrapping and covering trees easier, and to keep your fig tree healthy and full of fruit, remember to prune it about twice a year, once at the beginning of summer and once in spring. This step is an art that many gardeners master over time, but there are some mistakes to avoid while pruning your plants. For example, don't use rusty equipment, or prune at the wrong time of the year.