Figs

The first mention of figs in is Genesis in the Garden of Eden, when Adam and Eve use the leaves for clothing. Thus, the fig tree has been around a long time. If you live in the south, chances are a neighbor or friend has a turkey fig tree. If you do not have a fig tree and have a large sunny spot to plant one, visit a nursery and get a tree of your own to watch it grow and to harvest and prepare preserves to eat on warm biscuits or toast all winter.

FIGS

I love figs!

Juicy, ripe figs,

Sun burned brown,

Handpicked prizes.

Oozing, milky stems

I turn away.

Mouth watering sweetness

Explodes from red flesh.

I eat another.

I eat another.

Lips burned raw!

Itching, cracking, peeling,

I hate figs!

“Figs” is a poem from Ruby’s book, Growing Little Green Thumbs, which has been added to the recommended reading list of Farm to School. To purchase the book go to Learning Express in Irmo or Lexington, Minuteman Press, Wingard’s Nursery Hwy 6, The Cotton Exchange Gift Shop at the SC State Museum or http://www.theartpartypress.weebly.com

Growing your own figs is a popular choice since figs are very delicate and do not last long in their fresh state. Highly nutritious, figs are a good natural source of potassium, iron, beta carotene and soluble and insoluble fiber. Wasps and birds like figs. Netting can be used to protect the fig tree.
Read more: Fig Trees for South Carolina | Garden Guides http://www.gardenguides.com/106319-fig-trees-south-carolina.html#ixzz2Z8FfF85L