Hi, my fig tree was loaded with fruit this year however they fell off the tree without ripening. I have continually watered as people said it was due to lack of water. How can I maintain and keep my fruit. I have added bark underneath.

Hi Pam, figs have a very superficial fibrous root system and so are very susceptible to stress caused by drought, which is the most likely cause of the fruit drop, a lack of consistent watering throughout the growing season. Mulching around the tree in spring is good, the bark should help conserve soil moisture. Poor drainage and water logged soils can also cause problems with fruiting, make sure the soil is free-draining. Other causes can be sudden changes in temperature, regular applications of Tui Seaweed Plant Tonic will help your fig tree tolerate temperature fluctuations. Another reason for fruit drop is incomplete pollination, encourage pollinators to the garden, grow plants such as lavender that bees and bumble bees love to visit.