This is what I'm going to pot my 2 new trees in.  They will eventually be half buried in the ground (BronxFigs suggestion).

http://www.lowes.com/pd_115370-84240-TU0159_0__?productId=3396040&Ntt=plastic+tub&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dplastic%2Btub&facetInfo=

How many holes should I drill in this for drainage?   I was thinking 8 evenly spaced 1" holes on the sides that just touch the bottom.  Is that overkill?  Should I also have some higher up that will be just above ground level for air exchange?

Thanks!
James

I have these tubs too.
Drill about 20 1/2in. holes at the bottom and another 20 or so around.

Good luck

Pros: large and inexpensive

Cons: the sun will make them brittle in a few years and will need replacing

I use these as well, so far they have worked well, but only two seasons with them so we will see what happens from now on.

Anyone who has used them, any estimate on how many years you can get out of them?
If you could get 5 years out of it, seems like it would be a bargain.

Cheap and good size. If you are going to bury them, drill hole on the side of the bottom. If you drill them on the bottom, it will be hard to remove them later. I don't bury them. I have four 1" holes on the side and 4 on the bottom for 10 gal.

Hey James just put one inside another one and just keep replacing the outside one so the one with the actual tree doesn't get dry rot from the sun.

Spray paint the part that will be above ground, it will not last forever but it will act as a UV barrier for a while.

James...

Great tubs!  They may not last forever, but they're cheap, and functional.  You'll be root-pruning your trees after 3-5 years anyway, so that will be your chance to swap the old tubs for newer tubs, if they need to be replaced.  If you drill drainage holes in the bottom, and the tree roots grow into the soil, make sure you get yourself a good truss before you try to lift the containers.

Alternatively, you could bury the containers half way... pile mulch up the sides, to cover the containers and keep them cooler.  You'll be picking figs soon.

Have fun!


Frank

BTW- if you criss cross your hole with a Geotextile fabric (weed barrier or filter fabric) before burying the pot it will make removal much easier in the future.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/fortiflex-large-capacity-plastic-bucket-17-5-gal-capacity-burgundy-2229286
I use these, they are heavier. But more expensive!

I decided to go with 16  3/4" holes around the side.  8 near the bottom and 8 more a few inches higher. None underneath.  I ran out of potting mix, so I still need to add a little more, then mulch on top.  I'll bury these half in the ground in a few weeks.

After finishing the potting, i gave them both a couple gallons of water.  The potting mix was already a little moist right out of the bag.  What I added was just enough to let a small bit drain out the bottom holes.  I mixed probably about 40% perlite with the potting mix.

There not exactly centered in the tub.. oh well.. it adds character, right?

http://www.interphaze.com/Fig/Isons1.jpg
http://www.interphaze.com/Fig/Isons2.jpg
http://www.interphaze.com/Fig/Isons3.jpg
http://www.interphaze.com/Fig/Isons4.jpg

PS.  Forgot to mention, the taller one in front is LSU Purple, and the slightly shorter one in the back is Celeste.

Thanks for the pictures.  Looking forward to hearing how they do this year.

Ison's planting instructions say's I should cut the top 1/3 off of these to make them shoot out lower branches.

Should I do that and try to root them?  or air layer the tops?  Or just leave them alone.  What do y'all think?

Hi JD, my LSU Purple branched near the ground without any help from me!  I let it grow the way it wanted - no pruning or pinching - just picked figs.  I finally pruned it a few weeks ago.  My tree is also in-ground. 

Cool.. I'll probably just leave it alone..  if i get bored, I might try to air layer a foot from the top.

Danny K....

Good tip re: the weed barrier fabric.  Wish I thunk of it.  It would've saved my back!

Thanks,


Frank

How much are those Fortiflex tubs, Art?  

Greg,
I think they were around $15.00 
There are only a few different colors.
There is a 5 year warranty. But I think that would go out the door as soon as you drill holes.

JD, I would cut at least 1/3 off ...maybe a bit more.  I would then take each of those cuttings and cut them again to end up with pieces 6-8 inches long with at least 3 nodes.  Seal the top with either candle was or school glue.  Then put them in moss or a well draining medium and root them for more trees.

My 2 cents worth.