Hi all, we have an apricot tree in the garden that for the last two years hasn't had any fruit on it. Any suggestions. Also could anybody give any advice regarding the time to cut figs, should they be a certain size or only picked at a certain time of year? I assume they can just be cut off the tree with scissors or similar?

pick figs when they are plump, changing colour & have a little teardrop of juice on the end. If you have to cut them with scissors they are not ripe - they should fall off into your hand with a gentle twist. Have just picked our first crop, the 2nd is also coming on fast - usually ready around early-mid- September. This year's first crop has not been so good due to the weather.

Has your apricot tree in your garden ever produced fruit???. It's just that I have one that is 3 years old, we have blossom in the spring but never any fruit. I agree with Betoulle, the figs will fall off in your hand when ready for eating.

Thanks, Jenwin

Many fruit trees haven't produced anything this year - it got warm and the trees blossomed, then it was cold and the insects hid. Our usual heavy-cropping plum, cherry and apple trees have been very poor this year, with no plums at all. The quinces and pears have been okay. Apricots are the first to flower and often the worst affected by late frosts and cold spells.

Ripe figs are soft and juicy. As already mentioned, they come off in your hand with very little force. Overripe figs will split open so beware of wasps!

The colour will vary according to type; there are green figs and reddish figs. Black figs also exist but I've never seen any in the region.

Yes the apricot tree has had abundant fruit in the past but as I said nothing for the last two years. It is an old tree so I wondered if it might have decided to retire from fruit production? Many thanks for all the advice everybody. Further question regarding the figs; we have two large trees and so plenty of figs apart from eating them fresh from the tree and I believe they are good roasted with certain meats, any thoughts on jam or similar? Thanks

Fig jam - excellent with foie gras and duck dishes - plenty of recipes on the Net.

I have had success with making small quantities in the micro wave.