While I realize this will not work for many people I think it will work great for me.   The figs pictured here are in a fenced in garden in the corner of the property that doesn't really get windy.  Here in San Diego it is possible that we will not get rain until Jan of 2013 so that should also help keep the straw in place.  Last year I had a problem with the black pots overheating and some of the figs hated it and wilted so they had to be moved.  One straw bale cost me about $8 and covered everything that you see here.  In addition to keeping the pots cooler I also have to water less often and the soil can breathe.  

Nice.  I like straw for my in ground trees also.  Works great as a mulch, and it composts really well.

I forgot to mention that if you do try this make sure you get straw or some other seed free equivalent. I made that mistake once when the feed store was out of straw and I was pulling "weeds" all summer in my garden.

I don't have figs that large yet, but I do something similar with my mature blueberries that are in large pots. They are half sunk in the soil, and mounded around them (similar to your straw) is free, ground city mulch. It's more brown in color, is easy to spread, and over time decomposes well. It makes the plants look as if they are planted directly in the ground, keeps the pots cooler and the weeds from growing.

Another option would be to paint the pots white or a lighter color.  Did this with my potted citrus when we lived in Texas and it seemed to work well.  Of course it doesn't provide the mulching benefits, but you could still mulch in the pot.

maybe putting the pots in the ground would be your best bet. then use the straw as mulch. just a thought.


luke

Luke,

When I put mine out in their summer homes this year I used a big grub hoe to dig a shallow hole with the soil piled on the south side, then placed the container in and kicked the pile against it. Then I use straw and pull a little soil around the back. It is not that hard to get them out, you will be a pro by #18. I use a hoe or a mattock axe and it only takes a few swings, but I have good aim.