Hello,

 Unfortunately this season I had to put my potted fig trees away mid October because I was not going to be around for a three weeks and didn't want to risk them to the roller coaster ride that is New England weather.Half were already leafless and dormant I assume,the other half were mostly brown wood and green leafs with some newer green growth.I guess my question is has any of you container growers ever go thru this and survive with out damage to the tree.The trees are stored in a cold dark unattached garage and have fared well for me the last four years.It has been unusually warm this November with a couple 70 degree days,my trees must be confused, I noticed that the leaves are all drooping as if they are thirsty but soil is moist so I don't want to water them because I would like them to go dormant soon.I would love to hear from you guys and what you think.

Thanks
George

I have had my trees in my garage since the snow storm.

George,
I moved my pots to garage/attached but still dark and cool in the last week of October for a same/similar reason.  Many of them had started to drop their leaves prior to the move, and as of yesterday all were leafless.  I've been gathering fallen leaves daily and throwing them out. 
   I was also worried when we had our warm spell, the poor figs and other plants, but they have not tried to pop out any new leaves, etc.  I programmed my Blackberry for a monthly watering reminder.  They were moist but not wet when I moved them into the garage.  I had been tapering down their watering when they were outside and right before I planned to move them in we had a sporadic thunderstorm, so I left them outside for a few more days in the sun, so I would not bring heavily moistened pots in.  I guess I will see how they did once Spring gets here.   
   I will admit, I have a handful of fig plants that are still in a sunny window in my house. I have been tapering down their watering and they are dropping their leaves now.  So they will join the rest of the figs shortly.

thanks guys I guess time will tell,Hey Dominic I been growing my potted trees in 5g swc like yours then they get moved to an 18g swc sort of like bills,I love this method but I find they need to be root pruned after 2 seasons or they come to a halt.But as far as growth is concerned is seems to work the best of all the methods i:e standard pot,air pot,partially buried pot and raised bed although my in grounds are to young to be judged,they still dont grow as good as my swc.At least that is the case for me here in RI and when your collection continues to grow It adds another element and soil types,and material costs and maintenance.Sorry about getting off topic Its just that when ever I see your pics It reminds me of my trees.

Thanks
George

I agree with you on the SWC. They have grown the best for me. But instead of going up a size I am going to put them in ground and see where that takes me.