Hi, first post on this forum.

I'm not new to figs in the ground, but very new to figs in pots and indoors.

I have two 24"/15 gallon pots. Not sure if that is their exact size, but they are huge, and would be great to keep my figs indoors in the colder months of Connecticut.

My question is... what is the best planting medium for potted figs.  I have a Votata and Magnolia, (but I'm not too keen on keeping the magnolia) I'm going for variety here.

I've been reading about pine bark mulch and perlite, vs Promix or Fox farm, etc.

I'm looking for the most bang for my buck, and don't have access to a pickup. In other words, nurseries and ordering by the yard are out of the question for me. I live close to home depot and lowes. Ocean state job lot usually has some goodies this time of the year.

Any hints or tips are great. (especially CT growers)

-gabriel

Gabriel,

Welcome to this forum.  You will get plenty of answers to your questions, so ask away.

Now, to answer your questions.  You mention that it would be great to keep your figs "indoors" for the cooler months in Connecticut.  Where, indoors?  Do you plan on keeping them from going into dormancy, and actively growing in some sun-room, or will you let them go dormant?  Unless you can provide them with very bright sun, (think, greenhouse conditions) all day, you will have weak, growth that may die off when plants go back outside as the weather warms.  Even if you can provide adequate light, the figs will have to be acclimated to the outside conditions, and be slowly moved into full sun.  You still might lose all the leaves, and the trees will have to re-grow new foliage.  Storing them in a dormant condition is far easier, and the resulting flush of new growth, will be much healthier and more productive.  An unheated garage or storage shed will answer nicely.

A forum search will yield many postings on overwintering figs.

Good luck.


Frank

indoors, as in keeping them outside for the spring and summer, moving them inside when temps drop and rolling into the garage for dormancy. Is that thinking and doing too much?

Ideally, it's typically easier and better for the plant to go dormant when it's cold, rather than keeping them alive in your house.  So the garage for the winter is perfect if it's an unheated garage.
And welcome!

Pro mix HP if you can find it is an excellent soil for potted figs. Doesn't need any ammendments, use it straight from the bag. Also yes you should store your potted figs in a garage around 40 degrees or so. Welcome!

depends. some people actually have luck with MG soils. most people have issue with them. i'm using Nature's Helper which is something like 1:1 pine fine and compost, and i add some perlite and peat moss to them. it's something like $3.50 per 1.5 cu. ft. cheap and keeps my figs growing well. drains well, but retain enough moisture for a day or two at 90+ temp during summer. it will retain longer during the cooler weather.

Awesome. Thanks for the info.
I'll roll them into the garage then. Easy enough.
Is Promix hard to come by? I'm sure the pine bark and perlite is easy to find at any big box store.
Should I add sphagnum if i go with the PB/Perlite mix?