How to Compost Figs

The fig tree (Ficus carica) is a medium-sized fruit tree that grows well in areas with warm summers. A mature fig tree will supply a continuous supply of fruit beginning in midsummer with a large harvest often occurring in late summer or early fall, depending on the variety. When a large number of figs ripen at once, birds and insects often enjoy this succulent fruit before you get a chance to pick it. Adding figs to a compost pile gives it nitrogen and other nutrients, but the figs' sugar can lure ants and other unwanted creatures.

Shovel or rake
Bucket
Compost pile
Plant material
Tarp
Rocks

Instructions

- 1
  Search your tree for figs with holes or rotted areas. Once a bird or insect breaks the soft skin, the fruit begins to rot and is not edible. Pick all damaged figs and place them in a bucket.
- 2
  Rake or shovel all fallen figs and leaves from the ground near the tree. Place them in a bucket.
- 3
  Add the damaged figs to an existing compost pile or build a new pile. Begin a compost pile by spreading a 3-to-4-inch layer of fallen leaves, grass clippings or other plant material on the ground in a 3-to-4-foot circle in a sunny area. Add the figs on top of this layer.
- 4
  Cover the layer of figs in the compost pile with a 3-to-4-inch layer of topsoil, fallen leaves, grass clippings or other plant material. Burying the fruit will discourage insects and animal pests from invading the compost pile. Cover the pile with a tarp and anchor it to the ground with rocks at each corner.
- 5
  Add layers of figs and plant materials as you accumulate more damaged fruit. Always bury the figs with topsoil, fallen leaves, grass clippings or other plant material to keep insects and animals from eating the figs and creating problems such as fruit fly larvae from growing in your pile.

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