Will Figs Grow in the UK? Yes — Last of Our Tonbridge Harvest Proves It

Will figs grow in the UK? Yes — our Brown Turkey harvest in Tonbridge, Kent proves they do. Some of our figs harvested in September here in Tonbridge — just look at them!

Now washed and sitting in the sieve, ready to eat whole. My way? Just trim both ends and away you go. That's it. No fuss.

They are absolutely delicious straight off the plant, still warm from the sun.

Last of our Brown Turkey figs harvested in Tonbridge, Kent — September

We also slice them — perfect for breakfast on top of cereal and drizzled with honey. Honestly, better than any shop-bought fruit.

How we eat them Whole — trim both ends, eat like a sweet Sliced — on porridge, cereal, or yogurt with honey With cheese — fig + blue cheese = heaven Quick jam — chop, sugar, lemon, simmer 20 mins

Will Figs Grow in the UK? Growing Guide That Works in Kent

Figs are one of those plants that just get better every year. Ours is against a

south-facing wall, keeps its feet dry in winter, and rewards us every August/September with bowls like this.

1. Position: Sunny, sheltered, south or south-west facing wall is ideal. Figs love heat and need protection from cold north winds.

2. Roots restricted = more fruit: Don't give it too much space. Ours is in a corner with restricted roots (you can use paving slabs sunk in the ground to make a pit 60cm square). When roots are tight, it fruits instead of just growing leaves.

3. Soil: Free-draining. Keeps its feet dry in winter — wet roots in winter is the killer, not cold. No need for rich compost.

4. Water & feed: Water well in summer when fruit is swelling. We feed once in spring with a tomato fertiliser, that's it.

5. Pruning: We prune in late winter. Remove dead wood and thin out to keep an open shape. And pinch out the growing tips in late May — 4-5 leaves after you see a tiny fig. That helps them ripen in our short UK summer.

6. Winter: In Tonbridge we don't wrap it. Against the wall it's hardy enough. If you're more exposed or further north, fleece on really cold nights helps.

7. 
   

Best varieties for UK: Brown Turkey (ours), Brunswick, and Ice Crystal are all reliable.

Getting Free Fig Trees From Cuttings - Our Method:

Don't buy another one — make your own. Figs root ridiculously easily from hardwood cuttings.

When: November to February, when the tree is dormant.

How:

1. Cut a healthy brown stem, about 20-30cm long, pencil-thickness, with 3-4 buds. Cut just below a bud at the bottom, just above a bud at the top.

2. Dip bottom end in rooting hormone if you have it (not essential).

3. Push 2/3 of the cutting into a pot of gritty compost (50% compost, 50% grit/sand). Water well.

4. Leave outside in a sheltered spot, or in a cold greenhouse / against that south wall. Keep just moist, not wet.

5. Leave it alone until spring/summer. By June/July it will be rooted and leafing up.

6. Pot on, grow on for a year, then plant out.

We get about 80% to take. Give them away to neighbours — everyone loves a free fig tree.

If you've got a sunny, sheltered spot, give one a go — you won't regret it.

Anyone else got figs ripening? What do you do with yours?

Digger Dave, The Messy Gardener, Tonbridge, Kent

dave@themessygardener.co.uk