Mulch, too, helps soil retain moisture and keeps the weeds at bay. Mulch, as it breaks down, also helps replenish soil nutrients. Given good soil, water and sun, figs usually do not need fertilization. If these criteria have been met and you still feel growth is inadequate, you might sprinkle a quart of cottonseed meal around the fig early next spring, then water. Sprinkle 3 quarts of cottonseed meal beneath the outer branches of mature figs.
Figs require little or no pruning, since pruning often reduces fruit production.
Mail garden questions to Kathy Huber, Garden Editor, Houston Chronicle, P.O. Box 4260, Houston, TX 77210. The bulk of mail prevents replies to each unpublished letter.