Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Growing => Grow Your Own => Topic started by: iggyboy60 on February 14, 2011, 21:57

Title: Figs
Post by: iggyboy60 on February 14, 2011, 21:57

Hi all, I have two young figs in pots. They were given as presents,but to be honest I aint got a clue what to do with them! Is it possible that somebody out there has the right info for me? I'm not even sure of soil type for the figs,although I can say they are both looking healthy in the potting compost I put them in last spring. I have kept them in the polytunnel over winter,I will put them outside when the weather warms. Thank-You.

Title: Re: Figs
Post by: VirginVegGrower on February 14, 2011, 22:26

Quote from: iggyboy60 on February 14, 2011, 21:57

Hi all, I have two young figs in pots. They were given as presents,but to be honest I aint got a clue what to do with them! Is it possible that somebody out there has the right info for me? I'm not even sure of soil type for the figs,although I can say they are both looking healthy in the potting compost I put them in last spring. I have kept them in the polytunnel over winter,I will put them outside when the weather warms. Thank-You.

I keep mine potted as they like their roots constrained. Mine are in JI no 3. Water sparingly until fruiting. Wrap in fleece in greenhouse - they need frost protection and I have a heater on low in mine. If they look good you must be doing right by them I would say.

Title: Re: Figs
Post by: Yorkie on February 15, 2011, 18:23

Do you know what variety they are?  Brown Turkey is a hardy variety in the UK and so will not need to be kept indoors.

As VVG says, if you keep them in pots then use John Innes #3 compost or regular soil.  Anything else won't have enough weight and long-term nutrients.

They perform best with restricted roots so if you plant them outside, use slabs or similar to create a restricted hole for them to grow into.  They like a sunny position.

Title: Re: Figs
Post by: iggyboy60 on February 15, 2011, 21:00

Thanks guys,good advice and yes I believe mine are Brown Turkey. Will try them in JI this season and keep them in pots to (as you say), restrict their root growth. Here's to a great new season!

Title: Re: Figs
Post by: VirginVegGrower on February 15, 2011, 21:21

Quote from: iggyboy60 on February 15, 2011, 21:00

Thanks guys,good advice and yes I believe mine are Brown Turkey. Will try them in JI this season and keep them in pots to (as you say), restrict their root growth. Here's to a great new season!

I think I'm right in saying Brown Turkey is the one that is UK outdoor hardy, but I would still fleece it if you plant outdoors and the box method of containment using slabs is the one suggested by people in the know. They wrap them in Italy during their Winter and they do look funny.