Since im still new to this i guess i am overthinking everything... But i wanted to ask anyway. I know this was mentioned in the fig shuffle topic, but if you have smaller or i guess any potted fig when is it safe to leave then out when it rains. I have two potted figs they are growing and have leaves already. I have been leaving them outside full time for a week. Its raining a lot today and i think it is going to be off and on all day. I put the trees back in the garage. The temp is 55.

This is a crappy day for rain in the NE.

I am trying to look at this from a logical standpoint. Last year I had 4 trees in standard, pre-holed black containers. For me, if I over watered or it rained hard all the fertilizer washed away. But if you have a sealed bottom, you could possible have the roots lie in too much water and rot,but fertilizer stays contained.

Now, I am thinking about a way to cover the top of the pots and put in drip irrigation.

Serves many purposes-less evaporation, prevents critters from digging up roots, and control rain water entering.  I am assuming the same can be said for young cuttings as well.

My goal is to get a thick clear tarp for painting, cut holes and slit for getting around trunk. Attach Velcro to slit to close around trunk. Then for tightening around pot, use the Velcro again or small bungee cord to hold against pot.

I have not done this yet, put plan on trying when I have time.

Just an idea.

Hi 71GTO
As only an example of mine and what i do and not suggesting anything.

My smallest pots in fig shuffle are 2-3 gallon pots and plants have a seasons growth from last year. Soil is fast draining they and come out at temps in high 40s Farenheight.
The rain does not bother them, rain storms with high winds and or hail there not outside to protect from damage to plants.

I have not fertilized but even when there in yard for season i do not worry about fertilizer being washed away out drain holes.

Thanks guys, Martin they are two years old. I think the soil drains well i added perlite and i drilled about 6 holes in the pots. The rain here isnt windy and no hail. It was just coming down pretty heavy this morning and i got a little worried.
Dominick, i would worry maybe about trapping heat if you covered the top of the soil.

That is very true!

If you ever see Bill's Figs in NJ, he covers his with a plastic black tarp.

Rain seems to refresh all the fig trees I have in pots, the little citrus trees, as well.  Much more so than water from the hose.  Wish it would rain more often.

I think Mother Nature has had a nervouse breakdown in the past few years, especially this year.  Must be going through her menopause, or something.  She's really on a tear and a bad one, at that.

Now the MS River is acting all big and bad, too.  God help us all!

noss

Yeah, the weather and everything going on really seems like mother nature is changing big time. I hope it calms down soon, I am not that far from the Deleware and it has had more flood scares in the past few years then I could ever remmeber. Thankfully, I am not that close I have to worry.
    I guess next time it rains they are staying outside...

Rain is your friend in most things relating to garden and plants, I think it's silly to cover a plant from the rain. As long as the media in pots is fast draining, and the plant is well rooted and established in the pot.... you have no concern. Use some slow release fertilizer ad it will leech out slowly....

Ben

I only mention it as an idea because Bill in his demonstration when he does his figs seems to have great success doing it and he has about 300 to 400 varieties. He has the same climate in NJ. But he also has his self contained system.

Trust me I thing its a waste from many standpoints but I can see the benefits as well. I use slow release too with a 20-20-20 every 21 or so days- using Joe Morle formula.

I like to experiment with different ideas and techniques.

Those covered self watering containers look great and are pretty well proven by now I guess, but I but they have their own problems too. Without drainage, and water supplied below, the constant evaporation at the top of the pot would lead to dangerously high salt levels, I think that is the best reason to cover a SWC.

I think an inch or 2 of straw is the perfect topping for pots, protects the texture of the mix from water and roots will grow through it. Perlite does not agree with pounding water.