Patio Container Gardening : Fig Trees
Many people enjoy figs, but really love freshly picked figs. Imagine stepping right outside your door and plucking a fresh and juicy fig from your porch, balcony or patio. Growing a fig tree steps from your kitchen is an amazing treat for you, your family, friends and guests. Fig trees are easy to grow, disease resistant and resistant to most bugs. If you want to grow a fig tree and you live in an area where temperatures dip to below freezing in the winter, consider growing a fig tree in a patio container. Fig trees do quite well when grown as a container tree and will bear sweet fruit just like fig trees that are planted directly in the ground. Patio containers are the perfect option for those who do not have the space to grow their fig trees in ground. A container is a great option for balconies, porches and patios.
Buy a Fig Tree
Purchase a self pollinating Fig tree, although most Fig trees available at garden centers, online and through catalogs are self pollinating, always make sure
Look for Fig trees which are specific to your planting zone.=
Planting Fig Trees
Choose a hot and sunny spot because Fig trees love the sun and heat.
Plant your Fig tree in the spring as soon as nighttime temperatures stay above 50° Farhenheit for the low. Some varieties of Fig trees are more cold resistant than 50° F, but it is always better to stay on the safe side and wait.
Use a large patio container which measures at least 24 inches across and at least 24 inches deep. A larger container is necessary to give the roots plenty of room. Tight bound roots cannot get enough water and nutrients for a healthy fruit bearing tree.
Fill approximately 1/3 of the patio container with potting soil.
Place the Fig tree in the container and spread the roots out. Cut away any broken or damaged roots with a sharp cutter.
Add 3 to 4 inches of good quality potting soil.
Add 2 to 3 inches of compost.
Layer in another 3 to 4 inches of potting soil and then another 2 to 3 inches of compost. Continue layering po
Add a layer of mulch over the top of the soil.
Water the Fig tree very thoroughly as soon as the tree is planted. Add potting soil to the top if the soil has settled considerably.
Water the Fig tree regularly, do not allow the soil to completely dry out and do not over water. Strike a good balance.
Fertilize with an organic fertilizer or water with compost once a month. To water with compost, place a shovelful or 2 into a bucket, fill the bucket with water, allow to sit overnight, strain off the compost and water the Fig tree with the water.
Picking Figs
Pick Figs when they turn from green to a yellowish color to a brown color depending on the Fig variety. Use a garden clipper and clip just above the fruit.
Yes
No
Flag
Comments
I'm in So Ont., Canada with a S.C. Sugar Fig. If in a 24 X 24 barrell, how long will it thrive therein ? Necessary attention ?: fertilizer, root pruning, re-potting, etc. It is presently 9' tall and will be topped this fall. Pls advise as to maintaining health and promoting fruiting. Pls help
Bill Bradley
Can noone help me ?
Bill Bradley bebradley@sympatico.ca
You must be logged in and verified to post a comment. Please log in or sign up to comment.